Hi! I'm Cissa Fireheart. I've just re-started my career after years of being a stay-at-home mom. Now that I get the chance to be out in the “real world”, I get to do more of something I love – shop!
Here's the catch: I'm not a size 2, or even 8. I'm plus-sized, and often have issues with finding flattering, stylish clothes. Luckily, I like to try a lot of stuff on at stores.
I like classic fashion mixed with new trends, and I hope that I can help some of you out with my suggestions. So here we go….
Cissa's 3 Rules for Great Modern Plus Sized Fashion
1. Black pants are slimming, but not if it's not the right cut for you. Black will forever be a classic color. But choosing the right cut of pant is vital in your fashion choices. If you're short (like me), the latest “skinny cut” is not the way to go. It actually draws attention to your leg length, thus emphasizing your shortness. If you're taller, you can go for it. Boot cut is great for short women. Here's a great example of a great basic pant that can be dressed up or down with the right shirt:
Avenue Pull On Ponte Pant on sale for $18.00!
2. Tunics are HOT. And I am not talking about the ones that just come to the tops of your jeans; I'm talking about the long ones. They are great because you can wear colorful tights with heels, or stretch leggings and cute flat or boots and still look hot. Empire, square neck or v-neck tunics are best, because honestly, the empire cut hides what we don't always want to be noticed, and a little cleavage enhancement from the necklines can go a long way for us bigger gals. Here's some more examples:
Avenue Geo Box Extra Long Knit Tunic $39.95
…Contempo Kimono (teal) from MissPhit.com (some availability at Dillards stores) $42.00
3. Flirty skirts just past the knees can rock your world. Think I'm talking crazy? You can wear this length skirt with flats, heels, or knee-high boots – and still look great. As classic cuts from generations past have come back into style, it's been a blessing for us larger ladies. They are flattering and you can wear an array of colors for any season. Don't believe me? Check these out:
Old Navy Women's Plus Paneled Skirts $25.00
Sky Light by Mlle Gabrielle at alight.com – $19.99 (on sale!)
Plaid Skirt in Brown from IGIGI – $49.30 (on sale!)
Well, that's it for me for today. I hope you all have some things to keep in mind next time you are looking for that perfect outfit, no matter what the occasion. Until next time!
Cissa Fireheart is the blogger of Heart of Fire. When she's not blogging, gaming with her Sailor husband, chasing her 7 and 5 year old, or coaching cheerleading, she's working hard (at a web software company in New London, CT.
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I think these rules will work great for any woman who's bigger than a 2 — which is most of us.
Thank you!
Great tips, Cissa! I'm a plus sized gal too and your suggestions were already in my "10 commandments" of clothing shopping! I love the clothing pieces that you featured…think I'm going to do some online shopping now!
Great ideas! One thing I learned from What Not to Wear is when you are wide hipped, finding pants or trousers that come straight down from the widest point tends to minimize the attention at the hip. It's very tricky to find the right cut of pants to flatter my specific body type, but that gives me a starting point. Sometimes just not knowing where to stop can keep me from trying, so that's a big help, lol.