More than half of all women in the U.S. buy at least some of their clothing in a size 16 or above. With the average U.S. woman weighing around 170 pounds, with a 37-inch waist, what designers and stores call “plus-size” is now really the average, normal size for ladies. Plus-size is commonly defined as any clothing at or above a U.S. size 14. By layering plus-size clothes, it’s fun and easy to create stylish and flattering outfits for every situation from working to working out, weddings to weeding. Tip #1: Tops Many plus-size women have larger-than-average chests. The base layer of an outfit should be flattering and comfortable. High-neck tops should generally be avoided, as these highlight the chest and can make it look lumpy. A better choice for a base layer is a form-fitting shirt with a wide, open neckline, or a v-neck. Either of these shapes will highlight the distance between a woman’s chin and her chest, while breaking up the expanse of the chest. Spaghetti-strap vests can be a flattering base layer if the individual woman is comfortable with the tone and shape of her upper arms. Image Source: http://www.navabi.co.uk/lagenlook/ Tip #2: Highlighting the Waist A second layer on the top that highlights the waist can create a curvy, hourglass silhouette. Corset-shape tops that have sleeves are a great option for a second or base layer — these tops are form-fitting at the waist but looser around the chest. These tops spotlight the smaller waist without clinging to the chest. A similar hourglass effect can be achieved by using wrap tops or belts that tie at or just above the waist. Tip #3: Jackets As the top layer of most outfits, a jacket plays an important part in determinig the overall line of an outfit. For plus-size women, short and boxy jackets should be avoided, as these increase the chance of the outfit looking square and top-heavy. Instead, plus-size women should choose jackets that are very well fitted to their form, with tailoring at the waist. V-neck jackets that fit low over the hips provide a lengthening effect. A fitted jacket worn unbuttoned over a form-fitting v-neck or boat-neck top is both comfortable and flattering. Tip #4: Pants Plus-size women often feel uncomfortable about how they look from behind, but with careful clothing selection the generous butt can be something to celebrate — it evens out a heavy top and contributes to a curvy, hourglass shape. The best pants for a plus-size shape are usually those in dark colors, with a low waistband and a loose fit. High-waisted pants give the impression of a bigger butt, and light colors show where fabric is tight and stretched. Side-fastening pants in a bootleg or wide-leg cut give a good flattering shape to the lower half. Tip #5: Skirts As with pants, skirts work best if they flare out toward the base. A flared skirt that is fitting over the butt will give your layered outfit an S shape overall. A pencil skirt is another good option. A-line skirts, although concealing, are generally a bad idea for plus-size women. The extra fabric makes the stomach and hip area look larger than they really are. Tip #6: Extra Layers and Accessories Plus-size accessories are a great way of adjusting the scale of a plus-size outfit. For example, big boots will make legs look slimmer in a knee-length or mid-thigh skirt or dress. Tights or leggings are an essential and flattering component of any layered outfit involving a skirt or dress — dark colors and big patterns provide flattering lines while giving a layer of protection against chafing upper legs. Bolero tops provide upper-arm coverage while allowing the form and pattern of a base-layer top to be seen. Big belts and chunky jewelry make the plus-size body and form appear slimmer by comparison. Google+
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