When I was growing up there were no plus-size models to try to pattern myself after. An overweight child was chubby;an overweight teen was just plain fat with no control over food. As an adult I have been laughed at, sneered at, pointed at and told that when I entered a room there was always an earthquake.
I learned early on to take all these horrendous remarks in stride and be my own person. I still am the black sheep in my family. I will forever dance to a different drummer. So here are 10 of my own tips to developing your style in light of runway trends.
Tip #1
Follow your heart and follow your gut instincts. So many people, plus-size models included, feel that they must do, wear, please those who develop the status quo. I refuse to listen. Wear what you like, the colors you like. If you want to wear hot pink pants with a bold purple tunic top, go for it! The designers are sometimes outrageous themselves and expect us to go along just because they say so.
Tip #2
Incoporate scarves into your life! So many styles to compliment your whole wardrobe. I once crocheted a vivid maroon scarf six feet long and wore it with everything, wrapping it around my neck several times and letting the rest fall to the floor.
Tip #3
Try vintage! I love wearing clothes that have a story! So what if a dress is secondhand, thirdhand or twentieth down the line! Imagine the history you are showing the world again. My most prized possession while in college was my grandmother's floor length tweed coat! I had to take the lining out to make it fit, but I felt happy and content with it wrapped around my body!
Tip #4
When you are a queen size as I am you covet jeans! I remember never owning a pair of jeans until some sympathetic, tuned-in designer invented the stretch jeans. No one can tell the difference and I feel marvelous being able to get my big, beautiful butt into all that lovely denim!
Tip #5
When you talk the talk, you need to walk the walk! Be confident in choosing what's right for you. Be brave and don't let anyone tell you to wear black 'cause it will make you look less fat! Don't get me wrong! I adore black, especially those lacy nightgowns! I used to wear black exclusvely until I developed my go-to-hell style.
Not everyone will appreciate seeing you coming, though. I have a hot pink dress I like to wear with a hotter pink and orange jacket. I approached the cashier where a line had formed. The gentleman next to me was having apoplexy. I heard him say to his companion, "You sure can see her coming!" I thanked him.
Tip #6
Remember what I just said. "Walk the walk?" Doing your own dress style is so liberating, but if you schlump around like you've done something wrong, shoulders dragging you're just not in step with yourself. So much of fashion style is confidence in the choses you've made. Put that wide-brimmed red hat on and hold your head up with joy!
Tip #7
It's not size, label, brand or the thought that counts. It's all about your style and how you own it! I've never felt right in short dresses even though some fashion designer says I should. I've been known to wear pants under my dress for a layered look and it's fantastic and what I like. If you like turtlenecks that's wonderful, but not if you use them to hide behind. I, myself, love deep plunging v-necks. I've got it and I'm gonna flaunt it! But even if I were flat-chested I'd still have the look in my closet. It's me and I feel great about that.
Tip #8
I am forever taking this item from this outfit, borrowing a hair ribbon from my daughter, Gracie, to use as a necklace. I scour vintage and thrift stores for anything that I can alter to use as a fashion statement. Money is very tight that's true. But I'd still do it if I HAD the bucks because it's what I do to be me!
Tip #9
Be savy if you're really wanting to follow the trends. Take a piece here and a piece there and in no time you'll get it right. Your silhouette can change with your mood, of course! And that is perfectly fine.
Tip #10
Weaving the hottest runway trends into your own daily and personal haute couture takes practice and strength of mind. It's not easy changing from frump to fabulous. Just do what you feel is right for you. In time that plain back top and pants may turn into a little black dress you can wear with pride, rolls, lumps and all!
My friends, these 10 tips are yours to do with as you will. But they come from experience and from my heart!
Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Kenmore blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
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