Kathy's Curvy Corner Plus-Size Fashions

- For REAL Women With REAL Curves -

* Don't hide under baggy clothes . Don't be afraid to wear fitted garments, figure-fitting but not skin-tight is the best way to go, showing that you have real curves. Body-conscious clothes that hint at your curves, without being too clingy or tight are the most flattering. Don't go for items which fit too tightly, the idea is for clothing to hug your body so that is gives you definition and enhances your curves. Show off those beautiful curves in a classy and chic manner. Layers of clothing will only add bulk to your appearance. Don't be ashamed of your body - every body is beautiful. You know my motto ~ "Flaunt Those Curves!"

* Any color worn head to toe (monochromatic) in a clean, unbroken line will produce a dynamically slimming effect. Remember, monochromatic doesn't have to mean boring -- mix textures to keep the look interesting (i.e. knits with leather)

* Watch the Lines - horizontal lines on a garment will make you look wider; vertical lines will make you look taller and thinner.

* You've probably heard that black is slimming, and while this is basically true, you don't want to hide behind all black clothing, all the time....add some splashes of vibrant color to your wardrobe. Bright colors can actually lift your spirits, too!

* One-piece dresses look sleeker than separates. Stretch fabrics help the fit. If you do separates, Remember the brightest or lightest color or print "pops" and accents whatever it's on. A good way to balance out a top heavy figure, For axample.. a zebra skirt with a black turtleneck.

* Proportion can play tricks on the eye. While an over-sized handbag makes a great accessory, a small handbag will make your figure appear larger. Choose a shape that flatters (ie: square shapes compliment a round figure) and make sure the strap length doesn't land in a problem area (ie: don't let the bottom of the purse rest on full hips).

* Elongate the neck with open necklines such as v-necks, sweetheart necklines and vertical cowl necks. A slim v-neck makes the neck appear longer and is usually very flattering.

* Boat-necks are great for minimizing waists and hips, while maximizing sexy shoulders. Caution: Avoid if you have broad shoulders!

* If your legs are fuller inside, try a side slit. If your legs are fuller outside, a mid-front or back slit is a better choice.

* If you are petite (5'3" or under) make sure you scale everything down : smaller prints, pockets, etc. so they don't overpower your figure.

* Forget what you've heard about plus size ladies not being able to wear pretty floral prints. It's all in the size of the bloom (bigger prints are best) and the spacing of the flowers in the print. Wide spaced florals with lots of background color showing through look best.

* Let's Talk Pants! :) A straight or slightly bootcut leg is the most flattering for us plus size ladies. Avoid white or very light-colored knit pants. Skip fussy details like big cargo pockets or excessive zippers around the hip area.

* Don't shy away from sleeveless garments, especially evening wear that you can cover up with a shawl, sheer top or bolero jacket.

* And Lastly....My personal & all-time favorite fashion tip is more of a comment than a tip, But it's one I hope every woman carries with her in her heart every day: "Nothing looks better on a woman than her confidence and pride."

~ Kathy ~
Kathy's Curvy Corner

* OVAL:

You Have a Fuller Bustline and a Less Defined Waist With More Narrow Shoulders and Legs.

Main Goal: Draw Attention Away From the Midriff / Tummy Area by Redirecting the Eye to Your Face or Legs.

* Wear Shoulder Pads to Create the Illusion of a Small Waist and Draw Attention Upward.

* Create Strong, Vertical Lines Using Long Jackets Over Short or Straight Shirts.

* V-Necks and Long Necklaces are Flattering for You.

* Avoid Wearing High Heels with Short Hemlines.

* Avoid Tight Waistlines that Emphasize a Prominent Midriff.

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* HOURGLASS:

You Have Basically Balanced Shoulders and Hips with a Smaller, Well-Defined Waist.

Main Goal: Maintain Your Natural Balance While Accenting Your Waist.

* Define Your Waist by Wearing Dark Belts on Light Fabrics and Cropped Tops with Straight or Full Skirts.

* Drop-Waist Styles are Flattering For You as Well as Jackets Cropped Above the Waist.

* Avoid Oversided Tent Dresses or Any Styles that have Only a Minimal Amount of Shape.

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* RECTANGLE:

You Have Roughly the Same Width at the Shoulders, Waist and Hips.

Main Goal: Create the Illusion of a Waistline.

* Reduce the Straightness and Boxiness of Your Shape by Wearing Clothes that Suggest a Waistline.

* You can Wear any Combination of Prints, Patterns and Solids as Well as a Variety of Silhouettes.

* Add Interest at the Neckline with Jewelry or Scarves.

* Avoid Oversized Tent Dresses or Any Styles that Have Only a Minimal Amount of Shape.

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* TRIANGLE:

You Have More Narrow Shoulders and a Smaller Bustline with Wider Hips and Legs.

Main Goal: Create a Visual Balance Between Your Narrow Upper Body and Wider Lower Body.

* Use Shoulder Pads, Embellishments and Accessories to Draw Attention to the Upper Body.

* Ruffled Collars and Bold Jewelry Draw the Eye Upward.

* Hips and Thigh Areas Should be Deemphasized by Wearing Dark Solids or Smaller Prints that Flow Smoothly

and Gracefully Over the Lower Body.
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* INVERTED TRIANGLE:

You Have Slightly Wider Shoulders and a Larger Bustline with Narrow Hips and Legs.

Main Goal: Create a Visual Balance Between Your Wider Upper Body and Narrow Lower Body.

* Wear Fuller Bottoms and Prints, Bright Colors, and Flaired or Pleated Skirts.

* Wear Darker, Less Embellished Tops to Minimize the Upper Body.

* Choose Heavier, Chunky Shoes and Keep Accessories Close to the Face.

* Avoid Shoulder Pads (or Wear Only Small Ones)

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~ Kathy ~
Kathy's Curvy Corner