Category: Style Tips

Part of the battle in recovery from diet addiction is not giving into the voices from ourselves–and the enemy–that we’re ugly, huge, hideous. That’s a spiritual battle. One practical thing that can help is to learn to dress for our body type while God is freeing us from the bondage to diet addiction. Anyway, that’s what I’ve found. These are practical tips that may help you as well. For more tips, check out What to Wear for Curvy Girls, Part 1.

1. Create a sense of flow.

I can’t say it enough. No hugging allowed! No tucking! No tight jeans with T-shirts. No roll-skimming fabrics that reveal every bulge. Instead, create a sense of flow. Honestly, I think this is applying the Scripture about dressing modestly.

2. Tiers cover a multitude of sins.

I’ve said that “ruffles cover a multitude of sin.” But when I searched for photos with ruffles, I discovered these are called “tiers.” I have this amazing dress that I wore to my niece’s wedding (and other dressy events). It’s a lot like the photo in the upper lefthand corner. Even one of the groomsmen said to me, “Ma’am, that’s a beautiful dress!” Thank you, tiers!

3. Wear a jacket.

This is a given for me because I’m self-conscious about my arms. If you have gorgeous arms, show them off! I love these photos, though, because they show all kinds of jackets we can wear–long and short, soft and heavy, sweaters and coats. It’s actually one more layer we can add to our look.

4. Be bold within the guidelines.

Girl, you are beautiful! And you are on a journey to take back your life from the enemy who’s ravaged you with condemnation. Enjoy dressing up. Add cool boots, a comfortable belt, gorgeous jewelry. Don’t be boring; take a look at all the looks above. I’m loving them! And, by the way, see that skirt in the lower righthand corner? Normally I’m not a fan of waist-hugging styles, but all that tulle does a great job of creating flare so it works!

5. Be stylish.

I love these looks! I like to surprise with things I wear–like the photo in the upper lefthand corner. There’s something about jagged edges at the bottom that intrigues me. But that’s my style! And thankfully, there are so many beautiful styles for curvy women that you can define your style. And that brings me to the last point…

6. Be you!

These are four looks that I’d like to create out of my wardrobe–of course, with a jacket for these arms! Don’t imitate someone. You’re uniquely created by an amazing God. Let YOUR personality shine through (instead of your rolls!).

If you’d like to see more photos of what I think works and doesn’t, check out my Pinterest boards: Style Ideas and What Not to Wear.

Ok, so we’ve looked at What Not to Wear, part 1 and part 2. Now let’s take a look at What to Wear for Curvy Girls.

Like I wrote before…I’m no fashionista, but I have learned a few things about dressing for my body type that I’d like to share with you. I don’t always get it right, so please be kind when you see that I’m breaking a rule!

1. Wear tapered legs instead of baggy legs.

A tapered leg will make our legs look thinner while a boxy leg will make our legs look heavier. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of the photos in Rule #2 in What Not to Wear. This is the first step to creating a slimmer silhouette. And this look is in!

Here are a couple great options for great jeans with tapered leg in varied sizes and multi-colored super-stretch comfortable denim jeans. If you’re looking for capris, check these out (love the pockets too).

2. An A-line cut is best.

It’s as easy as that. See the A in the photos above–smaller at the top and wider at the bottom forms an A. I love that outfit in the lower right corner! I’m bohemian at heart! Think A instead of 8–rarely, if ever, wear the number 8. It’s unflattering and even worse–uncomfortable.

Search on Amazon for “swing dresses” so you get the length you’ll want (see below). Here are a few current styles worth checking out: simple T-shirt loose dress in 41 colors/patterns and this flowy swing tunic dress (with pockets!) in 58 colors/patterns.

3. Wear flare.

Here’s a simple rule: Hugging is out! That is: Don’t wear clothes that hug your body; instead, wear styles that have a flare at the bottom. Instead of showing our curves (or bulges or rolls), a flare actually makes our top and our legs look thinner.

Check out these styles: You can’t beat this faux wrap dress (great for a wedding or party), this fun knee-length tulle tutu, and this loose fit and flare shirt.

4. Cover the thickest part of your legs.

We all know our bodies best. And we know where our legs bulge out. Make sure your top skims past that bulging area. Again, don’t believe me? Take a look at the photos in Rule #3 in What Not to Wear.

When I’m searching for clothes on Amazon, I usually skip the shirts and look for short dresses that are perfect for my legs. Here are a few I like: This colorful short-sleeve summer dress. This one is even better for me with these sleeves and lots of print choices. And this one with even longer sleeves is perhaps the best.

5. Wear layers with the loosest layer on top.

I love layers! And as in the photos above, you can see how stylish layers can be. Just remember that if a layer hugs your curves, it needs to be covered by a layer that doesn’t!

Here are some fun items you can wear under a loose layer. This is a nice shirt extender that fits the length guideline. I also like a half-slip like this one.

6. Have fun with asymmetrical edges.

How cool are these asymmetrical lines? You can add ruffles underneath or a straight edge under an asymmetrical line. This top would be perfect with an under layer. Lots of different options with this top. Loving this one as well.

If you’d like to see more photos of what I think works and doesn’t, check out my Pinterest boards: Style Ideas and What Not to Wear.

In my next post, I’ll finish these fashion/style posts. Stay tuned!