Long gone are the days that if you were a size above what the fashion world considers “normal” there was nowhere to turn to shop for clothes that help you flaunt your style and personality.
And what I love is that increasingly there are great budget shopping options for size 16 and up that don’t sacrifice an ounce to style cred.
Check out the gorgeous Australian and international models wearing these designs below too. Yes, that’s Fiona from The Biggest Loser, who I think looks absolutely stunning as a size 16. And Ljubenka Milunovic and Robyn Lawley? Drop dead gorgeous.
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Key styling suggestions
1. You want to still create shape with your outfit. An hourglass voluptuous should embrace a waisted belt. If the smallest part of your frame is under your bust, then belt or choose styles that show that. A well-cut jacket can help achieve this too and prevent “blocking” that often happens when we wear a dark top and pants combination.
2. Flaunt the bits you love the most. If that’s your boobs, get them out there. If that’s your legs then make them the focus. If your hips are your narrowest part (cone shapes) then choose a top that floats and comes in on a band at the hips.
3. Opt for lighter fabrics that skim. Not only will this floaty style look sexy it will also help you to keep cool.
4. Contrast a floaty top with slim pants.
5. Make sure tops fit well around the arms and shoulders, you don’t want it too loose and baggy because then we can’t see your shape. By all means add a lightweight cardi to cover up arms but don’t add too much fabric.
7. Accessorise, accessorise, and accessorise. Draw attention upwards to your face with neckpieces. Wear long necklaces or scarves to elongate. And if you are blessed with beautiful feet and ankles, then a pair of statement shoes will make you feel a million bucks.
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Shopping Suggestions
Autograph (model: Fiona Falkiner)
Avella at Big W (model: Robyn Lawley)
Virtu (model: Fiona Falkiner)
Sara (Model: Ljubenka Milunovic)
So, my voluptuous sisters, what tricks do you have to get your style on each day? What are your favourite stores or labels?
Comments 27
I will take one of each please. At least labels like the above are realising that we still want to look fashionable – unlike was the case five years ago. Stuff the number on the tag.
I’m just getting around to this post now Nikki. I just happened to see Big W’s plus size range over the weekend. It’s definitely worth a look. I had a great time shopping in Melbourne over the weekend and spoilt for choice there. Thanks for sharing the “Sara” website. I didn’t even know it existed.
Anne @ Domesblissity
No problems, Anne – glad you enjoyed some Melbourne shopping!
I just don’t understand why labels like Portmans and Sportsgirl (who basically do designer rip-offs) don’t just make their clothes in larger sizes. I appreciate the range of ‘larger lady’ fashions, but sometimes I just want to wear what everyone else is wearing, you know? x
Author
I so agree, Maxabella. I’m a size 14-16 and there are stores I won’t even bother going in (unless it’s for accessories). At least labels like the above are realising that we still want to look fashionable – unlike was the case five years ago.
Great post Nikki. I shop predominately at Autograph, Target & big W. Because that is what my town offers. But online I choose ASOS Curve and Sara ranges. Gorgeous.
My tips are;
~ Dress to their shape {as you said!}. For example, if I wore drop hem tops {soooooo common in plus ranges} I’d look twice my size.
~ Make the clothes work for you AND MAKE SURE THEY FIT! Stuff the number on the tag. Get over it now, and be happier in your clothes.
Author
Melissa, I tell my clients that it’s just a number – sizing isn’t consistent – so you shouldn’t let it be the decider in what you buy. Well said!
Gorgeous models and outfits Nikki. I don’t fall into this size range, but there are some great fashion tips there for everyone. What’s key, I guess, is be confident whatever your size and work it!
Author
That’s so true, Robyn. My client today was a size 8 and we still applied many of the same principles – particularly flaunting what you really want to flaunt!
THANK YOU NIKKI! You have no idea how hard it is for me to find fashionable clothes larger than a size 10! Thank you so much for this post! xoxox
Author
I do know! I’m a size 14 on top; 14-16 on bottoms (depends on brand). It’s tricky and we still want to look fashionable!
Oh! Can I just add something that changed my life a bit, too. I’m a size 12, but I have big boobs, so I find it hard to find fashion I love that looks good. And… I’m always trying to lose weight. I was in this mindset that I know a lot of ppl in my life are also in, and it’s all too common – that whole, “I’m not buying myself any clothes until I lose some weight.” I saw a woman talking on something… I can’t even remember what it was, something Dr. Phil-esque, and she was basically saying that’s a terrible mindset, because you’re actually telling yourself you’re not worth it. And if we’ve learnt anything from L’Oreal, it’s that we really are. Telling ourselves we’re not good enough to deserve nice, new things is really bad for our state of mind, and counter-productive, because if we look in the mirror at ourselves in our old digs, we’re more likely to feel depressed and ruin our diets anyway. Plus, if you feel good in your clothes, you might just find you’re happy the way you are, anyway. Just my two cents!
Author
Sally, your two cents is gold. It’s not about the next 5 or 50kg, it’s about NOW!
Fiona looks gorgeous! Love the Autograph top and pants.
Author
I know she is one hot babe!
Her hair and make up in those shots (all of them) is AMAZING.
I will take one of each please!
Author
Easy done!
I will take one of each please.
I love the shirt dress. Love it.
I have tried on so many over the last year and still have not found one that looks ok. They all cut me right in half and you can just imagine people walking past and saying ” whoa, baby got back…”
This one could be the one.
Author
Good luck! Make sure it’s fitted around the shoulders. Tie the tie loosely.
I love me a budget label. Woogs and I can never go shopping together.
Author
Come on we could watch her shop! X
Excellent points Nikki! I also LOVE Charlie Brown, Trenery and Leona Edmiston as well as Nicola Thwaites if you are going to bust the budget. And accessorise to the max. xxx
Author
You know how I like to break the budget 😉