I am not a size double zero–nor am I classified as “plus size.” I’m definitely a curvy girl though. I have huge shoulders, boobies, and mermaid thighs. It can be hard to shop. While most clothing stores have my size, that doesn’t necessarily mean that outfit will be flattering on me. I’ve learned over the years how to dress for my body so that I feel comfortable and confident in what I’m wearing.
Let me preface this by saying THERE ARE NO RULES. If you want a bikini body…put on a bikini. I truly and honestly believe that everyone is unique and different and beautiful in their own way. This is just how I dress as a curvy woman. 🙂
Ok time for tips.
How to Shop When You’re Curvy but Not Plus Size
1. Find a good bra and a good pair of Spanx.
Proper undergarments are the best. You can look ten pounds lighter with the right bra, and the right shapewear helps smooth out any lumps or bumps.
2. Wear layers.
Adding a kimono, vest or jacket can help you feel more confident in tight tops or dresses. It helps hide the areas that I don’t want seen. Do not add extra bulk though. If you are wearing a bulky sweater, wear a thin tank underneath. The goal is to avoid looking shapeless.
3. Create your waist.
Cross body cinching, using a wide belt, or having your tailor nip in the waist. Creating a waist helps accentuate your curves and gives you a womanly shape.
4. Avoid light colored jeans.
If you have mermaid thighs like I do, darker jeans help slim them out. I also avoid light fading around my inner thigh so I don’t make them look bigger.
5. Give yourself a little boost.
This blog isn’t called Hel On Heels for nothing.. All of my shoes have a little height to make my legs look longer. Yes, even my tennis shoes (which I affectionately call my tenni-pumps) have memory foam and a thick sole. I have a SUPER long torso and teeny little stumps for legs. Any length helps.
6. High-waist is your friend.
If you carry bottom weight, wearing high-waisted bottoms can help balance it out and tuck everything in.
7. Vertical over Horizontal.
I love horizontal stripes but I avoid them because they make me look shorter. Also, I always opt for vertical stripes to give me length. I do like a good color block though. Color block dress, color block sweater, I’m all about it.
8. Buy clothes that fit.
I am so guilty of buying clothes that are too big to hide my problem areas. Sometimes though I worry that I look like a sack of potatoes. One of my goals this year is to buy clothes that fit and feel confident in what I’m wearing.
9. Show off your favorite assets.
If you have fantastic boobs, show em off. If your booty is worth a Luke Bryan song, highlight it. So, if you love something about your body, you have every freaking right to showcase it. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. For example, I have really big shoulders, but I like them. I wear off-the-shoulder, cold shoulder, and slouchy sweaters all the time. Putting my shoulders in a t-shirt or short sleeve shirt makes me uncomfortable because I feel like they look bigger. I like to let them breathe!
10. Be confident.
Confidence is key. You are beautiful no matter what you are wearing. Whatever you choose to wear, be confident and know that you look great!
What are your favorite tips for dressing for your body type? Follow me on Instagram for more updates!
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This is great advice! I completely agree about the good bra and avoiding light coloured jeans. I tried some light coloured jeans last year and they just looked terrible! Oh, and I definitely need to work on buying clothes that fit problem – I have the same habit as you of buying things with a bit more room in so they don’t cling to the bits I don’t like, but then they are too big in other places, too, and end up looking a bit silly sometimes.
Oh my gosh IT’S SO HARD FINDING CLOTHES THAT FIT!!!! I totally get this!!! Spanx is a GODSEND!!! These are amazing tips and so honest!
These are some great tips!! I have some light colored jeans but I don’t wear as much as my dark because I totally agree my dark jeans make my legs look so much slimmer!
So many great tips! Finding undergarments that fit is so important!
Great tips!
I can so relate to the big boobies and thighs! It is difficult to find something flattering. It’s also sad when something looks so stylish on others but it just doesn’t work for me. Rompers are totally not right on my body, and flowy tops just make me look huge because my boobs push them out more, lol. So I’ve learned that more form fitting tops are better, even though I love that pretty, flowy look.
I’m in the same boat as you on being curvy! But since my legs are on the longer side I’ve found that lightwash jeans somehow make my legs look better! These are all great tips!
xo
Sami
The Classic Brunette
I struggle buying clothes a lot because I’m curvy – especially up top – but not plus-sized, AND I’m the size of a child. Finding jeans that will fit my curves but won’t be really long or loose around the legs is nearly impossible, and with shirts it’s either extremely tight or way too big! I also turn to heels, belts and high-waisted pants for help in these areas. Ah, the struggles!
It’s so nice that there are shops that are catering to us curvy girls. It’s been a struggle for me to find shorts and jeans lately. These are great tips!
hahaha i love these tips, but interestingly i don’t do most of them even though i’m curvy ahaha i love light color denim, and don’t like accentuating my waste or buy clothes that fit xD still great tips tho <3
Such great tips! Creating your waist with clothing is a great idea!!
Layers are my friends. I’m always layering up! These are great tips! I’m done looking at sizes and just focusing on finding clothes that fit and look good.
Love these tips! High-waist is my fave!