Layered treats
You don’t have to dress dowdily this winter just because you are a Plus-sized woman. Our fashion experts show you how to step out in style.
Winters are all about layering, and when you have a curvy body type it’s double the fun. While most Indian women worry about looking fat in multiple layers, it’s always a good idea to go for smart fabrics and prints that accentuate your curves instead of hiding it. Not just for regular sizes, but even for those who are in the plus-size category, there are very many ways to flaunt the curves with strategic layers.
One can get innovative with fashion in the winter by choosing garments with fine detailing, interesting sleeves, flattering fits and conversation-starting accessories.
Winter layers can often add bulk, a way of creating a slimmer silhouette is to wear flowy fabrics that can create warmth, highlights Mandeep Nagi, design director, says, “Fabrics such as flowy and sensual silk, velvet or even madka silk work very well for any body type. The second thing to keep in mind is the style of clothing. A-line cuts are often flattering and don’t add bulk than straight cuts.
Wearing shoes that have a slight heel also allows for a slim silhouette and elongates the legs. A-line cuts with minimal work on the front, or with vertical stripes or interesting sleeves are also good options.”
While investing in new winter outfits or recycling the old ones, remember a basic rule of styling — don’t follow the trends, follow your comfort. “While covering yourself with layers, make sure you don’t go chunky with all the clothing – tuck in your top if you are wearing a cover-up or a bulky jacket and definitely opt for high waist pants/denim if you are wearing separates,” says designer Aakansha Agrawal.
She adds, “For plus size women, now is the best time to rock co-ords as they are in fashion and also wearing the same hue head to toe creates a lengthening illusion. Don’t discount maxi skirts — a well-cut maxi skirt can give you the appearance of body looking loner and leaner (make sure you tuck in the top).
One very small but immensely effective trick is to wear heels similar to the shade of your skin tone – it elongates your legs. Wear wrap dresses – the diagonal line create a visually slimming effect. I believe dresses are your best friends in winters – you can wear tights underneath and layer them however you want, wear boots / heels and look sexy.”
Winter wardrobes often have a lot of black, but charcoal, deep green, deep plum, and chocolate brown that are fantastic colours for creating a visibly slimmer silhouette. Add interesting shades of jackets, sweaters, and coats for an up-to-date autumn wardrobe, advises Gaurav Gupta, design director . He says, “To be covered for warmth and show off your beautiful curves at the same time can be done with bold colours, innovative silhouettes, and unexpected styling ideas.
As we head into Fall-Winter, plus-size women shouldn’t be limited to basic clothing trends and can experiment with colours like olive green. It feels like such a fresh hue for the season and pairs beautifully with traditional fall neutrals.
The olive trend is definitely more approachable than summer’s neons and adds a nice touch to the winter wardrobe.”