Its Your Body Shape That Counts – Not Your Size

In this article we look at the common notion that size is  everything. Of course, as fuller figured women, we know  that whilst the tabloids and movies seem to be constantly  convinced that women come in one size, that size being  “THIN”, we know what more than half of American women are  a size 14 or above. And a size 14 is the first in the size  for the plus size range.  So, are we saying in a  roundabout way that more than half the women in America  are a plus size?  Well, yes, I guess we are.

But more than our size, it is our bodyshape that dictates  the styles of clothing that will fit us the best and  therefore flattering our figure so as to show off our good  points.

Whether you are a woman from America, Canada, Australia,  the United Kingdom or anywhere else, you will have  observed the strange phenomenon whereby a size 18 skirt,  lets assume this is in the US, bought from one  manufacturer is fits you completely different to a size 18  skirt bought from another shop – even though both are more  or less the same style of skirt.

Why is this?

Because our clothes sizes at the moment are basedon  measurements taken from the sometime around the 1950s.

And, given our current lifestyle these days compared to 50  years ago where there was no junk food and people were  more active and therefore much more fitter and slimmer  than they are today, the sizes from that era don’t really  apply to the women of today.  We are much bigger than our  counterparts were in the 1950s.  Remember Elizabeth Taylor  or Ava Gardner and their hourglass figures?  Marilyn  Monroe was considered big and she was only a size 14!

Since we have had no proper sizings commissioned by the  government or other body, many designers and manufacturers  have made concessions to the basic sizings and you’ll  notice that a size 14 of today is a lot bigger than a size  14 was back in 1950.

In fact surveys carried out by the mail order company J.D  Williams and another similar survey carried out in Germany  with regards to sizing confirmed that only a small  proportion (about 10%) of the population were comfortable  in the standard sizes. In other words, the basic sizes  that we are used to, can only comfortably accomodate a  smaller portion of the population. The rest of us will  find that something doesn’t quite fit “right”, even though  we have bought an item of clothing in what we believe is  the right size for us.

These surveys also found that today’s women have, compared  to existing standard sizes:

• a flatter bottom

• fuller upper arms

• larger upper hips

• larger, lower breasts

• a thicker waist

• a more rounded tummy

Smart Winter Coats in Plus Sizes

Sometimes, going shopping to look for smart coats for the fuller figure can seem like a rather thankless task. Especially when all you see in front are huge and rather shapeless items of clothing that look quite ugly.

Thankfully, this is not the case when it comes to shopping online for plus size coats and formal clothing in larger sizes.

If you shop with retailers who clearly know their target market, the fuller figured women, then you know you are going to see quality plus size clothing at good prices. You will find fashionable plus size winter outfits for the larger sized woman.

Where to Buy Smart Plus Size Coats

Places such as Silhouettes.com where you can save Up to $40 on Winter Coats or Avenue.com were you can Shop Plus Size Coats lead the way in smarter clothing for the larger woman. The tailoring and fit of their range of winter plus size coats and jackets is exceptional and more geared towards the smarter more executive woman at work. These 2 retailers won’t compromise their fashion sense or quality when it comes to plus size clothing.

Remember also, that you are more than just your size. Whether you are a size 16, or 22 or 30. You also have a body shape and when you shop for a nice, smart fitting plus size coat – it also has to fit your BODY SHAPE properly too.

What’s Your Body Shape?

You might be a little confused by this, because up until now, all you have been hearing people talk about is your size. But, you also have a type of body shape, and this also applies to women who are, for want of a better word, regular sized.  You see, you might have a low waist or a high waist, you might have huge hips and narrow and tiny shoulders. You might be the same size from shoulder to hips to bust. All of these constitute different body shapes.
So, if you only go by your “size” and select a coat or another item of clothing, you could still end up with something that is not right for you.

And you already probably have done this without knowing about it. Have you ever bought an item of clothing that is the correct “size” but you have tried it on, or even bought it only to be bothered by something that you can’t quite place your finger on, except that you know is doesn’t look quite right.  This is what we are talking about here.  Your body shape.

As mentioned earlier in this articles, there are lots of different body shapes and once we take the time to know what one we are, we get better at choosing the right type of clothing for us.

The key to finding a great fitting plus size coat is to make sure the seam on the shoulderss rests properly on your shoulders and is not falling a few inches off. And it is better to aim for something a little fitted than opting for a coat that is extra baggy. Extra baggy coats will make you disappear and apppear larger than life.

This season’s colors include deep emerald and deep purple and as usual there is the black and cream that we see year in year out.

Wool coats are always the epitome of style and they do a great job in keeping you extra warm as well. A lot of the newer styles are sporting plaid which looks great when worn with plain (as in non-printed) skirts or pants.

An empire waist wool coat with stand up notch collar makes a very smart yet casual statement.

When shopping online for plus size coats, make sure you refer to the size charts which should be easy to find on the website. Although shopping online makes shopping from home easy to do, you still have to ensure you get the fittings right and this is not always easy since you cannot physically try an item on. So, making sure that you measure yourself first and then check out a site’s size chart will help to ensure that you pick the right fitting plus size coat or jacket for your body shape.

The other simple thing is to select the color and fabric swatch options, which are on some of the larger retailer sites, such as Avenue.com and you get a clearer indication of what an item of clothing will look like in different color and prints. So be sure to go through a few color and print comparisons before you select the coat that is perfect for you.

Plus Size Coats for Sale Online

If you see plus size coats for sale online, it is tempting to go ahead and buy something that looks wonderful on the model in the picture but can you be so sure that it will fit you that well?

There has to be some sort of trade off here. It is likely that you will find a broader choice and more sales and discounts for plus size coats online than at department stores. Many stores, unless they are a specialist retailer of plus size clothing, will usually supply a small portion of coats in the larger sizes. They will carry more stock of “regular sizes”.

The big advantage to buying your plus size coats and jackets from a department store is that you have the ability to try the garment on and make sure it fits properly everywhere. You can also feel the fabric with your fingers and determine whether you want something softer or not and so on.

With online stores you cannot try clothes on or get a good feel for the actual item since you only have the image to go by. However, many decent retailers will have good refunds and returns policies and make it very simple for you to return goods that you do not want because of the way they fit. So, this is a good way of being able to buy online but not be stuck with something you did not want because the actual fit of it is not quite what you expected.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to consider when buying plus size coats:

• A single-breasted style of coat will be more slimming (than double-breasted)

• Make sure you can slip your arms easily through the arms of the coat

• Make sure there is no pulling at the biceps or across your back once you have the coat on

• Most important of all, make sure you can button up your coat easily and that you allow for additional layers underneath

With winter days being so cold and dark, try to avoid getting a black or gray coat as this is going to look quite dull anyway. It is better to go for more vibrant colors, pink or yellow, or emerald green. However, not all women feel comfortable in bright colors so if you prefer getting a more toned down or dark colored coat, then try jazzing this up by using a beautiful brooch to draw attention. Accessorize with gloves, hat and scarf and try to get these in a brighter, more vibrant color.

Plus Size Tunics Flatter The Fuller Figured Women

Plus Size Tunics are a very versatile fashion must have  can be worn with different separates to create a truly  unique and classic look.

The great thing about tunics is that they are very  flattering to the fuller figure. As a plus size woman, the  last thing you will want to be seen is a tight fitting  dress or top. Anything that looks like it has been  stretched over whilst you are wearing will make you look  frumpy, dowdy and bring the attention to those larger  areas such as your saggy stomach, or large waist and hips.
By wearing a tunic, with its free flowing style and loose  design, you are cleverly covering your love handles whilst  looking smart and feeling comfortable. For one thing, most  tunics come over your waist and fall below your hips. So,  when you are sitting down, or bending down, you won’t get  your tunic top riding over your waist and exposing your  bare flesh.

In fact, wearing tunic tops means never having to worry  whether you are showing your waist or hips or stomach  inadvertently.  And tunics, with their soft and sheer  fabrics are comfortable and soft against your skin.

Team a printed tunic top with a nice dark pair or jeans  for a casual yet smart look. Team with a pair of white  trousers to give that casual “holiday” look. Or wear with  dark trousers, under a jacket or blazer for a smart and  professional look.

Tunics are flattering to larger sized women and with the  variety and choice available, this is one staple item of  clothing that should be in your wardrobe at all times. Click here to see the different styles of plus size tunics available today.

Where to Buy Plus Size Halloween Costumes

Click images below TO BUY PLUS SIZE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES>>

Plus size halloween costumes used to be a rarity to find and if you were   a fuller figured woman or a plus sized man, you could forget about  going  to Halloween parties in a decent halloween costume.  Not anymore.   The  choice of plus size halloween costumes for men and women has  become much  wider and with lots of spooky, scary and funny themes to  select from as  well.

You can see an amazing amazing array of halloween outfits in plus sizes   at a few select online retailers.  Not all costume retailer outlets will   stock  plus sizes so you need to search around online until you find   some good quality stockists.  The other problem you might run into is  that some retailers will carry bigger size halloween costumes but they  will not carry much stock in the plus size ranges; so you need to shop  well in advance.

What you will find for those stores that specialize in selling plus size  halloween outfits is that they will carry a lot of inventory and lots of  different costumes for Witches,  Wizards, funny plus size halloween  outfits as well as outfits by period  such as the 1920s or 1930s.

Accessorizing Your Plus Size Halloween Costumes

Once you have picked the perfect plus size outfit for you and your  partner,  you could  really go all out on the dressing up front and opt  for accessories as  well as hats, wigs and halloween masks to make a  really super-chic  statement. When you find wigs and masks to complement  your halloween  outfit then you definitely look the part and a true test  of a really  effective halloween costume is when nobody recognizes you  straight away!

Its up to you what type of Halloween outfit you want to go for – you can   be a Wicked Witch complete with warts and broomstick, a Gothic Boneyard  Bride or  Devil’s Temptress, Elvira or a Vampiress or Goth Maiden Vamp.
Halloween costumes for plus size men would include a Bloodthirsty Counrt   or Handsome Devil, a Ghostly Gent or a Graveyard Groom. It’s not just   witches and goblins, there are so many other characters you could dress   up as.

Think more along the lines of the Adam’s Family characters or Count   Dracula meets Frankenstein and let your imagination run wild as to the   sorts of halloween costumes you can conjure up.

If you can finish off with face paint or stage make-up to achieve a  truly dramatic  effect, then you’ll scare the living daylights out of  people you meet  this Halloween Night.

Click images above to browse the full range of plus size pullovers

If you don’t like wearing worksuits to work and prefer  something a little more relaxed yet still elegant and  fashionable, try pairing a plus size pullover with a pair of  trousers or a perfectly tailored skirt to achieve an stylish  look.

A plain white cable sweater worn with a pair of trousers   looks sharp yet relaxed.  Or pair a V-neck sweater with  trousers to give a slightly more fashionable look and  accessorize with a necklace or chunky bracelet.

If you feel like something a little different, try the new  style of Tunic pullovers, these have an large neck opening  and hang loosely around your collar bones, not too tight but  casual and comfortable. Or what about a long sweater with  cowlneck and thick belt worn with a long, slim skirt for a  trendy plus size work outfit?

With prices ranging from as low as $12.99 to $44.99 and  above at Avenue.com, you should be able to buy 3 to 4 plus  size pullovers to complement your winter wardrobe.

Have a look at the latest range of plus size pullovers here  and we promise that you will not be disappointed. Whilst you are buying your winter clothes, don’t forget your plus size boots and if you intend to have a great time this Halloween, don’t forget to shop early for your plus size Halloween costumes.

Click images above to browse the full range of PLUS SIZE SWEATERS

Plus size sweaters can include anything from cardigans to  shrugs, capes and turtle necks.

To appreciate the choice of colors, styles and designs of  the plus size sweaters now available, you will be hard  pressed to come away with nothing at all.

From textured cardigans to cardigans with sequins, wrap  sweaters that tie in front with a dainy bow, to a cocoon  style cardigan snuggles comfortably, to long cable cardigans  and cable sweater coats and more. The choice in plus size  woollens for fuller figured women is simply staggering.

Instead of a heavy and bulky coat, wearing a sweater can  give your outfit a more casual and stylish look without  looking too work-like but still giving you a professional  finish, depending on the style you pick.

Sweaters are such a versatile piece of clothing that they  can be worn with your favoring pair or jeans, with dresses,  skirts and trousers.

The choice below is just a small sample of what is on offer  at Avenue.com for to browse their entire collection of plus  size sweaters click here.

CLICK images below to browse the full range of Plus Size Cardigans>>

Fall is almost here and winter will follow on its heels. If  you haven’t already prepared your winter wardrobe, you  should be getting your winter outfits together and putting  away your summer clothing for the time being.

Whatever you buy when you go on your shopping spree, make  sure it includes a few plus size cardigans in different  colors and styles so that they can be worn with a few of  your outfits. You want to also make sure that you have a  selection of plus sized cardigans on hand to give that final  finish to your overall look. In winter you will need that  extra layer of clothing to keep you warm whether you are at  work or at home.
Plus size cardigans are open at the front and hence need to  be worn over a tunic or shirt. You can wear your cardigans  open, half open with belts or buttons. With so many choices  available you will probably be tempted to buy more than one!

If you prefer plus size pullovers then these can be worn in  place of a shirt or tank top or tunic. Wearing your pullover  with a nice belt with bring emphasis to the the belt and  hence the waist area and give a nice finish to your look.  With a choice of bright oranges or creams or emeralds and  purples, a snug fitting plus size pullover or even the more  looser style with Dolman sleeves give you a dram

Designer plus size clothing is readily available both online  and at the large department stores or specialty niche shops  but you have to know where to shop and what labels to look  for.

Women’s plus size clothing has changed greatly over the  years with a lot more choice of clothing being available to  the majority of the population. Let’s face it, a lot of  women are size 14 and above so it is only right that the  fashion and retail world caters to this market.

Whilst a lot of designer plus size clothing can be expensive  this isn’t always the case and the best thing to do is to  shop online and comparison shop. Online retailers like  Torrid, Jessica London and Avenue offer trendy plus size  clothing that looks great when worn and is often at a good  price. A lot of stores have promotions on most of the time  and especially seasonal promotions for summer swimwear and  winter leggings and jackets. A lot of websites offer coupon  codes that you can apply to your order when you are about to  checkout online. In this way, if you shop when there are  clearance sales and promotions and use a coupon code, you  will be able to get yourself a beautiful designer plus size  wardrobe of clothes at a reasonable cost.

You might be interested in the following resources:

Plus size clothing size chart for the US

Information related to plus size clothing from Australia, US and UK