Fashion Rules to Break for Women with Curves

In this video, I wanted to talk about unsubscribing from the fashion rules the industry sets for women with curves. As women with curves and different body types, you hear all the time what you should and shouldn’t wear and you’re made to believe that there’s only certain pieces that are reserved for smaller sizes and body types. These rules are so limiting and restricting and goes against what the core of fashion really is: self expression. No matter your body type or your curves, you deserve to rock whatever you want that makes you feel good.

Before we dive in, I’ll give you a quick introduction, I’m Emmaline Chappell and I’m a certified personal stylist. I have my own business here in Richmond. I help busy women elevate their style by rediscovering the joy of dressing to look luxe for less.

The first place to start if you’re feeling unsure of breaking these style rules is to break down your negative thoughts and connotations. Ask yourself why you feel you aren’t worthy of wearing this item and where does that come from? Try to figure out if your desire to cover up comes from shame and fear that others will judge. But then ask yourself, how much do you value the opinion of others over your own? My philosophy is, life is too short not to wear something that could’ve sparked joy for you.

The first rule to break is crop tops. I’ve seen so many women with curves rock this piece with confidence. Any stomach will look good in a crop top, flat, curvy or somewhere in the middle. It’s a great piece to have in your closet. It’s perfect for accentuating your curves and it draws eye to the waist. You could pair it with any high waisted bottoms or drape a blazer or wispy jacket over it or you could do a crop top and bottom matching co-ord set.

The second rule is bright colors. There’s this stigma that women with curves should hide or look slimmer in darker colors. And there’s nothing wrong with darker color palettes if that’s what you fancy. But it is important to note that you absolutely have options to go bold and be seen in vibrant outfits. Incorporating any shade of a fun color in your look can make you feel happier and more confident. Color just feels fun and expressive. So be as loud as you want in your color options.

The third rule is wearing big scale prints and or wearing all white. In both cases, the fear is looking bigger. But what if it’s a pretty striped skirt that twirls every time you walk or flamboyant designed printed pant that looks super sharp with your button down and loafers? And when it comes to white, no matter what size you are, wearing all white can make such a powerful and elegant statement. Especially if the whites of your outfit are different textures and you add in colorful accessories. The main point I’m emphasizing is, if the piece in question sparks excitement for you, it doesn’t matter about the rule. It’s not going to make you look bigger if it brings you confidence. That confidence is all anyone will be noticing, I promise you. I’ve seen it time and time again with clients.

The fourth rule is no bikinis. I hear lots of times that more revealing swimsuit styles are only for smaller sizes. No! I hate this rule! Show off your shape in whatever swimsuit design you want. And there’s so many inclusive retailers out there now that offer a variety of sexy, flirty and pretty one piece styles, cut out designs, ruffled bikinis, whatever you fancy for any body type.

The fifth rule to break is figure hugging pieces. There’s this idea that women with curves need to hide in baggy clothing and that fitted outfits are not forgiving. But I feel like you should let your shape shine in figure hugging clothes. Whether it’s a pencil skirt or a cocktail dress. You should have the option to embrace your figure in a grazing and skimming piece. But I also want to throw out there that women with curves also can wear oversized silhouettes if that’s what their personal style calls for. Breezy, billowy babydoll style dresses in particular I’ve seen curvy women style with sneakers, a bold lip and a funky clutch and they look amazing. The oversized silhouette just means more opportunities for movement as you walk and I always love a good outfit that moves and twirls on the body.

I challenge you to break whatever fashion rules the industry has told you. Women with curves and different body types don’t deserve to feel excluded. You define what flattering means for you and your style, you can wear whatever you want to because fashion should never be that serious. The key is confidence. The outfit may be breaking the fashion norms but if you feel good in it, I promise that’ll come through. It won’t appear unflattering because that confidence is what sets the outfit apart. You wear the garment, the garment doesn’t wear you.

If you have any questions about this video please leave a comment or send me a direct message and I’ll answer you asap or if would like any help with your personal style or your wardrobe, reach out through my website.

Work with me! As a personal stylist and style coach, I believe you deserve to feel amazing in your clothes and have a wardrobe that you love to wear. With my guidance and expertise, you’ll have a closet that works and a style that makes you feel confident and fabulous!