Mid-Size Fashion Tips

So today, I wanted to talk about mid size fashion. This body shape has always been around but wasn’t represented until recently where it’s become the new size category that’s emerged in fashion. First there was a lack of body types outside of the typical slim model shapes then there started to be more representation of curvy and plus size body types but then there was a lack of all the body shapes in between until recently. If you go on social media or google mid size fashion, it’s become a very popular topic and its really helped women to see more bodies that look like theirs finally be included and recognized. There’s so many women who are on social media and blogs that are representing this mid size body shape proudly, confidently and stylishly. And I love to see it! So I wanted to give a couple tips for women out there who feel they may fit in this mid-size category but aren’t sure how to style it.

So mid size is referring to women who are above what the industry deems as traditional sizing which is typically 0-6 but not quite a plus size category which is normally sizes 18 and up. For example, a medium may be a little snug but a large is too roomy, you may not categorize your figure as slim because of your curves but you also don’t fit into the plus size category. You’re in between. Mid size can be broadly categorized as sizes 8-14 and sometimes a 16. Keep in mind, this is broadly speaking because as most of us know, there’s no standard sizing that every retailer follows, every brand and number is different from store to store.

The key to dressing for a curvy mid size figure is the fit. The fit is key really for any body shape but particularly for mid size because if you’re not careful, the silhouette of the outfit can look you’re trying to squeeze into a size that isn’t best for your shape or you’re drowning in fabric because it’s better suited for someone with more curves. The main thing to keep in mind when shopping is to find pieces that hug your shape comfortably in all the right places and also accentuates your curves. These two elements are going to always make you look your best.

Tip two is to know your measurements. This is crucial when shopping for women of all shapes but specifically mid size women who are in between standard and plus sizes, you know the struggle of sizing and finding pieces that fit. It all comes down to your measurements. We know, sizing is all over the place. But once you know your specific measurements, it makes decoding the size charts easier to choose which size will be right for you.

Tip three don’t be afraid to get pieces tailored. For mid size women, they struggle with a piece fitting correctly. I have a client who is mid size and she keeps her tailor on speed dial. Whenever she finds a piece she loves but it may not fit in all the right spots perfectly, she sends it to the tailor. The jeans may fit the hips but then it’s baggy in the waist or the blouse fits her chest but is to loose in the middle or vice versa. Having a tailor really makes all the difference in how it lays, how it wears on her body, it’s more comfortable and she looks great because it fits her shape.

Tip four is to know when a piece may not be flattering for your shape. I always tell women, it’s not you, it’s the garment. And if you’re mid size, you really want to go for cuts and silhouettes that make your figure look flattered and proportionate. So maybe those straight, sheath dresses don’t flatter your figure the best, that’s okay, it’s not you, it’s just the cut of that garment. Embrace the styles that do flatter you, so maybe that’s dresses with more waist definition

I hope some of these tips were helpful for all my mid size women out there. If you still feel a little confused on dressing for your mid size shape and would like to know more detailed tips personal to your specific shape or the best brands for your mid size shape, please reach out through my website emmalinepersonalstyling.com and let’s chat to see how I can help.

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.