Style Advice for Women with Real Bodies
Trust us, we know: Standard sizes don't always fit perfectly. That's why, as Modcloth makes a push toward offering more options in every size, we quizzed Modstylist Chelsey Davidson for the sneaky, insider fixes for your most common fashion issues. By Ava Feuer, REDBOOK.
Tall, but not model-esque
Sure, height has its advantages, but it seems like fashion advice for tall women is almost always geared toward those who are pencil-thin. A few extra inches don't magically remove flab. "I'm an advocate for the A-line dress, which will make your legs look great," says Davidson. "Because it's fitted at the bodice and flares out at the waist, it breaks up the body a little more." A good A-line dress should be narrowest at your natural waist-just below your ribs. It's the spot where, when you do the "I'm A Little Teapot" dance, the handle would go.
Blouses gape at the bust
There are few things more classic than a blouse that buttons up the front, but finding one that fits can be quite a challenge. If you're busty or have a large rib cage or broad shoulders, they often gape in the front. "I always suggest women size up and for extra hold, reinforce the buttons with thread or the seams with fashion tape to avoid any mishaps," says Davidson. "You can easily do this at home." Then, if the blouse is a little too well, blousy, roll up the sleeves to make them more slouchy, unbutton the bottom button, and tie at the waist.
Related: 100 Summer Dresses Under $100
Your jeans give you muffin-top
We've pretty much all been there, right? Here's the good news: you can get rid of that lumpy look-for good-by picking jeans with a high waistline (and no, they aren't the old-fashioned, pleated mom jeans). "I have a pair of awesome, skinny-ankle, high-waisted jeans," says Davidson. "They define your waist, but also make your legs look super-long by moving where your torso is cut. It draws the eye upward, so it looks like your leg is starting a lot higher than it actually is." Add a blousy top or a long cardigan for a look that's flattering and stylish.
Belts are baffling
Chances are, you know how to wear a belt with pants (belt loops are a nice visual aid, obviously) but you really should be throwing one on over a dress, too. It accentuates your waistline in the most flattering manner. "A thin belt is a great option for larger sizes-you can even belt it over a cardigan," says Davidson. "It's an easy way to define your waistline, and carve out an hourglass silhouette."
Related: 39 Looks That Make Us Excited for Fall
Peplums are everywhere-and they're scary
On first glance, you'd think that all that extra fabric would add all sorts of extra bulk. Not true, as long as you get the fit right. "One that's too short can make you look hippy," agrees Davidson. The top seam of the peplum should hit at your natural waist-that's the skinniest part on any figure-and the end of the peplum should graze your hip bone. Pair it with a pencil skirt or slim jeans or pants, and you're golden.
Dresses with waists just don't zip
You're thrilled that your BFF is getting married, but walking down the aisle means squeezing your way into another inflexible dress that, despite your hardest tugs, won't zip all the way up. "Not everybody is perfectly proportionate," says Davidson, who suggests picking the size that fits the largest part of your body-say, your rib-cage-and then having any looser areas tailored. If you're in charge of the wardrobe selection, do your friends a favor and opt for a halter. "It defines the shoulder, but if it has a tie, you have a little more say in how it's going to fit," says Davidson. "Super-tight isn't going to work on most people."
Related: 100 Swim Essentials Under $100
Armholes pinch and gape
If you have broad shoulders, that seemingly impossible-to-get-rid-of underarm fat, or a larger bust, thicker-strap tanks and dresses can prove problematic. Sizing up can work, but some clothes have the same armhole whether you grab a 4 or a 14. Finding one that fits is a matter of trial and error and, unfortunately, sometimes you have to force yourself to move on. But keep searching for one that's cut right, and don't fall for a cap-sleeve. "Cap-sleeves are the enemy," says Davidson. "They cut you off in a weird place, making arms look bigger than they actually are."
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