Did you know that 70% of people in this country are plus-size? That’s right; we make up the vast majority of the population! Which makes me scratch my head when I think of how hard it is to find plentiful great plus-size clothes. And, of course, if you are both plus size and either tall or petite, forget it!
But fear not! These 10 tips will help you turn heads for all the right reasons.
PETITE
Petite” refers to height, not weight, and usually refers to women under 5’4” tall, so “Petite plus” is for anyone in that height range who wears a dress size 14 and up. If this sounds like you, make sure to focus on fashions that elongate and slim your frame.
1. Bras
This goes for Every. Woman. On. The. Planet! Whether you are petite or tall, curvy or regular, absolutely nothing will fit properly without the right bra! A poorly fitted bra will lead to shoulder slumping and poor posture, which are guaranteed to make you appear at least 5 inches shorter. Be sure to read our blog, How to Measure for Correct Bra Sizing to get the perfect fit.
2. Bring the Waistline up
Choose bottoms with waistlines that sit above your natural waist to make your legs look longer, making you appear taller and leaner while also distracting from your midsection.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Velvet Column Skirt from Eloquii
3. Petite Tops
Always make sure your blouse or T-shirt doesn’t go any lower than the top of your hips unless you automatically want to look even shorter.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: COLLUSION Plus textured square neck short sleeve top in stone from ASOS
4. Define Your Waist but Avoid Wide Belts
Belts are instantly flattering and help to minimize extra fabric. However, wearing too-wide belts will take up a lot of space at the midsection, making your torso disappear, and you’ll look even shorter.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Skinny Belt By Accessories For All from Catherine’s
5. Fit and Flare Dresses
Also known as A-line dresses, this style creates definition at the waist while hiding a belly by blossoming out under the hips.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Victoria Floral Fit & Flare Dress by City Chic from Nordstrom
6. High-Rise Jeans
High-rise jeans both give the illusion of height and help to conceal a larger midsection. The only exception is if you have a very short torso. In that case, go for a mid-rise (never low-rise) to avoid losing waist emphasis.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Signature Fit High-Rise Ultra Flare Jean from Lane Bryant
7. Jump Away From Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are not always flattering on petite frames. Typically, the torsos will be way too long and your crotch will be down by your ankles.
8. Low Necklines
Especially important if you have a bigger chest, U, deep V, or sweetheart necklines will lengthen your decolletage by creating space.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Perfect Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tee by Woman Within from One Stop Plus
9. Make Your Tailor Your BFF!
Let’s face it; finding plus-size petite clothing, especially in a brick-and-mortar store, is like finding a needle in a haystack! You must accept that some clothes will simply have to be tailored, especially pants and sleeves. Don’t worry, whatever money you invest in tailoring will be amply repaid in how confident you feel when not having to constantly worry about tripping on a too-long hem or having your sleeves unroll to reveal a wrinkly mess in the middle of a business meeting!
10. Pointy Toe Shoes? Proceed with Caution
Pointy-toe shoes have long been a go-to for making petite women appear taller. When you’re a plus-size petite woman, though, they often accentuate thicker legs and ankles. Also, stay away from square-toe shoes as they will make you look shorter, whether or not you’re plus size. Round-toe shoes are a much better choice as they blend in better with the shape of your curvy body.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Slingback Block Heel (WW) from Torrid
TALL
If you are over 5’9” tall, you have likely faced the frustration of too-short sleeves and pant legs, “dresses” that are really shirts, and blouses that turn into crop tops. On your next shopping trip, run away from dropped waists, crop tops, turtle necks, and tiny accessories, and follow these 10 tips for effortless style:
1. Big Accessories
Go big or go home! Tiny, delicate jewelry and purses will get lost on a larger frame so opt for chunky statement necklaces, big bangle bracelets, and oversized bags like hobo totes.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Large Multiband Wrist Cuff by Panacea from Nordstrom
2. Bras
Again, this applies to Every. Woman. On. The. Planet! A poorly fitted bra will lead to shoulder slumping and poor posture, which are guaranteed to make you appear at least 5 inches shorter.Be sure to read our blog, How to Measure for Correct Bra Sizing to get the perfect fit.
3. Jumpsuits
Unlike petite plus-size women, jumpsuits are especially flattering on you, accentuating your long luscious legs. Available in casual, dressy, and in-between styles, jumpsuits should definitely be a wardrobe staple for the tall plus-size woman.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Ruby Ribbed Button Front Wide Leg Jumpsuit from Rebdolls
4. Longline or Tunic Tops
Look for styles that end below your butt and have a V or square neckline to showcase your bust and flatter your long limbs. These are especially stylish when paired with leggings or skinny jeans.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Plus Size Embroidered V-Neck Knit Tunic Top by STYLE & CO from Macy’s
5. Mom, Skinny, and Wide Leg Jeans
Speaking of jeans, investing in good ones is critical, especially this time of year. The best styles for tall plus women are Mom, Skinny, and Wide Leg jeans.
Mom jeans have a relaxed fit in the thigh area that tapers down to the bottom of the leg, enhancing curves.
Skinny jeans give a more polished look and are available in both tapered and bootcut bottoms.
Wide-leg jeans progressively widen out beginning at the mid-thigh, which differentiates them from bell-bottom jeans. These are best worn with heels, especially platforms or wedges.
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
Noisy May Curve Katy mid-waist mom jeans from ASOS
Good Legs Skinny Jeans from Good American
Signature Fit Wide Leg Jean from Lane Bryant
6. Midi and Maxi Dresses
Midi dresses end above the ankles but below the knees and are especially flattering on an hourglass plus-size figure with a big bust because they perfectly balance your top with your hips.
And, no, maxi dresses are not just for summer! These flowing, floor-length styles showcase your curves and elegant height and can also be rocked in the fall and winter when paired with a denim jacket, ankle boots, and/or a stylish scarf.
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
CITY CHIC Amy Floral Print Dress from Avenue
Striped Dolman Sleeve Pocket Shirred Flutter Wrap Maxi Dress from Bloom Chic
7. Midi and Pencil Skirts
Also known as tea-length skirts, midi skirts end at mid-calf, fit loosely, and are generally more conservative than pencil skirts, which hug your curves more closely and hang straight down. Both are best paired with heels and tend to shorten the legs, which is why they’re best for taller women.
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
Worthington Womens Midi A-Line Skirt-Plus from JC Penney
Neoprene Pencil Skirt from Eloquii
8. Patterns
Time to have some fun! Tall plus-size women can wear patterns and prints without fear of them overwhelming a slighter frame. To avoid too much drama, though, pair patterns with solids, such as an animal print pencil skirt with a solid white blouse.
9. Shoes
While taller women generally assume they have to wear flats, that is simply not true! Wedge and kitten heels are especially flattering on you while not boosting you up into the stratosphere.
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
The Dawn Pump By Comfortview from Woman Within
10. Short-fitting Sweater Dresses
Sweater dresses are on every fall must-have list and short ones are particularly good for you, tall girls! They’re much more flattering than the long, oversized styles.
Cultured Curves Style Fave: Lani Cutout Bodycon Sweater Dress from Fashion to Figure
Are you both plus-size and tall or petite? Share your style hacks in the comments sections below!
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Until Next Time…
The Cultured Curves Team
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