5 wardrobe essentials for every plus size woman

Plus-sized women shouldn't hide their bodies. They shold simply choose clothing that is flattering for their body type.

Photo Credit: Galina Barskaya

1. BOOT CUT JEANS

Boot cut jeans are very flattering regardless of your body type. In particular, they look great on pear-shaped figures, which many overweight women have. A pear-shaped figure is a body type that is largest in the mid-section, from the lower stomach to the upper thighs. Boot cut jeans have slightly flared bottoms (not dramatic flares a la the 1970s hippy scene -- don't worry!). Boot cut jeans are best worn with heeled shoes or platforms, and not with flat-soled shoes. The worst style of jeans for overweight women is tapered. Tapered pants will actually accentuate the negative, and honestly, this style only looks good on pencil-thin ladies.

2. BLACK DRESS PANTS

Black dress pants are great for work and for play. You can dress them up for a night out on the down or you can dress them down for casual Friday at the office. A pair of black dress pants will look great with a fitted suit jacket and a button-down collared shirt, and it will also look great with a sexy little camisole and cardigan set. For overweight women, it's best not to go with the stretchy black pants. Overweight women often make the mistake of assuming that they should immediately head to the clothing rack with the elastic waistline pants. It's better to get a pair of pants that is tailored to fit your body, even if the cost winds up being a little higher. If you have a pair of black pants that are too baggy in the legs but perfect in the waist, don't throw them out! Bring them to your tailor for some alterations.

3. LITTLE BLACK DRESS

One mistake that overweight women often make is assuming that they can't be flirty and sexy. Every woman - no matter what her size - should have a little black dress in her closet. You don't have to be a size six to enjoy this fashion must. Black is slimming, and it looks great on everyone. Find a dress that falls just an inch or two above your knees. If you have the confidence, go strapless and sleeveless! Bring along a sheer wrap or shawl as a cover-up - but don't keep it on all night long! You've got it, so come on ladies - flaunt it!

4. FITTED SUIT JACKET

Another fashion faux pas that overweight women frequently make is wearing suit jackets that are not fitted to their figure. A suit jacket that is not fitted to come in at the waist will make you look shapeless and mannish. When you buy a suit jacket, if it doesn't fit you the way you wish it did, bring it to a tailor for alterations. Fitted suit jackets are great for career women, but unfitted suit jackets should be turned over to the fashion police immediately.

5. THREE-QUARTER LENGTH SKIRTS

If you are too self-conscious to rock a mini skirt at your current weight, that doesn't mean you have to settle for pants-only styles or floor-length skirts. Show some leg with a three-quarter length skirt. Heavier women often complain that they don't feel physically comfortable in skirts because their thighs rub together and create friction and chafing. To combat this problem, simply wear panty hose under your skirt and dust your skin with some baby powder before slipping on the hose.

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