As a trained image consultant, my job is to deal with women and men with various clothes sizes. Unfortunately, my plus-size clients are usually most challenged as there is a stigma attached to being a plus size.
I wanted to show that plus-size women can be beautiful and vibrant, and they want and can look as good as their skinnier counterparts. Style is more than skin deep; it’s knowing how to carry yourself.
To help Telia Williams carry off her look, I decided to give her a couple of different styles.
FORMAL LOOK
For the evening I chose a more formal brown and gold gown. The thicker straps balance the fuller body and allow for the covering of bra straps. The thinner the straps, the larger your bust will look.
Empire waist gives the illusion of length and highlights the smallest part of the body.
Embellishment and pleats bring eyes upward and give volume to bust, balancing the lower half.
For a look like this, a popping accessory makes the difference. This print clutch gives the outfit a bit of oomph. Avoid being all matched up as this ages you and shows lack of creativity.
The A-line cut flatters the body and vertical seams slenderise.
I decided to splurge with colour for Telia’s new look with a red ruffled wrap top with capri pants. With the holidays approaching, it is very important to transition from day to evening without having to run home.
For Telia’s day look I opted for light make-up, wearing the hair down, no belt, casual earrings.
For moving onto her evening date I added a thick black belt which gives more structure and balance for a full-sized body. It’s okay to remove the belt that comes with the outfit and be creative with other belts.
To transition to the evenings, heavier make-up for the night and more elegant earrings make the outfit complete, along with a change in hairstyle. Remember that accessories must be in proportion to body size and height.
Wrap top or dress is a must-have for plus size. It removes at least 10 pounds in a flash.
Ruffles takes away pounds from your lower half, adds volume to the right places.
Colour is important; knowing your right undertone is the key. A colour should never overpower; it should complement you. This shade on Teila makes a statement.
Clothing provided by Henrietta’s Closet in Mall Internationale
Patrice DaCosta is a New York-based image consultant who runs Stoosh Images.