Plus size guide to looking great

Patrice DaCosta, Contributor

Full-Size women are often overlooked outside the fashion world. Interestingly, there are as many size 18s as there are size 8s in the world. Whatever your size, you have 30 seconds to make a first impression. What message are you sending? There is no excuse for not looking your best.

Self-esteem is a big issue for full-size women because of societal perception. Larger women are made to feel they have no right to look or feel good about themselves.

Proportion, scale and colour, is the key to keeping an updated wardrobe.

Essential Tips:

Consider your body type, not the one on the mannequin, or what someone else has.

Avoid horizontal stripes, patterns, buttons as these widen and enlarge you.

Nothing should hit your widest points (bags, pockets, jewellery). Your widest point could be your jaw, hips, stomach). You add unnecessary bulk to your figure.

Get a bra-fitting at least once a year. Correct undergarments will be the benchmark for a great outfit.

Invest in quality fabric as this will make a big difference in how clothing drapes on your body. Avoid fabric that clings to the body. Shiny, rough, sparkly fabrics will add size and volume.

Bring emphasis to the face by wearing statement accessories and complimentary colours to the skin. Accessories must be in proportion to your body.

Petite figures should avoid large-scale jewellery and tall and fuller women should wear medium to large scale.

Resist pencil jeans/skirts as this emphasises the wide points. If you are so inclined to wear these styles, wear tunics or shirts that cover the hip (not resting on the hip). Boot leg and flared jeans complement most full-sized bodies

Lighter colours add volume: wear darker colours in your challenged areas and wear lighter colours in areas for emphasis.

A wardrobe must have? A wrap dress or top which flatters every shape and gives the illusion of length instead of width.

In summarising, you control the way you look from head to toe. Know you are beautiful, courageous, vibrant and powerful. Avoid being critical of yourself, and emphasise the positive attributes.

Patrice daCosta is president of Stoosh Images; Contact: patrice@stooshimages.com or www.stooshimages.com