All fashion isn’t equal, especially in the plus size world. Take for example spandex. The philosophy that I pass on to my clients is that unless you’re exercising you should not be wearing it! It’s like a magnifying glass in that it highlights and emphasizes every nook and cranny that it covers, and that’s not appealing for women of any size. Sure, there are a few fitness stars out there that can pull it off with much acclaim, but for the rest of us normal gals, pass it up unless you’re working out.

Some people will tell you that spandex has a constricting effect that keeps your body from jiggling and moving about, thus de-emphasizing any flabby areas or areas with loose skin. This is far from the truth, and anyone who tells you this is either misinformed or trying to sabotage your fashion success! Turn around and walk the other way because they’re giving you bad information. Stick with comfortable fabrics that move with your body and allow you to breathe when looking at plus size designer clothes.

Horizontal and vertical strips can sometimes, in some situations, have an elongating or slimming effect. In some situations they can have the opposite effect, but neither situation is a universal rule. It’s an old fashion untruth that has been around for longer than any of us, and you should go right to the source when trying to determine what looks good on your body. The source, of course, is the garment itself. Try it on and see what you think. If you perceive the horizontal striping as making you look round or emphasizing your girth then don’t buy it. If you perceive pin stripes on slacks as making you look taller and lean, then for goodness sakes buy them.

Don’t fall prey to every current fashion trend that blows your way in a catalog or magazine. In the real world, not every fad looks good on every body type. If you normally wear plus size clothes you probably want to steer away from low rise jeans or spaghetti string tops. It’s just a fact of life, and you always want to emphasize your good and downplay your weak features. You should use magazines and television as a guide only. Never let anyone else dictate what looks good on you, because you are your own best critic. Be sure to take a friend along for some input since they generally provide fairly unbiased advice, and usually from a different fashion-centered point of view.

Allen is a freelance writer who follows fashion topics at many different levels. Look for more information on plus size designer, plus size dresses and plus size shorts here.

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