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*2024* 20 INSTANT clothing tips that flatter plus-size figures!

*2024* 20 INSTANT clothing tips that flatter plus-size figures!

As the saying goes “It’s not about what size you wear. It’s about HOW you wear your size.”

So shout out to all my plus-size gals, it’s time to bring your A-game because fashion doesn’t stop at size 4!

If you want to look all chic and put together, knowing how to dress a plus-size body is the foundation of all.

CLOTHING tips flatter plus size figure
Source: Pinterest

Lucky for you, now you can actually skip a step because this 2000-word curvy girl styling guide shares all the clothes and tips that can flatter a plus-size figure.

This is what you’ll learn from the 20 slimming tips below:

  1. Plus size fashion tips about what NOT to wear
  2. Plus size dressing hacks to look thinner
  3. Best dresses for plus size body type
  4. How to wear jeans plus size
  5. Accessories and shoes that can elongate the body

If you are ready, take a sip of tea (or a hot latte) and enjoy!

DISCLAIMER:

The truth is, we are all perfect imperfections.

You want to learn these outfit hacks ONLY if you feel like it but are not pressured by others. Remember, we never have the need to “fix” our bodies!

You don’t have to be pretty like HER, you can be pretty like YOU.

And believe it or not, there’s still NOT ENOUGH plus-size content around Pinterest and other places on the internet …at all.

So ladies, before reading the tips, please help pin the pin below & support plus-size ladies ♥!

1. Roll the sleeves to elongate your figure

I’m shocked that people don’t do this trick enough as it’s such a stupid easy one to elongate your figure.

How to dress slimmer plus size
Source: Girlwithcurves

Roll your sleeves a turn or two can always draw eyes upward and elongate your figure visually just like what cuffed jeans do.

I will always do the three-quarter (3/4) or the below elbow length so I can still hide my flappy upper arms area. Lovely.


Feel heavy in a sweater and flared jeans? Well, showcase your wrist out!

Yup, ladies, a little detail can make you look sleek tenfold!


It’s sad that even today, there is still not enough plus-size fashion content. Yup, insane right?

Whether you are part of the plus size group, please can I borrow you 1 minute to hover and share this pin below? 💗

THANK YOU FOR PINNING and spreading more plus-size content on the internet! Bless you ♥


2. When in doubt, a thin belt

We all know adding a belt can contour our figure but well, NOT all kinds of belts can serve us right.

How to dress slimmer plus size
Source: 1,2

If you are the petite plus size, definitely swap the thick belt for a thin one.

As the chunky belt creates a block rather than a sleek division line for the body, it’s not helping at all.

If you want a stylish twist, chain belts are having a moment these days.

A beige shirt dress with a nose gold chain belt just looks so aesthetic. LOVE it.


plus size apple shape outfits

Need I say more? This lady is screaming the classy vibes to the fullest.

I love how she matches the belt and boots in the same hue – it just looks so put together!


3. The Corset belt is the plus-size godsend

A chic way to dress a plus-size body? Corset belt.

How to dress slimmer plus size
Source: 1,2

While they are thick, they hold a structured shape and hold all your curves in the right place.

So yes girls, whenever I want to fake an hourglass body, this is the one I go for.

I mean, a white dress shirt and a black underbust corset? How chic is that look?

Together with a sleek low bun and a nice pair of nude heels, gal you are reading to hit the town.


Update: I just discovered there’s a peplum belt these days!

plus size peplum belt outfit

This belt is just as forgiving as they are effortlessly stylish!

4. Plus size summer outfit ideas: sheer kimono

When it comes to plus-size outfit ideas for summer, all we need is flattering, cute, and gorgeously lightweight outerwear that serves our curves right.

Plus size summer outfit ideas
Source: 1,2

That said, nothing is better than a sheer long kimono. I love them for 3 reasons.

  • You can wear prints in a flattering way: the sheer fabric lowers the color contrast of the prints and thus minimizes the exaggerated effect
  • If you want to wear light summer hues like white and pastels, a sheer kimono just gives you extra coverage. Plus, that can really spruce up the look.
  • Long-line outerwear like kimono can always elongate your figure and make you look put together

So yes, that’s definitely a plus-size summer fashion essential.

Without a doubt.

5. Waterfall cardigan plus size are the flattering choices

As for the plus-size outfit ideas for fall, long-line outerwear is a must-have item.

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

But if you want to take a step further.

Go for the long-line waterfall cardigan that can draw eyes vertically and flatter the plus-size figure.

Below are my handpicks from Amazon, you will not believe it takes me half an hour to filter out the bad quality ones.

PLUS Size waterfall cardigan
Shop this waterfall cardigan on Amazon

6. Opt for a structured fabric that holds your body on point

I know, soft fabrics are comfy and lightweight but sometimes they aren’t the best choice to flatter our curves.

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

Fabrics like chiffon, cotton, and other synthetics, just easily show all my fat rolls out instead of holding our figure.

I mean, even a supermodel can’t look good in a cotton bodycon skirt sometimes.

I will always go for strong, supportive fabric like denim, tweed, jacquard, and a woven dress that can slightly hold up the shape.

And surprise surprise, the lightweight fabric like silk and satin looks nice on the plus-size as well, their shimmering finish just perfectly distracts attention.


plus size outfit ideas
Source: Pinterest

High-quality fabric makes a long way sis!

7. Asymmetrical top and dress for elongating effect

Not only are they stylish, but inverted and asymmetrical hemlines help draw eyes upward visually.

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

Compared to the regular hemline that just cuts the legs horizontally, these unique designs above certainly look way better in achieving the leg-elongating effect.

So if you want to shed down the heaviness of the lower body, well, you know what to wear!

plus size petite maxi dress with sleeves

Get this forgiving dress on Amazon 💗

For a semi-formal event, just add some gold accent and jewelry here and there and you’re good to go!

8. Peplum top to cover tummy fat

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

How to hide belly fat in a dress? The peplum top is here to help.

Featuring the flared stripe of fabric around the waist, this is how you fake an hourglass shape without sucking your tummy.

I can’t really pull off my pencil skirt and bodycon skirt without this top, such a lifesaver.

Seriously gal, if you don’t have one, what are you doing in your life really?!

Amazon peplum dress

Shop this light pink peplum dress on Amazon

It comes in 8 colors, check them out!

9. Color block dresses to look slimmer

Searching plus-size outfit ideas for work? I’d say illusion dress.

Featuring the black color block stripe on the waist area and the sexy S line, these dresses help to distract from figure flaws greatly.

If you want to look professional with a hint of sexy? This is the one.

colorblock dress outfit
Shop this color block dress on Amazon

The charm of an illusion dress is I don’t need to suck my tummy but can still look good.

( ´ ▽ ` )ノ MY MARCH PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ

(Continue scrolling for the article!)

ysl clutch
This YSL clutch screams the IT girl vibes. The best part? The price is *so forgiving*
pheromone perfume
Obviously, this pheromone perfume (Amazon bestseller) is for the ladies who wanna spice things up (Got you gal!)
black girl dark skin makeup
Get a FENTY BEAUTY contour stick on Sephora ♡ (REAL inclusivity brand)
ysl mini shoulder bag
Get this YSL mini shoulder bag on Net-A-porter

10. When in doubt, go monochrome

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

Only focusing on plus-size dressing to look thinner? Why not harness the power of color illusion? The chic monochrome look.

Putting yourself in the same color scheme just makes your figure look united and promotes the elongating and slimming effect.

To pull off the chic monotone look perfectly, I’d say play with different fabrics and textures.

If you are wearing a white knit sweater, pair it with beige denim pants to give it some different dimensions.


monotone plus size outfit winter
Source: Pinterest

Can’t help but include this outfit above – just too darling!

Follow Assa Cisse for more!

11. Keep your look simple with two hues

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

If monochrome is really not your thing, what about keeping your look simple with only two colors, that can greatly help as well.

Strategically speaking, matching your hat and shoes in the same tone can always elongate your figure from head to toe.

For the petite plus size out there, ALWAYS match your bottom and shoes in a similar shade to maximize the effect.

12. Best necklines for plus-size

I talk about necklines ALL THE TIME as that can really make and break a look.

Below are my honest thoughts about all the different necklines.

  • Round neckline (NOT FLATTERING, that makes my chubby face look even bigger. Plus round neck looks too youthful and casual for me)

  • V-neck and square neck (MUCH BETTER CHOICE, V line can elongate your neck and make you look slimmer)

  • Off-shoulder (My favorite: Feminine and sexy, again it can shed the heaviness of the upper body – super flattering for all types of gals except board shoulders)
plus size off-shoulder outfit
Source: Pinterest
  • Boat neckline (It’s tasteful and sophisticated, plus it’s much more flattering than the round neck, try this out!)
boat neckline top
Boatneck top from yoursclothing – check them out!
  • Sweetheart neckline (I LOVE that because it can always create a bustier look but still contour my arms! )

13. H-shape skirt is more slimming than an A-line skirt

H-shape dresses like pencil skirts look way more slimming than the A-line skirt.

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

If you wonder why is that, think triangle and a standing rectangle.

Even though they are both the same height, the rectangle always looks taller visually isn’t it?

If you really want to wear an A-line dress, perhaps consider a less dramatic design.

A sweet pleated midi skirt is always darling.

Related read: 18 Tips✨ How to wear a pencil skirt with tummy (Illusion ppl!)


By the way, I’ve finally started my Instagram this year! If you want to follow more styling tips and feminine fashion ideas, follow my ig down below! 💖💖💖 See you there pretty!

14. Opt for a midi dress rather than knee high dress

A knee-high dress is not flattering as it brutally highlights the calf area.

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

Go for the midi dress (mid-calf) dress and instantly you will feel so much better.

Is that just me but I always look visually taller in a midi skirt.

I guess that’s due to the wrong cut-off point for the knee-high dress.

15. How to wear prints as a plus size

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

Can you wear bold prints in plus size? HELL YES. Here are the tips to look slim in your darling printed dress.

  • Prints with less color contrast

If you are wearing an all-over print dress, you can always minimize the boldness by picking the right color combo.

For example, the dark green prints on the light green dress look more slimming than the red prints on the stacked white dress.

Plus, I personally think a similar color scheme just makes things look more classy and tasteful. Do you girls agree?

  • Team bold prints with solids

If you really want to style attention-drawing animal prints, that’s fine as well! That said, remember only one statement for the look.

Less is more.

Team it with solid hues like black and navy blue just calm the whole look down and make you stay smart and sleek.


ANIMAL PRINTS plus size
Source: Pinterest

This lady just rocks the zebra print in the most effortlessly way!


Here are my handpicked tops and dresses (for both date night & work) for my plus-size base!

They are all tummy-flattering and have with forgiving fit. Heart “❤️” some of the dresses for price drop later!

16. How to wear jeans as a plus size

Of course, let’s talk about jeans.

There’re way too many questions about jeans so here are my all tips for different situations. I’m sure they are super helpful!

Q1: How to fix muffin tops in jeans?

Check out these 6 slimming hacks. Well, I must say tip 4 is a wild one lol

Q2: How to dress up jeans as a plus-size?

Click these 7 tips to know what should you avoid wearing.

Q3: How to wear white jeans with cellulite?

5 stupid easy tips (But I bet you aren’t doing the 1st tip right) + the perfect white jeans I recommend

Q4: How to REALLY wear a blouse with jeans and look good?

8 combos that look stylish and fun. The 5th one is my favorite look, just looks unique.

***I know there are still some other questions left, but I will keep updating the post!***

This is so random… BUT

hey ladies, why not quickly do an affirmation and feel instantly better?

This new year, I’m trying not only to share fashion tips but come up with ways to instill body positivity in all women who are reading my articles – aka YOU!

Instead of just reading it, say it loud or murmur the quotes (if you are in public) to maximize the effect.

Ready? Here we go.

I love my body. She is my forever home and sanctuary.

Sassy isn’t a shape, it’s an attitude.

Work out because I love my body – not because I hate it.

I can love myself and change my body at the same time. No guilt about that.

It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. I come to realize that social media isn’t showing the reality… at all.

My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked.

I don’t have to be pretty like her, I can be pretty like …ME.

I AM perfect imperfection.

What are your thoughts on that? I hope that makes you feel better (as you deserved).

Please help me pass the body positivity message in your community. #womenhelpwomen

Alright, now keep on reading!

17. Best shoes for cankles and thick ankles

Again, below are my honest thoughts on shoes.

  • Round-toe shoes (NO GO. That make the legs look so thick)
  • Pointy shoes (HELL YES for the leg elongating effect)
  • Ankle boots (Wear them with tights rather than cuffed jeans for a slimming look)
  • Cut-off boots (No one mentioned that but they are so forgiving! I will always pair black sheer tights with them.)
  • Ankle strap heels shorten legs (Especially the thick strap)
  • Nude heels (Lovely choice for longer legs)
  • Spaghetti strap sandals (Sexy and slimming – the thin strap is way easier to carry)
high heels
Source: Pinterest

18. Hats for big heads

If you find yourself looking awkward in a beanie, you are not the only one.

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

Sometimes we just have to realize some hats are not serving us right.

If you have a round face shape, avoid those sloppy hats that fail to add height to your face.

Instead, pick those wide-beam hats that have the elongating effect and create a smaller face by comparisons.

The last tip, if you want to wear a beret hat, definitely wear it on the side rather than on top of the head.

( ´ ▽ ` )ノ MY MARCH PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ

(Continue scrolling for the article!)

ysl clutch
This YSL clutch screams the IT girl vibes. The best part? The price is *so forgiving*
pheromone perfume
Obviously, this pheromone perfume (Amazon bestseller) is for the ladies who wanna spice things up (Got you gal!)
black girl dark skin makeup
Get a FENTY BEAUTY contour stick on Sephora ♡ (REAL inclusivity brand)
ysl mini shoulder bag
Get this YSL mini shoulder bag on Net-A-porter

19. Accessories that flatter your face and upper body

How to dress slimmer? 

What about paying more attention to your accessories choice?

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

For example, if you are a chubby face girl like me, switch the choker necklace to a long Y-necklace that just elongates your neck effortlessly.

And for the earrings girls, picking the long-line earrings can work wonders as well. It just makes your face look slimmer by comparison.

❤️ 2024 Update ❤️

I’ve finally started my LTK account @hannahndreams and I just created a post dedicated to plus size baes.

The dresses that I’ve picked tick all the boxes below. (In case you want something extra forgivinggg)

  • ✅ Showcase the feminine neckline
  • ✅ The ruching details hide the belly
  • ✅ Asymmetrical hemline draws the eye upward and elongates the legs visually

I’ve also included my hidden gem – a peplum belt from Walmart. Check out my post here & please follow for more styling tips❤️!

Love you girls!!

20. Carry a structured bag instead of a slouchy big bag

clothes & slimming tips that flatter a plus size figure
Source: 1,2

I never thought about bags before, until one day my friend just said: “Can you please stop wearing this HUGE tote bag, it just makes you look baggy.”

That’s brutal but true.

If you are already wearing a tunic top and slouchy mom jeans, wearing a big shoulder bag is not helpful at all.

If you can’t size down your bag (The crazy shopping and errands days), at least pick a structured bag. Trust me, that alone makes a big difference.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

So ladies, here are the 20 clothes and tips that can flatter a plus-size figure.

It takes me a LONG time to figure out these tips myself so I truly hope this article can serve as the styling shortcut for the plus-size babes out there.

Let’s also take time to remind ourselves that our curves are beautiful.

Instead of hiding it, they deserve to be present in the most gorgeous way ♡♡♡

As Hayley Hasselhoff said, “At the end of the day we are all trying to feel comfortable in any type of size – plus size or not“.

Shine bright girl.

Before you leave, can you please take a moment to share this pin below?♡

That really helps support the plus-size community promote curvy beauty and spread the message: 

Fashion is not only for skinny bitches!!!!! (Oops… I guess I split it out LOL)

If you want to get more outfit tips, I’m sure you will enjoy the articles below! See you there ladies!

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  1. Thank you so much for all the great tips and actually using plus size women to model. I am excited to go through my closet and revamp my wardrobe and get rid of things that are not flattering. Again thank you so much.

  2. Jamie Cheung says:

    Never hear of the H-shape dress tip… Thanks for that! Just pinned too