Playing Up Your Body Assets! Part 1 – A special post by Reah Norman

Regardless of age, race, color, shape, or size, women in general have a lot of the same body-phobias, and we all have our own individual body insecurities.  There are days when we get dressed, and look in the mirror with confidence, then other days when we just want to put our lounge pants on and avoid the mirror at all costs.  Boosting your confidence when getting dressed is simple- know your best body assets and focus on them!

Playing up your best assets simply boils down to knowing your shape and being able to choose your wardrobe in order to highlight your best qualities, and minimize those that are less desirable.  Being aware of flattering styles and silhouettes that accentuate your curves will help you embrace your natural shape and work with what you’ve got!

Here are a few tools to arm yourself with that will help you look and feel great, inside and out:
1. Careful with Color
Color can make or break you! Know what colors compliment your skin tone and make you look your best.  Have fun with color, but do not overdue it.  Choosing outfits that are a monochromatic color palette create an overall slimming effect for all body types.  Also, you can add splashes of color to a neutral ensemble to add interest and keep it fresh.  If there is a specific color you are drawn to, chances are it will look great on you, so give it a try!

2. Keep Patterns in Check
A general rule of thumb is that you should always be balanced when embracing prints.  If you are wearing a pattern or vibrant color, it is best balanced with a neutral.  A bright print or color can accentuate your best feature, but head to toe prints can make you look bigger.  If you are smaller on top and have larger hips and thighs, wearing your patterns on top and pairing them with a darker bottom will take attention away from the area and add balance.  If you are larger on top, select a printed or colorful skirt or pant and pair it with a solid neutral plus size top.  Allover prints can work to camouflage, and can be grounded by adding a belt or laying piece.

3. Wear the Right Size & Undergarments
Wearing plus size clothing that is too tight will add attention to the area where the garment is clinging, making that area appear larger.  In contrast, wearing plus size clothing that is too big will add bulk to your silhouette.  Try on garments in a few different sizes, remembering that the number on the tag does not matter because manufacturer sizing is different for every brand.  Your clothing should always closely follow the contours of your shape and enhance your curves.  Also, wearing the right bra and shaper will ensure that every garment will appear smooth and lay properly on the body.  Choose a shaper that works best with whatever part of your body you want to smooth and minimize- tummy, thighs, or booty.

4. Play with Height Proportions
Simple styles choices can work for you in a positive way by adding visual balance and adding height to your shape!  If you are on the shorter side, a light top and dark bottom focuses attention on the upper body, which takes attention away from the hips and legs, giving you extra height. If you have a long torso and short legs, a high-waist skirt that is just above the knee helps you appear taller.  Wearing a plus size skirt or dress with a hemline just above-the-knee length makes legs look longer, especially when paired with a heel. If your goal is to add height to your silhouette, choose a jean or trouser that is long and lean, such as a jegging, skinny, or straight leg, and avoid flare or wide leg styles.

5. Know Your Body Type
Last but not least, have a solid grasp on your body type, remembering that all clothing styles and trends are not appropriate for all shapes.  The best way to determine your body type is to stand in front of a full-length mirror in a swimsuit or your bra and panties.  Measure your bust, waist, and hips, and then ask yourself the following questions:
-    Are your breasts fuller than your waist, or are they equal?
-    Do you have narrow, average, or wide shoulders?
-    Do you have a clearly defined waist?
-    Are your hips fuller than your waist, or are they equal?

There are several different body types, but the 3 most common for plus size women are pear, apple and top heavy/heart shape body types.
PEAR- the characteristics of a PEAR include:
-    Top half is generally smaller than the bottom half of the body with a smaller midsection.
-    Bottom heavy in the behind with rounded hips and full thighs.
-    Narrow neck, shoulders, and bust area.

APPLE- the characteristics of an APPLE include:
-    Upper body is larger than your lower half and most weight is carried in the midsection.
-    Ample breasts with a wide back and shoulders.
-    Slimmer arms and legs with a trim backside and sometimes a smaller hip.

TOP HEAVY/HEART- the characteristics of someone TOP HEAVY/HEART include:
-    Chest is proportionately larger than the rest of your frame.
-    Broad shoulders with thicker back, neck and larger upper arms.

Stay tuned for part 2 of “Playing Up Your Body Assets” to find out more about what specific styles and silhouettes work best for your body type and how to successfully work them into your wardrobe!