How to Be Big and Beautiful

Size doesn’t matter nearly as much as shape. After all, you are dressing to create an overall shape, not size. Finding your body shape is key. If you’re an hourglass, create a balanced look by finding items that nip in at the smallest part of your natural waist and add volume or width to the smaller half of your body. If you’re an inverted triangle body shape (widest in your top third), create volume in your bottom third in order to balance your body with A-line skirts and wide-leg pants. Apple shapes (widest in your tummy with smaller arms and legs) do well in empire waist tops and jeggings to prevent excess fabric in the hips and thighs while also fitting your tummy. Rectangles (very little curvature in the bust and hips) can wear almost anything! My favorite look is the classic shift dress, which also has very little curve built in so you can create a gorgeous retro-inspired look that most other body shapes have a tough time recreating. Pears (widest in your hips) do well with a solid bottom and a bold top. Pair a statement necklace or earrings to draw attention upwards creating the illusion of balance.

Men’s clothing is often cut for broad shoulders, but if you’re having trouble finding the right fit, size up and tailor at your waist. You could also consider a brand that starts with custom measurements. Women's clothing is not always cut for broad shoulders, otherwise known as the inverted triangle body shape. A great casual option is a dolman sleeve, where the shoulder seam falls further down the shoulder. This gives you extra room in order to avoid any pulling in the fabric at your shoulders or bust. To balance your shape, create width in your bottom half by opting for a wide leg, bootcut or flare leg pant. If skirts are more your thing, try a a-line cut that skims your curves and provides a bit of outward structure.

Men's big & tall fashion is still a bit underdeveloped, so picking classics in structured fabrics like thick, cable knit cardigans, investing in a quality pair of jeans and having one tailored blazer for semi-casual wear will get you through most anything.