Q&A for How to Dress Well when You're Overweight

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Question

What clothes should I wear to hide a big stomach?

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist
Alison Deyette is a Style Expert and TV Host with over 20 years of experience in fashion, style, and television. She has styled and directed photoshoots around the world for a variety of magazines, including Good Housekeeping, People StyleWatch, and Mode. Alison was also named one of the top stylists in Los Angeles by Variety magazine.

Alison Deyette

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Go for mid-rise styles of jeans and pants. These act as simple shapers and can flatten the tummy!

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Question

Why does this article support people being overweight?

Community Answer

Because everyone is beautiful. A lot of overweight people tend to not be as confident with their bodies. Obviously, we want everyone to be healthy, but there's no reason not to look good while you're working at that.

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Question

Can an overweight woman wear crop pants?

Community Answer

You can wear whatever you like! Just be aware that crop pants make your legs looks shorter. You may wish to wear a 7/8 pants with a loafer -- they will make your legs appear longer and taper off to make your ankles look slim.

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Question

Are shorts and black leggings (slim the leg and hide scars) good together?

Community Answer

They can be okay for casual wear. Shorts (denim or nice-looking ones) and black tights are a more stylish combination. Leggings are best with tunics or short dresses.

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Question

Should an overweight woman wear pants?

Community Answer

Sure. If you want to hide your bottom half, wear dark pants and a lighter top.

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Question

I need a party dress ASAP for a family event and it has to be 16 or 18 and I can not find anything in the stores that fits me. What should I do?

Community Answer

Amazon has amazing dresses from a variety of sellers and for a variety of sizes. Plus if you have Amazon Prime, you get two day shipping for free!

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Question

How do I find the best size for me?

Community Answer

I think we have two options. One is to do a lot of trying on of clothes until you find the things that fit you well, regardless of what the size tag says. The other is to find a good seamstress who will measure you and make clothing to fit. She can help you with the types of fabric to buy for various clothing, and with figuring out what kinds of styles will flatter your particular body shape. When you first meet with her, you can take some of your favorite and best-fitting clothing for her to look at so she can see what you like. A friend or family member who sews may be willing to trade her skills for something you do well, instead of exchanging money.

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Question

What's a good place to buy clothing for a plus size teenager?

Community Answer

You can try a shop that sells plus-size clothing, such as Torrid. You can also search online. Also, many "boho" style outfits are suitable for all body types and sizes, and are quite fashionable.

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Question

Which type of dress will hide my big belly and accentuate my cleavage?

Community Answer

A wrap dress usually does the trick. It helps mask your tummy, and has a lower-cut neckline to show off cleavage.

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Question

Can an overweight teenager wear gowns or fancy suits?

Community Answer

Of course! The main thing to consider when shopping for formal clothing like gowns and suits is the shape of the clothing compared to you body type, picking a good pattern, and picking complimenting colors. Accessorizing will always help as well.

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Question

Can I wear shorts if I am overweight?

Community Answer

There's no reason not to. Just make sure they aren't too tight or too small.

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Question

Can an overweight woman wear a flared skirt?

Community Answer

Yes. Fit and flare skirts flatter the waist by making it appear small, and flow well to the hips. Popular styles are circle skirts, skater skirts, a-line and midi skirts.

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Question

Lately I feel like I can't wear any tops that don't show my belly button sink hole silhouette through my shirts? What can I do?

Community Answer

Wear a good camisole under your shirt.

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Question

How should I style up to look gorgeous if I have big belly?

Community Answer

Accentuate the positive. Draw attention to the parts of your body you may like, such as your legs, bust or face.

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Question

I am short, overweight with a large stomach and I buy a size 20 in blouses to go around my bust and hips. Some are too long and make my legs shorter. How do I calculate a more flattering length for my tops?

Community Answer

Get the blouse you like and that fits me and find a good seamstress to hem it shorter.

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Question

Can overweight girls wear tied skirts?

Hailey Wilson

Community Answer

Yes. Just make sure the skirt reaches all around and flatters your hips or your waist.

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Question

How can I dress well if I am overweight because of medication?

Community Answer

You can use the tips above, as this is for all overweight people, regardless of why they're overweight.

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Question

Can you provide some tips specifically on how to dress to look thinner?

Community Answer

Many of the suggestions above apply. You can also try wearing black, which is supposed to have a slimming effect.

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Question

I have a pear-shaped body. Can I wear a dungaree?

Hailey Wilson

Community Answer

This may emphasize your hips and thighs. You may want to avoid this article of clothing.

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Question

Do high waist pants apply for an overweight lady?

Community Answer

It depends on your body, but in most cases, it doesn't look great. If you want to attempt it, tailor it well.

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Question

If I'm overweight and have large breasts, can I wear a gown?

Community Answer

Absolutely, as long as it fits and covers your breasts.

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Question

What color makeup should an overweight person use?

Community Answer

You can use any colors you like! Your weight has nothing to do with what makeup will look good on you.

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Question

Where should I shop for clothing if I am overweight?

Community Answer

There are many great stores that are catering towards curvier sizes. If you cannot find your answer in this article, an online search for plus-size clothing should yield multiple results.

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Question

I'm fat, short, and slight dark. What type of dress can I wear? Can I wear off-the-shoulders?

Community Answer

Drawing attention to your shoulders and up toward your face is always a good idea. If it fits the rest of your body well, go for it.

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Question

Are more structured or tailored clothes better for plus sized people or can I still wear jerseys and relaxed looks?

Community Answer

You can wear anything that makes you feel good! If you feel amazing in a pair of trousers and a blouse, then flaunt it. If you feel sexy in a jersey, liquid leggings, and heels, then go for it. It's all about how you feel in it. That attitude is going to shine through your posture, your smile, and your confidence!

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Question

When I wear high waisted pants the button underneath my shirt sticks out. Is there anything I can do to hide it?

Community Answer

To minimize the button on your pants, you can find a belt with a subtle, flat buckle and then buckle the belt to either the left or right of the zipper. This way, the belt presses the button down and the buckle is less visible because it is not directly in the middle. Another option would be to tuck your shirt into the high-waisted pants with a thick belt and then wear a longer cardigan over that for a layered effect.

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Question

How do I buy clothing for someone who is both pear and apple shaped?

Community Answer

You can't be both apple and pear shaped, so first you need to really look at the body shape and work out what shape you're working with. From there it is much easier

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Question

What should an apple-sized woman with a large belly but no cleavage wear? I'm 47 years old and wear 18-20 sizes.

Community Answer

I’d suggest floaty dresses/tops. Go for bold, interesting prints which will make you look confident and draw attention away from your size.

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Question

My mom and I always get into fights whenever I buy clothing. She says the clothing makes me look bigger, and sometimes I cannot stand going shopping, because I am neither big nor skinny. What can I do?

Community Answer

Shopping shouldn't make you feel bad. If you want to wear something, wear it. Perhaps you could ask your mother kindly to refrain form vocalizing any opinions about the clothing you select.

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Question

How can I make my boobs appear bigger?

Curtis Fairgrieve

Community Answer

Wear a padded bra, or a bra which offers minimal coverage. Alternatively, wear a push-up bra.

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