While not really a slave to fashion, I believe that when I look better, I feel better and face the world more confidently.  Through experience (and by watching Stacy and Clinton on TLC's What Not to Wear), I've discovered that some clothing flatters a curvier body better than others.

What do I mean by curvy?  In this case, I mean a woman who has c-cup and larger 'girls' and 'junk in her trunk', maybe even a tummy too (you asked!)  I know there are flattering clothes for all body types, but I have particular experience with the one I just described .  

My top picks for clothes that flatter a curvier body are:

1.  A constructed blazer:  A blazer that hits on or just below the hips and features princess-style seams is a great choice.  Ideally you want a 2 or 3-button blazer with a stance that starts just below the 'girls'.  (What's a stance?  That's where the buttons start and the "v" between the lapels ends).  With this stance and by letting the seaming do the shaping, you get what Stacy (from What Not to Wear) calls "lock and load".  This type of blazer accentuates the smallest part of the waist, supports the girls, all while skimming over the tummy and hips.  A constructed blazer also gives some definition to the shoulders which balances the width of the hips.


Blazer from Chadwicks.com accentuates the smallest part of the waist, skims over hips. 
Buttoned, it would "lock and load" the gals and give an hourglass appearance.

2.  A well-fitting bra:  Surprisingly, a large number of women are wearing the wrong size bra ALL THE TIME.  The biggest mistake that we make is assuming that as we get older and gain weight, that our band size increases.  Generally, it doesn't, at least not by much.  Think about it...your ribs aren't getting any bigger are they?  When we gain weight, it's usually in the cup size. Let the professionals handle this one, ladies.  GO GET FITTED.  When I was fitted, I was off by 3 band sizes and 2 cup sizes.  A bra that supports you correctly changes the appearance of all of your clothes and how they hang on your body. 

3.  A trench coat:  A nicely detailed trench coat will do wonders for your body.  The timeless design of the garment is such that it accentuates the waist and gives a nice, tailored streamlined appearance.  To stretch it's wearability, buy a mid-weight trench; During the cooler months, pair it with a pashmina and gloves and when it's warmer, wear your trench on rainy days.  Trench coats are available at many price points; one I lusted after (but never bought) was $150 at Macy's.  The one I own and love?  A vintage sand-colored trench coat found at a thrift store for $10!

This London Fog trench from Macys.com also features roll-up 3/4 sleeves. 
3/4 length sleeves give the illusion of height on a petite person...more height = slimmer profile.
Also note the belt line- it accentuates the smallest part of the waist.


Economical viscose pashmina from amazingcollections.com

4.  A pencil skirt:  I used to think that if you have big hips, you needed a poofy skirt to offset the width.  WRONG!  A pencil skirt hugs those curves in the right spots and skims over the ones you'd rather hide.  The just-below-the knee hem adds length to your torso, giving the illusion of height. 


Pencil skirt from Kohls.com.

5.  High heels:  Not everyone can physically manage high heels, and if that's the case for you, feel free to skip right over this suggestion.  However, heels do add height and height means more visual area to spread the weight over.  You can start with a 1/2"- 1" heel on up...I feel much more than 4" can be inappropriate for most occasions. 


Pumps from www.myshoes.us. I like a 3-4" heel and prefer a rounded toe. 
But those pink pumps above sure are cute!

6.  A peacoat:  Guys stealing flirty looks at me left and right is what I notice when I wear my black or beige peacoats...even when buttoned up to my chin!  My theory is that the portrait shape of the neckline and the A-frame shape of the coat complement an hour-glass shape.  Both of my peacoats have hoods, too, which help (see below).


Peacoat from jcpenney.com

7.  Flat-front pants:  If you have any meat on your bones whatsoever, you should never, EVER wear pleats or elastic-waisted pants  (with the exception of jog pants).  Pleats and elastic pants only pucker out and exaggerate the curves unflatteringly.  Flat-front pants "flatten" the curve of the tummy.


These Vera Wang pants from Kohl's are the most
flattering and comfortable pants I've ever worn.
Even better, as of the date of this post, they're under $30.

8.  Mid-rise jeans:  The currently popular low-waisted jeans are not for any of us who have the slightest gut.  The rise of the jean not only stops right below the gut, but can even push it up and out more (like a bra).  Another issue with low-waisted jeans is that your back/side flesh can sag over the sides causing the "muffin top" effect.  Mid-rise jeans have the same effect as the flat-front pants, smoothing out the curve of the tummy.  Bonus:  They mitigate the "plumber's butt" effect that we often see with the lower-rise pants. 

    
These jeans are too low for this body type. 
Image courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk



Mid-rise jeans by Lee

9.  Nude Mary Jane pumps:  Mary Jane's not a pin-up girl...in this case, I'm referring to the cute little shoes with a strap across the foot.  If you have anything less than amazon woman legs, you should steer clear of any shoe that has a strap across the foot or ankle as it visually"chops" the length of the legs and makes them look shorter.  The exception:  nude colored shoes.  Since they blend in (choose color accordingly) with your skin tone, they don't "chop" your leg off.


Check out the nude colored Mary Janes in the middle.
From Chadwicks.com.

10.  Hoodies:  A long-time fan of the hoodie, I never understood why it flattered me.  My belief is that the added volume of the hood resting on your back helps to balance out any "junk in the trunk" issues.


Cute hoodie from jcpenney.com. 

11.  A large bag:  A large tote or purse is more proportionate with a larger body.  A teeny purse makes the body look larger in contrast.  I always carry a large bag despite the fact that the contents could fit in a smaller one.  (So does Oprah by the way-and she cited the same reason).  A bonus benefit:  I don't need a grocery bag when picking up a few items; I just throw them in my tote.  Saving the Earth one bag at a time...and looking good while doing so.


Photo courtesy of eBay


BONUS TIP:  If you do nothing else for your face, have your eyebrows waxed (or, become an expert with tweezers).  Having clean, shapely brows "cleans up" the face in a way that no other small 'procedure' can.  You'll instantly look more awake and pulled together.

Many of us have yearned for other bodies, however, when will we ever get there?  Then again, some of us love our curves and couldn't be paid to give them up.  Either way, make the most of what you have.  By doing so, you'll feel more confident, projecting and then consequently attracting more positive energy around you.  This added energy will assist you in meeting your life goals, whatever they may be. 

Do you have any clothing tips to share?  If so, please post them in the comments at the bottom of the page.

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