Welcome Allison Teng, 26, of Curvy Girl Chic, who is joining us as our resident plus-size style blogger. She was featured in the March issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch and contributes her thoughts on finding the perfect outfit to the site each week. This week, she gives great tips on making a trend your own.
Courtesy Allison Teng
Fashion doesn’t have to be uncomfortable — no matter your size. And being a plus girl doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice what makes you feel good for what you think makes you look good. In fact, great style and comfort can go hand in hand!
For this look, I wanted to put something together that felt summery and casual, but still cool and on-trend. The SWAK Designs cami has a really loose, flowy silhouette. I know, I know, some people say that curvier girls should stay away from excess fabric, but I think it’s all in the styling and proportion. When I wear longer, boxier pieces on top, I go for slightly lower necklines (higher ones tend make my chest look big and my neck look short anyway) and smaller, bodycon pieces on the bottom, like this Forever 21+ skirt. Plus girls can totally pull off fitted silhouettes like this. It’s all about balance and finding your comfort level. If you’re feeling a little shy about showing off your bottom half, add a calf-grazing cardi or coverup, like this printed one from H&M. It’s also a great way to cover your arms if don’t feel like showing them off — and it’s sheer, so it adds a subtle glam, sexy touch to the outfit. Triple bonus: It’s an easy way to wear a print, if prints are something that usually intimidate you. Tonal prints look cool, but they’re not over the top and in your face. They’re basically as easy to wear as neutrals!
RELATED: See even more wardrobe tips from Allison here!
I finished with colorful Mossimo ankle-strap wedges that really show off my legs, plus a long Dannijo necklace that I can easily slip over my head. (Here’s a similar style!) And, my Forever 21 and ShinyMix bracelets are adjustable for an easy fit. When I’m going with something more laid-back, I like to dress up the outfit a bit with pops of jewelry.
Have I mentioned that all of the pieces I’m wearing are so easy to move in? Again, it’s not about sacrificing your comfort to look stylish. You can have both — at any size!
What’s the best way you find balance between fashion and function? Share it in the comments!
