Welcome Allison Teng, 27, 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 highlighting your assets! (And if her items are sold out, we’ve linked to similar styles below — happy shopping!)
Courtesy Allison Teng
I love a chunky knit for fall, especially when it’s super comfy and oversize! When combined, both of these characteristics can seem extra daunting, but they don’t have to be! Take this preppy V-neck sweater for example — I had been in love with a similar style for what seemed like forever, but it didn’t come in plus. When I found this version at H&M (similar style) for a fraction of the price, and saw that it came in XL, I was in heaven. First and foremost, I love how oversize it is, and the slouchy shape feels cool and laid-back. The thick, banded low V-neck is super elongating, and gives the illusion of a deep plunge without showing a ton of cleavage. The sweater also has a vertical rib to it — again, lengthening — but it’s not tight or clingy. The hemline is one that I think works on most plus girls — it hits right below the hips, and in my case, fills out my apple shape really nicely.
RELATED: See even more wardrobe tips from Allison here!
I didn’t want to pair an oversize sweater with something slouchy on the bottom, since the combo runs the risk of overwhelming your shape. The trick to pulling off an oversize top like this is to pair it with something that balances it out and puts it in proportion. I chose a fitted H&M skirt (similar style) that takes the sweater in a bit of a sexier direction. I wanted something that would peek out from underneath — this is a great way to wear a body-con skirt without having to worry about every little bump showing!
This Simply Be coat feels really refined and ladylike, but when thrown over your shoulders, has a bit more of a laid-back vibe. I like that it’s boxy, but it’s not lined so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk. I went for a structured Axel Accessories clutch (similar style) to balance the slouchy sweater. You want to pair oversize pieces with ones that are more structured — it keeps everything from looking sloppy. I chose edgier Lane Bryant boots for a cool contrast with the preppy sweater and polished coat. A higher boot is also great with a shorter skirt — you can show some leg without revealing too much.
Plus girls, it’s true — you can be sexy AND comfortable at the same time. That doesn’t necessarily have to mean wearing a slouchy top and fitted skirt — just pinpoint your assets and play those up. The rest will fall into place!
How do you play up what you love and play down what you don’t? Sound off below!
