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 how to approach wearing leather — at the same time! (And if her items are sold out, we’ve linked to similar styles below — happy shopping!)
Courtesy Allison Teng
One of my favorite things for fall is leather. Ladies, you can rock leather, no matter what size you are. I picked up this Nordstrom Halogen leather wrap skirt at their anniversary sale. I wanted to incorporate it into a look that felt right for fall, and was a bit edgier than my usual vibe (if you haven’t realized already, I love shaking things up from time to time!). The skirt is a pencil style with a faux wrap detail (so it looks like a wrap skirt, but it actually isn’t). I think pencil skirts are chic and sophisticated on everyone, and the wrap detail on this one gives off a really nice lengthened look. My #1 rule for finding a great pencil skirt is to make sure it is fitted enough. Don’t buy a style that is straight cut all the way down—it will make you look wider. The skirt should come in a bit at the thigh and lightly skim your shape. If you’re curvier, try tucking in your top to show off your waist like I did here. I chose this sleeveless Forever 21+ billowy ruffled top to balance the form-fitting skirt. Striking the right balance between loose and fitted pieces can help you feel so much more comfortable—and confident–in what you’re wearing.
I like the geometric pattern of this H&M jacket because it looks interesting, but the pattern isn’t over-the-top crazy. When the jacket is on (shop here for a similar one), it hits slightly above my hips, a flattering length on most girls. The shape of the jacket is a little boxy so the shorter cut keeps it from being overwhelming. My Prabal Gurung for Target heels hit lower on my ankles to continue the line of my legs, my H&M cuff is a sleek, simple detail, and my cute Coach satchel let’s me do some subtle pattern-mixing.
RELATED: See even more wardrobe tips from Allison here!
If you love the look of leather, I really encourage you to try it. Start with a leather jacket or an A-line skirt to get you comfortable with the material, and build to more fitted pieces like a pencil skirt. Even though this skirt hugs my stomach a bit, I still totally love it. Don’t be afraid to show your curves!
What are your tricks for mix-and-matching diffferent silhouettes? Sound off below!
