“Plus-size women willingly pay for quality, style and comfortable clothing. Many are in the workforce, where looking good is almost as important as performance. Larger women no longer feel the need to wear only black or tent-like clothing. Department stores and specialty shops have sales personnel who can answer any questions about proper fit and will put together a great looking outfit.” - Modeling At Any Age (Seaside Publishing, Copyright 2008)
No matter how hard we try, at this time of the year the scale seems to creep up and gaining 10 pounds is not unusual. Those office parties, house parties, family dinners and the stress of trying to do it all do not help. We tend to eat more when we dine with others or when we are in front of a buffet. Before we know it we do not feel good about the way we look or how our clothes fit. Getting ready for our next event becomes and chore and now we have nothing to wear.
While there is no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet, wearing the proper wardrobe and undergarments can effectively conceal those unwanted pounds. Have you ever asked, “Have you lost weight?” only to hear the response, “No it’s the outfit.” This emphasizes the effect clothing can have on how you look. Undergarments provide the much needed foundation and allow clothing to fit properly. The larger the size the more important the proper undergarments are. Control top pantyhose and a good underwire bra with built in support will become an asset.
As a fit model I worked with manufacturers trying on samples and making fit comments before the garments were sold to stores and eventually the consumer. I learned one thing; most people do not wear the right size. Just because you may be a size 12 for one manufacturer does not mean you will wear a 12 for all brands. You 
may be a 14 in one designer brand and a 16 in another. What makes it more difficult to make a selection is the additional breakdown of junior, missy and women’s sizes. Although there are standards, every manufacturer has their own sizing chart. Since everyone wants to have the best image possible, find your correct size and become familiar with a variety of brands. This will help you select a proper fitting garment, one that is both comfortable and will disguise any figure flaws.
Our plus-size model Molly in the “before” photo wears an improper fitting top, undergarments that offer no support and a skirt that is too long for the type of sandals on her feet. She has also tucked in her top bringing emphasis to her full midsection. In the “after” photo she is wearing a look for a night on the town, one color from head to toe elongates her body. The dress has simple classic lines without buttons, pockets or zippers that can stop the eye near the midsection. A splash of color around her shoulders and neck draw your eyes upward bringing attention to her beautiful face. Jewelry will have the same affect. Don’t be afraid to show your arms or to wear a halter dress as long as you are wearing your correct size. Plus size women tend to cover their arms but as you can see from this photo, there is no need to.
Kelly Matchbitz, Certified Image Consultant, said this about the wardrobe plus-size women choose, “What I notice about my plus size clients is that they try to camouflage their weight by wearing ill fitting over sized shapeless clothing. 
Tunic tops that are too large and do not fit the shoulders. Shift dresses that are boxy and have no shape to them. They should choose fabrics that skim thebody instead of clinging to the curves. Draw attention to a great feature. Most people have at least one great feature; their neck, collar bone or back. Highlight the positive and take the focus away from the negative by using accessoriessuch as necklaces or scarves.”
AVOID -
Garments with buttons that pull in your fullest area
Short tops, tucking anything in or belts to cinch a garment at the waist if you have a full middle
White or light colors on the bottom
Pockets on the front or side as these can add bulk
Clothing too large making you look sloppy or too tight making you look like a stuffed sausage
DO TRY -
Wear longer tops in a stretch fabric
Use accessories around your face to bring color and the eye upward
Go for a longer blazer left open
Wear dark slacks with a flat front
Wear monochromatic colors from top to bottom with a contrasting blazer
No matter what size you wear or how much weight you gain at the end of the year, selecting proper fitting garments will not only allow you to look your best but also boost your confidence. Let’s face it when you look good you feel good. Increased confidence leads to you becoming more positive, more productive and a person others want to be around. Before you reach for just any dress for that black tie event, review the points above because first impressions do count!
www.modeling-beginningtobooking.com - Ro Martinez, Acting and Model Coach, Author
www.totalfashionmakeover.com - Kelly Matchbitz, Certified Image Consultant
Ross Krison, Photographer