Defined by CURVES

In this piece, Aderonke Olubanjo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF DVG Styles, a unisex fashion outfit based in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital shares tips on how a plus size woman can look stunning despite her curves.

They call them plus size, but the fashion industry has a new name to celebrate this bold range – CURVES. If you are curvy, bold and beautiful your curves are an asset that you should flaunt and not hide.

As a fashion designer, I personally have a flair for curvy ladies as they have a beautiful way of flaunting some designs better. If you are on the curvy side, you may often be in a dilemma of knowing what best suits your shape and how to avoid ill fitting dresses. As long as you know what fits, the issue is almost solved.

One of problem in styling plus size is thinking fitted clothes will hide their curves. Unfortunately, the reverse is usually the case as the curves you would have loved to hide, especially in the ‘mid’ section would be revealed.

Below are few styling and dressing tips to help you:

Avoid tight and low waist trousers: They tend to push in the lower part of the abs and push out the tummy; this may make it look bigger than normal. If your trouser is fitted at the band, go with a breezy blouse to hide the ‘pokes’

Colours – the common rule is that dark colours make you look smaller. This rule applies when the fit is right. White can make you look fit and small when and if properly styled, same way black can make you look big, if the styling is wrong.

Also, ignore the rule which says that boubou makes you look bigger. It actually has a matured way of making you look natural while hiding all the curves you want to hide. It is a perfect escape for the days you want to eat all you want. It is actually advisable to have nice colourful boubous and free blouses in your wardrobe. But remember to pair the free blouses with skinny pants or leggings.

• Drama, as YouWin awardees, storm APC Secretariat

Draw attention to your legs if you can: A subtle way of showing off is by drawing attention to other places and taking them off places you want to conceal. A short dress will do you good if you are bold enough to rock it.

V-necklines – slim down the bust area with V necks.

Avoid heavy detailing or embellishment around the waist area. They will make you look bigger. Any detailing in the waist area should be moved to the empire-cut line.

To conceal the tummy area: Avoid tight and clingy clothes over that area. This appears as one of the common errors, with the thought that it makes you look slimmer.

Go for vertical stripes – the lines create the illusion of height. Horizontal stripes may give broad appearance. If you have your way, play with the stripes.

Belt placement: As easy as it sounds, it can make your mid area appear bigger. For some women, belt placement can be good at any point, but if you have an obvious mid area, move your belt place up to the smallest part of your waist, never allow it rest on the tummy. You can play around with it in front of the mirror to know which placements suit your body type.