Hello Lovelies!
It has been a minute and I miss the long-form writing! Typically I am hanging out over on TikTok or Instagram, and recently I have also been diving into YouTube! Again loving the long-form content and really getting to spend time fleshing out specific ideas. Speaking of fleshing out ideas, let’s chat fashion rules and why I (as a fat person) personally resent them!
I remember watching What Not To Wear at 7 years old with my sister, jealous of the four-figure shopping spree and in awe of the seemingly magical transformations. With the glam of hair and makeup tips, there was also the dreaded 360 degree mirror, where guests picked apart every flaw in their body and style. Later, these insecurities were masked with various fashion tricks: wearing an open blazer to create the illusion of a slim waistline, peplum to hide a baby belly, and making sure trousers didn’t hug your thighs.
I carried a lot of these ‘rules’ with me through puberty, my eating disorder, gaining weight after college, and through studying fashion. It wasn’t until I experimented with personal style that I understood: these specific fashion rules, while they will always exist, are not the law. Let’s look at a few rules and more specifically, how you can look good breaking them!
Big Shapes
Creating silhouettes is one of my favorite fashion freedoms. We may be divided on the recent ‘horseshoe’ pant trend, but I love experimenting with tight, loose, a-line, or unnatural shapes. It is fun and different, and when the shape of an outfit is interesting, the texture and colors can be whatever!
Tight Dresses
While this falls under the umbrella of silhouettes, a tight dress was always seen (by me and those who drilled in this idea) as something to be avoided. It showed too much of a curvy body and was therefore, ‘unflattering.’ Side note on the word ‘unflattering:’ I find that the definition of this term is anything (in reference to clothing) that does not act to create the illusion of thinness. If it makes your apron belly appear rather than disappear it shouldn’t be on your body. Based on the image below I disagree.
Horizontal Stripes
Another thing that can make you appear bigger or smaller: prints and patterns! I grew up hearing anti-horizontal stripe propaganda, and maybe through this article you already understand my primary message: wear what you want! Fashion is about creativity, and it is an artform.
“Fashion is the most powerful art there is. Its movement, design, and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be.” – Blair Waldorf
When you see a new piece of clothing, I hope you can think of how you would style it in a way that is exciting and true to you, rather than picking apart the ways it would not be fLaTeRiNg on you!
Low Back or Sleeveless Dresses
Continuing the body positive inspiration, one of my favorite creators, Chloe, also shares content squashing archaic fashion rules. I love how she styles her outfits and she looks so cute! Below is one recent example where she shows how to style dresses that show more of your back and arms. Of course, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, but if you are looking to explore new styles, I highly recommend checking Chloe out!
Swimwear, Shorts, and General Summer Attire
As we head into warmer months, last reminder for you is SWIMWEAR AND SUMMER CLOTHES ARE FOR ALL SIZES. You don’t have to be a certain size to enjoy swimming this summer. And lastly here is some more encouragement from Marielle Elizabeth, another creator I love!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this encouraged you to explore personal style that makes you comfortable and confident! While some people prefer to follow fashion rules, they aren’t universal, and if you need the push to get out of your comfort zone, here it is!
xx,
A