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Discover ways to break the mid-size fashion rules, find your personal style and wear something bold.
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There’s this episode of This American Life that I think about often. It’s called “Tell Me I’m Fat” and it discusses the topic of fatness and the personal stories of weight. Not just weight loss, but the existence and our obsession with size. It’s not just about dieting stories but also the concept of size acceptance. While some of the stories hit really close to home, I appreciate the conversation highlighting more of the spectrum on such delicate topics.
I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life, and I have also been on a diet most of my life. I’ve struggled to find balance with watching what I eat because I was either very strict or too carefree. While I loved the praise from my diet progression, I was secretly tortured and frustrated every time I had a meal. When it finally became too overwhelming, I found an eating disorder therapist.
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How I’ve Started Seeing My Body Differently
Slowly, I stopped labeling my food as “good” or “bad.” I started eating enough to handle my lifestyle choices. And I started to accept and love my body for the space I take up.
I’ve used social media and this blog to elevate things I’m scared to say out loud to myself. There’s something about saying certain things out loud that has helped take the ouch away. Things like, “Let them think you’re cringe,” or sharing my clothing sizes. I’d rather live my truth than hold myself back in the judgments of others.
As someone who’s struggled with my weight for most of my life, I’m sure I’m the biggest critic, so I’ve given myself grace as I work through finding my personal style and learning how to dress for myself (rather than dressing based on general rules).
Fashion Rules for Mid-Size Women
There are certain rules that used to be common regarding fashion. Things like don’t wear horizontal stripes, they’ll make your larger body look wider. Avoid body-hugging clothes because they’ll point out your flaws. And don’t even think about wearing a crop top; no one wants to see your stomach.
Over time I held myself accountable to certain rules of ways I should and shouldn’t dress, strictly based on my size. Like, who was I to wear loud colors? Everyone will see me and be thinking it.
The Red Lipstick Story
It reminds me of the first time I wore red lipstick. I remember the surge of sheer panic that I felt knowing how bright and obvious it was. It felt… inappropriate to have so much attention. Whether or not the attention was real, it didn’t matter. What did other people think of me? I’ll never know (and why did I care). I just experienced my day completely propelled outside of my comfort zone. It took some getting used to but it’s become my thing.
As I’ve explored finding my own personal style I’ve realized these rules are meant to be broken. I have just as much right to wear loud colors as anyone else. And remember, any body in a bikini is a bikini body.
Mid-Size Fashion Tips (to Break)
Let’s revisit some of the styling rules for mid-size bodies that were meant to be broken. Hope you can find inspiration from these style tips to build confidence in your wardrobe.
“Avoid Horizontal Stripes”
For what seemed like forever, this seemed like the number one rule for mid-size body: You should never wear horizontal stripes. The rule was built around the concept that they’d make your body look wider, because society thinks you should look slender. In reality, you should wear what makes you feel comfortable.
Horizontal Pattern Outfit Ideas
If you’re looking for ways to wear horizontal stripes, here are a few mid-size styling tips.
- Start with small coverage. If you’re hesitant about horizontal stripes, start with pieces that have a small number of stripes, such as a striped scarf or a top with horizontal stripes on the sleeves. This allows you to incorporate the pattern without feeling overwhelmed. Eventually, you can graduate to striped coverage that you feel comfortable with
- Accessories can help balance out the stripes. Try adding statement jewelry or a belt to draw attention to specific areas and break up the horizontal lines. I love these oversized sunglasses as a statement piece.
- Try layering to add dimension. Layering striped pieces with other patterns or textures can create visual interest and avoid a monotonous look. For example, a striped shirt under a solid-colored blazer or a striped dress with a patterned scarf can be stylish and engaging.
“No Crop Tops”
This is probably the most judgey of all styling rules (thank you, patriarchy!). Yet this one is also the most “gives zero fucks” fashion statement, regardless of the size of your body. Even as I fall in love with my body at any size, this one is the hardest for me. I’ve slowly started adding more skin with high-waist leggings to play peek-a-boo with my stomach.
If you’re looking to style a crop top into your look, consider these options:
- Start with tucking a longer top. Try tucking your shirt into your bra to make any shirt a crop top (or you can use products like the Crop Tuck or the Tucky to add a strap for holding your shirt hem).
- Shift your waistline fo an optical illusion. Pairing a crop top with high-waisted pants, skirts, or shorts helps create a smooth, flattering silhouette and allows you to control how much midriff is shown. This combo often feels more comfortable and balanced.
“Stick to Dark Colors”
Overall, dark colors can be slimming, but colored clothing can add confidence! It’s also important to understand why you’re wearing dark colors in the first place. Dark colors are great, but if you’re using them as an option to blend in, I’d encourage you to try wearing a bright color occasionally to see how you feel.
I love a good jewel tone and I’ve started slowly adding more fun colors to my wardrobe. Having bright and bold options say “I am here” and are a great way to channel “main character energy.”
“No Loud Prints or Patterns”
Wearing loud prints or patterns can be a fun and bold way to express your style! For mid-size or plus-size bodies, incorporating these eye-catching elements can be done with confidence and flair.
Patterned Clothing Outfit Ideas for Mid-Sized Women
Here are some tips to help rock loud prints and patterns:
- Start with a small statement piece. If you’re new to wearing loud prints, start by incorporating one statement piece into your outfit, like a printed dress, top, or pants. Let this piece be the focal point and keep the rest of the outfit simple to balance the look as you build confidence with bold prints.
- Pair patterns with classic pieces. Consider pairing loud prints and patterns with classic pieces, like a fitted blazer, cat eye sunglasses (like these from Sojos) or a little black dress.
- Add complementary pieces. If you want to mix prints, go for patterns that share a similar color scheme or complementary colors. Stripes with polka dots or floral with geometric patterns can work well when the colors are coordinated.
Related Post: Looking for comfortable clothes to travel in? We’ve got you covered for comfortable travel outfits in this post!
“Shapewear Is a Must”
Shapewear is a godsend but not mandatory (especially when it’s hot or humid). Styling without shapewear can still be both flattering and comfortable.
Here are some things to consider for styling your outfits without using shapewear:
- Wear fabrics with a comfortable fit. Fabrics with a bit of stretch, like elastane or spandex blends, can provide comfortable fit and smooth lines without the need for shapewear. Structured materials can offer support and comfort while feeling like everything is “in place.”
- Wear materials that complement your shape. Look for materials that move with your body. Dresses and skirts with A-line or empire waist cuts can provide a flattering shape without clinging to the body. These styles allow for movement and comfort!
- Add shape to your curves! Use belts to define your waist and add shape to your outfits. Use your curves to your advantage!
Remember: Your Mid-Size Style, Your Rules
I’ve found that clothes that are too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable and affect how I feel about my body. Breaking a rule isn’t about just breaking the rule: it’s about feeling powerful in your own skin. If you’re looking to start off, try using accessories to draw attention to your best features.
Ultimately, confidence is key. Regardless of the approach you take, wearing your outfit with confidence is the best way to make any look shine. You are someone who deserves to be able to wear what you want! And if someone has a problem with it, tell them to mind their own business.
Let me know what mid-size fashion rules you plan on breaking in the comments. And if you love this post, share it with a friend!
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