Special Occasion Plus Size Suit
From LoveToKnow Plussize
Whether for worship, a dressy afternoon event or any time you want to look smart but not overly dressed up, a special occasion plus size suit is exactly what’s needed. Hillary Clinton reminded women all over again just how great an elegant suit can look, whatever the circumstance.
Special Occasion Plus Size Suit Styles
Traditionally, the special occasion plus size suit combines a jacket and skirt, although trousers can be substituted. When trousers are worn, it’s common to pair them with fancy high heels and a little more jewelry to look more feminine.
The classic Coco Chanel suit, with a straighter skirt and boxy jacket, is as fashionable as ever, although for a plus size woman, it has to be fitted to be flattering – if the jacket doesn’t sit right, it can over-emphasize curves, particularly on a pear-shaped body.
Far more popular is the suit whose jacket features a nipped waist. A peplum hanging from that waist is perfect for hiding any tummy bulge and creating a more alluring silhouette. These suits were very popular in the 1940s and 1950s and the style can still be found in modern designs. Most women find it more comfortable and dressy to wear the jackets over A-line or flared skirts that drop to the knee or slightly below.
Shopping for Dressy Suits
As with most of your shopping, it can be best to start, if not stick with, clothes designed specifically for the full figure in mind. While larger sizes of the catwalk fashions can look great, the best fits will almost always be something tailor-made for your body.
When it comes to a dressier outfit, especially one you expect to keep a few years, you will always do best to try something on first. In fact, the tailored nature of a really good suit demands that you try it on in a full-service shop that will not only fit you, but make alterations as needed. As men have known for decades, a suit has to be fitted exactly to your body to look its absolute best. A salesperson who understands how clothes drape and hang will be able to assess the fit of your dress suit in crucial areas like the shoulders, bust and waist. She will study where the skirt sits on the torso and how it lies across the hips when you stand, sit or walk. Skirt length will be discussed – a skirt that falls on the fleshiest part of the calves will make your legs look shorter and plumper, even with very high heels. The length of the sleeves and jacket are also important.
If you have no great options and have to shop online, try to get as much information as you can before you buy. Few outlets will even have access to details like shoulder measurements, but it’s worth consulting with customer service to see what they can do for you. While you can always do an exchange, it’s preferable to try and get it right on the first order.
Shopping for Vintage Suits
Through the 1960s, women wore a lot of suits, and so special occasion plus size suits were something every full-figured woman had in her wardrobe. While the skirts have not often survived, many jackets have; you can have a skirt made in a contrasting color and use accessories to tie it all together. As mentioned above, the vintage style of a fitted waist with a peplum is very flattering to the plus size figure. The shoulder pads that were so popular in the 1940s also help to shape the look, creating a more defined silhouette. While you may have to confine your shopping to online outlets, you can at least be assured that the sellers will be able to provide you with all the measurement information you require.
Complete the look with flowers or a brooch at the lapel and a smart hat – you’ll be dazzling!
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This page has been accessed 2,247 times. This page was last modified 14:16, 19 November 2008.
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