Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 21, 1993 TAG: 9303190400
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Charlyne H. McWilliams
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
YOU'VE GOT IT - FLAUNT IT!
It's time for us women of size to start taking charge of the way we look. Instead of being ashamed of our ampleness, we need to work on accentuating our positives.For a long time, fashion for larger women was restricted to tent-like smocks that didn't acknowledge our femininity or to old-fashioned lines that made us look old beyond our years.
Thank the fashion gods that designers' attitudes have changed. They now acknowledge that women of size have taste and style in clothes.
Because of that enlightenment, larger women have more to chose from than ever. And despite the negative messages many thinner members of society have sent us, we can and do look good in our clothes. The trick is finding out what types of clothing suit us individually.
It's important not to take our new-found opportunities in fashion and turn them into fiasco.
First we have to take an honest look at our bodies and accept our shapes. Some of us have big bottoms and small tops or vice versa. Frank evaluation of our shapes will help us define most flatters us. Don't be afraid. Experiment with clothes when you go shopping, try them on. If the saleswomen don't volunteer an opinion, ask them. Or ask another customer.
Some of us can wear fitted dresses. Not the knit things that scream for us to go to the gym and live on the Stairmaster for a week, but dresses made of more flowing materials like rayon. These are the ones that have tapered waist and fuller chest and hip areas and look really plain on the rack. But put that thing on, and boom! you're almost a guaranteed knock-out. But beware: Those of us who have no waistline might not want to try this look. It does nothing for us, and remember, the goal is to accentuate the positive, ladies.
Please don't take the popularity of fitted stirrup pants as an indication that you can pull out those polyester knit pants. No, you should burn them. They do nothing but cling to our every curve and bump.
Just because it's your size doesn't mean you'll look good in it. Yes, flower-print dresses are in, but they aren't made for everyone. I'll be blunt: If you're a large woman, you can't wear some of those things even if they are made in your size. Sorry, there may be a fushia thong bikini in a size 28, but don't try it.
Being creative with accessories is a plus especially in the age of the dwindling tax refund check. Take that 3-year-old dress and add a scarf, necklace or decorative pin. These items are not that expensive and can give new looks to old clothes.
Armed with this new ammunition, you can go and shop in confidence. And remember, if you don't appreciate yourself, no one else will.
Charlyne H. McWilliams is a staff writer for the Roanoke Times & World-News. She doesn't wear a size 6.