Fit, Fabric & Designers

Last week, I got an email from a reader asking me a question (fashion/clothing wise). I figured it would be better to share my answer/opinion on here for everyone instead of just replying to the email. She asked as follows:

“I am now trying to learn more about fabrics because I have found that the weight of fabric is very important for curvy girls, and I am also trying to become more aware of plus-size designers. A few months ago, I stumbled upon a pair of dark-wash DKNY jeans which look fabulous on me, and I am already starting to mourn their passing because I can’t find a second pair. If you have insight into these topics—fabrics and designers—I would love to hear your thoughts.”

Lulu, the Miniature Golden Retriever (Joke-she’s a cavalier), wants some attention.

To me the most important thing when choosing clothing is the fit and the fabric. There are so many people I see on the streets that are wearing clothing a couple of sizes too small and in fabric that shows every nook and cranny.  When finding clothes for yourself, the number one thing to do is be honest with yourself about what size you wear!

It is amazing how much better you look when something isn’t giving you a muffin top or makes you look like your circulation is being cut off. Nobody knows what size you’re wearing when you are walking down the street. Who cares?!

My thoughts on fabric are this: SUPPORT. You want to wear a clothing item that will hold you in. On pants especially this is important–they need to be made of a fabric that smooths you out and have a waist that goes up high enough to hold you in. Low-rise are not a good fit on most bodies (plus size or not).

If you are wearing something slinky and hugging your body–get the right kinds of undergarments or don’t wear it! Spanx (or the cheaper version at Target: Assets) are wonderful! I have only worn the tights or nylons, but they are the support you need for certain clothing items. Everyone should own a pair!

Designer wise–I appreciate designs from designers, but I am not stuck on wearing them myself. It is more important, when clothing myself, to find the right fit, look, and price. Don’t get me wrong–I love me some Marc Jacobs! When I fit in something of his and it is on sale enough, I definitely go crazy–but it’s not the most important thing.

Like I mentioned before, it’s all about the fit and fabric. This is not always synonymous with something being designer. There are plenty of “designer” clothing out there that are pieces of shit. You can, also,  find some great quality designer products–you just have to know how it differs from the cheaper stuff. Ask yourself–is it just the name or is this actually a great product? For example, people go nuts for the brown LV Louis Vuitton bags, but they aren’t even leather! They are some kind of treated CANVAS! In this case, you are paying for the name not necessarily the quality.

In conclusion: it’s all about looking good. If you like it and it looks good–wear it! It’s about what makes YOU happy. (BUT, I don’t think a muffin top  makes anyone happy–so remember fit and fabric!)