The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
AS with all body types the key to making the most of your figure is to dress to flatter your shape. Women with curvy figures typically fall under the “hour glass” body type. The main focus is the bust and hips with a narrow waist. If you have a curvy body type, you should choose pieces that naturally emphasise your waist and keep your top and bottom curves equally balanced out.
Wear your size
Hiding under oversized and baggy clothes will make you look bigger than you really are while buying clothes that are too small looks unflattering. Go for semi-fitted styles that softly follow your curves and show off your waistline, like a wrap dress. Other flattering silhouettes include sheaths (close fitting dress), belted shirt-dresses and full skirts. Avoid anything either too loose or too fitted (including styles that cinch the waist too tightly) and high necklines.
Don’t be afraid to colour block
Black is always seen as a slimming colour but adding a pop of colour to your outfit creates interest and can be used to highlight your best areas. Colour blocking, print blocking and seam details such as darts are great for creating silhouette and giving shape to your curvy body.
Balance your shapes
Combining the right silhouettes is important. If you are going for a sexy pencil skirt then pair it back with a looser top. Similarly if you are wearing a slim fitting tee or crop style top then add volume to the bottom half with a fuller skirt. Go for loose halter tops over tight tanks to avoid underarm chafing (chafing — irritation of the skin caused by repetitive friction). When it’s especially hot and humid out and you’re running around outside, underarm chafing from tight tank tops can be a literal pain. A breezy halter allows your underarms to breathe and still looks totally flirty.
Choose fabrics wisely
Choose fabrics that hug your figure as these will make you look more streamlined. Scuba, stretch crepe and double-faced viscose are great choices. Bulky fabrics such as velvet and heavy wool can appear shapeless. Wear cotton instead of polyester. Not all summer dresses are created equal. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton over synthetic ones like polyester, and you’ll sweat a lot less. And when you do sweat, your clothes won’t cling to your curves!
Know your necklines
If you have a large bust then scoop, boat and V-neck lines are much more flattering then round and high necks. Tone down cleavage without adding an extra layer. Low-cut necklines are just not made for girls with big chests but when it’s super hot out, wearing a camisole underneath just makes you more sweaty. Opt for a Cami Secret or bandeau, it’s actually super genius for covering up cleavage without the extra layer. You can adjust it higher or lower for the perfect coverage.
Think outside the box
Just because you are curvy it doesn’t mean that you can’t follow trends. Duster coats are a staple piece this season and look amazing on curvy figures. Wear them open and make sure to layer up underneath. Try boyfriend shorts to keep your behind covered without hiding your curves. Short shorts can be a little uncomfortable if you have a curvy behind — they ride up and basically become underwear. Cuffed boyfriend shorts that hit at your mid-thigh are totally on-trend and still show off your gorge curves.
Accessorise
Wear adjustable rings so they’ll still fit when your fingers swell from the heat. Rings that felt totally fine when you put them on in the morning can get super tight as the day goes on and temps heat up because your fingers swell. Shop for adjustable rings that either stretch or have a gap in the band that you can adjust so they’ll fit comfortably all day long.
Patch it up
Patch the inside of your jeans to combat inner thigh rips. Don’t stress if you ruin your fave pair of jeans from your thighs rubbing together and tearing away at the fabric. Chafing gets worse in the summer due to sweat, so be proactive: Sew a patch on the inside of your jeans where the fabric usually rips to create an extra layer of protection. Even if they do eventually start to rip, you won’t have to worry because you’ll already have a patch underneath.
Be confident
Know your body shape and be confident in what you are wearing. If you love your arms then show them in sleeveless styles, if you hate your legs then cover them in a midi length dress/skirt. Wear clothes that accentuate the areas of your body that you love and that make you feel good. Rock a hi-low hemline to keep your dress from flying up in the back. It’s too hot for tights, but your behind can make dresses ride up in the back, so when it gets windy, you have to scramble to avoid flashing the entire town. Hi-low dresses are longer in the back so you can show some leg without showing your underwear too. — Additional information from Online sources
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