Who says curvy girls can't rock stripes?! Dare to wear the hottest trends with these no-fail tips from fashion diva Nicolette Mason. By Nicolette Mason
Big girls are forever being told what not to wear, that everything from stripes to pleats to booties (even ponytails!) are off-limits to us. Is it any wonder that so many full-figured women cling to their boring black separates-the "safest" things in their wardrobes?
Thankfully, my years working in fashion have taught me some invaluable lessons about how to pull off pieces traditionally thought of as no-no's for anyone beyond a size 6. Follow these foolproof tips and brace yourself for some serious style points.
Horizontal StripesMYTH Horizontal stripes enlarge a big frame.
TRUTH Break up the pattern with a blazer or colored pants. Très chic-for all figures.
30 Dates That Spice Up Your Relationship
MYTH Top-heavy women can't wear knits.
TRUTH Look for body-skimming silhouettes in metallic for a pulled-together take.
PeplumMYTH Peplums add volume.
TRUTH A streamlined pencil skirt with a peplum creates an hourglass shape.
Bold ColorMYTH Black is the most flattering color for fuller figures.
TRUTH Solid, bold hues are equally slimming.
"How amazing does Amber Riley look in this juicy tangerine number? Love the skinny belt, which creates an hourglass silhouette and offsets the volume of her skirt."
Money Rules All Women Should Live By
MYTH Full skirts make bottoms look bigger.
TRUTH Soft pleats at the waist camouflage the rear and the tummy area.
Patterned PantsMYTH Patterned pants draw attention to a heavy bottom.
TRUTH Worn with heels and a solid top or blazer, they add pop, not pounds.
More from MarieClaire.com
The Most Iconic Movie Dresses of All Time10 Tips To Climb To The Top of Your Career
The Top 10 Skincare Myths - Debunked!
10 Beauty Products That Will Change Your Life
Become a fan of Marie Claire on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
