Guest Insights: Confidence while Plus Size and 35 Plus

Over the last year, my style has evolved.  It’s in a refining process.  Well into my thirties, I’ve become bolder and more subdued at the same time.  Bolder, simpler pieces.  An evolution of style.  The desire to take bigger risks but be confident and to embrace what it truly means to have a personal signature style.   I’ve been overhauling my closet.  Choosing better and more flattering pieces, tossing worn items and purchasing only the things I adore and flatter me the most.

The question of being plus size, as it inevitably comes up, often turns to what’s appropriate.  As I’ve reached my thirties, the conversation is heard more frequently – only this time age is also a factor.  In this case, there’s a battle to dress my body and age appropriately.

But what does that mean?

I talked with a few of my friends – all with a love of plus size fashion and the women who wear it.  When I asked them about the idea of age appropriate dressing, everyone was quick to chime in with positive ideas and trends.  That’s a great thing – it means we’re all passionate about it!  Here are a few of the quotes I captured:

“I think it’s a matter of dressing your authentic self.” ~ @filthycharm

“Everything can be done in good taste.” ~ @thebashionista

“You have to be aware of your body and what’s flattering.” @roddklever

Authentic, nothing is out of reach and flattering are the goals no matter what. Being age appropriate isn’t about being “appropriate.”  Let’s be real, that can mean different things for different people.  It can also mean something different, lending to the setting and the event.  It can have a host of other implications: what I may wear at a size 18 may be different than someone who is a size 14 or a size 22.

I believe what’s appropriate is what makes you feel beautiful, confident and more powerful.  Most times, that means caring for ourselves in all aspects – physically, mentally and how we choose to adorn our bodies in addition to creating the outward appearance the world sees.  Feeling beautiful is the end result of many things – not just clothing.  The key – confidence.

Why is any of this important?  Because everyone will have an opinion of what you should or shouldn’t wear.  It’s better when you yourself can find the confidence and the strength to make those decisions for yourself while reminding yourself there will be critics, naysayers and those who are general haters.  But the most important person to please is you.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found there are definite challenges to confidence, creating my version of sexy and wearing something reflective of my style.  Many plus size bloggers are under 35 and it’s left me thinking many times – can I rock that? How?

I’m here to tell you, I believe you can make just about any trend work for you at any age.  Whether it’s a color, a fabric, an overall look.  The main goal is confidence.  Are you questioning how you look?

Are you tugging at it in the dressing room (or at home if you ordered online)? Then something needs to be fixed or something else needs to be chosen. 

Confidence is always the beginning element.  Being confident with what you’re wearing, how you look in it and for me these days, comfortable, is one of the keys to being beautiful.

Here are a few of the S/S trends for 2012 featured in today’s post

• Chambray and Denim
• Stripes
• Peekaboo midriffs

Our first board features chambray.  This season there are shirts, shoes, dresses, skirts, slacks.  I currently have an amazing dress I bought – last year and can’t wait to wear it! Pairing the fabric with nude shoes and gold accessories gives it a beautiful vintage feel.

Our second board features stripes and the peekaboo midriff – let me say, plus women, we can wear so many variations of stripes and patterns! Never be afraid to try something a little different.  Shorter versus longer, a loose fit or bodycon.  I focused on the bodycon style – there’s no reason to be afraid of form-fitting items. Pair them down or up!  The peekaboo midriff can still be worn – it’s about how we’ve paired it that matters.

I encourage you this season to do something out of the norm and buy yourself something different. If you’re not sure – ask someone.  Head to the boutiques.  Make a day of it for yourself.  Try new items on.  Ask questions.  Ask for suggestions.  This year, we’re going to break new ground, be beautiful and be confident.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on plus size fashion as it relates to being age appropriate.  What are your thoughts on the fashion boards? Do you have any surefire rules for dressing in your thirties? Does it matter what you wear if you’re over 35? Can we really pull anything off?

For questions or comments, please reach me on twitter @fromraewithlove.