Embracing Modesty, No 29
Being plus-sized has its challenges when it comes to clothing. My friends that are average size tell me they have challenges too, but it’s hard to believe it’s the same intensity. I have lumps in places where clothing designers don’t expect. But since God made us all unique I am sure we do all have something that challenges us when it comes to getting dressed.
For me it’s all about the lines. If I can find ways to use long, vertical lines then I can make myself look slimmer. I create the illusion of slimness by elongating my body. I wonder if I used enough line if I could create the illusion that I look like Heidi Klum. Nah. There aren’t enough lines in the western world for that, so I’d better just go for looking the best version of myself.
I debated showing you this first look because it’s not very flattering on me. But then I decided to use it as an example of what to look for. This top isn’t great on me because it cuts me off and draws attention to my worst part of my body, which is my midsection. But the skirt is one of my favorites for the summer because it’s shorter and goes with everything. Plus I can show you my new wedges in this picture. I discovered that some wedges don’t hurt my feet, so I’m going wedge crazy. I love them because their little bit of height make me look longer and they are playful.
I also need to show you my purses sometimes. I love a great purse. Did you know that if you are a bigger girl you should carry a big purse? It will make you look slimmer? Plus you can use your big purse to cover your worst spots when you’re having your picture taken.
This next outfit has become one of my summer favorites. The skirt is gauzy and cool, the top is great because I don’t have to layer anything with it. It covers everything I want to cover. Even though it has wing sleeves, it goes up all the way to my armpit underneath, so no exposed sides. I got it a few weeks ago at Cato and they have lots of other colors too. Notice my red Birkenstocks peeking out…..that’s my patriotic look. And the flower pin dresses it up. Again, if you’re bigger, you want to wear bigger jewelry.
On this next day I must have been feeling rebellious. Stripes with plaid? That breaks every rule! But I like to mix it up and I enjoyed this combination. To make it more slimming I added a black shirt underneath and a long necklace. If you wear a jacket or shirt open it creates a thin line down the middle of your body and is flattering on anyone. And…..my other pair of delicious wedges…yum!
This last look is an example of how slimming it is when you wear the same color top and skirt. If there is no break in the middle of your body then you look longer and therefore thinner. I added the little jacket because this top is sleeveless. And the blue wedges again…just because I could.
I wonder why I have such a blank look on my face in that picure. I need to work on my expressions. I can’t actually be as miserable about having my picture taken as is looks. Besides, what if I actually get mistaken for Heidi Klum and some Paparazzi start following me around? I need to look fabulous!
Be sure to check out the Embracing Modesty Gallery for all of the posts in this series.
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Love the mixing plaid and stripes! You look great.
I love love love the grey dress! Where did you purchase it?
I would have never thought to mix the plaid and stripes, but they look great together. 🙂
Looking good, lady! I especially LOVE the grey outfit & the blue wedges. And, I totally do all the little tricks like big accessories & even bigger fabulous bags!!
I love the gray dress and blue cardigan. So cute. You look so good with an open neckline. I on the other hand don’t. Wish I did. I need a crew neck and those are so hard to find. As always your posts are to inspiring.
I just love your style! I actually bought a skirt at TJ Maxx not long ago that I was inspired by these posts to get! And when I tried to explain it to my mom over the phone, the best explanation we agreed on was “You know like the diagonal lines one Lisa Pennington has on a couple of her Modesty posts, except tan.” 🙂
Great tips! I’m plus-sized too. I find a V-neck top is slimming. It’s a vertical line of sorts. I love the denim skirt in your first picture. I think it would look more slimming with a blue top for more of a one-colour look. The beige and white top in the 1st picture would also look nice with the white skirt.
I love your slimming ideas – my Mum has been drilling those same principles into my head since I was 9 years old! Another of her tips is to make sure your clothes fit – if they are too tight all the lumps are revealed, but if they are too loose and baggy it adds visual pounds. I’m having an especially hard time with that right now as I loose and everything is too big – I keep hoping I can still wear my favorites, but they look terrible!
So were did you find comfortable wedges? I have foot issues too and finding shoes that are cute and comfy is so hard! I have one pair of shoes for summer and they are getting really worn out. Your shoes are always cute!
Thank you for addressing the plus size issues so beautifully! You manage a look that is stylish, feminine, hip and modest all together. It is sometimes a challenge to find items that don’t fall in the plus teen mode or the 90 year old grandma mode. I especially love your last outfit!
That gray outfit with the blue is very flattering! The style is slimming and the blue is great for your eyes. I’ve really appreciated this series!
Very pretty looks. I think you’re having a great deal of fun with these looks. I especially like your hair when it’s poufier on top and the blue with gray outfit is my favorite. The center medallion is a lovely touch.
You do look fabulous!
Love the last outfit and the one with the white skirt/blue shirt! Cute!
Oh, and that denim skirt!
Great outfits!
Great tips, Lisa! You look lovely; you do a great job of sticking to your principles and looking fashionable and fun and pretty.
To your point, I DO think being anything other than “average” sized (if there is such a thing) has real challenges. I have a friend who is so very thin that she struggles to find clothes big enough that are appropriate for her. She’s 53 years old and usually needs a Size 0–Size 2’s just swallow her whole. I’ve learned from her that, even though it sounds wonderful to be so thin, it’s not easy! And I know that my extra-tall guys have real trouble finding clothes that actually cover everything that needs to be covered and still look good. My poor 16-year-old (who is now 6’7″) is constantly having to pull his shirttail down to make sure he’s not exposing any midriff. Extra-tall sizes are available for some things, but not everything.
Love the grey outfit! And I’d much rather meet you than Heidi Klum!! 😉
So cute! Love the last outfit especially and those blue toenails. You go girl!
You look fabulous, so you are prepared when the paparazzi show up!! I love the Chevron skirt. I am all about the big purse idea~my midsection can be hidden often as far as I’m concerned. Love the gray and blue, too!
Love the gray outfit! Great ideas!
I am plus sized too–thanks for the great advice! I just love your style!
LOVE that last outfit! And it looks so slimming!
Lisa…LOVE the grey dress and you look great….you have definitely lost weight….go girl! Of course you were beautiful before but I know you have been trying!! LOVE that pic…..it is so flattering!! Keep up the good work!!
I love your last outfit!! You look much better than Heidi Klum, Lisa!
Love the look(s)
I have a question about your blue shoes… They are awesome.. who makes them and where did you get them?
You look lovely !
It looks like the gray dress was a real winner with everybody. I also liked the patriotic outfit. I used to wear white skirts back in the day, but after raising three boys, I feel like I would stay dirty all the time. I’m thinking that’s definetly not a clean-the-house outfit. They were all cute. I love to see all your outfits in this series.
I love, love, LOVE that grey dress!! Where did you get it? I, too, am having to find ways to flatter my figure, now that I am the (very proud) mother of five and have the figure to go with it (i.e. slightly larger than I like). I love the inspiration in this series!