Diversity and self-expression go hand in hand. Show off your unique style while celebrating diverse body types with stylish and comfortable fashion solutions. Embrace your shape and show off your best features with these creative fashion solutions. From the fashionista to the everyday individual, there’s something for every body type. Discover chic and on-trend looks that will bring your style to the next level.
1. Embrace Your Shape: Flattering Fashions for Every Body Type
Most of us have had at least one moment in our life when we’ve been discouraged by a not-so-flattering reflection staring back at us in the mirror. It’s time to put those feelings behind you and embrace your shape, instead! Whether you’re tall and thin or curvy and petite, there are many different styles of clothing that can flatter your figure.
- Know Your Body Shape – Identifying your own body shape will help you determine the clothes that will suit you best. Are you an apple or a pear, with a slim torso and wider hips? Or a rectangle or an inverted triangle, with broader shoulders? Figuring out which body shape fits you best will help you start shopping for clothes that flatter your shape.
- Accentuate Your Assets – After you recognize your body shape, it’s time to pick clothing that will accentuate your assets. A-line skirts or loose-fitting, flowy dresses for an apple or pear-shaped figure, for example, will take the focus away from wide hips and draw attention to your trim waist. A form-fitting dress for the rectangle shape will help create curves. Blouses with puffed sleeves or wide lapels will add volume to the top area for the inverted triangle shape.
- Choose Scarves That Enhance Your Outfit– To add another layer to your look, an accessory like a scarf is a great way to add interest and texture. For example, a curved infinity scarf can help break up the length of a long torso, while a fringed or oversized scarf can help give shape to a slimmer frame.
- Experiment with Color – Whether it’s a bright pop of color or a subdued neutral hue, color is a great tool to help create a balanced silhouette. Darker colors or clean, monochromatic shades can help create the illusion of curves. To complement your skin tone, look for colors that warm up your complexion, such as deep blues and oranges.
- Embrace Your Style – Don’t let your body shape dictate what type of clothes you can and cannot wear. You can have fun with your wardrobe and mix and match different pieces to create your own unique look. Stay true to your personal style and find clothes that make you feel and look amazing.
With these tips, you can start experimenting with different styles of clothing and accessories that can flatter your figure. Embrace your shape and start dressing to feel confident and beautiful.
2. Dressing With Confidence: Unlocking the Creative Potential of Your Wardrobe
Learning how to dress with confidence can be a creative and fun experience. Whatever your tastes, with a few simple tricks you can unlock the creative potential of any wardrobe and create effortless looks that let your personality shine.
Mix It Up
- Mix colours, textures and prints to create an individual outfit
- Combine complimentary pieces or clash bold colours together
- Try accessorizing with a belt, hat, shoes, bag or jewellery
Find Your Style
- Browse magazines, style blogs or Pinterest for inspiration
- Look at how celebrities or fashion influencers dress and tailor their own looks
- Think about why certain looks work for you or what you want to express with your style
Have Fun
- Experiment with different color combinations and fabric textures
- Play with layering different items
- Try something you’ve never worn before or DIYaccessorize with old and unused items to give your outfits a unique look
Regardless of your style, attitude is the most important factor when it comes to dressing with confidence. With these tips you can learn how to stand out from the crowd by expressing your individual style without compromising comfort.
3. Redefining the Runway: Paving the Way for Inclusivity in Fashion
Fashion is a form of self-expression and has been for centuries, but the inability to accommodate different sizes and body types lends it a reputation that may not align with the self-expression it should be promoting. In 2020, brands, designers, and creative directors are pioneering solutions for size and inclusivity and redefining the fashion industry.
- Accommodate Curves – Designers can no longer claim that their clothing only comes in “one size fits all” – fashion must be able to accommodate a variety of sizes, from petite to plus for both sexes. Offering clothes that fit a range of body shapes is necessary in today’s market, and brands are taking the necessary steps to innovate and adjust to customer demands.
- Non-binary Clothing – The lines between male and female fashion is beginning to blur, with brands creating androgynous clothing that flatters a variety of body types. Binary clothing has been the default for centuries, but designers are exploring alternative ways of dressing, creating new shapes and silhouettes that break away from traditional gender roles.
- Diversity in Campaigns – Fashion campaigns and fashion shows have long been seen as opportunities for designers to showcase their collections, often with models who look the same, and range from similar heights and sizes. Brands are now being more intentional about selecting their campaigns and runway star to showcase the diversity of the fashion industry and inclusivity of their clothing lines.
- Size Equity – Many brands still are not offering their merchandise in varying sizes, and designers are taking measures to make sure that this changes. Size equity, or the practice of offering clothing in sizes for all body shapes, is being seen more often, and the industry is slowly beginning to adapt to the demand for such offerings.
The fashion industry is slowly starting to become more inclusive in their offerings and design, and many brands are making a conscious effort to divert away from creating just one ideal look for their customers. Innovations in size and inclusivity are paving the way for a new era of fashion, breaking boundaries and disproving the tried and tested fashion rules, making room for inclusivity like never before.
4. Putting Style at the Forefront: Establishing a Culture of Body-Positive Dress
With the rise of personal style during the renaissance age, a desirable outcome was to create a culture where individuals had the confidence to dress how they wanted. This can still be done in the workplace, while being mindful and respectful of cultural norms and dress codes. Empowered dressing shows respect for everyone in the workplace and builds positive team spirit.
The trick is to coordinate within the workplace dress codes. It’s possible to be stylish without compromising business standards. A workplace can even inject style elements into their dress code, such as statements colors, monochromatic greys, and bold patterns. With a few subtle changes, the workplace can become more inviting and today’s trends can be embraced.
Here are a few ideas on how to create a body positive culture of dress in the workplace:
- Establish a relaxed dress code that is simple and comfortable.
- Focus on creating a safe and comfortable environment.
- Make clothing basics easily available, such as plain black, navy denim, and leopard print.
- Foster an environment of acceptance and openness.
It can be challenging to maintain a professional dress code in the workplace without compromising style and personality. Above all, dressing in a way that helps to build confidence and respect in the workplace is essential. Call attention to attire that displays respect, rather than the opposite, and create a supportive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and respect.
Make the workplace a place to showcase personal style. An environment free of judgement and supports individuals being seen for their true selves. A confident, body-positive and stylish workplace can lead to positive outcomes and increased productivity.
Let’s all celebrate diversity in every way possible, including by embracing stylish fashion options that accentuate the beauty of all body types. Celebrating the beauty of all helped create fashion solutions that truly suit every unique body!
