Fitness/Well-Being

Begin your wardrobe makeover by defining your personal style and finding clothes that flatter your body shape.

Throw Out the “Maybe One Day” Clothes>

Dress for Your Body Type>

Embrace Trends That Resonate with You>

Invest in Accessories That Upgrade Your Style>

Be Kind to Yourself in the Process>

Having an entire closet of clothes that don’t fit you is unsettling. But instead of blaming your body or hyperfocusing on your "flaws,” devote your time and energy to a wardrobe makeover that can make you think about them less.

Let’s be honest: it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of self-hate, especially with talk of “heroin chic” making a return, and Y2K fashion trends like low-rise skinny jeans and dramatic celebrity weight loss continue to fuel the thin-obsessed ideal.

But, as inconsequential as it seems, changing your clothes to fit your body rather than the other way around can be profoundly freeing. You’ll realize there is nothing wrong with your shape, and that fashion for plus-size women can be as stylish as it is comfortable.

Ready for your wardrobe makeover? Here are steps to revamp your closet and fill it with curve-flattering items.

Throw Out the “Maybe One Day” Clothes

Holding onto off-size clothes in the hopes of fitting into them someday puts you on the fast track to self-loathing. Every time you see these items, you feel a pang of disappointment. Don’t let yourself be trapped longing for what could be. Let go of items that don’t serve your body now. Doing so will greatly improve your relationship with your body, or, at the very least, expand your closet space.

You can also store garments that no longer work for your body. Donate them if they still don’t fit after a year. Or refashion them into something else. Those tight jeans can be your new favorite tote bag. It all depends on how crafty you want to get.

Dress for Your Body Type

Find pieces that flatter your proportions and show off your best features.

Clothing size can vary drastically between brands, cuts, and styles. No matter how well an item looks on the mannequin, you should always try before you buy. See how they fit your body shape and feel the materials.

However, things can get trickier when you’re shopping online. Knowing your measurements may not be enough to correctly identify how garments will look on you. You need to take your height and proportions into account. Pay attention to details such as your shoulder width, the length of your torso, and where your waist hits.

Many online store now have improved measurement guides and size charts, which take the guesswork out of online shopping. Some even offer virtual try-ons and personalized fit recommendations. Double-check their return policy just in case if you're trying a new brand.

Once you have a good grasp of your proportions, find clothing styles that complement your body shape. For example, if your bust is wider than your waist, add fitted jackets and fit-and-flare dresses to your wardrobe makeover as they emphasize your waist while drawing attention downwards. Similarly, if your midsection is your widest point, wearing an off-shoulder top helps visually broaden your shoulders, adding interest and balance to your top half.

Embrace Trends That Resonate with You

Plus-size women often feel excluded from popular aesthetics, which are often designed with only one body type in mind. But fashion trends are meant to be fun, not restrictive.

Anyone, regardless of size, can rock crop tops with micro skirts if one so chooses. Slip dresses are not just for women with itty bitty waists. You’re allowed to follow any trend that suits your style and make you feel fabulous.

Invest in Accessories That Upgrade Your Style

The right accessories can make your outfit look more expensive.

Curating curvy girl outfits doesn’t end with ready-to-wear pieces. Accessories deserve a special place in your wardrobe makeover, too. They allow you to express your style without the stress of finding the perfect size for your body. Plus, plenty of affordable options are available.

Your collection can include a variety of things. It can be a leather belt to take your office look from stiff to undeniably cool, a sleek baguette bag to bring your off-duty ensemble to new heights, or gold hoops to make you feel more put together. Once you’ve stocked up on the essentials, dressing up will be twice as fun.

Be Kind to Yourself in the Process

Revamping your wardrobe can be an emotional journey. After all, clothes evoke memories. You may feel frustrated when you try on a dress that looks good on the mannequin but hugs your body in the wrong places, or when you see a two-piece bikini you never got to wear. 

Old mindsets may also creep in, like questioning whether you “deserve” to wear certain styles. In these moments of doubt, give yourself grace. Loving yourself takes a lot of work, so take it one step at a time. When you need a break from decluttering, enjoy a nice warm shower with Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash. Made with NutriumMoisture™ technology, it delivers hydration and nourishment deep into the skin.

Products

Dove Deeply Nourishing Body WashBuy Now

Post-shower, apply Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Roll-On. Its gentle formula is infused with ¼ moisturizing cream, giving you all-day odor protection without irritating your delicate underarm skin. You can return to your wardrobe makeover with a relaxed and refreshed body.

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Dove 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant Roll-OnBuy Now

Don’t forget to take care of your pearly whites! Brush your teeth with closeup Multivitamins+, which offers 12 oral care benefits, for a nice-smelling breath and a charming smile.

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[TWIN PACK] Closeup Multivitamins+ 2x150gBuy Now

The fashion industry may favor the unattainable slim body ideal, but you don’t have to shrink your body to fit in. A wardrobe makeover is about refreshing your style with clothes that make you and your curves – not somebody else’s – look gorgeous. Never mind what the current trend dictates. All that matters is you’re taking the steps toward accepting your body. That, in itself, is something to be proud of.