With Winter on the way out, it's time to put those thick cable knit jumpers into storage along with your coats, thick trousers and opaque tights... Spring is on the way, and along with it a selection of the latest new trends and fashions!
For Plus Size women, shopping is nowadays a pleasurable and enjoyable experience, with many high street, online and designer stores offering their fashion ranges up to sizes 20 and beyond, and with specialist clothing designers offering bespoke lines specifically designed to flatter larger figures and show off those curves!
The great thing about Spring fashion is that you can mix lighter items from your Winter wardrobe with key new items for the warmer weather. Try picking up a few key items which can form the basis of a flexible wardrobe. For example, you might wish to splash out on one of the trendy tea dresses or maxi dresses, and team it with one of your Winter cashmere knit cardigans with a belt at the waist to show off your waist. Or try teaming Winter trousers with a lighter top in this season's fresh colours - peach and corals are set to be big this Summer and flatter Winter pale complexions if worn correctly.
Nude colours are also huge this year and look fantastic layered on curvier figures. Team them up with strong statement jewellery pieces - larger figures can really carry off striking looks such as pendants and beads.
If prints are your thing, try dresses with bold aztec or folk prints. Choose well fitting items which skim your curves rather than swamp them. Show off dainty calves with pretty sandals and don't forget detailing - nude nailpolish gives a fresh clean look and well groomed shiny hair will never go out of fashion! Block colours are another key trend - great for tunic tops or longer dresses - and neon brights will look great when teamed with neutrals or deep colours - go for an item such as a top or scarf, rather than all over neon. Marks and Spencer has some great kaftans and tunic tops with the latest fashions such as embellishments, prints and new colours - as do Etam, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Debenhams - who also do great concessionary designer lines up to larger sizes.
Getting the foundations right are essential for voluptuous figures, so get properly measured for a well fitting bra - try stores such as Bravissimo which cater specially for larger busts. Control knickers also smooth out any lumps and bumps when wearing close fitting skirts, dresses or trousers.
Online stores such as Marisota are great if you prefer shopping from home. Their lines go up to sizes 32 and they do shoes in larger sizes and wide fits to finish off your new items. Simply Be is another great online plus size store and they currently have some great plus size dresses for Spring including Aztec maxi dresses, grecian ruffled spring dresses and nipped in waisted dresses for a nod to the 50s. You might also want to try 'Curvy Girl' - an online boutique selling the famous tummy tuck jeans which flatten your tummy and lift your behind for a truly knockout look!
By : Marie Hilland
