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Yoliswa Dube

IF you thought you could wear anything you wanted, I’ve got news for you — you can’t.

You can’t wear a size 48 pair of jeans and a top that rides up your waist and think it’s okay. It’s not okay that you weigh 100kg and want to walk around in a pair of bum shorts and a boobtube.

I get that you have freedom of choice and all. I know that you have the right to choose and wear what you want, but you can’t have double D boobs and wear a string top without a bra and still think it’s okay.

Just the other day, we were looking at a picture of a plus size girl dressed in a pair of bum shorts and some ankle high boots. The idea was brilliant — shorts and boots — but her thighs were too thick to wear such in public.

I mean, why expose all that cellulite?

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying big girls can’t flaunt their curves; I’m simply saying size matters when it comes to certain fashion trends.

It matters how tall or short you are, it matters whether or not you’re slim, it matters how big or small your bust line is because this counts when choosing the perfect silhouette for your body shape.

A slimmer person can get away with wearing a pair of bum shorts just like a fuller woman would look good in a wrap dress effortlessly.
Being fashion forward is about embracing your body type and knowing exactly what works for your body shape.

The clothes which will flatter your body best will depend on your body shape. These days, the choice of clothes is so varied such that there’s something for everyone no matter what colour, scale, height, proportion or body shape you are.

When it comes to looking good, it’s the fit of your clothes that you need to be paying particular attention to.

Wearing the right clothes shouldn’t be about following the latest fashion trends, it should be about choosing what actually suits you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Before you know what clothes to buy and which style looks best on you, you’ll need to know which body shape you are. When choosing clothes, your aim is to create the illusion of having a balanced body. The neat hour glass is considered to be the most perfect and balanced body shape with shoulders and hips in line, a defined bust, an even waist and a curved bottom.

The problem with not understanding your body shape is that most women concentrate on specific problem areas such as the tummy, arms or thighs which can cloud your judgment when it comes to seeing the whole picture.

It’s important to be honest with yourself and view your body as a whole so that you’re able to dress yourself appropriately.

My curvy ladies, there’s lots of ways to accentuate your body without dressing shabbily and showing too much skin. Wear formfitting dresses or skirts that are cut diagonally or on the bias. They should nip in on the waist, hug the hips and fall loosely over the thighs and calves.

Choose structured pieces with flare that isn’t too dramatic. Whatever you wear on top, make sure it’s slim and cut close to the body to best balance a fuller-cut lower half.

Your waist should always be well defined. Wear a belt or pieces with details like beading or ruching at the waist.

At night, be tactful about where you’ll show some skin. A slit on the side of a gown can be sexy and slimming while showing lots of leg offers a long lean look.

Highlighting your neckline also looks sultry without being provocative. Big prints aren’t the best so wear solid colours to create the slimmest line.

Feedback from “Wear your Sunday Best to church”

just read your article about dressing for church; I’m your number one fan! — NN.

Thanks for the article Yolie, I think it’s important for women to think carefully about what they wear to church. You can still look decent but fashionable. — Adrian.

Hey Yolie, your articles are nice girl, keep up the good work. — Gugu, Cowdray Park.

I read one of your articles from August 8, it was informative. Keep going with Pattern and Style. — I Nkata

“Excuse me, excuse me”, I just read your article on church dressing — hilarious stuff! — 0777987***

Hie, I like your articles. The one I liked the most was “A man with a watch is a man with a plan. — 0715307***

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263774 492700, drop me an email at [email protected] or follow me on Twitter handle @YoliswaStarr.