Wear This, Not That

When it comes to fashion for a curvy, full-figured, or plus-size woman, it is not just what you wear, but how you style it that is important.  You may have a completely fabulous dress but if you don't focus on how it flatters your specific body type, it could end up looking more like a potato sack... A pretty potato sack, but a sack nonetheless.  And if anybody knows about potato sacks it's YOURS TRULY

Working in the modeling industry has taught me so much about what works for my body type and what doesn't.  And just because you think a certain style doesn't flatter you, doesn't mean you can't make a few of your own personal additions and alterations in order to make it work.  I spend my days trying on hundreds of outfits and then watching stylists tweak them to perfection, so it is only fair that I share some of my tips with those who may not be behind the scenes with the experts.

1. Too Baggy is Never Good

When you get dressed, try to remember that the clothes' job is to FLATTER you, rather than HIDE you.  More fabric may seem like the better option for covering up whatever imperfection you may think you have, but something relatively fitted or with some kind of shape will almost always be the better choice.  When you wear something like the top above, keep in mind that it will fall against your widest part, mine are my hips/butt.  As a result, it makes it appear that everything unseen under that top is also the same width as my hips/butt... are you picking up what I'm putting down?  Ok GREAT!  If it isn't something you can belt at the waist, try tucking your top in.  I like the partial tuck in that almost looks like you accidentally did that during your last bathroom trip.  If you don't feel comfortable tucking shirts in, opt for a shorter top that is fitted in the chest and has more fabric in the stomach area.  Just make sure it stops above your hips so it shows off your curves rather than blends the whole body shape into one.

2. Give Me Some Space!

If your outfit is pretty full coverage, it's nice to break up the human totem pole effect (aka a solid connection of shoe-pants-shirt-jacket, and sneak in at least a little bit of skin.  I have been loving the skinny cuff and it has a great way of making any denim transform into a more relaxed feel.  The blazer I chose has contrasting fabric inside so I decided to cuff the sleeves as well, to show off some of my jewelry and a little more skin.

3. Accessorize Basic or Neutral Colors

Wearing a lot of neutral colors allows for a ton of creativity when it comes to accessorizing.  I like to add one pop of color (often that color is turquoise) or pile on the golds and browns for some statement jewelry.  A fun belt, great hat, or a purse or shoe with a pop of color can also be a fabulous addition.

4. Shape Up!

If the garment you're wearing isn't built with a lot of structure, don't be afraid to add a little of your own.  Adding a fitted blazer, tucking in your blouse, belting your dress, and layering tighter options over looser ones, are all great ways to give your outfit a bit more shape and to further flatter your body type.

I hope these tips come in handy next time you find yourself in an "almost perfect outfit" situation.  Oftentimes, one little tweak can make all the difference!

Blazer- Forever 21; Sheer Tunic Faded Giraffe Print Top- Target, Belt- Vintage (my Dad's= why it is so big); Ripped Boyfriend Jeans- J Brand;  Shoes- Target; Watch- Michael Kors; Stone and Turquoise Beaded Necklace and Brown Beaded Bracelet- St. Eve;  Brown Leather Braided Bracelet- Michael Kors;  Hair by Lindsey Carter

Style: Lace Face

Every so often I shoot something at work that I know I need to add to my wardrobe.  I guess that is a perk about modeling as you get to try on tons of different things, many that you may not normally try yourself, and learn what works best on your body.

I absolutely love the lace trend, especially for the summer.  I think it can be so elegant and feminine, or it can be styled in a way that almost contradicts itself with a leather jacket or biker boots.  I fell hard for this trend and though my closet is quickly becoming a lacey landmine, I knew I had to add this Torrid dress to the collection.  As you can imagine, trying on a ton of clothes all the time isn't the most helpful tool for somebody who tends to shop a little too often, so I forced myself to wait a couple weeks before purchasing.  But when the weeks passed and I found myself still thinking about this dress, I knew my desires were valid.  Having the luxury of knowing it fit, I went online and ordered it.  Contrary to popular belief, models don't often get free clothes... but Torrid, if you're reading this, I'm happy to take some off your hands.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE waist belts.  Because my waist is smaller in comparison to my hips and butt, belting something at the waist tends to give a little more shape to any dresses that I wear.  I'm usually more of a fan of thin belts but I thought this thick-to-thin wrap belt actually worked better with this particular dress.  It also happened to match my favorite worn-out wedge boots!

One of the things that really drew me to this dress was the deep "V" in the back.  I love when something appears classic and somewhat neutral but throws in little design details like this.  I am also a huge fan of this knee length lately.  I think it is a really flattering cut and that it really outlines the curves of my body in a nice way.

Though I live in Los Angeles, I feel very lucky to have my parents and one of my brothers just about an hour away in Newport Beach.  It's not too shabby to have as an option for a weekend getaway and it definitely provides tons of gorgeous backdrops for shooting.  I usually don't post so many photos but I couldn't narrow down any further so I hope you're enjoying the bonus shots!

Photographer: Stefan Brysha

Hair: Style inspired and taught via YouTube- "Sleek High Bun Hair Tutorial"

Location: Lido Island, Newport Beach, CA

Lace Dress- Torrid; Brown Leather Wrap Belt- H&M; Brown Wedge Boots- Steve Madden; Gold Oversized Watch- Michael Kors; Gold/Brown Stone Ring- H&M; Earrings- Nordstrom