These Hips Don’t Lie: Styling the Curvy Girl

As a self-proclaimed curvy girl, there are pros and cons to wearing a size 12 pant and rocking a D-cup. Jeans often don’t fit the right way, and tops usually fit perfectly in every area except my chest. But at the same time, my hips don’t lie and I can rock a sweater like no one’s business – it’s all part of the territory.

What is also (unfortunately) part of the territory is struggling to keep up with the latest trends without squeezing into a teeny-weeny yellow polka-dot bikini. It’s hard to rock a crop top, high-waisted shorts, or bodycon dresses without feeling like I need to lose fifty pounds. That’s a huge struggle for the curvy fashionista. So how can girls that aren’t a size zero still take fashion risks?

“To rock a crop top, balance it out with a higher-rised bottom. And there are on-trend alternatives to the crop top, too. High-low dresses, joggers with a t-shirt, and blazers over a fun tee can do wonders,” adds Nicole Leaman, Nittany Mall Store Manager. 

Being on trend doesn’t always mean showing skin, either. Ever heard of the phrase “less is more”? For the more conservative girl, it’s entirely possible to show off a classic style without showcasing more than you’re comfortable with.

In terms of shopping in-stores and online, that’s an exhausting task in itself. There are certain places that classify anything sized above large as “plus size” and may not even carry those sizes at all, which is mildly embarrassing on the store’s part, but mostly inconvenient for the customer.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Companies like Forever21, Asos and H&M all offer just as much cute clothing in “larger” sizes, so you never have to worry about getting the short end of the stick. (Brownie points for offering killer shipping deals online.)

Regardless of finding the right clothes for your body, in the end it’s all about what you’re comfortable wearing. With the right amount of confidence, you can rock just about anything. What matters most is how you feel in what you’re clothes, not what you’re actually wearing. Don’t let the curves get you down.

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