Making Soft, but Strong Vertical Lines
September 5, 2009 by Meieli Detoni
Filed under Plus Size
When most people think “vertical lines,” especially for the plus-size women, they think overly long dresses with vertical stripes, floor-skimming slacks, and smart blouses. What about the soft stuff? Some of us love dressing up in ruffles and otherwise feminine pieces that certainly don’t help you look long and strong. What’s a girl to do? Try these tips to keep your look soft while still appearing tall and leaner.
Image: Catherine's
*Look for sweaters with pointed or elongated fronts to make the eyes run up and down the front of the body in a sweeping motion. Choose something dark or nondescript for the full effect, so the eye can move around the figure more easily.
*When selecting ruffled items, choose a piece with a slight ripple, but not rows upon rows of ruffles. Select a shirt with a single ruffle row, or with a stylized hem or button placket instead. Consider getting a piece with ribbon or tape trim running down the bodice front instead of ruffles, if you can!
*Shop for jackets and sweaters with a defined front placket. Have you seen overcoats with a covered front placket? Find this type that actually “hides” buttons and snaps, and then add more visually vertical lines with a funnel neck or topstitching along the front seams.
*Choose a dress with a ruffle or detail along the hem, but make sure that it has strong princess seams or other bodice seaming to make the eye sweep down the body.
I love this soft piece from Catherine’s, which is comfortable, but still makes you look tall.
