ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:body types, cashmere sweater, elegant plus, Fall Fashion, Fashion, fashion tips, full figured fashion, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, trench coat, trouser jeans wide calf boots

Four Must-Have Fall Fashions for the Stylish, Plus-Size Woman…..and Where to Find Them

by Elegant Plus Magazine

Fall is a time for luxurious textures, colors and fabrics.  It’s a season for invigorating your wardrobe with timeless, modern pieces that accentuate your curves and form the very heart of your style.  And it is, hands down, my favorite time of year to shop.

First weed through your wardrobe and throw out those well-loved items that have seen better days. Next give away those pieces that don’t fit properly or haven’t been put on even once in a full year.  Then it’s time to hit the shops in search of a few good, core styles that mix and match with everything while updating and polishing your look. 

Once, not so very long ago, these stylish items were next to impossible to find in plus-sizes. But, no more!  As retailers become savvier to the demands of full-figured customers it is becoming easier to dress well, no matter what your size.

1. Boots

This year both short pant boots and booties, and high, mid-calf to knee boots are both in style.  In the past, these could be impossible for more full-figured body types to find since curvy bods often means wider feet or plus-size calves.  This sad state of affairs is no longer so, and must-have fall fashion boots are within reach of every well dressed woman. 

The hottest trends in boots this year is buckle details, scrunch styles and fold-over booties.  To elongate leg lines look for at least a small heel.  Wedge styles offer the most stylish support for the stress of  larger bodies on feet.  But, be careful with large clunky heels which may be more comfortable, but usually make the leg look chunkier as well.  

Shorter booty styles look great with more casual looks.  Foldover styles will allow the trendier fashionista plenty of room to tuck in leggings and skinny jeans. Meanwhile, buckle detailed pant boots are a fabulous option for the more upscale look of boot-cut and flare jeans or trousers paired with casual, structured blazers and jackets.

Tall boots can be more challenging to fit properly and we suggest you consult our very popular Wide-Calf Boot Guide before ordering.  Buckle detailing is a “must-have” this season, and big girls, finally have not been left out of the most current boot trends.   You can wear tall boots with both long flowing skirts and chic knee grazing pencil skirts, or pair with your favorite wrap dress for day-time wear.

David Tate, “Cruise” Wide-Calf Scrunch Tall Boots	Step Up “Trish” Convertible Collar Booty	Tall Buckle Dress Boots	Sudini “Paula” Boot
Available in Brown or Black Sizes 4-13 M, W, WW Shaft: 14-20″ Wide $143.95 @ Zappos	Available in 4 Colors Sizes 7-12 M, W, WW $55.00 @ Roamans	Available in Brown or Black Sizes 6-12 M, W Shaft: 13.8-18.8″ Wide $188.00 @ Eddie Bauer	Available in Black or Brown Sizes 4-13 M, W $149.95 @ Nordstrom

More Editor’s Pick Wide-Calf Boots

2.  The Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is one of the single most fabulous styles you can own that will last from year to year and still look current and figure flattering.   Thankfully, gone are the days when voluptuous women were left out in the cold with this fantastic style.  Did you know it took your style editor a full year of searching to find a simple, black trench coat in her size not that many years ago?!  Now you can have one no matter whether you are a curvy size 12 or an ample size 34W.  You aren’t even limited to basic black (although that is still a very chic style option).

What’s so wonderful about this style coat, you ask? The look is crisp, timeless and fabulous whether worn over a mod short skirt and boots, finishing a wide-leg trouser silhouette,  or topping your favorite pair of jeans.  Throw it on and cinch the waist, and voila, perfect hourglass figure whether you are blessed naturally with one or not!   Taller curvy fashionistas can pull off longer lengths which are also highly appropriate over business and career wear.  Shorter, pant length trench coats have more of a fashion edge.  A tip to remember when choosing yours: make sure the length does not finish at the widest part of your hips as this only makes your figure look wider than it truly is, a caution particularly important for pear shaped figure types. 

Trends this year include menswear inspired plaids and houndstooth checks, bold pops of jewel tone color, and patent leather.  Fuller figures, especially apple body types,  should beware of the last trend and leave it to the skinny girls, as shiny and light reflective fabrics make whatever they cover appear to the eye larger than they truly are.  Classic black and tan trench coats are timeless but the fit must be impeccable to appear on-trend and stylish, so don’t stint on taking yours to the tailor for a custom fit.  Both single and double breasted styles are everywhere this year.

Water Repellant Trench Coat	Classic Plaid Trench	DG2 Denim Belted Trench	Manhattan Double Breasted Plaid Trench Coat
Available in Kelly Green, Black or Camel Sizes 14-26W $99.99 @ Jessica London	Available in Grey Plaid Sizes 12-34W $79.00 @ Ulla Popken	Available in Denim Blue or Bisque Twill Sizes L-3X $89.00 @ HSN	Available in Tan Plaid or Red Plaid Sizes 14-28W $89.95 @ Avenue

For more plus-size outerwear click here

3. The Cashmere Sweater

If there is one fabric that screams luxury, it’s cashmere.   It’s ultra-soft, warm and thin enough to layer under jackets without adding bulk.  What’s more, every woman deserves to have at least one cashmere sweater in her wardrobe. Unfortunately, they are still a rarity in sizes larger than 3X.  Whether you choose a classic cardigan, turtleneck or pullover style you’ll want versatile colors that will mix and match with your entire wardrobe.  But don’t be afraid of color!  Rich jewel tones add pop, while soft pastels speak of refined femininity.  This year along with the classics like black, camel, red and cream you’ll find a palette of rich purples, deep blues, subtle greys, and mystic teals. 

Since sweaters are worn near the face, it’s a good idea to understand your personal coloring and choose shades that bring out your best.  You’d be surprised how much of an instant make-over is achieved simply by choosing flattering hues that complement and highlight your natural coloring.  Don’t know which color palettes will achieve the desired affect?  Try this free, on-line color make-over.

Keep in mind that a universally flattering style is the v-neck sweater.  It visually opens the neckline and elongates the neck.   Cardigans are best worn fitted close to the body - extra fabric does not hide your flaws! Instead it makes you look sloppy.   Play with a variety of necklines to find the ones that best frame your face and create balance to your proportions.

V-Neck 100% Cashmere Sweater	Cable Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater	V-Neck Pure Cashmere Sweater	Cashmere Blend Cardigan
Colors: Black or Heather Grey Sizes 1X-3X $255.00 @ Saks	Available in 6 Colors Sizes L-3X $170.00 @ Lands End	Colors: Red, Green, or Grey Sizes 1X-3X $118.00 @ Nordstrom	Available Black or Grey Sizes 1X-3X $80.00 @ Liz Claiborne

For more full-figured cashmere options click here

4. Trouser Jeans

Just when you thought we’d seen the end of the jeans craze that took denim from casual play wear only to a fabric appropriate for cocktail parties, along comes a new silhouette.  The trouser jean is, undoubtedly, one of the best denim styless to come out yet.  Virtually universally flattering to all body types this jean is a “must have” in every woman’s wardrobe, from young to old, classic to trendy.

The key to this style is to find a pair that fits perfectly from waist to hip to inseam length, with the right rise and a pant leg that falls perfectly straight down from the widest part of your hips. It’s  important that the length is long enough to properly cover your shoes, as high waters in this style are an especially big fashion disaster.  Sounds like a tall order, but fortunately this style is so hot right now that there are many retailers and price points from which to choose, even in plus-sizes. Full-figured women must be particularly careful about what tops they pair with this wide-legged style in order to keep the look fashionable and sleek. But when done right, there is nothing better. 

Waist lines should be accented and nipped to keep the look from becoming sloppy.  Necklines should be v’s, wide scoops and other open shapes that keep the top in balanced proportion with the bottom.  Belted tunics, trenches, and wrap style blouses are especially good with this pant silhouette.  Structured jackets should be form fitting. Flattering possibilities include peplum styles, short cutaway hem jackets, and styles that visually accentuate the waist. Long, flowing duster jackets can work well with these trousers as long as the top underneath is visibly fitted at the waist in some fashion and the jacket is worn open. Petite plus women will look best in a monochromatic, body lengthening ensemble and at least a little bit of a heel to keep the overall effect in proportion.

Cotton Spandex Trouser Jeans	Rinse Wash Wide Leg Trouser Jean	Freestyle Revolution Trouser Jeans	Premium Pintuck Denim Trousers
Colors: Black or Indigo Sizes 12-42W; Petite and Tall to 26W $39.00 @ Silhouettes	Colors: Indigo Sizes 14-24W $74.00 @ Baby Phat	Colors: Dark Wash Sizes 12-26W $68.00 @ Torrid	Colors: Black or Medium Denim Sizes 14-38W $39.99 @ Woman Within

 Click here for more full-figured denim listings

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For more Editor’s Pick Fashion in sizes 12-34W check out the Elegant Plus Big Book of Style.

Popularity: 31% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Advice, boots, Fashion, Plus Size, plus size boots, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, Shopping Review, Size Acceptance, wide calf boots women

  

  

  

Wide-Calf Boots Guide

by Elegant Plus Magazine

How To Measure for the Perfect Plus-Size Boots Before You Order

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NEW!!  Click Here for  Elegant Plus Boot Picks for 2007

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Boot season is coming up fast and every fashionista lusts after the perfect pair of stylish boots.  But, for those of us with plus-size calves that match the rest of our curvy bods, shopping for wide-calf boots can be among the most disappointing and frustrating experiences.  Fortunately retailers are getting savvy and beginning to carry more plus-size boot solutions.

But take care!  Average boot shafts are usually 14 -14 1/2 inches around. This means that boots as slender as 15 inches around can be referred to as “wide calf boots”.  But often 15 inches is still much too slim for the fashionable full-figured gal.  The good news is that 17″, 18′, 19″ and even the occasional 20 inch around boot is becoming more readily available.  Some are referred to as “extra wide” or super-size calf boots, but not all, with terms and descriptions inconsistent from shop to shop.  

So how do you know if a plus-size boot will fit you?    You might find that your leg fits at the low, middle or high end of that size range causing a boot ordered in a simple “plus-size” or “wide-calf” fit to be too snug, too loose or as Goldilocks used to say, “Just right.”   But nobody really wants to go through the whole long process poor Goldilocks went through to get to that last feeling of success.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect pair of wide calf boots and guarantee a good fit, right at the time of order!

1. Know your own calf measurement:

If you are to make sure that you can find a wide calf boot that fits you, you must know your own measurements first.   The measurement you need to have is the fullest part of your calf.

The easiest way to figure this out is to use a flexible measuring tape used by seamstresses. This inexpensive item can often be bought in the notions section of the supermarket, the sewing section of stores like Walmart and of course, sewing stores.  Place the measuring tape around the fullest part of the calf and make a note where the measuring tape overlaps. Then round to the nearest inch.  If you round down, look for boot styles with gussets or slight stretch for that added little give needed to get you the extra little bit.

Don’t have a measuring tape?  Take a piece of string and measure the widest part of the calf. Mark just where the end overlaps. Stretch it out against a ruler or yardstick.

2. Look for calf measurements in the boot descriptions:

 If the description states “wide-calf boots” or “plus-size boots”, always look for an actual shaft measurement.  The term “wide calf” covers a range of sizes beginning at a mere 15 inches in circumference all the way up to 23 inches around in super wide calf styles. Your boots should fit snuggly around the calf, without cutting off circulation. If a measurement is not stated, do not assume that it will fit you. If a boot’s shoe size is stated as  ”wide” or “extra wide”, do not assume that this also means that the boot shaft will also be wider also.  Some are, some aren’t.  Unless the description specifically states that wider widths include a wider boot shaft chances are it won’t fit you right.  Some boot shafts also gradually enlarge with shoe size. But again, this cannot be assumed. Always look for exact boot shaft measurements and compare them to your own measurements. They should be close.

3. Tips & Tricks:

Need to get an extra few centimeters? Some styles have a little more give than others. Look for lacing, side and back stretch gores, and stretch styles.  If your calf size is in the 15-16 inch range you should be able to wear stretch boots comfortably.  If your calves are wider, this style will not be comfortable and will feel too tight. Lacing offers the most comfortable option, but be careful that it won’t leave gaps. Those with 15 inch calves should be able to wear lace up boots with regular width shafts successfully, while wider calves shouldn’t rely on this feature in a non-wide calf style. Side zippers also make getting boots on and off much easier, especially for curvier calves.

4. Where to Shop

In an ideal world we would all have a shoe shop near or in our town that carried wide-calf boots, but this is even rarer than a plus-size clothes shop.   More and more cataloguers and internet retailers, however, are carrying a greater selection of wide-calf boots than ever before.  Stylish and fashionable boots are becoming more readily available at affordable prices, allowing full-figured women to indulge in boot fashions.  Follow the measuring tips above to minimize order disappointments at the shops listed below (some carry boots all year, while others only carry them in the fall and winter shopping seasons). 

Shop early for the most fashionable styles or the more difficult to find sizes.  Plus-size boots tend to fly off the shelves at most of these retailers and back-orders are not infrequent.

• Anna’s Place Wide Widths

• Audition Shoes

• Cloudwalkers (on Avenue website)

• Eddie Bauer

• Footsmart

• Jessica London

• Lane Bryant Catalog

• Macy’s

• Nordstrom 

• Roaman’s

• Silhouettes

• Torrid

• Woman Within

•  Zappos

 Keep those boots walking!

Popularity: 96% [?]