plus size fashion trends

Welcome to Summer 2009 ladies! Finally my favorite season is here and in full effect. No more June Gloom! Soon it will be July and it’s all sunshine from there. I figured I would start out the season by going over some plus size fashion “must have” trends for your summer wardrobe by SWAKdesigns.com. These “must have” fashion trends are for every occasion, not just your summer vacation. They are for your everyday activities including work, rest, and play.

The Maxi: Plus size Maxi Dresses are everywhere this season and are a huge fashion trend for summer 2009. If you still think are thinking that you cannot wear a Maxi Dress, think again. With all of the different styles and pattern variations you are sure to find a Plus Size Maxi Dress that is right for your figure. Maxi dresses are the plus size woman’s best friend and work to perfectly conceal some our minor figure flaws in the most figure-flattering way. Flirty, romantic, and stylish, these dresses can be worn for every occasion this summer, from shopping with the girls to a romantic summer night out on the town. Check out the Melody Maxi Dress available in black, purple, coral, and electric blue.

Ruffles: Feminine and flirty ruffles are a definite “must have” fashion trend this season. Look for soft, romantic style blouses and dresses with accents of single to layered ruffles. If not worn right, ruffles can be bad for a plus size person because they tend to emphasize parts of our body that we do not want to call attention to. Stick to ruffles that are small and follow the trim of the garment and they will actually work to elongate your body and give you a slimmer silhouette. Ruffle trim wrap dresses are gorgeous and a perfect “must have” this season. For the perfect ruffled top option check out the Nikki Checkered Plus Size Top available in white/black check or pink/black check.

Work Wear: As divas, we must always dress to impress and dress for success. To stay trendy and cool at work on these hot summer days, opt out on the typical 3-piece suit and go for something with a little less fabric. Vests are a definite "must-have" this summer season and can coordinate with virtually anything. For work pair a vest with a classic white button up shirt and pencil skirt. If you must wear a blazer to work, look for styles with one-button waist closures and narrow lapels made of all-season fabrics like rayon tweeds and light blends. Stay away from the typical black this season and go for perhaps chocolate or khaki this season. Why not be daring and go for white? In the work wear department SWAKdesigns.com has got you covered. Check out the Alicia Plus Size Shirt Dress available in a variety of classic colors or their Classic Fit Trousers in black or tan/brown.

Trendy Active Wear: Anyone who thinks plus-sized women are inactive and do nothing but sit around on their butts all day is dead wrong and should join me and my plus-sized pals for a taste of BOOTCAMP. For plus size women, working out is an everyday activity in order to stay healthy and fit. Wearing comfy, yet attractive active wear helps boost your confidence and makes you feel good while exercising. Looking good, is feeling good. Be sure to choose your active wear wisely. Pick items that are made of breathable fabrics like cotton blends and are not too tight or bulky. Stylish tees, tanks, leggings or bike shorts are good combination’s for day to day workouts, but for pure comfort look into loosely cut plus size yoga wear in bright summer colors. For some super cute, trendy active wear styles check out the new Zen Yoga Wear Collection and the Aimee Plus Size Sweat Pants.

There you have it! Some of the “must have” plus size fashion trends for summer 2009. Please be sure to check our website often as we are adding new items to our summer collection daily. If there is a plus size fashion trend that you feel we are missing out on in our collection, please feel free to leave us a comment below. Happy Summer!

Danielle Line, Guest Writer, Plus Size Model for www.swakdesigns.com

swakdesigns.com

Welcome to Summer 2009 ladies! Finally my favorite season is here and in full effect. No more June Gloom! Soon it will be July and it’s all sunshine from there. I figured I would start out the season by going over some plus size fashion “must have” trends for your summer wardrobe by SWAKdesigns.com. These “must have” fashion trends are for every occasion, not just your summer vacation. They are for your everyday activities including work, rest, and play.

The Maxi: Plus size Maxi Dresses are everywhere this season and are a huge fashion trend for summer 2009. If you still think are thinking that you cannot wear a Maxi Dress, think again. With all of the different styles and pattern variations you are sure to find a Plus Size Maxi Dress that is right for your figure. Maxi Dresses are the perfect dress for any plus size woman and help to conceal any minor figure flaws one may have. Flirty, romantic, and stylish, these dresses can be worn for every occasion this summer, from shopping with the girls to a romantic summer night out on the town. Check out the Melody Maxi Dress available in black, purple, coral, and electric blue.

Ruffles: Feminine and flirty ruffles are a definite “must have” fashion trend this season. Look for soft, romantic style blouses and dresses with accents of single to layered ruffles. If not worn right, ruffles can be bad for a plus size person because they tend to emphasize parts of our body that we do not want to call attention to. Stick to ruffles that are small and follow the trim of the garment and they will actually work to elongate your body and give you a slimmer silhouette. Ruffle trim wrap dresses are gorgeous and a perfect “must have” this season. For the perfect ruffled top option check out the Nikki Checkered Plus Size Top available in white/black check or pink/black check.

Work Wear: As divas, we must always dress to impress and dress for success. To stay trendy and cool at work on these hot summer days, opt out on the typical 3-piece suit and go for something with a little less fabric. Vests are a “must have” this season and can coordinate with virtually anything. For work pair a vest with a classic white button up shirt and pencil skirt. If you must wear a blazer to work, look for styles with one-button waist closures and narrow lapels made of all-season fabrics like rayon tweeds and light blends. Stay away from black this season and go for either khaki or choclate. Why not be daring and go for white? In the work wear department SWAKdesigns.com has got you covered. Check out the Alicia Plus Size Shirt Dress available in a variety of classic colors or their Classic Fit Trousers in black or tan/brown.

Trendy Active Wear: Anyone who thinks plus-sized women are inactive and do nothing but sit around on their butts all day is dead wrong and should join me and my plus-sized pals for a taste of BOOTCAMP. Working out is an everyday activity for plus-sized women in an effort to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Wearing comfy, yet attractive active wear helps boost your confidence and makes you feel good while exercising. Looking good, is feeling good. Be sure to choose your active wear wisely. Pick items that are made of breathable fabrics like cotton blends and are not too tight or bulky. Stylish tees, tanks, leggings or bike shorts are good combination’s for day to day workouts, but for pure comfort look into loosely cut plus size yoga wear in bright summer colors. For some super cute, trendy active wear styles check out the new Zen Yoga Wear Collection and the Aimee Plus Size Sweat Pants.

There you have it! Some of the “must have” plus size fashion trends for summer 2009. Be sure to check out the website often as we are adding new items daily. If there is a plus size fashion trend that you feel we are missing out on in our collection, please feel free to leave us a comment below. Happy Summer!

Danielle Line, Guest Writer, Plus Size Model for www.swakdesigns.com

Women’s plus size tops run the gamet from sexy to career wear to high fashion. One may have to stop at a lot of different stores, but with a plan in hand, you can do it. It’s simple to express your personality by choosing the right plus size top.

We all need several different tank tops in our wardrobe. They are perfect for hot days when you are just running around or having fun. But these tops are super for wear under jackets. That’s so sexy, isn’t it. You might see these made of silk and satin, sometimes with a crochet edging or gold embroidery. A pretty tank top works just as well as a camisole under a suit jacket or a sweater.

You can’t get more steamy than sexy plus size halter tops. You can buy these tops for club or evening wear or for just running around town. You’ll find them in all colors, with some that feature beading or sequins. Picture a beautiful beaded satin halter top over a flowing pair of evening pants. Or think of it in deep rose or dusty blue. Wait a minute, how about you on a date in that pretty top, with that hunk of a guy in a grey sweater.

Those of us who have wider hips really like plus size tunic tops. Tunics go over your waist and down toward your hips, creating one straight line. Sometimes a visable waistline isn’t a good thing. I personally can’t stop buying them. I buy them in both long sleeve and short sleeve for different seasons and looks.Once in a while I combine them with a pretty belt. Another great style is the tunic top. Keep lots of these for versatility. The longer tunics can also work as short dresses to show off your great legs.

Let’s have some fun, alright? Have you seen the many styles of corset tops available for full figured women?? Guys just adore a lace up top. It gets their imagination going. It’s easy to find just the right look that will take you anywhere you are going. They’re probably not all that appropriate for work clothes, though. OK, possibly not a good idea.

It’s always cool to shop for tops.  They are essential to our collection of plus size clothing..  Tops can be worn with jeans and skirts, and often go from work to play quite easily.

When it comes to the plus size shirt, the t-shirt is probably the item we wear most frequently.  It’s just the kind of shirt to wear while working around the house or even running errands.  A plus size tee shirt is so very versatile and simple to take care of. The cool cotton fabric can be tossed into the washer and dryer, unlike some shirts made with more expensive fabric.

The problem with the curvy woman’s tee shirt is that it’s the one item that manufacturers neglect in our sizes.Those pretty v necked or figure hugging kinds of t-shirts often don’t come in larger sizes.Simply do not revert to purchasing tshirts meant for men.Investigate the different styles of plus size polo shirts instead.

Full figure women can see an amazing number of different styles, in both short and long sleeves.There are polo shirts to fit every budget, from about $14 to over $200. You can find every possible color in a polo, from bright yellow to pink and sky blue. The less expensive ones simply don’t have the little Ralph Lauren logo on them.So What?There are shirts with tiny horse logos on them and other big name designers have their own logos.  I think I’d rather wear a shirt with a totally unknown logo, and make people guess how much I paid.

Other kinds of plus size shirts are the button down big shirt, which can be worn over a tank top or tee, and camp shirts with plaqueted pockets.An oxford shirt is a wonderful choice for business and for the colder seasons.

Take a little time shopping online and pick the fabrics that go with your coloring and personality.You just have to have a lot of shirts to fit your lifestyle. Always keep in mind how much you want to spend.  You don’t want to have to return anything!

Take a friend shopping with you and make plus size clothing shopping a breeze.

Women’s plus size blouses are far nicer than they were years ago.It used to be that designers felt that the only blouse a full figured woman could wear was a peasant blouse. Designers today have finally got the point that we want the same styles as our thin sisters. These days full figure women can purchase blouses that are just as stylish.

Exactly what is more fashionable or wearable than a beautful plus size silk blouse? A pleasure to wear, silk blouses come in fashions suitable for work or play.Although silk blouses are more difficult to care for, you’ll want to wash or dry clean them according to the tag diirections for longer life. I just saw a pretty print tunic blouse at Spiegel which  is available in sizes up to women’s 20 and comes in silk charmeuse.

One style of blouse that seems to make every woman look slimmer is the plus size wrap blouse. Perhaps it’s the slant line that cuts across the upper body.Wrap blouses are designed for casual wear as well as for club going or elegant parties.  You’ll find pretty blouses in cotton, silk and satin.  Some  with decorations of sequins, beading or lace. A woman simply cannot have too many.

I know I could never walk by any plus size dressy blouses without trying them on. Certainly not if it comes in the color pink. With a lace back, short sleeves and a criss cross wrap bodice, my latest addition is as appropriate for club wear as well as for any important event. It’s a rayon blend from eVogues and surprisingly affordable.

What could be dressier than a silk beaded blouse like the one offered by Newport News?With lovely lines, you can get it in a pale blue or mint green in sizes up to 20 W. Get a lovely sequin blouse as a second purchase and you’re ready for any special occasion that comes up.

You know the term “little black dress”?”  Well, the little black blouse is also a fashion staple.  You’ll see these with spaghetti straps, off the shoulder sleeves, a v neck, or square neck in many fabric styles. And, you know that black can be either fun or mysterious or elegant.

Plus size blouses are a necessity.  Thankfully today’s plus size clothing designers have seen the light and now give us just as many styles as they do for the thinner woman.

 

 

There’s probably one thing that all plus-size women and their wardrobes have in common.  Should I let you guess?  Yep, you’re right, it’s the predominance of black clothing.  It’s funny.  Somewhere along the way, we all seem to have bought into the idea that black is SLIMMING – and into the further idea that we needed to be “slimmed” by our clothing.  An annoying concept for those of us who LIKE our curves.  (And who see the irony in skinny women “enhancing” curves after starving to be slender.)  Why can’t we all just get along???  LOL.

But I didn’t start this article to write all that.  I started this article to talk about my favorite topic: the plus size little black dress.  There is one thing that we ALL need in our wardrobe, and that’s the perfect little black dress.  Why?  Because that one garment can take you from your daytime doldrums to your night-time fantasies within seconds – and almost as simply as if your fairy godmother showed up with a pair of glass slippers and a pumpkin carriage!

First, always have a variety of little black dresses in your closet that are stylish and in good condition.  Sometimes we wear them so often, that they’ve simply lost their pizzazz.  If you need one or two new ones, be BOLD and go for a shorter hem or a lower neckline.  After all, you can always toss on a great long, dramatic silk scarf (tied at the back of your neck) to create a more appropriate look for the office.  When you leave for the day, tie that same scarf sideways around your waste to add an attention-getting extra to your ensemble.  

What else can you do to pump up the volume?  Here’s 8 more tips to get the ball rolling.

1.    Stockings.  Remember that a simple little black dress can carry a bigger accessory statement.  Go for fishnet pantyhose!  … or at least consider a few polka dots or a classy seam up the back.  

2.    Shoes.  Okay, this is your chance to give yourself a REAL lift.  The great thing about a black basic is that you can add almost ANY signature color to your accessories.  Just make sure that you create a symphony of color – and not chaos.  If your shoes are red, your scarf should feature the same shade too.  You get the picture.

3.    Think about a hat.  Same reason.  A basic black outfit can carry those amazing extras that a print or plaid might not.  Just keep the chapeau to the same level of classiness.

4.    Go for the gusto with ONE big signature piece of jewelry, instead of an ensemble.

5.    Follow 7th Avenue’s latest craze and add a vibrant, colored trench over your little black dress!

6.    Add a zipper!  If you’ve seen anything in the media about fashion recently, you’ve probably noticed that exterior, exposed zippers are jazzing it up all over the place.  Want to make a strong statement with little effort?  Use double-sided tape to put a long faux zipper up the back of your dress – or hey – up the FRONT would be amazing!  (Just remember, it will only get you through the night!)  Remember to actually SEW the zipper in place if you love the look!

7.    Got an old dress that you’re ready to replace?  Add a few inches of lace at the bottom and at the neckline and save it for your next special occasion.  Lace might be too dressy for the office, but it is always a go at weddings and christenings.  

8.    Finally, #8 (which is actually #10, if you’ve been keeping count!).  It’s all in the bag!  Okay, I try NOT to talk about bags in every accessory column – just because it’s so obvious, but for the perfect little black dress, we simply CAN’T overlook the bag.  In this case, you don’t need to spend a TON of money either.  Hit the local thrift store and look for the most amazing little handbag you can find – or the boldest.  Remember, the great thing about the basic plus size little black dress is that it can make a BIG statement with just a LITTLE effort.

plus size little black dress

There’s probably one thing that all plus-size women and their wardrobes have in common.  Should I let you guess?  Yep, you’re right, it’s the predominance of black clothing.  It’s funny.  Somewhere along the way, we all seem to have bought into the idea that black is SLIMMING – and into the further idea that we needed to be “slimmed” by our clothing.  An annoying concept for those of us who LIKE our curves.  (And who see the irony in skinny women “enhancing” curves after starving to be slender.)  Why can’t we all just get along???  LOL.

But I didn’t start this article to write all that.  I started this article to talk about my favorite topic: the plus size little black dress.  There is one thing that we ALL need in our wardrobe, and that’s the perfect little black dress.  Why?  Because that one garment can take you from your daytime doldrums to your night-time fantasies within seconds – and almost as simply as if your fairy godmother showed up with a pair of glass slippers and a pumpkin carriage!

First of all, make sure that you HAVE a few little black dresses on hand, and make sure they’re stylish and in good condition.  Sometimes we wear them so often, that they’ve simply lost their pizzazz.  If you need one or two new ones, be BOLD and go for a shorter hem or a lower neckline.  After all, you can always toss on a great long, dramatic silk scarf (tied at the back of your neck) to create a more appropriate look for the office.  When you leave for the day, tie that same scarf sideways around your waste to add an attention-getting extra to your ensemble.  

What else can you do to pump up the volume?  Here’s 8 more tips to get the ball rolling.

1.    Stockings.  Remember that a simple little black dress can carry a bigger accessory statement.  Go for fishnet pantyhose!  … or at least consider a few polka dots or a classy seam up the back.  

2.    Shoes.  Okay, this is your chance to give yourself a REAL lift.  The great thing about a black basic is that you can add almost ANY signature color to your accessories.  Just make sure that you create a symphony of color – and not chaos.  If your shoes are red, your scarf should feature the same shade too.  You get the picture.

3.    Think about a hat.  Same reason.  A basic black outfit can carry those amazing extras that a print or plaid might not.  Just keep the chapeau to the same level of classiness.

4.    Go for the gusto with ONE big signature piece of jewelry, instead of an ensemble.

5.    Follow 7th Avenue’s latest craze and add a vibrant, colored trench over your little black dress!

6.    Add a zipper!  If you’ve seen anything in the media about fashion recently, you’ve probably noticed that exterior, exposed zippers are jazzing it up all over the place.  Want to make a strong statement with little effort?  Use double-sided tape to put a long faux zipper up the back of your dress – or hey – up the FRONT would be amazing!  (Just remember, it will only get you through the night!)  Remember to actually SEW the zipper in place if you love the look!

7.    Got an old dress that you’re ready to replace?  Add a few inches of lace at the bottom and at the neckline and save it for your next special occasion.  Lace might be too dressy for the office, but it is always a go at weddings and christenings.  

8.    Finally, #8 (which is actually #10, if you’ve been keeping count!).  It’s all in the bag!  Okay, I try NOT to talk about bags in every accessory column – just because it’s so obvious, but for the perfect little black dress, we simply CAN’T overlook the bag.  In this case, you don’t need to spend a TON of money either.  Hit the local thrift store and look for the most amazing little handbag you can find – or the boldest.  Remember, the great thing about the basic plus size little black dress is that it can make a BIG statement with just a LITTLE effort.

With the weather warming up and summer vacation quickly approaching, I decided to go on a quest for the best fitting plus size swimsuit. We all know that swimsuits can be pretty pricey, but I personally am willing to pay the price for something that is not only durable, but figure flattering and stylish. The last thing you want to have on your vacation is an ill-fitting swimsuit since you will basically live in it for however long you are away at your tropical paradise.

When shopping for a plus size swimsuit the most important thing to me is fit. As a Mother, Wife, and Plus Size Model it is important to me to NOT have all of my “business” showing to the entire world. I look for a swimsuit that I can not only wear from patio to poolside, but one that I can wear to the water slide park or for a day at the beach with the family. It is always nice to have a couple of different options based on the occasion, but I know not all of us have that luxury so we can make 1 suit work for all of the above.

On my quest I visited many different stores in the mall that I know carry plus size clothing such as Torrid, Macys, and JC Penny to check out their swimsuit collections. At each store I tried on a variety of swimsuits and had no luck at all. I just could not find a suit that fit me right and was stylish at the same time. I came home feeling frustrated and exhausted, so I decided to sit down and browse the web for other options. While searching online I found some amazing plus size swimsuit styles that were nowhere to be found at the mall on sites that I knew focused on plus size fashion and sizing.

The first site I sought out was LaneBryant.com and I found the Miraclesuit “Oceanus” one-piece swimsuit for $134.00 available in Black and Ocean Blue. This suit is a classic style and body for any occasion. It features special stretch fabric that gives you extra support and a noticeably slimmer silhouette. You cannot go wrong with this swimsuit!

The second site I visited was AlwaysForMe.com where I fell in love with the Twist Front Bandeau one-piece plus size swimsuit for $79.00 available in a variety of colors. This swimsuit has been featured in a variety of magazines such as O, The Oprah Magazine and is considered one of their top selling swimsuits. This suit has everything I am looking for in a plus size swimsuit. It has full tummy control, shirred sides that help create a curvy waistline, a super cute skirt that provides some coverage but doesn’t make you look like you are wearing a full swimdress, and the halter strap can be removed. AMAZING! This style is perfect to go from patio to poolside at the resort. I also love how easy it is to shop on their site and how much detail they give you on each and every item. You also can shop by your body type A+ to Alwaysforme.com.

Lastly I visited Swimsuitsforall.com I found the Delta Burke “Tigress” plus size halter tankini in brown for $98.00. This suit is super cute and has a high v-neck for good coverage and cinched sides with a drawstring tie detail. This is a great two-piece style and works perfect for an apple shaped girl. Love it!

These are just 3 plus size swimsuits that I found to be the best in durability, fit, and style. I feel that all women of every size and shape deserve to wear beautiful, stylish swimsuits and feel confident. I have to say that for 2009 the plus size swimwear collections are amazing with a variety of choices to fit every shape. So be adventurous this season, have fun and try something new, and remember to love the skin you are in.

Danielle Line, Guest Writer, Plus Size Model for www.swakdesigns.com

 

Today, plus size clothes are as varied and fashionable as any womens clothing. The days are finished when the plus size women did not have the same selection as regular size women. From the fashionable teen to the business women, there is a large selection of clothing available.

The fact that retailers are making plus size clothes in designs the same as other womens clothing is demonstrated by the range of plus size dresses available. Plus size dresses can be purchased in many styles and colors for every occasion. Dresses are now made just for the plus size woman and therefore fit well and will make any women feel and look good. A fantastic range of styles can be purchased with a great selection of stunning colorful designs perfect for summer. For formal occasions there are a great many elegant evening dresses that make any woman look stunning. Special occasions are well looked after, with stunning plus size prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and maternity dresses available in all sizes with many styles to select from. it’s possible to have a plus size dress for every occasion.

For a casual style denim jeans are available in most sizes and designs with a cut to make any woman look and feel amazing. Team with a pair of trendy jeans with a nice looking denim jacket for a great look. Add some fashion accessories such as a beltto finish the finish.

For beach or pool days there is a large selection of plus size swimwear in the latest styles with many sizes catered for. There is an amazing range of colors and designs to choose from. Plus size swim wear is designed and cut especially to make the plus size woman look fantastic and feel good about herself.

The range of plus size lingerie is very extensive, every woman can find some lingerie that will make her look and feel special. Any woman will look sultry and seductive with the lingerie that is available in every style. All plus size womans lingerie is cut for the plus size figure to ensure a perfect fit in all sizes.

The range of outdoor clothing is huge, with coats and jackets in modern trendy designs or more practical styles for when the weather is poor.

To conclude, the range of plus size clothing available is now as extensive as clothes available in regular sizes. There isn’t a reason for the plus size woman to compromise on her clothes. Any woman can look amazing and feel good about herself.