Top Fashion Mistakes To Avoid For A Plus-Size Woman

Key Takeaways:

• Accept your plus-size and wear what u feel comfortable in, taking help from our styling tips.
• Avoid boxy, oversized, and shapeless clothes in an effort to hide your body.
• Wear flowy, light-weight fabric clothes in the right fit that drape smoothly. 

Plus-size women represent a significant demographic of the fashion industry. Yet, they find themselves sidelined. For most brands, plus-size collections are often two seasons late to the party.

The clothes? Usually shapeless, long, and lacking the structure that celebrates a curvy figure. And don’t even get us started on leather jackets—they either scream outdated or feel like they were designed in a rush.

Finding stylish pieces for plus-size women, especially for those who are either petite or tall with long torsos, feels more like digging through leftovers than enjoying a curated fashion experience. Trendy details are missing, and everything is either too baggy or way too basic.

Understanding Your Body Size

Plus-size is not a mysterious term anymore. If your clothing size usually starts at 14 or above, you're officially part of the plus-size gang. There’s strength and beauty in embracing your natural shape. Plus-size women should stop hiding behind shapeless and oversized clothes. Baggy doesn’t mean better.

Before you start shopping, measure your bust, waist, and hips by following Leather Skin Shop’s detailed size guide. These numbers will help you find the right clothes. And there is nothing more beautiful than seeing curvy women proudly embracing their figure! 

Common Fashion Mistakes to Avoid

As a plus-size woman, your goal should not be to look thin. Instead, try to wear a shapely outfit that complements your figure. Here are the common fashion mistakes women need to avoid at all costs.

The most common mistake many plus-size women make is with outerwear. Leather jackets that are quilted or padded might seem warm and trendy, but they often add bulk in all the wrong places. Similarly, XL coats can be deceiving. If you have an apple-shaped body, longline leather jackets work way better than cropped ones. 

Popular fast fashion stores tend to carry the wrong trends for plus-size, such as boxy jackets. These styles don’t curve with your shape and make you look wider than you are. Avoid double-breasted styles or jackets overloaded with hardware.

Sizing up for comfort is also a miscalculation, because doing so can lose the jacket’s tailored shape. Also, if the jacket doesn’t zip up smoothly over your chest or stomach, or feels too snug across the shoulders, then it’s not the right fit. Even with oversized styles, the right structure and fit matter. 

Ultra-mini skirts and super short shorts don't offer the proper coverage and will make your curves look bulkier from the side. And if you are wearing oversized, baggy clothes, you are only drowning your body in excess fabric. 

Avoid horizontal stripes as they tend to create a wider appearance. Instead, go for pants in vertical stripes, a-line tops and collared shirts with small prints or patterns.

What Not To Wear If You Are Plus-Size  

Here is a list of clothing items that are a complete “NO” for plus-size ladies.

Ultra Low-Waist Jeans

Low-waist jeans start below the belly and thus accentuate your wider hips. Mid- or high-rise options are suggested for better balance.

Oversized Baggy Tops

Baggy tops hide your curves and make you look larger than you are.

Super Tight Bodycon Dresses

Tight bodycon dresses draw attention to areas you don't want to. You can wear good quality shapewear to create a smoother silhouette, or opt for structured knit dresses.

Crop Tops

Crop tops that end at the widest part of your body and draw focus to the midsection. If you do wear them pair them with high-waisted bottoms to create a balanced look.

Double-Breasted Jackets

Jackets with extra padding add bulk to your chest and waist, giving you a boxy silhouette..

Excessive Ruffles or Frills

Too many details add volume and can unbalance your frame.

Shapeless Maxi Dresses

Loose maxi dresses without any shape hide your natural waist and give you a straight column appearance.

Too-Tight Coats

Tight coats tend to pull at the bust or won't close. It is better to go for custom-made leather coats for easy movement.

Heavy Accessories and Hardware 

Clothes with too many zippers, studs, or buttons can overwhelm your frame. Simpler designs look sleeker.

Fashion Tips for Plus-Size Women

Finding fashion that flatters your plus-size body can be tricky business. Opt for styles that balance structure with movement. You should not feel trapped in your clothes, but fit seamlessly.     

The basic tip is to find garments that follow your curves without gripping. These give your figure shape along with ease of movement. Take a look at this helpful guide on fashionable outfits for plus-size women.

And no, leather jackets aren’t just for the “edgy” girls. They’re for anyone who wants structure and confidence. Always check the fit properly because a jacket that looks great but feels like a straitjacket across your shoulders isn’t worth your wardrobe.

Lastly, pay attention to fabric and construction. Lightweight, flowy materials can drape better and create a softer shape.

Building a Wardrobe for Plus-Size Women

Here’s a collection of go-to plus-size outfits for your wardrobe. 

Pair a structured plus-size leather jacket with a printed empire waist dress that cinches at the waist. The jacket adds edge, while the dress adds movement. Finish with ankle boots for a charming look. You can take more inspiration from Leather Skin Shop’s plus-size spring collection outfits. 

Any cropped leather jacket, when worn with high-rise wide-leg trousers and a tucked-in tee, looks amazing. This great outfit creates an hourglass illusion and adds definition to your waist. 

A belted leather jacket adds definition to your midsection and prevents bulkiness. Wear it over a simple V-neck tee and straight leg jeans. Add heeled shoes to complete the look.

Layer a women's leather blazer over a belted jumpsuit. This outfit offers full-body structure and can be dressed up or down. Make sure the blazer is a perfect fit across the bust and shoulders for maximum comfort and movement. You can browse through Leather Skinm Shop’s trendy plus-size fall outfits to create your dream closet.

Finding Your Style as a Plus-Size Woman 

Building a personal style takes time. It starts with choosing clothes that reflect your body and your individuality. Take inspiration from fashion influencers or experiment with different silhouettes and see what's more comfortable and flattering for you. Don’t let go of all the things trendy or bold just because you’re plus-size. Also, when putting together outfits, make sure the color contrasts go well with your skin tone, and don't wash you out.

A tip that work wonders for balanced outfits is the 1/3 to 2/3 dressing rule. Your outfit should “break” either one-third of the way from your head to your feet, or two-thirds of the way, but not halfway for a balanced view. 

FAQs

Will A Cropped Leather Jacket Work On A Plus-Size Body, Or Will It Make Me Look Wider?

Yes, cropped leather jackets look good on plus-size bodies. Try to wear them over high-waisted pants to balance your shape and define your waist.

Should I Avoid Double-Breasted Or Too Many Hardware Details?

Yes, bulky buttons and heavy hardware add unnecessary volume to your body frame.

Do Asymmetrical Zips Work On Plus-Size Bodies?

Yes, asymmetrical zips add a slimming effect to plus-size bodies. 

Do leather jackets only suit ‘edgy’ plus-size women?

No, leather jackets are versatile and come in styles ranging from edgy to classic. It can be worn by plus-size ladies also.

Are Oversized Leather Jackets In Style For Plus-Size Women?

Yes, but oversized leather jackets should be tailored with structured shoulders for a balanced look.

Wrapping Up

As a plus-size woman, always choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Always resorting to baggy or oversized items is not the answer. Accept your body shape and avoid all fashion mistakes mentioned above. Create a personalized wardrobe that complements your figure.