The Seven Deadly Fashion Sins of Plus-Size Women

Ladies with a some extra meat on their bones often feel left out of the mainstream fashion parade. Magazines are filled with skinny girls who've sworn off life's pleasures like cupcakes and bacon in exchange for the best clothes. But with all the awesome brick and mortar retailers and online boutiques catering to plus-size women's fashion, curvy ladies never have to suffer for lack of awesome clothes. Because the most unattractive quality in a person is inevitably a lack of confidence, here are seven fashion sins that plus-size women commit and how to avoid them.

1. It is a fashion sin to shun color and prints.

Every plus-size woman knows that black is slimming. But unless you want to look like a teenage goth, vary the colors in your wardrobe or risk being perceived as drab and depressed. Navy blue and charcoal gray are just as slimming as black. Jewel tones like deep burgundy and jade can also be incredibly flattering. And remember, no lady should ever deny herself the shear pleasure of wearing red, pink, or even summer white.

To pull off bright colors, choose shades that compliment your skin tone. If an all-over bright color feels like too much, belt that black dress with a yellow scarf, or indulge in some orange heels. And for heaven's sake--there's nothing wrong with a large, fun print to mix things up.

2. It is a fashion sin to hide your figure.

Plus-size women are often endowed with kicking curves that skinny women secretly covet. Don't hide your figure underneath tent dresses and baggy sweats. Many retailers now make jeans for women with larger hips so you don't have to buy jeans in a waist size that's too big to accommodate your rear end.

Choose clothes that fit well, show off some cleavage, and show off your waist. Belted dresses, tailored dress shirts, women's fit t-shirts, and a pair of perfectly-fitting jeans will all accentuate your natural curves.

3. It is a fashion sin to deny your true size.

Plus-size women often feel pressure to magically become smaller than they really are. They buy clothes that almost fit, would have fit five years ago, or might someday fit. These clothes hang in your closet and don't do you any favors. Worse yet, if you do try to squeeze into those outfits anyway, you end up walking around with a muffin top, a broken dress zipper, or a shirt button bulge that shows off your girls in the worst way.

Clothes that truly, genuinely fit are always going to be more flattering than clothes that don't. Acknowledging and accepting the size you wear is the first step in looking like a million bucks.

4. It is a fashion sin to hide behind your hair.

Repeat after me: There is nothing wrong with your face.

Hiding behind your hair won't fool anyone into thinking you're smaller than you actually are. Pull your hair back (or cut it all off) from time to time to add variety to your look. Show off those pretty lips, gorgeous eyes, or adorable dimples you've been hiding.

5. It is a fashion sin to pile on too much jewelry.

Some plus-size ladies believe that adding interesting accessories will draw attention away from the parts of their bodies they don't like. While it's true that a long necklace can create a slimming line, piling on a bunch of jewelry won't actually change your body. If you go totally overboard with the bling, you risk looking a little nuts. Instead, choose one or two power pieces to go with every outfit.

6. It is a fashion sin to cover up completely.

I don't care how fat you feel, you're going to feel even fatter if it's 92 degrees outside and you're dying in a sweatshirt. Just because you're a plus-size lady doesn't mean that you've signed over your right to wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty sundresses. Give yourself permission to comfortable in your clothes, no matter what the weather.

7. It is a fashion sin to dress down on special occasions.

In an attempt not to draw attention to themselves, some plus-size women loathe having to get dressed up. But if you've got a hot date or a job interview, glam it up! Plus-size women look great in cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and power suits. The more comfortable you feel dressing up, the more comfortable you'll feel getting dressed in general. After you've rocked the perfect dress a few times, you won't ever want to go back to those slouchy sweatpants.