How to Dress Sexy (for Larger Women)

Being curvaceous and wearing bigger than a size 12 doesn't mean you can't dress to impress. If you are considered "plus size", there are many ways to flaunt your style and show off your sexy side.

Steps

1. Consider your wardrobe. Baggy, loose clothing is not sexy on most people. Go for form-fitting, curve-enhancing pieces that cater to your style and your body image.
2. Know what pieces are form-fitting and curve-enhancing for the bigger girls. Most jeans will have a "curvy-fit" option available, which has extra room in the booty and the hips. This means that they taper down the leg, hugging your form rather than falling off of it because you needed more room in the caboose. When choosing a colour for your jeans, remember: black is slimming. Lighter jeans also tend to cling to you in unwanted areas: dark jeans will mask this.
   • Jessica Simpson offers curvy-fit jeans for women, or if you're looking for something a little less expensive, Old Navy also has plus-size options. Old Navy offers plus sized jeans up to a 20 in the regular women's section and from a 14 and up in the plus sized section. Check both sections and if you are a size 20 or under, you will spend less money for the same jeans and have a broader selection if you shop in the regular size.
   • You can wear crop tops! They look best with very structured, high-wasted pants or skirts (make sure they come above the belly-button). But always remember to choose what you show off! If you are going to show a little belly, wear a longer skirt/pant, and keep your chest mostly covered. Also think about the occasion. If you are going to the club, you can show a little cleavage. In general with a crop top, it's best to choose between having your chest or arms showing as well. A little belly is sexy, and you can always push the boundaries with how much/little you want to show.
3. Try peplum. Peplum is a popular look meant to accentuate the hips and create the illusion of an hour-glass shape. You might have an hour-glass shape already and simply want to reinforce it! Peplum tops and dresses will bring the focus to your hips and away from your torso and legs (which may be areas from which you want to detract attention). Peplum works best as formal/dressy attire, but depending on what you pair it with (and the type of peplum), you can wear it any time, any way.
4. Use belts to define your waistline. Belts worn around the middle can act like a garter and help to shape your body. They are also great accessories, so don't be afraid to find some fun-looking ones. Belts with a wide breadth separate your body into visible sections which is elongating to the eye.
5. Accentuate your best features. Beautiful eyes? Wear make-up that puts them in the spotlight. Love your arms? Show them off! Proud of your chest? By all means. But, when it comes to "revealing clothing," be careful... Revealing clothing can easily make you look sloppy or like you're trying too hard. Definitely stick to well made pieces that actually fit. A general rule of thumb: ignore clothing sizes and wear what fits. Even if you want to wear the smaller size, if you're having trouble breathing, go ahead and move up to what fits you! On the flip side, don't overestimate your size either. Take your measurements and that will help you navigate retailer variances in sizes so you always know what will work. This is especially helpful for online shopping!
6. Know which areas you would like to show more skin or would not. If you feel comfortable with your long legs, rock that short skirt! But if you're insecure with your stomach, wearing a crop top or form fitting outfit won't make you feel comfortable. This isn't just with curvy girls, this tip is for everyone!
7. Be modest with your cleavage. There's a rule in fashion that says if you show off one, cover the other. If you've already got your skirt or your dress going (which should come to around your knees), leave the chest for another day. Few things can ruin a good outfit more by showing off the unnecessary. Skimpy isn't sexy.
8. Have confidence in yourself. Healthy body image and strong self-confidence are the best fashion accessories in the world. If you KNOW you could make a garbage bag look good, you're on the right track. Eat healthy, drink water. Take care of your skin and hair. Wear the clothes YOU want to wear, not just clothing that an article told you to. If you aren't happy in the clothes you're wearing, it'll show. Comfortable clothes make you move easier and make you forget you're wearing them. There's no need to go for the sweat pants, though. Simply put: Dress for you, dress for what you want to portray, and dress confidently. Make sure clothes fit you appropriately and that you are mindful of your outward appearance.

Tips

• Crop tops are a no-go unless you need it for an at-home workout or when you wear them in combination with an high waisted pants, skirts, or shorts. This should rarely be done simply because it is unfortunately not as put together looking on curvier ladies. These types of garments are made for people who need to add visual interest to their outward appearance. If you're curvy, you don't need to!
• Never underestimate the power of a fantastic undergarment. Shop for bras and panties that are well made, and know your cup size! Have your bust measured by a professional or have a friend help you do it (results are more accurate this way). A badly fitting bra or pair of panties can break your outfit!
• A-line skirts are fantastic for hiding heavy legs, especially if you have a smaller waist, because it will accentuate your small waist and take the attention off your legs.
• To hide a double chin, rub bronzer along your jawline and underneath your chin into the crevices in your neck. Blend well, it looks even worse than a double chin if it isn't well blended.
• For sexy high cheekbones, swipe your blush directly up your cheekbones to the hairline. Then rub a bronzer in the hollow on your cheeks. This works wonders.
• Wear heels to lengthen your legs and accessorize any outfit. Be sure they are appropriate. This typically means heels that are under 4.5 inches. Anything taller is usually inappropriate.
• Never compare yourself to another person. It achieves nothing and is illogical: just because it looks great on her, doesn't mean it will look great on you. Also, don't try to prove things with your body when wearing outfits. Just because they make crop tops and metallic tights for curvy ladies does not mean it looks good.
• Don't dress for the (wo)man. The right one will love you despite your clothing, body shape, or weight (maybe even BECAUSE of it!).
• If you're uncomfortable showing skin but still want do not want to look "covered up" try lace and other see through garments.
• If you have a heavy butt, wear tops that covers up to thigh. But the tops should not be too loose. High neck, sleeveless tops can look really smart.
• For casual wear, dresses just above knee with belt will fit well. If you have stretch marks on hands, consider three quarter sleeve.
• Wear clothing that enhances your curves. Think boot-cut, form fitting jeans in dark colours, well tailored peacoats, booties, and tie waisted shirts. Also, accessorize!
• Think about colours and which look slimming on you, white usually a good choice.
• STAY AWAY from thong sandals, crop tops, brightly colored leggings, flat footed boots, acid wash, back out shirts, and tie front tops. These work against curvy ladies. Personally, it's classier to avoid these things as a general rule of thumb anyway.
• Own it, you are a beautiful lady and you WERK IT!

Warnings

• Don't wear too tight clothes as it can create pressure on blood flow of your skin and also cause the extra fat to bulge. It is not a classy look when larger women wear too tight clothing.
• If you have wider feet, do not try to squeeze them into shoes that you can "fit". This means look for wide width shoes. Shoes that are too narrow can injure and permanently damage your feet and nails.
• Do not use your body as a statement. Many plus sized women have taken to creating blogs, videos, and how to guides that suggest you can wear everything that thinner women can. If you respect yourself, you know this is not true. It is the same for thinner women, they do not always pull off looks you could! For this reason, dress sensibly and not because you want to prove something.
• Do not wear pencil heels as the weight can create extra pressure on your heel resulting in pain and bone density loss