Obesity and the Well Dressed Woman

I have been classified as having Obesity 2. According to medical charts, I am not just super chubby but really, really super chubby. :)  I was surprised by that label although I am 5' 2" and 200+ lbs.

When I see myself in photos, my arms do look larger than I envision. My hips are wider.  Maybe I am just used to my body having been overweight most of my life.

I am very aware that clothing can slenderize or emphasize. I am very clothes conscious. So I am used to my body but, don't want to appear bigger. I love clothes. I am an artist and enjoy color, textures, style. I like making outfits and shopping. Shopping fabric stores was a passion in my youth and I sewed my outfits. I had more fabric than snowflakes in my yard!

There are styles which compliment a figure. Be it slim and fit or curvy: Well endowed or barely there: Wide thighs or pencil legs. Being well dressed includes wearing clean clothing that fits your figure and compliments your body type. Flatters your shape. 

Being well dressed does not mean expensive clothing. I wear Walmart. According to my friends, I am "pulled together" and complimentarily clothed most of the time. (Even my best friend says that and she wouldn't lie to me!) 

You can be obese and be well dressed.

Feeling well dressed can lead to self-confidence which often leads to body positivity, peace and contentment. So keep reading. lol

Clothing does not need to be expensive but, the quality of the fabric, how it drapes on you and proportion do matter.

Color and where you wear it matters. Size of fabric patterns/prints matter. Which way stripes go matters. Type of sleeves matter. 

Knowing your shape is where to start. There is a Fruit Shape Chart that's helpful: Pear shape (me), Apple, Strawberry, Banana and Hour Glass.  There is a post on this topic.

Each shape has different suggestions for complimentary styling and clothing which is a topic for a different post. :)

Being a pear with some bust, I look for ruched items to compliment my thinner waist, V-necks to elongate my upper body and smooth hips to minimize their width.

I recently wore the silver gown pictured in the blog beginning as the Mother-of-the-Groom.  I felt fabulous even though it was a size 28.  I needed to have the bodice altered but the dress fit my hips.  I felt confident walking out in front of 100 people.

Do you feel well dressed? Do you think it matters?  How do you do it?  Let me know.