I full-heartedly agree with Marie here. While I'm a bit of a fashionista, I'm not a fashion-victim, and I notice people wearing incredibly unflattering things all the time. That's not at all synonymous with saying that they are unattractive - they just make bad choices and I wish someone would have to courage to break it to them in a non-confrontational way.
Let's take each situation in turn:
- too small clothes. I realize that this is a direct consequence of our culture's obsession with thinness, and I imagine people buy clothes a couple of sizes smaller just to convince themselves that they are that particular size. It may also be that a desirable fashionable item is only available in certain sizes, so if you want it, you squeeze in it if you can. Either way, I think it's a tad ridiculous.
I see a lot of perfectly thin/average girls squeezed in low-riding jeans at least 2 sizes too small. Since unfortunately we are all covered in skin :rolleyes:, there's bound to be a little roll or bulge appearing out of nowhere. I have trouble understanding why you'd wear something that gives you bulges when your real size wouldn't, but I suppose it's a case of really wanting to believe you're a size 2 (even if you're a 4 or 6, both of which I think are tiny anyway).
Plus-size girls I think are riding on the euphoria of finally finding fashionable clothes in their size. Before I get flamed, I would like to mention that I too am a CHUNKY CHICK (here, I bought a subscription and posted a pic so you can see that) and I'm all about having great clothes to choose from. I usually shop at Addition-Elle and I have quite a few nice things from there, but honestly, I have qualms with the way some of their clothes are cut. I know that short jackets have been the "IT" thing for the past couple of years, but most women shopping there probably have a bit of a belly bulge (myself included - I hate my stomach
). Short jackets and shrugs look best on a small, well-defined waist. For the rest of us, there are perfectly flattering tailored jackets which hit right at the hip - they cover your stomach and the pinched-in waist helps contour your body. But can you find them if the IT thing is a shrug? It's the same thing with too-short tops, low-waist pants that give you a wedgie and allow your stomach to spill over, or halters cut so low in the back, that you can't wear a bra. I think it's wonderful that there are so many choices out there, but I think plus-size stores should also carry classics in more flattering shapes and should hire stylists who could give honest advice about what looks good on a particular body-shape.
Now I'm older and have learned what looks good on me and what doesn't, so I stay away from fashion traps (like belly shirts and shrugs). But I wear low-cut tops, fitted jackets, and tighter pants because I want to draw attention to what's nice and away from what's not-so-nice. My impression, however, is that younger girls try so hard to fit in, that they wear whatever their skinny friends wear just to stay in the loop. And I don't think that's doing them a favour at all because it only attracts unflattering comparisons. I don't wear the same kind of clothes that my size 4 friend wears because I know I don't have her flat abs. That doesn't mean I think I'm ugly - she always said she envies my cleavage for example - but that I'm realistic.
- age-unsuitable clothes. I've never been in favor of women over 40 wearing mom-jeans and embellished cardigans (I'm talking about snowmen, not sequins here), but I think we should all draw the line at things suitable for people 20 years younger. I'm 25 and I don't wear Hilary Duff things, cammo, Hello Kitty, or let my bra straps show (okay, sometimes they have a life of their own). I don't think anyone would do a double-take if I wore these things, but I'm a young professional, not a high school kid, and I don't think they would be appropriate. I'm not saying no 25-year old should wear them, but I prefer to stick with suits, slacks, and cardigans, even if I wear a silky/slinky/lacy cami underneath and high heels. I think a bright accessory, like my new big red bag, can add a pop of color and bring an outfit to life while allowing you to stay sophisticated overall.
Similarly, I think older women should wear stylish clothes, and there is nothing wrong with a skirt which hits right above the knee, fitted pants and jackets, beautiful tops, etc. But sequined halters and mini-skirts are gaudy enough on teens - on someone who's 50, they're downright desperate. (Don't start throwing stuff at me :wah: )
- too big clothes. Yup, there's that too. Back to the plus-size issue. I want to tell those girls that baggy clothes aren't really flattering on anyone, and that nothing corrects and show off your shape like well-fitted clothes. Flared pants, soft pencil skirts, empire waists, A-lines, these are made to show off long legs or a nice chest, balance hips, hide bulges, so there are plenty of alternatives. Plus, glossy hair, good skin, and nice make-up go a long way to make up for those extra pounds.
This is just my 2 cents, I certainly don't mean to offend anyone, but I think that with better choices, anyone can be a lot more attractive (and without drastic measures or plastic surgery).
and a big bum sticking out the other end.