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Many companies make clothes with zero consideration of plus-size women.
It is almost as if plus-sized women are being ostracized.
At some point, you might begin to wonder:
“Did all clothing brands in the fashion industry gather in a secret meeting and decide that pretty clothes were only meant for slim, and tall women?
I’m sure every plus-size woman can relate to walking in a clothing store or shopping online and spotting a gorgeous outfit, getting excited, just to try it on and bam!
It is not your size.
It is either you can’t even wear it at all or you squeeze yourself into the dress and take the risk of passing out from a lack of breath.
Then what happens when we finally see the so-called outfit made for us?
It is the most unflattering thing that we can ever imagine.
We are talking about outfits that make us look like a handmaid.
Outfits that make us look like who did it and why?
Some even look like something straight out of a hospital ward.
And God forbid, you are short and chubby: Game over.
The truth is:
Not everyone has to look like Bella Hadid to look beautiful.
More importantly, you don’t have to lose weight to wear stunning outfits.
You don’t have to shed some pounds to look stylish and feel beautiful.
Moreover, you are already beautiful and unique just the way you are.
All you need is the right styling tips to elevate your fashion game like a sexy big mama that you are!
So, on today’s episode of What to Wear if You Are Short and Chubby, I am giving 21 practical fashion tips on how to level up your style as a plus-size baddie.
And that’s not all,
I also included outfits that will not only fit but also flatter your body in the best way.
So you don’t have to go through the stress of searching different physical or online stores, I have done the yardwork for you.
So let’s get into it, ladies.
You Will Also Like: How To Dress More Feminine – Look 10x Better!
1. Invest In A Shapewear
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This is not all about making you snatched (of course, you would be snatched too), but there are more benefits shapewear has to offer than just making you slimmer.
Sometimes the reason why a certain outfit doesn’t look good on you is not because it is not flattering.
You may just need a shapewear to smoothen out the outfit and make the clothes sit better on your body.
So instead of ditching an outfit because it did not look good the first time, try wearing it with a shapewear.
2. Wear The Right Bra
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For something that women wear everyday, it is quite hilarious how so many women tend to wear the wrong size of bra.
P.S. I’m guilty too.
You see, when your girls are sitting right, your clothes naturally fit better.
A good bra gives your bust the proper lift and support it needs which instantly improves your overall shape.
I talked about this in my recent post on how to increase your bust size.
In fact, it is the foundation of every flattering outfit.
Before you think of what to wear if you are short and chubby, you have to start with the right bra.
That is why I highly recommend that you go to a store and get fitted by a professional. Especially if you don’t know your bra size.
Once you find the one that fits you perfectly, take note of the size and measurements.
That way, you know exactly what you are looking for when shopping online.
I don’t suggest buying bras online when you don’t know your bra size yet: it is super easy to buy the wrong size and end up wasting your money.
3. Avoid Heavy Outfits
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Unless it is winter, avoid bulky clothing by all means possible.
When we are looking for clothes that flatter a plus-size figure, we want something that will make us look slimmer, taller, and create clean, sleek lines.
Heavy outfits do the exact opposite.
They overwhelm your figure and make you appear even wider and shorter than you actually are.
My advice?
Go for lightweight outfits made from fabrics like silk, satin, cotton, linen, chiffon, or crepe.
These materials drape beautifully over your curves without adding extra weight.
Avoid oversized sweaters or puffer jackets, ruffled dresses, puffy tops, and balloon sleeves.
Basically, anything made from thick wool or corduroy just makes you look like you are drowning and not in water but in a heap of unflattering fabric (honestly, I would take the water).
4. Avoid Outfits That Visually “Chop” Your Body
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Cardigan // Skirt // Tights // Bag
When you’re short and curvy, one of the best styling tips is to avoid clothing that cuts too sharply across your body like thick horizontal stripes, high-contrast color-blocking, or overly chunky belts.
These details can break up your silhouette and make you appear shorter or boxier.
Instead, go for vertical lines, monochromatic outfits, or pieces that elongate the frame like V-necks, high-waisted bottoms, and flowy fabrics that follow your shape.
The goal is to create clean, uninterrupted lines that flatter your curves and give you a taller, more balanced look.
5. Don’t Shy Away From Fitted Clothes
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The next time I see another plus-size baddie, shy away from fitted clothes because of her body; I’m screaming.
Let’s get one thing straight: fitted clothes, especially dresses, look fire on chubby women.
The way they accentuate the hips and keep the tummy in place deserves a standing ovation.
Girl, the curves be curving!
When they do have a V-neckline? Oh honey!!
Extra points if they are short enough to show off those sexy, thick thighs.
Now, I know you have probably said a million times that plus-size women should wear oversized outfits to hide their bodies.
But listen when I tell you that those outfits do more harm than good.
Why? Because they make you appear bulkier and erase your natural shape.
So, be proud of your curves.
People are spending thousands of dollars on the surgery table to get what you have for free.
So yeah, point five on what to wear if you are short and chubby: invest more in fitted clothes. Own your body.
6. Choose Dresses that Flows And Flatters
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Now I know I just sang the praises of mini dresses and fitted outfits.
But here me out, maxi flowy dresses also look absolutely stunning on short and chubby women as long as they cinch the waist.
Remember, STRUCTURE
Besides, not everyone is comfortable wearing a mini dress and that’s okay.
If you prefer a bit more coverage, a flared maxi dress is your best bet.
Just ensure it defines your waist, shows off your curves in the best way, and flows with your natural shape, not against it.
We don’t want to be giving potato sack vibes, do we?
7. Wear High-Rise Bottoms
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High-rise bottoms are your best bet if you are looking for what to wear if you are short and chubby.
Especially when it comes to layering.
Actually, it doesn’t matter whether you are curvy or not; high-rise bottoms are perfect for short girls in general.
You see, high-rise bottoms have a way of creating an illusion of longer legs, which makes you look taller.
Apart from making you look taller, they also hold your tummy in place for that slender look.
8. Big Chunky Jewelry Is A No No
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The last thing you want to do as a short and curvy woman is to slay your outfit, slay your hair, slay your makeup, then ruin everything by wearing chunky jewelry that steals the spotlight and makes your whole look tacky.
If you are wondering what to wear if you are short and chubby, here is a tip that often gets overlooked: the kind of jewelry you choose matters just as much as your outfit.
That is why I strongly advise you to go for dainty pieces instead.
Think delicate studs, small classy hoops, thin layered chains, minimalist bracelets, or a dainty pearl necklace.
These types of jewelry don’t overpower your look.
Instead, they draw attention to the right areas: collarbone, neck, wrists, etc.
All these soft, subtle spots, which are highlighted by these jewelry pieces, elevate your entire outfit.
9. Put Your Hair In A Sleek Bun Or PonyTail
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Blazer // Pants // Shoes // Top // Bag
Oh, you thought we were just going to talk about outfits alone in this article? Girl, you thought wrong.
As you are figuring out what to wear if you are short and chubby, you have to bear in mind that it is not just about clothes.
Your hair also play a major role.
For short and curvy women, a sleek bun or ponytail isn’t just cute, it’s strategic.
Pulling your hair back instantly elongates your face, creates a more lifted appearance, and draws attention to your beautiful features like your eyes, cheekbones, and jawline.
10. Wrap Tops & Dresses Are Your BFFs
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First, take a look at this image, and tell me if this isn’t perfection in an outfit.
Wrap tops or dresses should be a staple in your closet as a plus-size baddie.
Especially the ones with a tie front detail.
They are not just cute, but they instantly create an hourglass figure.
Notice how this wrap dress is made from a satin material
Can you see how polished, and elegant it looks?
That’s exactly what we are going for.
Don’t buy wrap tops or dresses with thick, heavy fabrics.
They completely defeat the whole purpose.
Instead of contouring, they add unnecessary bulk and hide your shape.
Let me give you a styling method you should always remember when it comes to styling: The fitted and relaxed rule.
Which means if you are wearing a fitted top the bottom should be relaxed.
And if your bottoms are snug, opt for a flowy loose top (it’s called balance baby).
Do this and buy me an iced latte with oat milk and double cream.
11. Add Blazers To Elevate Your Look
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A blazer is a classic outfit elevator.
It literally takes outfits from a solid 10 to 1000.
And for short and chubby women, it is not an exception.
So here is a tip to stand out even more
Go for blazers that stop at the waist or just above the hips.
Long, oversized blazers may drown your frame and hide your shape, but cropped or fitted ones accentuate your curves and give the illusion of height.
Bonus points if it has a defined shoulder; you will be serving major boss babe energy.
12. Flee From Skinny Jeans
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Moving forward, anybody who tells you that as a short and plus-size woman you should wear skinny jeans, sue that person for battery, bullying, and treason.
I said what I said.
Skinny jeans look like a hot mess on short and chubby women (sorry, not sorry).
They cling to the body without offering a balance or structure.
Rather than flattering your shape, they make your legs look even shorter and highlight areas that are supposed to be smoothed out (An inflated mess!).
Instead, opt for straight-leg, wide-leg, or high-waisted jeans. These styles don’t just look better; they add class and help to elongate your legs.
So, if you are searching for what to wear if you are short and chubby, and you have a pair of skinny jeans in your closet, throw them away right now.!
Because honey that’s not it.
13. Go For Monochrome Outfits
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Have you ever heard of “less is more”? That’s exactly what we are doing here.
For short, chubby women, investing in monochrome outfits is one of the best things you can do for your wardrobe.
It is one of the best styles for plus size ladies.
Why?
Because it creates a longer and leaner silhouette.
Now here is how to style monochrome outfits without looking boring.
If you are wearing a top and pants or a skirt, ensure they are the exact same color, for example, black on black.
Then, for a bit of contrast, you can go with a pair of nude or white shoes for that pop of color.
Finally, don’t be afraid to play with textures or subtle patterns (emphasis on subtle) for that extra flair.
14. Shorter Hemlines or Nothing
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Society has told us that as plus-size women, that we need to cover up more just because we are curvy.
Contrary to what society says, shorter hemlines actually look far better than longer ones.
Longer hemlines tend to swallow you whole, like a two-year-old child wearing her father’s clothes.
So yeah, for all my short and chubby women, don’t sleep in mini skirts and shorts.
Show off those beautiful thick thighs, flaunt them at every opportunity you get.
15. Fitted Top + Relaxed Pants
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What to wear if you are short and chubby 102: fitted top + relaxed pants.
This is one of those styles for plus size ladies that eats every single time without no crumbs left.
A fitted top helps to define your waist and upper body, while relaxed or wide leg pants balance out your proportions without clinging to your hips or thighs.
This gives a chic classy look that also feels very comfortable.
Not only does this combo look bomb, but it is also versatile.
Yes, you can totally rock this look in both professional and casual settings.
16. Choose Tailored Outfits
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Top // Skirt // Sunglasses
One of the most important factors to focus on when styling short and chubby women is structure.
And this is exactly what tailored outfits bring to the table
We want something that defines our waist, hugs in the right places, and creates a clean, structured line.
Whenever I hear tailored outfits, I think of class, elegance, poise, and grace
And no, elegance is not reserved for skinny people.
You can be curvy, confident, and classy. All at once.
And if you are a lover of the old money style or aesthetic, then tailored outfits are your go-to.
17. Invest In Shorter Jackets, Cardigans Or Coats
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Long shapeless jackets, coats, or cardigans will make you appear like you were swallowed in a blanket.
However, something that stops at your waist or just above the hips will highlight your body in the most flattering way.
Think cropped jacket, boxy blazer, cropped cardigan, leather biker jacket, bomber jacket that hits at the waist or hip
As long as it doesn’t drop to your knees or lower, you are good to go.
18. Choose The Right Necklines
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Opt for V necklines, square necklines, U necklines, or off shoulders.
These necklines open up your neckline and create space which helps to make you look slimmer and taller.
Avoid turtle necks and other high necklines that tend to compress your frame which makes your upper body look shorter and heavier; and that’s not what we want here.
19. Embrace Vertical Lines & Small prints
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Vertical lines and small prints are your homegirls.
Vertical lines draw the eye up and down, not side to side, which means they elongate your frame and make you look taller and refined.
While small prints add texture and edge to your fashion game.
20. Define That Waist
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Skirt // Blazer // Shoes // Belt
When you accentuate your waist, your silhouette becomes more balanced and flattering.
Wearing belts is the number one way you can snatch your waist. You can also follow these helpful tips on how to get your waist snatched.
Just one cinch at the waist over a blazer, tunic, or flowy dress can instantly pull your look together
Even something as simple as tucking in your shirt can add instant shape.
It’s not about hiding your body, it’s about highlighting it.
So next time you get dressed, think: “What can I do to make my waist pop?”
Because girl, once you do, you will see the difference and you will definitely love it!
21. Extend Your Legs With The Right Shoes
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When you are deciding what to wear if you are short and chubby, remember that shoes are not an afterthought.
According to a study published in the Journal of Research in Personality, people can make accurate judgments about someone’s personality just by looking at their shoes.
Crazy right?
You see, your shoes matter just as much as your outfits.
So pay serious attention to it.
If you are looking to elevate your shoe game as a plus-size woman, the right type of shoes can make you look taller and more put-together.
So here are a few tips:
- Go for nude shoes that suit your skin tone (emphasis on the skin tone match as they are different shades of nude).
- Choose pointed-toe styles to elongate your legs and give your outfit a refined finish.
- Avoid ankle straps as they tend to shorten your legs and cut off leg lines.
- You can also go for lace-up heels, platforms, tall boots, and ballet flats.
And that’s it ladies!
We have come to the end of what to wear if you are short and chubby.
Whew! That was a good one.
But before I go, I want you to hear this loud and clear ; Never let society define you.
As plus size women, we get a lot of hate and criticism by just existing in our own bodies.
It often seems like the whole world wants us to shrink ourselves, dim our light, wear unflattering outfits just because we carry extra flesh.
But I say, break out of that box.
Wear what you want.
Do what you want.
Have confidence (this is the most important tip I will share with you today).
Own your body. Curves. Tummy. Thick thighs; own it all and flaunt it like a peacock.
Because guess what, we only live once.
And if you keep listening to people, you will never be happy.
So live your life to the fullest and do what makes you feel beautiful and happy.
Now tell me, which of these tips are you going to be implementing today?
Drop them in the comments.
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