It’s OK not to wear black when you’re plus size

For years we’ve been told that black clothing is the best choice when you want to look slimmer.

And although it’s nice to choose on occasions, wearing it all the time can impact your mood.

According to ‘Vogue’ during an interview with Constance Hart – (the colour therapy expert), it was said that “black can feel like a security blanket” but it also has a “depressive quality”. For this reason, she tries to encourage everybody to add a little more colour to their lives (and wardrobe).

Start Small

If black has been your ‘go to’ option for years, then it can feel daunting to jump out of your comfort zone at first. If that’s the case we’d suggest starting small.

Wear your regular black outfit, but try jazzing it up with a colourful blazer. Specifically, one that focuses on bright colours such as red, royal blue or lime green which can give you a real POP.

Once you start to include colour more in your daily fashion choices, we’re confident that the mood boost it gives will make you want to do more.

Switch up the base

Another easy way to transition into a new colour palette is to go for something that’s in the same league as black.

Try switching your regular black leggings to something with a similar undertone.

Charcoal, Chocolate, or navy are all great choices to jump over to if you’re not quite sure what colour to trial out first.

By keeping your colour palette dark at first, you’ll still get the ‘slimming’ effect – but you’ll be venturing into new beginnings. Once you’ve become confident that other colours DO work, start to add more to your range.

Experiment

As the old saying goes, “You don’t know until you try” and the same is true about fashion.

Make the whole process of trialing new colours an adventure. There are no set rules here.

What works for one woman may not work for another.

Try pastels, Try brights – match them together and try them alone. See what works with your skin tone and ultimately which you feel best in.

If you’re not sure what colours will go well together, then why not book one of our personal shopping experiences? We can talk you through what should match so you can feel confident you’re on the right path.

Get the right fit

Ultimately, it’s not the colour of the clothes but the fit that matters.

Wearing leggings that are too tight, or a top that feels too short on the belly is no good.

You’ll instantly find faults in your reflection and no doubt believe that you look awful.

If that’s the case, it’s not that there’s anything wrong with your curvy body. It’s just that you’re wearing clothes that don’t fit you.

Choose trousers and dresses that offer elastication, or tops with tie belts – all of these can help to pull in your unique shape and look more flattering.

Our free-size clothing makes it easier to find items that will fit you.

Simply choose the size bracket that you think you’re in and go for that.

If you need any help, you can get in touch with us!

Once you’ve found clothes that actually fit you, you’ll feel more confident and ready to add some colour!

We want you to feel good, vibrant, and happy with your plus size outfit choices.

Hopefully, this article will help as a starting point – but if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for some expert advice.

Find YOUR Style


The best part of clothing is getting to be creative and unique and having fun! Now this is sometimes easier said than done. You can get very comfy in a black top and pair of jeans, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But if the only reason is because you’re worried about pairing outfits and trying new styles for see what suits you, let us try and help.

3 Word Method

The three word method was created by New York fashion stylist Allison Bornstein. This is a simple and easy method to identify your personal style and figure out what your IS and what you WANT it to be. So pick 3 adjectives to describe for example Bold, colourful, comfortable.

Now you’ve figured out your 3 words every time you look at new items you can see if it fits what you’re looking for. So you can look towards items like the Pamela Cardigan


Mimic Looks

Sometimes you need to see an outfit on a body, and sometimes somebody else being brave and trying an outfit you like can give you the confidence to try too, or even the validation that the combination works!

Find some of your favourite influencers or even groups like our LJ’s VIP page to find inspiration, like what to pair with a Rebecca Ruffle Polo . Then things like Pinterest are great for mapping out or exploring ideas. Even just scroll through their Instagram, and try and piece together some outfits from items you already have and replicate their way of styling.


Mood Board It

Places like Pinterest are fantastic for finding styles your love and different colour combos and laying them all out on a virtual mood board. It can be just for you, get inventive and creative put things together you enjoy but might not normally combine and just see how it looks. You might be surprised with what you find.


Step Out Your Comfort Zone

When looking at yourself and your own personal style, you have got to remember, it’s meant to be fun! Clothes are such a big part of your life and you might not even realise it, you have to wear them every day (or get some funny looks), enjoy creating your ensemble.

Even if you try something you don’t like, it’s ok! It’s not permanent and now you’re a little closer to knowing what you DO like.

You can start of small, if you always wear neutral colours, add a patterned scarf. If you wear a lot of black, add a bright coloured top. You can add gradually and piece things together.

And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, figure out what’s in your wardrobe, start with what are your base items so trusty pair of leggings or jeans, a jacket that goes with most your day looks then where can you add in those pops of your uniqueness and your style and end with a wardrobe you’re proud to own.

Check our LJ’s Ladies Boutique Social Media pages (Faceebook, insta, tiktok, pinterest) and  daily lives for more fashion inspiration & always feel welcome to ask us for ideas or

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