Looking for some cool pieces to add in your wardrobe? Take a look at these stylish plus-size picks from UK retalier Asos’ Curve line.

As I always say, remember plus-size is a size and not a shape. Be aware of your overall body shape (i.e. hourglass, inverted triangle, triangle, boyish, etc.) but don’t assume you’re destined for a closet filled with shapeless duds because you’ve got a little more to love.

For more info check out the Dressing for Your Body tab in the menu bar above.

More Asos…

Need help? Contact me.

America’s most well known denim brand has just gotten more consumer friendly. Got a itty bitty waist but got much booty? Try their Bold Curve line. Does the waist of most jeans fit you, but the jean doesn’t flatter you? Try Demi Curve!

Almost like walking into an old school lingerie shop where you’re fitted by a skilled associate with tape measure in hand, Levi’s is changing the way we buy denim and have aptly called it Curve ID. Walk into a Levi’s store for a fitting and an associate will take quick yet calculated measurements of your waist and hips. The differences between the measurements will have you in one of three (or a cross between two) categories: Slim Curve, Demi Curve, and Bold Curve. Curve ID utilizes a revolutionary fit system based on shape, not size and was created as a result of studying more than 60,000 body scans and listening to women around the world of all shapes and sizes. Yes, Sixty thou–you read that right!

Once you’ve been fitted for your curve, you shop for different jeans styles, washes, and inseams in easy to find and clearly marked sections specifically for your curve.

Slight Curve – designed to celebrate straight figures
Slight Curve is designed to define a woman’s waist, while accentuating her curves. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs but are too tight in the waist, a woman should try the Slight Curve.

Demi Curve – designed to fit even proportions
Demi Curve is designed to flatter a woman’s waist, while smoothing her shape. If jeans usually fit in the waist, but don’t flatter the figure, a woman should try the Demi Curve.

Bold Curve – designed to honor genuine curves
Bold Curve is designed to hug the waist, without gapping or pulling. If jeans usually fit in the hips and thighs, but gap in the back, a woman should try the Bold Curve.

I’m 5’9″ normally wear a 29 waist in jeans, need at least a 34″ inseam (or longer–can’t have my ankles catching a cold) and have a normal waist with defined hips and thighs. I was measured as Demi Curve. I usually find that jeans that have a tiny bit of stretch work best for me otherwise I’ll have to size up in the absence of it. The Demi Curve bootcut jeans? Perfect! The Demi Curve skinny jeans? Couldn’t even get them past my thighs in a size 29….lol. But it sure was easy (and fun) finding a whole section dedicated to my frame.

At the end of the night I was gifted a pair of Demi Curve Straight Leg jeans. My hips and height (and slight lack of the bootay) say thank you!

To find your local Levi’s store and get your curves measured, check out www.levi.com

Photos: Phillip Angert

The Style and Beauty Doctor reader Cassandra recently asked on Talk Amongst Yourselves or Ask Me a Question, “Hey Danielle could you possibly do an article similar to Jeans for Every Body but focusing on dress pants? I think that having examples as you have in Jeans for Everybody would be helpful especially for people shopping at different price points.”

Sure! Here goes…

If you have a big tummy, you’ll want a pant with a little bit of stretch and very little to no embellishments at the waist. Look for plain flat front pants that fit slightly off the waist. Anything too tight or that gathers near the tummy will only make your it appear wider. Also try to avoid large side pockets as they’ll make your waist look wider and your stomach bigger as a result.

More Alberto Biani…

If you have a short torso, you’ll want to create balance with a lower waist. This helps to visually cut off the legs and add more length at the torso.

More Ann Taylor…

If you have a long torso, do the opposite as above—go for pants with a higher waist to help visually cut off the length of your torso and help your legs appear longer for a balanced look.

More Malloni…

If you have thick thighs/hips look for smooth, plain front pants with a wider leg opening. Avoid side pockets or horizontal patterns near the thighs like the plague as they’ll only make you look wider. Look for pants that either fit at the natural waist or are a little on the low waist side. Also look for some stretch in the material.

More Banana Republic…

If you have a boyish frame, add visual curves with volume in your fabric particularly in the hip and thigh area. Many pants in this style are on trend right now so be sure to check them out.

More Asos…

If you have a big booty, go for pants with a little bit of stretch to them and that have few embellishments on the back. Avoid horizontal stripes, busy patterns, and pockets on the sides (your derrière can caused them to pull back) and on the back.

More Express…

If you’re petite, understand that it’s a size and not a shape. You’ll still need to follow the tips for your body type but look for shorter inseams to properly fit your frame. A petite inseam is normally 32″ or shorter. You’ll want to give the illusion of a long, lean body so avoid things that can shorten you like cuffs (the horizontal line they make visually cuts you off).

More Banana Republic…

If you’re plus size, like petite, understand that plus size is a size not a shape. Still follow the tips for your body type. Remember to keep things in scale, so if you go for a pattern, make sure the print is on the larger size–but be conscious of how the patterns look on your body (like other bodies, avoid them in areas that are larger). Horizontal lines or stripes can be tricky as they shorten and widen a frame.

More Elie Tahari…

Stuck? Leave a comment or contact me.

Talk Amongst Yourselves–leave a comment about anything you want! It could be about some hot new clothes or makeup you just bought, your favorite mascara, a topic you’d like to see me cover here, a celeb outfit or makeup look you saw that you absolutely love, or you can ask me a question.

Looking for items to add to your Fall 2010 wardrobe? Check out my picks—but remember—plus size is a size not a shape. Be sure to dress for your body type first by scrolling through the Dressing for Your Body section above. You could be plus-size and have a long torso, plus-size and have a boyish shape, etc., or a combination of everything.

Let accessories be a major part of your wardrobe–they’re a cool way to dress up or dress down any outfit. Be sure to check out my Fall 2010 Accessories coverage here and here as well as other fall trends here.

More Asos…

Need help adding items to your wardrobe? Contact me!