STYLE SURGERY: CURVY & STYLISH

Flipping though the pages of an old magazine, I came upon a heading dedicated to "Curvacious women". The article was illustrated of a so-called Size+ model, who looked rather " normal" to me but never mind, magazines won't go too far, will they.

It is quite clear that rounder women are getting in vogue, and I personally find them more colourful and having much more presence than many frail girls.

However, my curvacious friends tell me that, not only do they find it difficult to hit clothes on the high street retail that fit them but more importanly, because of a self image issue, as per the ideas that are vehiculated that one has to be deadly thin to deserve beautiful clothes, they find it hard to dress in stylish way.

I might not be THE asbolute style reference but there are a few principles that are common to most stylish and not so thin women :

1. Pure lines: minimalist and well tailored garments are the best ally to curves. Cocoon shapes this winter are ideal because it celebrates the curves and it is superb. The Calvin Klein number above might be expensive but soon, it will be copied in all Zara and Cie...

One might retort that it will create a huge mass of fabric but I disagree: voluptuous women are not to be hidden, they should expose their curves and the fact that they are visible. Moreover, the wide shapes help to create balance in the spatial contours of the silhouette. Don't hesitate to wear oversized attributes such as collars, pockets, etc.

2. Avoid fabric with too much spandex that hug curves too much and especially in indesirable spots, even forming exaggerated rolls... Privilege crisp materials, cottons, wool etc.

3. Work on spatial balance and contrasts: create symmetry and equilibrium in shapes. If the curves are mainly located around the hips/ stomach, favour trapeze shapes and / or emphasize the waist with cinched products or belts. Hourglass is sexy. If curves are also on the top: wear V-Neck tops or enhancing V cleavages. Groom this head carriage!

Work on contrast in terms of colours as well as shape.

4. Accessorize and don't be afraid to do so: wear chunky jewellery, again, it is a matter of equilibrium: small chains and tiny details will only emphasize the curves whereas big necklaces such as multistrands or heavy beads create a portly effect. If wearing heavy earrings, wear no necklace and vice versa. Wear cuffs. Wear oversize shades. Wear colourful accessories and notably, beautiful and elegant motives ( If you cannot afford the Hermes stoles and other high end brands, ask your family to gather for really high quality presents) .

5. Groom your face and don't be shy about - even original but classy- hairdos... You are not tiny, be stunning and be noticeable. Do wear make up.

6. Buy wide leg trousers: all types. Make sure you don't buy low cuts which, even on skinny girls can cut the hips, thus a terrible muffin-top effect! Wide trousers can be 3/4 long, denim, wool etc. Always choose great cuts.

7. Invest in good underwear: Round and firm breasts always force envy. But heavy breasts can also fall, make sure your bras don't cut in the middle. Make sure they are the right size (70% of women wear bras of a wrong size) . When going out, why not wear shapewear? Spanx for instance makes very minimalistic briefs and waistshaper.

8. Wear wraps tops. A bit of drape at the front helps to hide the tummy. Kimonos are a lovely alternative

9. Cinch: wear wide belts on long sweaters or shirts.

10. Don't wear tiny shoes. Make sure your shoes don't have a "craddle effect" sole, it makes the curves look slightly childish which is not stylish! Really, dead serious on that one!

11. Skirts: A-shape either under the knee or to the ankle with flat shoes.