Big Girl in a Skinny World at Fashion Week: All About the Details

Hello Ladies,

Another one of my favorite shows in Milan was Salvatore Ferragamo. It was like an advanced lesson in layering for the curvy girl. Many women over a size 4 get flustered when it comes to layering, because they're afraid of adding tons of bulk (a valid concern). Ferragamo did it best by adding thin layers: a vest over a top with a belt to cinch the waist. The color palette was an array of rich earth- and rust-tones with a few metallics and patterns sprinkled in.

The simplistic styling of the outfits was also right on point. A common misconception is that to be chic, one must pile on pounds of accessories and layers. While this loaded look can work for lightning-rod-looking ladies, as a very curvy girl, I know firsthand how much bigger too many elements can make you look. Rather than wearing 27 different pieces, I prefer to find thin, interesting layers and always belt at the waist. A belt is a key element in any wardrobe, especially that of a curvy girl but it is of the utmost importance when it comes to layering. It's simple: a belt cinches and enhances the smallest part of your body.

Many times I receive emails from curvy women saying they can't pull off a certain look or can't find something they see on the runways, and it's not hard to sense how extremely discouraged they feel. Remember, the easiest thing to shop for as a curvy girl is accessories. A curvy girl can rock a killer pair of shoes, a stunning bag or a chic fedora just as easily as anyone else. So, if you can't find the perfect on-trend top or pants, look to accessories to help you channel the feel of a show you like. After all, the key to any look is in the details!

-Ashley

YOUR BIG GIRL IN A SKINNY WORLD