US writer feels that Fuller Figured Fashion no longer big deal!

The world of fashion is filled with Do’s and Don’ts, but it seemed as if plus-size women have received a longer list of “Don’ts” than their slimmer counterparts.

Don’t wear sleeveless shirts. Don’t wear clothing that clings to your curves. And don’t you dare be caught dead in horizontal stripes.

All of these rules present few options for women over a size 12. But these cursed Don’ts are becoming a thing of the past, as designers and retailers, who are more known for their 0 to 12 size clothing, offer trendier options for stylish, curvy women this season.

“There are a lot of perceived rules in fashion, but the most important one to follow is to wear what you feel most comfortable in and what best reflects your personality,” said Joshua Thompson, a spokesman for Target stores. “Fashion is about having fun and exploring and trying out new trends regardless of your shape or size.”
Stores such as Target have carried full-figured garments for years with designs by Merona and Mossimo Black. The store recently debuted its latest brand, Pure Energy – a new line of “contemporary, fashion-forward plus-size apparel.”

Styles that are commonly found in the Juniors and Women’s departments, like the maxi dresses, flouncy tees and skinny jeans, are among the line’s mix.

Many stores known for their plus-size clothes, such as Old Navy, recently have shifted much of its inventory to its Web site. Cheap-chic retailers such as Forever 21 have taken a similar route with its Faith 21 collection.

While there’s an assortment of edgy screen tees and sexy mini dresses to choose from online and at select stores, the local Forever 21 boutique at Cross Creek Mall doesn’t carry the line.

While big-box retailers get the hang of targeting the full-figured demographic, independent shops such as Belle Curve boutique on Franklin Street in downtown Fayetteville, stock up on apparel in sizes 12 to 24 only.

Carrie Oziemblowsky, the boutique’s owner, said that trends in plus-size fashion may differ from that of the mainstream wares.

“For example, flowy garments that are not totally deconstructed, but slightly constructed, are in. There’s a lot of drapey things happening for plus fashions,” Oziemblowsky said, adding that the cut of a garment is most important.

“Some things will look good on a size 6 and a size 16,” she said. “If you’re going to get a maxi dress, try a trumpet silhouette or something that mermaids out, so it doesn’t just hang on you. The trends can be done. It’s just a matter of cut.”

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