How to Dress Well when You're Overweight

Co-authored by Alison Deyette and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: May 15, 2022 References Approved

Dressing to impress can boost your confidence and help you look your best. Your body is beautiful, so don't be afraid to show it off! You can dress well at any size by choosing clothes that flatter your figure and accentuate your best features. Additionally, you might play around with color and prints to enhance your look. Then, complete your outfit with the right accessories.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Accentuating Your Best Features

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Choose pieces that draw the eye to your best features. Look in the mirror and decide which parts of your body you want to enhance. Then, choose items that show off your assets. This will draw people’s eyes to what makes you [[Enhance Your Natural Beauty|beautiful.^{[1]
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- For instance, you might love your legs. To show them off, you might wear dresses or long, slim pants.
- Similarly, you might be proud of your curves. You could wear tops, blazers, or dresses that cinch in at your waist. Alternatively, you might use a belt to tighten your clothes at your waist.
2
Wear fitted clothing to flatter your figure. You might think that baggy clothes hide your extra weight. However, baggy clothes often add extra pounds and also make you appear less self-assured. Instead, pick clothes that are the correct size and fit you well.^{[2]
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- Look for shirts that have darting or shape to them so they skim your body.
- For pants, choose a straight-leg, bootcut, or tailored look. However, avoid a relaxed fit or trouser pant.
- For skirts or dresses, look for pencil, a-line, or fit-and-flare options. Avoid shapeless skirts that hide your figure.
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Cinch the smallest part of your waist to create an hourglass look. Use a tape measure to find the smallest part of your waist. Then, use a belt to tighten your clothes over this part of your waist. This will draw the eye to the smallest part of your body and will enhance your curves.^{[3]
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- For instance, you might put a wide belt over a button-up shirt to create a cute work look. Alternatively, you might use a 1 in (2.5 cm) belt to create a waist on a baggy dress.
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Layer a jacket, cardigan, or vest over your outfit to upgrade your style. Layering your clothes can make you look more stylish and put-together, as long as your pieces are fitted. Pick layers that fit the season and occasion. Here are some ideas:^{[4]
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- In spring, wear light cardigans, a wind breaker, or a thin blazer. During summer, stick to vests or 3/4-length sleeved cardigans. In fall, pick cardigans, sweaters, light jackets, or blazers. In winter, pick a stylish overcoat, a jacket, or a blazer.
- At work, use blazers and cardigans to upgrade your style.
- On the weekend, throw on a light jacket, a vest, or a cardigan.
- For a causal look, pick a denim or leather jacket.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Playing Around with Colors and Prints

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Use bright colors to draw attention. Bright colors attract the eye, so you can use them to show off your best features. Additionally, bright colors can make you look confident. Wear bright colors when you want to make a splash. Alternatively, wear bright pieces on the parts of your body you want people to notice first.^{[5]
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- For instance, you might wear a bright top with dark pants if you’re proud of your upper body.
- Similarly, you might wear a bright belt to draw attention to a narrow waist.
- If you love your legs, you might wear bright colored pants or tights.
2
Wear dark colors to minimize areas you want to slim out. You’ve probably heard that dark colors make you look smaller, and it’s true. Use dark colors like black and navy blue to create a slimmer look. Go for all over dark color or wear a dark color to minimize part of your body.^{[6]
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- For example, you might wear a dark suit or sheath dress to create a slimmer profile at work.
- Alternatively, wear dark pants if you want to minimize your lower body or a dark top if you want to slim out your upper body.
3
Pick a small print to slim your body. Prints are a fun way to express your style. Generally, smaller prints look more flattering than larger prints. Look for prints that have a small repeating pattern to create your best look.^{[7]
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- For instance, small all-over polka dots will usually look better than large polka dots.
- Try on prints to see how they look on you. You may find that some larger prints still look great!
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Wear narrow horizontal stripes to make you look taller. While you might be afraid that horizontal stripes will make you look fatter, they can actually make you look longer and leaner. Pick tops or dresses that have thin horizontal stripes to make you look your best.^{[8]
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- A shirt or blazer with horizontal stripes can slim out your upper body. Similarly, a dress, especially a long dress, will make you look taller and slimmer.
5
Play around with trends that you like. Being overweight doesn’t mean you can’t look amazing in the latest trends. Incorporate trends into your wardrobe when you like them. Try on trendy pieces to see how they look on you. Only buy pieces that make you look and feel your best.^{[9]
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- For example, don’t be afraid to wear a crop top if you think they’re cute. Look for a crop top in your size. Then, pair it with a cute bottom, like high-waisted shorts or a fit-and-flare skirt.

Method 3

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Accessorizing Your Look

1
Wear statement jewelry rather than small pieces. You don’t need to wear jewelry to dress well, but it can be a great way to accessorize your outfit. Larger pieces of jewelry will stand out on a curvier body. Look for larger necklaces and bracelets that express your sense of style.^{[10]
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- For instance, you might wear a thick chain, chunky beads, or a collar necklace. Similarly, you could pick thick bangle bracelets.
2
Accentuate your waist with a belt. Both thick and thin belts can look great on a curvy figure. Wear your belts at the smallest part of your waist to show off your body. Pick belts that match the style you’re going for.^{[11]
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- For instance, you might wear a plain leather belt for a professional look. To add more flair to your outfit, you might choose a snakeskin print or a glittery belt. If you want to create an edgy look, pick a studded or rhinestone belt.
Tip: If you have a thick middle, your belt may look best worn around your hips.
3
Choose a larger handbag to balance out your body. A smaller handbag might make you look heavier than you are. On the other hand, a larger bag is more flattering to a fuller figure. When you’re shopping for bags, check yourself out in the mirror to see what you look like holding the bag. Make sure it looks proportional to your body.^{[12]
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- For instance, you might pick a large hobo bag or a tote.
- On the other hand, avoid carrying a clutch or wristlet that might look too small for you.
4
Wear a long scarf to lengthen your body. A scarf is a great accessory that can fit any style. Pick long scarves that hang down your body because they draw the eye down your figure. This makes you look long and lean.^{[13]
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- For instance, wear a thin, lightweight scarf with a pants suit at work.
- On the weekend, look for a colorful cotton scarf you can wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a plain day dress.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What clothes should I wear to hide a big stomach?

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist
Alison Deyette is a Style Expert and TV Host with over 20 years of experience in fashion, style, and television. She has styled and directed photoshoots around the world for a variety of magazines, including Good Housekeeping, People StyleWatch, and Mode. Alison was also named one of the top stylists in Los Angeles by Variety magazine.

Alison Deyette

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Go for mid-rise styles of jeans and pants. These act as simple shapers and can flatten the tummy!
Question

Why does this article support people being overweight?

Community Answer

Because everyone is beautiful. A lot of overweight people tend to not be as confident with their bodies. Obviously, we want everyone to be healthy, but there's no reason not to look good while you're working at that.
Question

Can an overweight woman wear crop pants?

Community Answer

You can wear whatever you like! Just be aware that crop pants make your legs looks shorter. You may wish to wear a 7/8 pants with a loafer -- they will make your legs appear longer and taper off to make your ankles look slim.