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When it comes to fashion we are all about the ‘real woman’. By that we mean, women who eat well (this includes cake), exercise often and enjoy life.

We would be lying if we said the industry wasn’t full of size zero, six-foot models who always eat toast, because it is! But that certainly doesn’t mean we should conform to this beauty standard.

So calling all curvy girls out there, listen up! In our opinion, it’s all about feeling stylish, healthy and confident, no matter your dress size.

Here we round up the best stores, bloggers, icons and share a few tips for those beautiful ladies with a fuller figure.

THE STORES

The best shopping spots to find plus-sized style.

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1. ASOS Curve

Size range: 18 to 28

ASOS.com houses a huge selection of bang-on-trend daytime and party pieces for curvy shapes.

2.Simply Be

Size range: 14 to 32

It’s all about luxe comfort at Simple Be. They also offer a stylish selection of shoes and sportswear.

3.New Look Inspire

Size range: 18 to 26

New Look’s plus-sized collection has tons of easy-to-wear basics with great tailoring – go online for some exclusive items that aren’t available in-store.

4.Yours Clothing

Size range: 14 to 32

There are some fabulous pieces to be found at this shopping spot, known for their bold colours and fun prints.

5. SWAK Designs

Size range: 16 to 38.

SWAK stocks cute contemporary fashion with an edge.  You must check out their vintage-inspired line, Curvy Kitten, the dresses are adorable.

THE BLOGS

The bloggers who dedicate their fashion and beauty sites to plus-sized women

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Nadiaaboulhosn.com

Lebanese blogger Nadia Aboulhosn exudes some serious confidence and you can see why. Having modeled for the likes of American Apparel and Seventeen magazine, this curvy glamazon has a wardrobe to envy, boasting cool vintage pieces and plenty of statement jewels.

Francetajohnson.com

Based in Canada, Franceta Johnson’s blog is definitely worth a visit, if only to nose at her covetable closet. This is one girl who knows how to work her figure. The fashion student posts on everything, from friends to food and of course, fashion!

Nicolettemason.com

New Yorker, Nicolette Mason knows exactly what she’s talking about when it comes to style. A contributing editor for an American glossy, she’s taken the fashion world by storm and is now working on releasing her own jewellery label.

THE ICONS

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Adele 

The master of the LBD, Adele has fast-become a pro at dressing her curvy figure. She proves that LBD’s don’t have to be boring and when worn in the right way, they can still make a stylish statement.

Christina Hendricks

The Mad Men actress has one of the most celebrated figures in the industry. Her silhouette is that of another era and she has now become known in Hollywood for representing the ‘real woman’. She’s not shy about showing off her ample assets, but balances the look by ensuring the hemline always hits the knee.

America Ferrera

The opposite of Ms. Hendricks, America shows how to work a demure neckline when you’re top heavy. Using asymmetric lines and cutouts keeps the look classy, yet alluring without giving too much away.

The tips

  • If you only feel your best when wearing a simple black frock, jazz it up with bright, colourful accessories or a statement shoe. Nicholas Kirkwood is an Emirates Woman favourite for bold heels.
  • Wearing one colour from head-to-toe has an elongating effect to the silhouette.
  • Look for pieces that have a statement vocal point drawing attention away from your less flattering areas.
  • Find a cut that works for you and stick to it, but continue to have fun with accessories and different colours to keep your look on-trend. If you have amazing décolletage or fabulous legs, show them off. If you are less keen on your arms, opt for something with a longer sleeve.
  • The monochromatic trend is super flattering as it can give off an optical illusion.
  • Avoid anything too baggy. We all have days when we don’t want to wear a body-con frock but formfitting beats shapeless any day and is actually more flattering to the figure.