I’m a size 22 – the 7 essential wardrobe staples I swear by guaranteed to flatter curvier bellies & bums
REGARDLESS of what size or shape you are, we all need a few go-to items in our wardrobe we can rely to make us feel amazing, no matter what.
Whether it’s that statement shirt or dramatic dress, fashion is ultimately all about confidence, and being able to put together a look to make you look – and feel – fabulous.
Here, size inclusive style influencer and model Kara Johnson, 34, shares her seven wardrobe recommendations guaranteed to flatter all body shapes.
Puffer perfection
When it’s so cold outside it’s important to have a stylish garment that is practical too, and Kara swears by her Pretty Little Thing brown puffer coat, currently priced £49.
Kara says: “A puffer coat, long or short is an absolute must-have this winter.
“This long, brown option from PLT is the perfect addition to any outfit, not to mention it’s warm and comes with a belt.”
Kara’s coat is also available in petrol blue, currently £36.25 in the sale.
Showstopper style
Nothing says ‘statement’ like feathers, and Kara recommends this plus size feather bandeau top from Nasty Gal (currently £69.30) to really make an impression.
She says: “My favourite items to shop for are statement pieces.
“They create some edge and drama to every look and for that reason, you really need one!
“This feather bandeau top from Nasty Gal is sure to be a conversation starter every time you step out in it.”
Bold in blue
If you feel self conscious about your stomach, a cargo dress with strategically placed pockets could be a stylish solution.
Kara says: “Cargo anything is on trend for this season.
“This blue colour of this one makes you stand out and the oversized pockets are great for my ladies with concerns about their stomach.
“I have days where I am super self-conscious about my belly weight because my stomach has not always been as big.
“I used to have more of an hour-glass figure, and now I carry a lot of weight in my midsection, so I’m apple-shaped.
“I overcome these feelings by focusing on what i love and dressing for my level of comfort.
“It’s not easy to watch your body change but if you focus on what you love rather than what you hate, you’ll find yourself falling in love with what you see in the mirror!”
Kara’s royal blue dress is from Fashion Nova and costs £46.
Look and feel fabulous
Fashion is all about looking – but also – feeling fabulous.
Kara says: “I find myself reaching for my oversized denim joggers so much, and that’s because they are so comfortable!
“This pair comes with a stretch waist, so it’s another goodie for my baddies with bellies!
“If I didn’t have a mirror, I’d swear I had on pyjama bottoms.”
You can pick up a similar pair from BooHoo for £25.60.
Bootie-ful
Another wardrobe essential is a pair of ankle boots to compliment any outfit.
Kara says: “The one boot I find myself reaching for year after year is the sock boot!
“This boot is essential, especially for my ladies that find it difficult to walk in heels.
“The tightness of the boot on your foot creates so much security.”
Kara’s boots are from the US, but you can pick up a near identical pair of knit ankle boots for just £15 from New Look or these priced £25.50 from Shein.
Dress to impress
Nothing says power dressing quite like a matching skirt and blazer ensemble.
Kara says: “One must-have for this season is matching skirt and blazer set.
“Paired with trainers or boots, a set like this is bound to make a statement!
While Kara oozes confidence and has her own defined style now, it hasn’t always been that way.
She says: “Growing up, I didn’t feel I had a lack of confidence initially, [but] society’s standards of beauty made me question myself as I reached my later teenage years.
“There was a lack of clothing options for me, which meant I couldn’t fully partake in the self expression that ultimately defines fashion.
“Nowadays, there are many brands that have shifted to size inclusivity and I am so appreciative for that.”
To replicate Kara’s look, Shein have a plus size plaid blazer and skirt set for just £26.99.
Go green with envy
Whatever shape you are, Kara believes you should never shy away from playing with colour, and recommends this olive green blazer, £29.99, from Pretty Little Thing.
Kara says: “One of my favourite blazers is this green faux leather beauty from PLT.
“You can never go wrong with leather in the winter because it elevates every look with no effort.
“Pro tip – longer length blazers are great for women who are insecure about their booties.
“They cover just enough to put you at ease, and are right on target fashion wise!
“As a now thirty-something, I can say that confidence does not walk a straight line; and that’s okay.
“I have accepted that there will always be changes to my body.”
‘Own your body!’
Finally, whatever you wear, Kara advises owning your style, and trying to embrace your body shape rather than shy away from it.
She says: “My advice to other apple shape ladies is to own your body as sexy, and worthy.
“The sooner you realize this, the happier you will be.
“Life is way too short to deny yourself all the perks that come with confidence. Enough is enough – love the skin you’re in!”