Happy Tuesday everyone, I hope the week has started off well for you! In today`s post I have the opportunity to take part in Pennington`s latest campaign, #DaretoWear.
As a plus size woman I cannot believe the “rules” that have been inflicted upon us over the years as to what we should and shouldn’t wear, that we should hide our bodies, look for clothes that are flattering and to forget about fashion trends, those aren’t meant for you.
As a young girl and in high school and university there were no options available for plus size girls that wanted to wear things like their straight size friends were wearing. The plus size market was geared towards the middle aged woman who obeyed all the rules that were given to us.
As an outlet for my love of fashion and desire to dress more fashion forward, one of my good friends in university allowed me to be her personal stylist. She hated shopping and I loved it so I would go to the straight size stores and pick out all the cool things I wished I could wear and she would wear them.
Fast forward almost 20 years and a lot has certainly changed. There are undeniably more options available to plus size women then there ever have been in the past and with the growth of indie designers and straight size designers doing collaborations with plus size brands I am hopeful that the feature of plus size fashion is shining brightly.
But if we are to take advantage of all these options that are now available to us, we need to be comfortable throwing away those stupid rules. That’s right ladies, toss them all out the window and don’t look back! It will be one of the most freeing experiences you will ever have. It’s time that we took back control of our freedom of choice and let the world know that we can be just as stylish and put together as any straight size woman can.
I love the premise of the #DaretoWear campaign because it embodies everything I believe about choosing to wear what you love and makes you feel good. And let me tell you with this look I decided to break all the rules – not only did I decide to do some major print mixing but I am wearing printed bottoms on my size 28 pear shape frame and I went sleeveless!
Print mixing might be a scary concept for most of us (it certainly took me some time to get it right) but some of my favourite outfits have come from experimenting with pattern and colour. Don’t be afraid to try something new, without risk there is no reward. This look works because it is the same pattern but in different scales of size.
These savvy style ankle pants are a classic slim fit style with an on trend checkered print in one of my favourite colour combos, black and white. And let me tell you the stretch factor in these pants is amazing and they come up to size 32. I am wearing the size 28.
I paired them with this great basic dual layered shell in a beautiful shade of blue and this on trend menswear inspired sleeveless tunic blouse. I loved the combination of the colours and the pattern. I am wearing a 5x in both. And if you really want to try one of the season’s hottest trends? Tie the front of the tunic at your waist and perhaps go without a shell underneath!
To accessorize this look I decided to play with a little more pattern by adding this snakeskin wedge sandal from Vionic Orthaheel. For anyone who has foot issues but hates wearing an orthotic, I swear by this brand! I then added this great set of bangles in multiple metallic colours also from Penningtons, a statement earring with a hit of blue and this quilted blue bag from Kate Spade.
And something that was really satisfying? When I shot this look a straight size woman was walking by me and she stopped to say “your outfit is on point”. I have to say that put a big smile on my face.
So what are you going to #DaretoWear this fall? Tag me, I would love to see it!
Special thanks to Stefanie Augusteijn Photography for the beautiful photos.
Long sleeveless shirt by PENNINGTONS | Dual Layer Shell by PENNINGTONS | Pants by PENNINGTONS | Bracelets by PENNINGTONS | Sandals by VIONIC ORTHAHEEL (via The Shopping Channel) | Bag by KATE SPADE (similar here) |
