The first instinct of many full-figured women is to cover up. Unfortunately, this is the worst thing you can do if you’re curvaceous. Not to say that you should show an inordinate amount of skin. But, you should not be afraid of fabrics that hug your torso or ensembles that show a modest amount of skin.

For inspiration, look to Queen Latifah, America’s next top model contestant Toccara Jones and of course, screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe. While it’s true that it can be hard to find fashion role models in Hollywood, there are many women out there rocking a full figure and there’s no reason you should not be one of them.

Okay, let’s look at the downside of the full-figure. Very often you have a good shape, even a classic hourglass figure. But sometimes, weight can accumulate in one zone, like the tummy, bum or saddlebags. If this is the case, check out the pear or apple-shaped posts and adapt that advice to your figure.

In general, the following are your best friends: A-line skirts (fitted at the waist, but skimming away from the body), empire waisted tops (which show off your boobs, create a waist but conceal your tummy). Wrap dresses, or dresses with ruching literally create optical illusions: you’ll look slimmer and your bumps will be disguised by the fabric folds.

Finally, we all know the value of dark colour, but don’t feel limited to black. Colour-blocking is a technique you should experiment with, finding those hues that really bring out your eyes and smile. Whenever I imagine Queen Latifah I think of her huge smile and sparkling eyes, and this is because she’s always styled in the best clothes for her complexion and impeccably made up.

Heels will give you height and posture that takes you to the next level (choose a wedge heel if you can’t handle a stiletto). And above all, strut your stuff, smile widely and be bold and bodacious!

(Dress shown by Mesmerize, top by PK Maks)

Read my other What to Wear blog posts