plus size donts

• SIDE SPILLS
  Anything that’s pinching you in, cutting off your circulation, or causing extra ripples is just not worth it.

• A SAGGY OR OVERTIGHT CROTCH
  Extra fabric that sags around the crotch is just not ladylike, whereas bunched-up fabric stretched across the crotch will overemphasize that you’re a girl. It’s also unattractive to see the seat of your pants sucked between the cheeks of your butt.

• BUTT-CRACK CLEAVAGE
  This may be fashionable among some young girls, but there’s nothing flattering about seeing someone’s butt hanging out of their jeans. Also, denim starts to give after a while, the jeans get a little baggy, and the butt-crack cleavage becomes deeper as time goes along. That having been said, when trying on jeans you should ask the salesperson how much they will stretch, as well as how much they will shrink after the first wash.

• SQUEEZING OF THE HIPS
  If your skirt is bunching up in the crotch region, it does not fit. Ditto the stretchy off-the-shoulder dress that is pulling in all the wrong areas, including across the bust. This is not a good look.

• GRIPPING UNDERNEATH THE ARMPIT
  If you’re trying on, say, a scoop-neck top, make sure it doesn’t look like it’s choking the armpit and causing a gather. That’s a sure sign that the top does not fit you because your shoulders are too broad for it.

• THE TOP-HEAVY LOOK
  If a boxy, short-waisted jacket makes your shoulders look twice as wide, don’t leave the store with it, even if it makes your waist look really small. You’ll look like a linebacker.

• BRA SPILLAGE
  Look for back cleavage bursting out of a bra and your breasts pouring over the sides or out the top. These are the signs of a bad fit. Visit a lingerie store and have a saleswoman determine your correct size.

• BACK FAT
  Strapless gowns and dresses with spaghetti straps may pinch in the back and cause flesh to hang over the top. If you see this happening when you try on dresses, focus on low-cut fronts and high backs.

• PANTY LINES
  There’s nothing worse than visible panty lines. They are a surefire way to destroy a chic look. Unless you’re into fancy thongs, go for a covered bottom that doesn’t hit you in the mid-cheeks. It should either be cut high on the waist, leaving very few lines and seams, or you should opt for French lace boy-style shorts where the lace is flat and doesn’t leave an imprint. The indentation can also be caused by underwear that’s too tight, or a thick band serving as finishing on the edges. At the same time, saggy bloomers aren’t sexy either, because you can see them under fabrics  or peeking out the tops of your pants and skirts. A seamless brief is perfect underneath an A-line skirt, while a low-rise brief plays well with a low-rise pair of jeans.