The Skinny on Plus Size Fashion

Fashion woes affect every woman: the size number on that perfect-fitting pair of pants can make you want to kiss the salesperson – or slap her. When you’re not a size 6, 8 or 10, your workplace clothing options, ironically, get slimmer and slimmer.

It’s no secret that the fashion industry as a whole doesn’t cater to plus size women. Though the most common size in America is 14, plus size clothing only brings in 18 percent of women’s clothing revenue.

Recently, women who want more fashionable options have taken to blogs to vent their frustration and share clothing sites that cater to their body type.

The good news: many designers, including huge names like Chanel, are finally using plus size models in their ads and runway shows. Labels like Torrid, Lane Bryant and INC now offer styles that actually fit and flatter different proportions.

Though magazines and TV shows seem to finally be embracing different body types, the recent Marie Claire scandal, where a woman wrote about how overweight people on TV disgust her, shows we still have a long way to go to ensure women of all sizes aren’t just represented, but appreciated.

Bonus PINK Link: A smile looks good on everyone. Here’s how to amp yours up.

Minute Mentor: Lisa Caputo, Executive VP of Citi and Chairman/Founder of Women and Company, shares advice on being your authentic self in the work place.

By Kristi Jordan

“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.”
Sophia Loren

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