"When life gives you curves flaunt them".

To begin, being a plus size woman is BEAUTIFUL ! Anybody that thinks otherwise should not control the way you see yourself. I understand the world is constantly throwing plus size women under the bus with hateful comments, but everyone is going to receive hate. A lot of people think that if they looked a certain way the slick remarks that others make will go away, but that is not true at all. So, why not live a carefree life ?

Growing up I was that big girl who covered up because I was afraid to hear what other people had to say about the way I dressed. I learned that I was unable to wear shorts, short sleeve shirts, two piece bathing suits, crop tops, short skirts etc. I always wore cover-ups to hide my arms, long pants to cover my thick thighs and avoided going to the beach or the pool since that requires showing some type of skin. I failed to love myself and feared wearing certain things that were not acceptable for me to wear due to my size. Freshman year of college changed everything for me because I always saw my beautiful plus size Spelman sisters slay. They taught me how to love myself and not just admire their confidence from a distance. I went from wearing clothes that covered all of my skin to broadcasting my two piece bathing suit and short sleeve shirts. If I can do it then you can do it to, so lets talk about what plus size women should wear and where you can purchase these items.

1. Crop Tops

A lot of plus size women would never wear a crop top because they do not want to show their stomach. However, people have to realize that crop tops were not only made for women who had a small waist and a flat stomach. Crop tops are really cute tops that can be paired with high waisted jeans, skirts, shorts etc. I personally love wearing crop tops with jeans when going to a party or kickback with friends and pairing it with a skirt and some heels when attending casual events.

Where can you find crop tops ?

Sizes 1x-3x

Forever21

Sizes Medium-X-Large

boohoo.com

2.Two Piece Bathing Suits

Do not repeat my fears and avoid going to the beach, water parks, or the pool because you are scared to wear a bathing suit. You will miss out on so many great experiences by holding back and that is the worse thing you can ever do to yourself. Test your confidence and try wearing a two piece bathing suit. Two piece bathing suits are actually popular amongst the plus size community now and they are super cute. If this a little too much or completely out of your comfort zone then wear a cover-up along with your bathing suit.

Where can you find Bathing Suits and Cover-Ups ?

Sizes Medium-6x

Torrid

Forever21

swimsuitsforall

swimsuits for all

Ashley Stewart

3. Lingerie

This hidden rule that says plus size women can not wear lingerie is ludicrous. If you happen to wake up one day and want to feel sexy or just surprise your spouse then definitely look into getting you some cute lingerie.

Where can you find Lingerie ?

Sizes Medium-4x

KellysKloset

4. Shorts

I was always under the impression that bigger women were not allowed to wear shorts because of our thick thighs. However, my understanding was beyond ridiculous because shorts are for all sizes. You should not let anyone discourage you from wearing shorts because your thighs are thick. Embrace your thick thighs and give them something to talk about.

Where can you find really cute shorts ?

Sizes Medium-6x

Torrid

5. Skinny Jeans

I have to be honest and say that I thought I could not wear skinny jeans because I was not skinny. Clearly we see that my mindset was insane, but currently skinny jeans are my favorite type of clothing to wear. They fit my curves perfectly, they are fashionable, and they are extremely comfortable. You can never lose by buying a pair of skinny jeans to spice up your outfit.

Where to find skinny jeans ?

Sizes Medium- 3x

Forever21

Rainbowshops.com

My mission was to express the importance of being in your skin. You are not obligated to listen to other demands because they have a problem with you weight. Self-love is honesty the best love and it may take a lot of time, but it is worth it in the end. Always remember that " its not about what size you wear. Its about how you wear your size. "