It’s become a tradition to recap the year by recounting my year through my outfits. One of my most popular posts of all time is my . I think a great way to enter a new year is to think about all of the ways you can use style to challenge your conceptions of what you can and can’t wear. You are your only restriction so if you change your mindset, you can truly wear anything! That’s what I am here to show you! I hope these plus size style mantras help to encourage you to step outside of your box.
1. Always be ready in ruffles
I used 2018 to make a statement in ruffles in so many different kind of ways. From sheer floral ruffle tops to orange scuba structured dresses, ruffles ruled 2018!
2. Be an outfit repeater
There’s always been this idea in fashion that you should never repeat an outfit. But what’s the point in buying something you love if you only wear it once? Not only was I an outfit repeater this year, I wore the same in the . Heck, I want to get in another color for 2019! I also wore the same high waisted sailor shorts ALL summer long. Sorry NOT sorry.
3. Practice pattern mixing
This year, I paired gingham with floral on a bathing suit and rattleskin print with squiggles on a . Don’t be afraid to mix patterns because as you can see when it works, it works!
4. Wear sunglasses even when it’s not sunny
Sunglasses don’t just have to be worn as a shield from the sun. I love and this year, I took this mantra to the maximum! Many of my sunglasses came from Amazon and you can find them on my .
5. It’s Okay to Match Your Mom
I’ve always said that my mom is my number . This year, we un-intentionally bought the same thing more than once! Just further proving that I definitely get it from my momma!
6. Shine bright in plus size sequins
New Year’s Eve is not the only day to If 2018 has taught you nothing, you should have learned that you can sparkle and shine all year long AT ANY SIZE! Wear sequins and wear them often is definitely a plus size style mantra of mine.
7. Va-Va-Voom in Vinyl
I know a lot of people got real sick of vinyl real fast. It seemed like one became a thing, it was everywhere. I, however, did not get sick of it. In fact, I stocked up on more vinyl to build on the collection from 2018.
8. Even the score with statement earrings
Much like sunglasses, earrings are a go-to accessory for me. As always, the bigger, the better when it comes to earrings and sunglasses. Once again, Amazon was my go-to for earrings and my is where you can find a lot of these gems.
9. Say it on a tee
I love a statement tee. I think wearing a slogan or graphic tee is one of the easiest ways to make your political and social views known. Style is political so tell ’em how you feel on a tee and let them know who you are!
11. Fringe is forever fun
Back in April, I was honored at PHAT Girl Fresh Presents Lifestyled for my work in the body positive and plus size fashion community. For an Atlanta event, I turned to one of my favorite Atlanta designers, . I gave her total creative control and she did her thing! She made me this amazing hot pink dress complete with mesh and fringe. Nothing said Ready to Stare more this year than this dress.
12. Ravish in rainbow
I always say I don’t have a favorite color; it’s more like favorite colors. And those colors are organized in a rainbow. I always loved rainbows and now I feel like it’s a personal expression of my identity. For some of my fellow queers, is corny and not necessary but for me, it’s part of my personal style.
13. If you find something you like to wear, pass it on
The most rewarding thing about being a blogger is when I see all of you wearing something you saw on me first. I had a full circle moment when someone came up to me wearing this at CurvyCon after I wore it to the TCFStyleExpo. That made me SO freaking happy!
14. Be your own Sporty Spice
Dating a sneakerhead definitely helped me up my sneaker game in 2018. I also started wearing more Nike sweats. Yes, Nike does make plus size apparel and it’s super cute too! More on that in 2019!
15. Red is the color of confidence
Although I don’t play favorites with colors, there’s no denying that red is the color of confidence. This year, I choose to stand out in red all year long.
16. Sneaker Twinning for the Win
Like I said dating a sneakerhead made me trade in my heels for sneakers SOMETIMES. I still love heels but I had fun matching with my man this year and challenging myself as a petite plus size babe to just be my true short self.
17. Model Behavior
I didn’t realize just how many amazing I had this year until I started looking back through the photos. This isn’t a plus size style mantra so much as a reminder that modeling for others can take you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. From the runways of Omaha Fashion Week and Miami Curves Week to all of the times I got to represent Big Fig Mattress as various events, this was a major modeling year for me. I wrapped up the year by modeling with Gio for . My year ended with the first round of photos being released from my new gig as a model!
18. Engagement looks good on me!
Of all of the fashion moments I had this year, I loved the weekend in Philadephia when I got engaged the most. Although I had no idea these outfits would become so significant, I’ll never forget the I was wearing the moment Gio popped the question!
2018 was such a big year for me that I had to relive in through the fashion moments that shaped it. What style lessons did you learn? Let me know in the comments below!