Fuck Flattering: This shirt dress will prove that you don’t need an hourglass figure

As a plus-size woman, I was constantly told to wear clothes that would flatter my body. That mostly meant creating the illusion of having an hourglass shape. I was given my first full body shapewear before I hit my teens. Clearly being anything but an hourglass shape was wrong.

I missed out on so many outfits because it wasn’t “flattering.” I have been able to run away from that mindset and live the most fashionable life I can but occasionally those thoughts still linger in the back of my head.

When I was shopping for my trip to Puerto Rico I came upon this embroidered dress. I could picture myself walking down the colorful streets of San Juan looking good as hell but the self-doubt had me thinking twice about it. I was afraid the shapeless fit of the shirt dress would make me seem wider and fatter. I slept on it for a few days before I decided to buy it.

I started to question why I thought I needed to fake an hourglass shape. Why is looking fat the worse outcome? I still have a lot of self fat-shaming to unlearn but I’m glad I went with my gut on this one (no pun intended) and bought the shirt dress. I can’t let societies idea of what a ‘good body’ looks like keep me away from a great outfit.

Fashion over fear always.

Shop my look:

Dress: Asos Curve

Sunnies: Aldo

Bag: Charming Charlies s/o another option here and here.

Sneakers: Puma

Photos were taken by Marianne Espinosa.

UPDATE

The dress is sold out. You can check these other floral options:

–ASOS curve salon midi pencil dress in peonies

–ASOS Curve salon bardot dress in floral print

–ASOS Curve mesh t-shirt