Enlarge My Print

I did a post a few weeks ago on how to pull off animal print. One of my faithful Ali Fashion Senser's requested that I take that a step further and focus on how my plus size divas can conquer prints in a tasteful manner. I'm always willing to help others step into a place where they can be comfortable to try different trends, and this is no different.

I first want to say, we are all made differently. And no matter what size you may be....you can look AMAZING if you just exert a little effort. In this post I will show you how to pull off wearing (animal) print even while being displayed on an enlarged canvas. One thing to always keep in mind is that there are tricks to create illusions so you can flaunt those body parts you're most proud of (in tasteful moderation of course) and you can camouflage those areas which provide challenges (which is a common issue for all women no matter the size, race, age etc.). I will start off with a few tips to help you transfer those areas you want it camouflage and show you how it can help when it comes to prints.

If you want to tuck away your tummy a great way to do so is by wearing a wrap dress. Wrap dresses assist in camouflaging your stomach area and also creating a shape that flatters all shapes and sizes. A printed wrap dress provides a win - win situation, allowing you to be shapely and bold with a classic flare.

I love the print in this dress...very subtle yet powerful. She tones it down by pairing it with black tights and black  pumps.

This long maxi wrap dress it perfect. It slims you out, creates dimension and throws in a bold print in awesome colors

If you have a boxy shape, that's ok...meet your new best friend. Who, you may ask? A belt. Belts can give the illusion that you are more curvaceous than you may or may not be. Be sure to add the belt at your slimmest portion to achieve the hour glass shape.

The belt adds a bit of cinching and gives the dress a new form

I adore this printed dress Gabi is wearing....The belt gives her a super tiny waist while showing off her curves, and the green purse adds a pop to this classic black and white outfit

Some aren't born with much in the back...which could be good or bad depending on how you see it. But I'm a "glass half full" kind of girl so, I say learn to work with what you have. One advantage of having a flat back(side) is that you can rock more form fitting garments without looking too "risque" for a lack of better words (sometimes it's hard to hide your curves, even when you're not trying). Try a midi pencil skirt (spanks or some type of under garment that can smooth you out may be necessary to give the best polished look). Midi simply means it comes a hare past your knees. This is another way to boost your curves.

The shirt in this picture is the exact same pattern as the dress that Gabi has on in the photo above. The only difference is this print is toned down a little bit by adding the midi pencil skirt in black (take small steps if you're not ready to jump head first in the pool of print)

If you are a little bottom heavy (thick in the thighs, have a little more junk in your trunk)...this would be my very area of expertise...you don't have to throw your skinny jeans to the wind....but I would suggest creating a new silhouette. Try a pair of wide leg jeans or trousers to elongate your legs (especially if you are vertically challenged). It will lengthen and slim you out like never before.

Just look how these pants elongate her.....to die for

If you're still not convinced that you have the guts to pull off prints, here are a few more examples of beautiful big girls bolding conquering prints.

Debra Lee in her leopard printed dress. The dress provides a built in belt which automatically draws her waist inwards

This dress may be a bit too short for some, but if you want to turn up the heat a little bit this number is classy enough to get the job done. The best part is the black panels on the side which create their own hour glass effect without your even trying.

I love how she paired her leopard print blouse with a leather jacket and some cobalt jeans. They are contrasting to the print yet, still work as a collective unit effortlessly

This outfit screams casual and cool, with a dash of flare. I love how they paired the red faux leather skirt with the leopard print top and denim jacket for a complete look

Some may not be as comfortable with tucking in their shirt to their jeans, but that's ok. This combo is serving me with Olivia Newton John in her Grease days. I love the faux leather jeans (which I actually own) and the leopard print with mesh detail to give it added details

This fashionista knows how to accent her curves in all the right places.  She was able to locate her tiniest point (which is at her waist) and play off that point to draw you into what she is wearing

Gabi is rocking this floral printed dress with some cute ballet flats

This has to be my fav leopard printed look, I love the leather details in the dress, I like the raised shoulders. and I like that the dress really shows her curves off

These ferocious leggings are only for those who dare to venture out. BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL...not to wear leggings that expose your entire backside (meaning you don't have a shirt that is long enough to cover the essentials). I like how the model paired this look with a long flowy top to expose the wild and crazy leggings in a tasteful manner

There is nothing wrong with wearing all black sometimes. You can take your monochromatic look and spice it up by adding a leopard jacket over you r polished black look

I thought this printed peplum jacket was absolutely adorable. To complete the style you can wear a simple black tee and some black skinny jeans...with either some ballet flats or booties.

I love this wrap blouse. It gives off the same effect as a wrap dress only the fact that it is a wrap blouse and hits the model right about the thigh

This last print is not animal print, but I wanted to use bright bold print so you can see how to execute it with ease, as Gabi does here

The biggest thing that I can stress to all my (plus size) divas is...don't hide behind your clothing. Don't let what others say dictate what you wear. Prints can be fun, bold, daring, and sexy if you showcase them in the right light. So don't let prints mentally defeat you before you give them a try. I know you will look great in them no matter who you are!!! If you need more inspiration check out asos.com (Curve), forever21.com (Forever 21 Plus aka Faith 21). And for your daily dose of plus size fashion blogging...check out one of my absolute favs...the stylish Gabi at www.gabifresh.com (formerly known as youngfatandfabulous.com).