The season is changing and you’re ready to switch up your outfits, so you start looking for plus size winter outfits. If what you’re finding looks boring I get you because we’re probably looking at the same outfits on Pinterest.
Here’s where I come in.
Hi, I’m Alessia – the founder and writer behind Italy with an Italian.
I write a lot about Italian fashion, and every now and then I share plus size Italian inspired outfit guides. This is one of those, but it’s all about Winter.
Here’s what we’re going to do in this post: I’m going to share 15 outfits I spotted in Milan on regular Italian women that would be gorgeous on you too – yes, even though you’re plus size.
If you keep reading you’ll understand why I am doing this, plus you can have a scroll through those outfits too.
Table of Contents
Let’s Change The Narrative Behind Plus Size Outfits (winter or not)
When I write my Italian fashion guides I always like to share real outfits I spot on Milan streets, sometimes Rome, and other cities too, because that’s when the outfits get really good. I’m able to show you the style Italian women truly love, and how each one of them adds their personality through accessories and other intentional outfit choices. It’s what makes the outfits come alive and really be inspiring for you, (me), and my other readers.
Well, sometimes spotting those kinds of outfits is not easy. This was one of those times. I couldn’t really come across plus size women wearing beautiful outfits. It’s not that they don’t exist in Italy, but they’re more difficult to come across.
That’s when this thought came to my mind.
What is plus size really?
It’s a larger size.
Correct, but what does that mean body-wise (if you compare it to.. let’s say me)?
If you put a plus size woman next to me, what’s the difference?
There could be many, or just one.
The only difference might be the size. She is wearing a bigger one.
But she might have my exact height and body shape.
Or she might be taller (I doubt shorter, cause I’m barely 5 feet tall).
She might have a different body shape.
That’s where I got this realization.
Who said a plus size woman should dress differently than any of those Italian women wearing gorgeous outfits?
What matters is that the clothes are her size, fit well, and most importantly that the outfit suit that body shape – no matter the size.
And this is what inspired me to look around Italian streets, and spot different outfits that I think might be gorgeous on plus size women like you.
I’m not saying every outfit in this post is perfect for you.
What I’m saying is that these looks can inspire you, and based on your body shape, you might find a couple that suits you just as much as they suited the women that were originally wearing them.
So keep an open mind, and have fun coming up with new outfit ideas based on these or whatever ideas these bring on for you.
PS: If you’re new here, this is what I suggest doing with my guides. Just let them fuel your imagination. Look at them and think of the kind of outfits you love wearing because they really flatter you, and picture the pieces already in your closet, or those pieces you have been eyeing, and use this to come up with the most gorgeous outfit ideas. Of course, you’re also free to copy an outfit exactly as it is. But it doesn’t have to stop there.
15 Stunning Plus Size Winter Outfits Inspired By Italian Women Style
Before we start seeing the outfits, I’d like you to keep in mind that these are mostly a size 16, which I know is the beginning of plus size. But remember, the difference is just the size. If you find a similar coat, or pair of pants, or sweater in your actual size that fits you well, it all works, provided the outfit is suitable for your body shape.
I’m going to divide the outfits into these sections, so we can focus on different aspects of dressing your plus size body.
- Cinching your waist
- Plus Size Winter Outfits with skirts
- Wearing color
- Plus Size Winter Outfits with pants
- Winter outerwear
- Outfit details
And if you’re thinking who are you to talk about plus size, when you’re a size medium, I get it. Here’s why I believe I can give you a few tips: firstly, I am a good observer; secondly, I have been studying Italian fashion and women’s outfits for years, so I know a thing or two about that; thirdly, I’ve been there myself. While I was never a plus size, I have gone through phases where I was overweight, a size 12 and above (which for my petite body is not a small one), and I struggled with dressing myself.
Let’s get into the outfits, shall we?
Should You Cinch Your Waist As A Plus Size?
Most of the time it is a loud yes.
Winter outfits are bulky for every size, so you need the cinching as much as a size medium or 8. Not only does it help you highlight that beautiful part of your body, it also adds definition and detail to your outfits.
However, if your problem area is your tummy or your upper body – perhaps, you’re an apple shape, you might need to walk away from cinching your waist. And instead you should focus on cinching and highlighting other areas of your body, like your arms, your neck, your legs, your ankles.
Having said that, you can always give any of these cinched winter plus size outfits a go, and see how they make you feel, because that’s what matters the most. Perhaps, with the right shapewear and pair of pants, you’ll feel fabulous in one of them.
Look at the outfits above and tell me what you see.
- 3 cinched in jackets/coats
- Each is tailored
- They are being paired with tailored wide leg pants
- The colors are a mix of dark and lighter
Here are my tips:
- Tailoring should become your best friend because it adds structure, it helps you hide or flatter those parts of your body you don’t like, and it makes you look more elegant and well dressed, which always helps.
- When in doubt, were darker colors. If you are concerned that cinching your waist will highlight problematic areas, hide them under darker colors.
- Add another detail that drives the eye away from your waist, like the blouse neck bow in outfit 3, or the big collar in outfit 2.
Plus Size Winter Outfits with Skirts
If you’re not sure how to wear your skirts as a plus size woman in Winter, here are two stunning outfits to inspire you. I am going to include two more in other sections of this post.
Here’s what I see:
Outfit 1
A classic black and white outfit, with a bold move – wearing white as the skirt is less safe than wearing black. Notice how that’s how I perceive it because I am wider on my bottom – my hips and my derriere. For you it might be the opposite. Nonetheless, the A line skirt worn under the black oversized long coat is flattering enough for both cases.
Having said that, if your bottom is the problematic area, you can go black skirt and white or ivory blazer and coat. The blazer is cinching the waist, the skirt is hiding any problem areas, but nothing feels too covered or overwhelmed by the amount of fabric. The black tights and black pointed high heels are doing a lot of work down there. They are elongating the body, they are adding elegance to the outfit, and they are bringing the outfit color palette together beautifully.
Outfit 2
This one is simpler than it looks. It’s just a skirt with a jumper tucked in, a pair of boots and a coat. It’s the color palette, the silhouette of each piece, and the fabrics combination that make it such a good outfit.
If you think a leather skirt will highlight your bigger thighs, try an A line in a darker color. And don’t forget that the coat is covering most of it.
Also, I want you to pay attention to the colors. If the top part is your problematic area, wearing black is a great idea. The darker deeper coat color does the same job, and the lighter skirt makes the outfit more interesting. And if you are a plus size with an hourglass body shape, don’t worry about any of that.
I think we never hear that. It’s not about being a plus size. You could be a plus size and still look wonderful in any clothes. And that’s because you’re a plus size hourglass.
How To Wear Color as a Plus Size
Color matters more than we think, whether we’re a plus size or not.
Firstly, if you haven’t done it already, I invite you to learn about your color season. Here’s a guide to help you with that Simplified Color Analysis For Clothes + Steps To Do Yours
Secondly, learn about your body type and how color flatters your problematic areas and your most loved ones, and you’ll see what a difference that makes to your outfits.
Let’s take these four gorgeous plus size winter outfits as an example.
The first one is another skirt.
Can you see why it works, and how the two different colors have different jobs?
I’d say the woman is a size 16, and she’s larger on the bottom, likely a pear shape or an hourglass with slightly larger hips.
Wearing all black from top to bottom helps elongate her, and the black A line skirt hides any bigger areas, whether it’s her hips or her bottom, or both. Maybe it’s also her thighs or her legs.
The pop of yellow brings the eye up, towards the part of the body she’s most confident with, and adds some much needed color to the outfit.
Of course, if yellow is totally not your color – your color season will tell you that, pick another one. And if color scares you, just note it doesn’t need to be that bright!
Outfit 2 and 3 include white pants.
If you ask me if you can wear lighter colored pants as a plus size, I’d look at your body shape, and tell you this.
If you’re an apple shape, mostly yes. Just make sure you choose a style that flatters your tummy area. If you’re an hourglass, definitely. If you’re a pear shape, maybe.
Personally, I have never been a light trousers wearer, because I know they highlight my hips and derriere more than I’d like. But remember that these are winter outfits. The coat and jacket are doing a wonderful job at hiding any problematic areas. They’re also both a wide leg style, the second being a hybrid between a straight leg with a wider fit.
Having said that, it all depends on your perspective, your style, and what you are trying to achieve with your outfits.
When and how to wear darker colors
For instance, if it’s January, and you’re feeling a little bigger, bloated, heavier, after the holidays, why not let your outfit help you? Wear something like this.
It’s not totally black, but nearly. It’s covering your body but also lightly cinching your waist and your hips. It’s elegant, it’s seasonal, and it’s perfect for different occasions. Of course, you don’t have to wear darker colors throughout January, or Winter, but knowing which outfits make you feel best depending on how your body fluctuates will make you much more willing to dress up nicely and leave the house.
Plus Size Winter Outfits with Pants
And then there’s pants.
I wonder how many of you plus size ladies love them, and how many not so much.
I was part of the second group for so many years, until I realized I have been wearing the wrong styles all my life. My mum didn’t teach me, and neither did the ladies in the shops.
Of course, if my hips are bigger than everything else and I wear straight leg pants, or even worse tight fitting ones, I am going to make those hips look even bigger. Instead, I should wear a wide leg, or a wider fitting straight leg, or a cigarette style that has enough room for my bigger hips.
When in doubt, I say go wide leg. For years, I thought that wide leg trousers were really bad for short women like me. No, they aren’t. You just have to pair them with the right shoes. Anything that can go nicely under them, without making any bulges, it’s fine. Of course, the style matters too. Loafers, boots, heels, even sleeker sneakers, are all good options.
In all three examples, you can see the women are wearing long coats. And that’s a beautiful look. It elongates, it creates a suit effect – when you are wearing the same color coat and pants, and it makes the outfit look dressier – yes, even the one with jeans.
Can You Wear a Puffer Jacket as a Plus Size?
Yes and no.
I told you that these are outfits I spotted on average size Italian women, so I had this doubt when I saw this one. Do I include it or not?
A puffer jacket is not the most flattering one.
But in this case it works, especially if you’re smaller on top and larger on the bottom part, or if you’re an hourglass.
Firstly it’s a nice seasonal chic color, as opposed to a bright green, or your typical shade of blue.
Secondly, it has a nice material and fit, it’s not too bulky, and has the perfect length.
Thirdly, the color choice is perfect for this outfit.
It adds to the style of the outfit by making it feel chic but winter appropriate.
And it goes beautifully with the skirt and boots.
So, yes, you can wear a puffer jacket as a plus size, but pick one carefully.
Don’t Forget About Those Details
We spend most of our time thinking: does this fit me well, does that color suit me, do those two pieces go together?
Then, once we’ve made up our mind, we put an outfit together and get out the door.
What about those details?
The details that make your outfit more than just a pair of pants, a sweater and a coat?
I’m talking about picking the right jewellery, the right bag and shoes; perhaps, adding a scarf, or a brooch, a pair of leather gloves.
It could also be just the color pairing. Trying different color styles – from monochrome, to tonal, to wearing a new color combo that suits our color season, can create a totally different vibe, one that suits us better than anything else we always end up wearing.
I hope these two outfits show you exactly that. Take a look, and remember to focus on the details.
More Italian Fashion Inspo For You
So, did you find a winner or two?
If you care to share, you can join my newsletter – Buona Settimana, and come say hello and share all about you and perhaps which outfits you loved from this post. Sign up through one of the boxes on this page.
Once you join, you’ll start getting one email from me every Sunday, and it’s likely to include a bit of Italian fashion, life chats, perhaps an Italian recipe, or travel tips on Italy.
In the meantime, I am going to share a few other reads that might interest you:
15 Plus Size Outfits From Milan That Celebrate Curves
Plus Size Summer Outfits That Are Very Italian Chic
Tailored Style Explained: The Italian Way To Dress Chic (size doesn’t matter)
If you enjoyed this post, please take a few seconds to hit that heart button and share it with your friends, on Instagram, facebook, or by email. You can also pin your favorite outfits on your Pinterest boards.
Thank you so much.
A presto,
Alessia
