The ‘forgotten Filipina’ has dress fittings that start at size 12
LYLE IBANEZ PRESENTED plus-size couture for the holidays shown at the recent Philippine Fashion Week.

Her collection taps into the largely ignored niche market of the “forgotten woman” as studies show 40 percent of our Filipinas have dress fittings that start at size 12.

Ibanez’s collection applies not only for mature women who naturally become horizontally challenged as they mature but also for the younger set who have embraced their Rubenesque bodies and who want to celebrate them without apologies.

Here is a guide when having your favorite designer like Ibanez create your plus-size Christmas and New Year wardrobe. Cut and save this list.

1. Yes, you can wear jersey, but skip the thin silk or cotton jersey and opt for wool jersey for the right weight and drape.

2. Think asymmetric in details, uneven diagonal hems and skirt lengths to detour the eye to a downward gaze.

3. Black is safe only if it is a matte finish. Shiny textures will deflect light and make you heftier.

4. Choose huge animal prints in double-faced georgette or crepe available everywhere. Leopard is a classic.

5. Wear skinny stretch jeans and above the knee skirts which are narrow, it will make your hips sexier and the line longer. Boot-cut in stretch jeans will elongate your leg.

6. A matching cardigan in jersey as long as your cowled or draped dress will give you warmth and a layered look. It will make you look taller and yes, slimmer.

7. The one-shouldered dress will cause your body to look half leaner especially if the other side of the dress is semi-kaftan or trumpet sleeved.

8. Plums, violets, magentas and deep lavender are your jewel colors to flaunt. Avoid the reds, yellows and other primary colors.

9. Navy blue is your new black. It’s dressy, sporty and seductive.

10. Oversized statement necklaces, big dangling earrings and tons of bracelets make you edgy.