Big girls don’t this. Big girls don’t that. Whoever said big girls can’t do whatever the heck they want has another think coming.

This season of lovin’, Super asked designer Jennifer Go of Love Curves PH to bust some curvy girl style myths to give fashion-wary plus-size women a little push to gain a lot of confidence and give themselves a hefty dose of self-love.

Horizontal stripes hulk you up

Horizontal stripes are unforgiving on anyone of any size because it tends to make the wearer look shorter or wider. Women of some heft have especially been discouraged from donning this pattern because it makes them look chunkier. However, not all horizontal lines are created equal. Narrower stripes or crooked lines prevent the “sectioning,” or slicing, effect that broader stripes create.

Conceal, don’t reveal

Plus-size women tend to cover themselves up with their clothing. After all, the more they hide, the less flaws people will see. Unfortunately, if that were true, then everyone might as well walk around wearing blankets. Covering up curves sometimes actually accentuates them even more. So, why not dare to bare? Show the right amount of skin by flaunting the parts you’re confident with. Off-shoulder tops that expose the neck and shoulders create the illusion of a bony structure; high hems or slits that show off legs may also help you appear better proportioned.

Whites widen

Curvy girls often wear a lot of black because dark colors are deemed to be slimming. In contrast, they avoid white like a plague because light colors supposedly tend to widen. White actually brightens up an overall look. It’s classy, refreshing, and makes a great canvas for accessories. Just make sure to choose the right clothing style and cut for your frame.

Gloss shows flaws

Shiny, shimmery clothing may tend to emphasize the lady lumps and bumps you’d rather keep hidden. But choosing the right cut or style can make metallics work for your body type. Don’t be afraid to rock a sparkly frock. (Tip: Match with stylish non-shiny shoes to tone down the glimmer without downplaying the glam.)

Fitted is unflattering

Baggy clothing has been the go-to plus-size fashion choice as it’s thought to hide unsightly flab from the world. But most loose clothes actually make the wearer look rather shapeless and even bulkier. Embrace your curves and let your clothes do the same. Figure-skimming threads flatter a hundred times better than clothes that are either too billowy or too tight. Pair garments that hug the body with loose ones for a more balanced look.

Photography: Ezekiel Galan
Models: Kristel Narciso and Gellie Abogado-Ilaga
Clothes: Love Curves PH (lovecurvesph.myshopify.com)
Shoes: Via Venetto (www.viavenetto-phil.com)
Hair and makeup: Fran Katigbak