Is it easier to look well put together if you are slimmer?

[FruityFrog]

Do you think it's easier, in general, to look smart/nice/well put together if you are slimmer? Or do we perceived that slimmer people look 'better' because of ingrained 'fat phobia' or whatever you want to call this particular bias.

Yes, and if you are taller, even better.

Oh and I don’t think it’s a fat phobia. Many of us responding have been both end of the scale so can speak from experience.

Speaking as someone who’s lost 3.5 stone (and has a bit more to go) then I’d say yes. However for me, it wasn’t the fault of the clothes but the way I was using the clothes. I used clothes to try and hide my body and trying to find something which hid my stomach and my bum but which wasn’t like a tent - well that mostly doesn’t exist. Now if I had good body image and wasn’t using clothes to hide, it wouldn’t have been a problem!

It’s easier to dress well if you’ve straight hair?

I am two stone heavier than five or so years ago and yes, I do find it harder now. I get lots of positive comments on my clothes still, but there are more styles that I can't get to work now and I find overall clothes don't hang as well, no matter if I size up or not.

The average dress size for UK women is 16.

If larger women looked better than thinner women in most clothes, the average UK model would be a size 16 too.

Yes.

yes

Yes….

Yes! I've been from an 18 to a 12 several times and there are definitely items that suddenly move from stylish to frumpy depending which me is inside them - a Tweedy oversized blazer for instance. It's because of that, I think, that I make an effort when I'm bigger to look put together; hair styled, nails and makeup done, nice bag and shoes, good quality tailoring, better fabrics and cuts - because I'm aware I can't wear just anything and look nice, and possibly because I know I'm being judged for having "let myself go" so I'm dressing more smartly to show I do care.

In general I think yes. Not to say larger ladies can’t look fab, but it takes a lot more work and is generally harder. Great hair and teeth make a massive difference too.

Absolutely 100% yes

Yes. Well cut clothes hang better on lean bodies.

They are designed to create a longer slimmer silhouette.

Yes, also if you’re smaller chested I think, so hard to look well together when chesty I think, certain outfits sure, but what I’d give to wear a nice silk blouse. My chest makes my whole body look so much bigger than it is. I look great in lingerie, alas that’s not a good look for the workplace…

Yes (as a formerly slim, now slightly overweight, round-bellied 5'2"). I have to carefully match the top to the trousers, and go for the right cut and detailing. E.g. picking summer trousers today I went for the tailored ones with angled back patch pockets instead of the drawstring ones with no back pockets, to make my tummy look flatter and my bum more shapely.
In summer I feel most comfortable and presentable in waist-tie linen knee-length and midi dresses.

Yes, and I say that as someone who has lost more than 4 and a half stone.

I was a size 18 and whilst others that size look incredible, I looked like Humpty Dumpty in clothes. Now I’m a size 10 and I feel great in clothes. I have also managed to buy a few bits from next children’s range so definitely cheaper and easier to get clothes.

Yes, when I was slim I could choose the clothes I liked, rather than the ones that would look ok.

I agree with the straight hair comment! I think pp was referring to "looking put together". Certainly true for me as I wouldn't have the skill or patience to sort wavy/curly hair.

Though not true about very small boobs! Before I got implants, I suffered from the "empty bag" look in a lot of clothes, and my pear shape was much more obvious. So a flat chest isn't alway helpful.

I'm sure lots of people have the talent to look put together at any size, but when you're not inclined that way, then being slimmer is going to work better. Although being in proportion at any size is better than being out of proportion in my experience.

Yes definitely, having been both obese and now slim it’s so much easier. A relative said to me how I always looked nicely put together nowadays, I was just wearing comfy everyday clothes. I also find being slim that clothes are so much cheaper and just about any style looks good, and you can get bargains in charity shops.

Yes, 100%. I've lost 7 st and now look better with no effort in a jeans and t shirt then i did before after really making an effort to look good. Its annoying but true.
Although I think alot depends on how you carry your weight.

I think there are 4 boxes to tick, if you are thin, young, tall and pretty you can dress in a binbag and look amazing. The only one of those i can claim is young.....once upon a time!😆

Yes & No.

The key to looking great in your clothes is having good proportions (many don’t have them) & knowing how to dress to accentuate your proportions. Simply being slim doesn’t mean you will look good in everything.

Although being in proportion at any size is better than being out of proportion in my experience.

Exactly

My weight fluctuates a lot and I definitely find it harder to look put together the bigger I am.

This may be a personal thing though as I have seen some women a lot bigger than I am who look better and more put together than me.

IMO it's more about proportions than weight. Eg: Nigella at her heaviest always looked fab because she's an hourglass.

You can be a size 8 apple shape with short legs and no waist and it'll be hard to dress.

No. It depends on the individual and their clothing choices. Shape is important IMO.

I ‘d say no, but it is easier if you have straight hair

But straight hair doesn’t mean nice hair?