Imagine a world where we obsess about what we love about ourselves versus what we hate.
We fell in love with plus-size fashion, beauty and lifestyle influencer Tanesha Awasthi back when she went by Girl With Curves. Now the head of her own eponymous brand, Awasthi is known for her work in both the straight- and plus-size space as a stylist, model, consultant and creative director. She has been featured in the pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle, among others. Recently, Awasthi took home the title of Top Lifestyle Blogger, courtesy of Forbes.com.
We highly suggest you tune into her YouTube channel (which boasts over 1.4 million followers) for a serious dose of outfit inspiration, easy-peasy beauty tutorials, styling tricks that will save your life and a glimpse into her life as a passionate multi-racial blogger, body positive activist, wife, mom and English Bulldog enthusiast. But before you do that, read on for some exclusive plus-size styling and shopping tips and tricks from the formidable fashionista.
theFashionSpot: What are your top tips for dressing curves?
Tanesha Awasthi: An amazing fit is key to looking and, most importantly, feeling your best, so pay close attention to fabric! Fabrics with a slight amount of stretch will conform to your curves, making clothes appear tailored. Lastly, find what you feel amazing in and go with it! Fashion isn’t always about wearing what’s flattering, it’s about wearing what you love with confidence.
tFS: Five pieces every plus-size woman should own?
TA: Every plus-size woman should own:
- A long-sleeve blouse (black or white) is a great layering piece, works for the office and after hours, pairs well with everything from jeans, skirts and slacks.
- A tailored blazer (preferably in a stretch fabric!) you can throw on over a top and skirt or jeans and a tee adds instant sophistication and polish.
- Dark-wash denim jeans in skinny or slim fit can easily be dressed up or down and the dark wash is appropriate for every day and casual Fridays at the office.
- A classic camel trenchcoat is a year-round wardrobe staple that withstands trends and instantly adds a touch of sophistication to any look.
- A fit and flare dress in black has a universally flattering silhouette and is the ultimate little black dress that works for any occasion.
tFS: One fashion piece you can’t live without?
TA: A great handbag, like a carryall tote or ladylike satchel, in black that goes with everything. And sunglasses! Handbags are the one item I splurge on because they instantly elevate an outfit, especially when mixing high and low. My accessories (handbag and sunglasses especially) are typically on the higher end, while my clothing is affordable to moderate.
tFS: Best style advice you’ve ever received?
TA: Listen to your inner voice — the rest is noise. Once you start wearing what you love based on how certain articles of clothing make you feel, the opinions of others don’t matter.
tFS: Any plus-size “rules” you think should be broken?
TA: I’m a firm believer in the fact that there are no rules in fashion! I think the biggest misconception is that plus-size women shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes, but there’s a way to make anything work for any body type — it’s all about proportion.
tFS: What advice do you have for women who struggle with body confidence?
TA: Confidence isn’t typically something the majority of women naturally possess, no matter what size we are, so I believe it must be learned and constantly practiced. Start admiring the things you like about yourself, whether it’s your eyes, the small of your back or even your delicate hands, and soon the like will become love and the things you loathe will quickly become insignificant. Imagine a world where we obsess about what we love about ourselves versus what we hate.
tFS: How important is fashion when it comes to feeling confident?
TA: As women, I think we associate how we feel inside with how we look on the outside, so fashion is super important! If I’m wearing something I feel great in, chances are I’m going to shine when I give that presentation or be more social at a networking function.
tFS: What should plus-size women keep in mind when shopping for clothes?
TA: Figure out what you love, whether it’s showing off a certain body part (or concealing certain areas), bold colors or neutrals, and have fun with fashion! Personal style is about wearing what you love, not what fashion rules or others say you should wear based on body type or size. If you start with the colors and silhouettes you love, the rest will come together from there.
tFS: What is your go-to look that always makes you look and feel your best?
TA: As a mom and person who’s generally always on the go, it’s important that my outfit functions well for me at any given moment! My uniform as of late is a pretty, flowy, longline blouse, skinny jeans and pointy-toe flats.
tFS: Who do you look to for style inspiration?
TA: I’m inspired by women who carry themselves with confidence and have major sex appeal without showing a lot of skin, while having their own unique style, like Audrey Hepburn, Olivia Palermo, Diane von Furstenberg.
