How I Learnt to Be Gorgeous In My Plus-Size Body

I was born a healthy child, grew up a chubby teenager and now am an overweight woman. But hell, I feel gorgeous!

India is a difficult nation for women. And God forbid if you come from the heavier strata – Indian society will leave you no scope for redemption.

I was an overweight kid – I grew up to be a healthy child. Later, a chubby teenager and now, I am an overweight woman.

Over the years, the terminology for my weight may have changed – from fat, to the more subtle ‘plus-size’ – but coping with the satirical gaze and uncalled-for comments has remained a constant in my life. Did that break me? I’d be lying if I said it didn’t.

But how did I, an under-confident and overweight woman, come to embrace my curves?

Perhaps it was the realisation that I am not alone in this – that all of us who have had their bodies shamed for not conforming to societal norms are in this struggle together and we can triumph only if we empower one another.

And trust me, this realisation did not happen overnight – it took me years to openly accept myself and my body and make others see the beauty in my thick arms and thunder thighs.

I have witnessed first-hand the demeaning gaze from society – at the hands of my own family at times – and I know how it feels to always be apologetic for the way you look, or the way you are. I am by no means promoting being overweight – but till the time you are healthy and working towards a healthier you, I don’t see any harm in having a few extra kilos gloriously mounted on your body. That said, there is a difference between being plus-size or “fat” and being unhealthy – and this is what we all need to learn.

But while we are taking up the path from apologetically fat to unapologetically confident, here are my few tips and tricks for all you lovely ladies to dress up your curves in the best possible way.

How I Dress Up For Work

Gone are the days when plus-size, working women were expected to hide themselves in ill-fitting suits with ironed dupattas to hide every inch of their socially unacceptable bodies. I am a working woman and for my meetings with prospective clients, I prefer wearing a well-fitted white linen shirt with a slim-fitting pair of black structured jeggings, especially in the warm summer months. If you are a bit too conscious about your thunder thighs, by all means swap the jeggings for a pair of slim-fit formal trousers. I also like pairing my boring formal outfits with a classy yet chunky neckpiece and some high heels to tie up the entire outfit together. Do not be afraid of whites, they flatter each of us equally well.

How I Dress Up for a Formal Lunch

A well-structured, A-line dress in pastel shades with the right length and detailing can look polished. My ideal semi-formal look has to be this lavender solid A-line dress with feminine lace detailing and bell-bottom sleeves with a structured silhouette. The dress when paired with the right kind of heels and a matching satchel bag is the perfect dress you need to attend that semi-formal office party.

How I Dress Up for a Wedding

When talking about clothing for the plus-size Indian woman, an ethnic look that we can carry for parties and family occasions has to be discussed. Here, I paired a conventional black A-line georgette gown with a black velvet cape with an uneven hemline and complementing golden borders. I also added attention-seeking golden head gear just to jazz up the look.

I have always believed that every plus-size beauty has a curvy princess in them, and as long as you are working towards a better you, you should not be apologetic for who you are. Yes, strive for a better you, but do not forget to love what you have right now. You have got this one life, this one body which you need to respect first and later love. And it is only when you will love your body and appreciate yourself that the world will reciprocate.

(Ishleen Sethi is a plus-sized fashion blogger. She blogs at The Curvy Princess)