I often get people visiting my blog after they have searched for things like “can plus size women wear bodycon dresses” and “are fat girls allowed to wear stripes”. I can’t stress enough that you can wear whatever you damn well please. You can even wear a striped bodycon dress if you want to.
I don’t have a flat stomach by any means. My tummy is soft, curved and marked with stretch marks. It’s scarred where I had surgery as a child and removed my own stitches because I was curious about how my body was healing. There are lumps and bumps and rolls. And still, I will wear my bodycon dress. Without shapewear.
It’s not an act of bravery, it’s an act of defiance. To all the people who say that plus size women should hide their bodies. To the man who told me that fat girls shouldn’t wear stripes. And at the same time it’s not about anyone else at all – it’s all about me. About wearing something that I feel awesome in. And why should I feel anything less than amazing in a dress that skims my curves and hugs my body?
I don’t mind that I have VBO (visible belly outline), the reality is that I have a belly – if you can see it when I’m wearing a form fitting outfit then so be it! Part of my self love journey has been learning to love all of my body, regardless of how it looks on any given day – even the lumps and bumps.
Yes, plus size women can wear bodycon dresses if we choose to. We can wear anything we please. When you’re getting dressed, or buying clothes, dress for yourself. Wear what makes you feel awesome, empowered, strong, beautiful. Don’t restrict your wardrobe options because of what someone else says you should or should not wear.
Is there anything that you avoid wearing because you’ve been told you “can’t” or “shouldn’t”? I’d love for you to share your experiences below. If you want to share a picture of you rocking an outfit, tag me in on instagram (I’m @thisismeagankerr) and use the hashtag #NZStyleCurvettes
Meagan wears:
Basic 17 Sundays Striped Bodycon Dress from 17 Sundays (XL)
Next Baseball Pumps from EziBuy (39)
Scala Fedora from Hatworx
Michael Kors Rose Gold Bracelet Watch
Diamonds Are Forever Ring from Onceit
When I was in high school, I was anorexic for three years because I was unhappy with my body. I met a guy, who is now my husband, help me get over anorexia. When I became pregnant with our daughter, I cried all the time because I was so upset with how I look. I now obviously don’t have the body I wish I had especially after having our precious little one, but my husband always tries to tell me everyday that I am beautiful. I still struggle with thoughts of being “too fat”. But reading this and other comments has really encouraged me. I love that you created this post Megan! Thank you for being a role model to all women who need an encouragement ❤
Thanks Mickayla ❤️ Learning to make peace with my body was a long difficult process, just take one day at a time hun xx
I can’t believe someone would word their question with ‘allowed.’ So sad!
I know right? So sad. I wish I could reply directly to people’s searches sometimes
I wear body con dresses all the time and I wear size 26/28. They are really comfy! They look great causal and dressy depending on what you wear with them. I have reached the conclusion that if I wear what is deemed suitable for my size or ‘flattering’ I would either look like I was wearing a shapeless sack or something resembling a curtain/tent or table cloth and I would still be the same size! Plus I had more hate said to me when wearing the tent dresses than the bodycons anyway so go figure! Everyone has a right to feel happy and wearing dresses makes me happy!
Yes to allllll of this!
I loved reading this! In fact it was just what i needed to read! I eye up things i would love to buy all the time and then decide no because of what i believe others opinions will be I went 5 years wearing aging and frumpy clothing (and my maternity jeans! Cringe) because it was deemed flattering…. i want to dress 30 not 60. Love your style and confidence Meagan its refreshing and motivating!
I feel ya babe, I feel like most of my 20’s was spent in the dowdiest stuff because there were no affordable plus size retailers in NZ that sold fashion forward clothing. Thanks goodness for the discovery of online shopping and some amazing overseas retailers! Now the NZ stores are catching on and fashion is becoming so awesome for plus size babes!
This is so great Meagan! I love your dress too, stripes are my faaave <3
Thanks Elese, team stripes forever!
I used to be plus sized. Now I’m not I have all this loose skin on my tummy, thighs and hips I’m conscious of. For that reason, I don’t wear anything that might highlight it: tight tops, crops, bodycons, bikinis. But I’m off to Cuba in two weeks and have bought three bikinis. Because Cuba. And screw everyone else; I only get to enjoy this body and this age once. My boyfriend loves me just as I am and I should too. Happy and healthy, the way that works for me.
I’m so proud of you Stephanie – buying a bikini can be a big step, especially if you’re conscious of your belly. Good on you for rocking it, I hope you have an amazing time in Cuba!
Love this post. I used to be very underweight and got the nastiest comments, which were still probably nothing compared to the ridiculous amount of hate levelled at plus size women. I just do not understand it at all. What are they so afraid of? What purpose does it serve to be the body police? These days I mostly get well meaning comments about how to “make the most of” my non-existent boobs. Erm, I’m quite happy leaving them how they are!
Honestly, it’s like you can’t win no matter what size you are! We’re making great strides in the body positive movement but there’s a looooong way to go.
You go girl!!! You look beautiful and this is inspiring me for some spring looks. Love the hat and the shoes are cuuute!
Thanks Karin! I have swiped my boyfriend’s hat so often I think I might have to buy one of my own…
Woo!!
I vote ‘yes’ for women in bodycons at any size.
I also vote ‘screw you’ to anyone who says otherwise
Why am I voting? I dunno but I do as I please which is exactly how women should feel free to dress, as they please.
Great post Meagan!!
I’m with you!
Stripes are so classic and can be pulled off by anyone. Love your hat in this outfit too. I was told a year ago on my old Tumblr blog by an anon that ‘chubby girls shouldn’t be allowed to wear pretty things’. I was even smaller then than I am now and I was stumped by that comment. No one has the right to dictate someone what they can and can’t wear. As long as you’re happy and feel good about it, then go for it.
WOW. Just … wow. Some people are such freaking jerks, especially on the internet when they can hide behind their screen.
I have this 17 Sunday’s dress, it is so awesome, dress it up its a jacket or jus casual by its self.
Isn’t it fab? I wear mine all the time 🙂