Plus size women face challenges that average size women don’t. As a result they have been given so many rules to “help” them look better. However, these rules only limit them even more in what they can wear and alters how they feel about their bodies. So here are a few rules plus size women should completely ignore so they can feel as beautiful as they look.

1. No horizontal stripes – Plus size women can absolutely wear horizontal stripes! Its bee said that horizontal stripes make people look wider, and that can be true, however it’s all about how you wear horizontal stripes that makes the difference. Wearing a skirt with large bold horizontal stripes in contrasting colors paired with a crisp button down shirt look both elegant and striking. How about a bold striped top with Capri jeans and sexy strappy sandals?? The stripes now become a way to stand out and the attention will be on your style, not your size.
2. Wearing darker, slimming colors – Plus sized women do not have to be restricted by a wardrobe of neutrals, black and navy! Colors are a plus sized woman’s best friend!! By wearing bright colors that compliment your skin tone you can look effortless and beautiful. A maxi dress in a beautiful coral, bright blue or even yellow paired with a great pair of shoes can and will make you look fresh and confident.
3. Sticking to one color – Plus size women have often worn dresses or separates in monotone color schemes to create a streamlined look. But what really create that look are shapes and silhouettes, not colors. Focus on what shapes flatter you; Think wrap dresses in a colorful patterns, a gorgeous A-line skirt for a curvy body, body-hugging (yes I said body hugging) silhouettes which will pull the focus to your curvy figure. Most plus size women think that bigger clothes or extra draping will “hide” their problem areas but those styles actually make you look larger and unflattering.

When asked why she shared this image, Chrissy told Meredith Vieira that she was just taking a picture of her bruises, but then she noticed her stretch marks. “I have those apps, like Facetune and [other] photoshopping ones, and I just didn’t feel like [using them] anymore,” she explained. “I’m never [using them] again, because I think we forgot what normal people look like now.” She went on to say, “People are nip-tucking [their photos] and actually changing the shape of their body. Nobody can compare to that when you’re fixing yourself so much. It’s so unfair.” We love that this gorgeous woman is sharing the imperfections that make her beautiful, and we are celebrating the positive message this viral campaign is spreading. Check out some of the ways women are showing love for their lines.

Rare is the occasion that the perennial face of the Miss Dior fragrance, Natalie Portman, doesn’t look as sweet as can be. But we were particularly charmed by the sequined minidress from the French label’s futuristic pre-fall collection that she wore to the UCLA Younes & Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies gala on Tuesday. While it wasn’t your typical Hollywood red carpet occasion, Portman — who presented an award to Israeli writer Amos Oz — was still able to bring a bit of glamour to the stage with the high-shine dress, which looked just as appropriate for a serious daytime occasion as it would for, say, a Met Gala after-party.

To keep the look from appearing too loud, Portman pulled her hair back into a slick ponytail, only accessorizing with hoop earrings, low-key Dior sandals and a slim clutch. Take a cue from the actress: When it comes to wearing sequins before prime club-hopping hours, simplicity is key.

Maxi dresses – Maxi-dresses are a great way to wear tie-dye in a current fresh way. Dresses in bright, bold colors with jewel embellishments are a great option for summer. They are easy to wear and need minimal jewelry to complete the look. Easy breezy.

Pants – Tie-dye pants are a great way to wear tie-dye. Pants in bold colors like black, white and blue or green paired with a simple one-color top let the pants shine. Adding chunky colorful jewelry and heels (or sandals if you’re going for a casual look) will pull the entire look together.

Skirts – Skirts in all silhouettes come in tie-dye now. For a fun, whimsical looks pair an A-line tie-dye skirt with a crop top and sandals. For an evening look pair a tie-dye pencil skirt with a shimmery top, strappy heels, jewelry and a great clutch. For a boho sheik look you can pair a long maxi skirt with an off the shoulder t-shirt, sandals, a cross body bag and a great hat.

Shirts – The tie-dye t-shirt started it all. Now you can wear tie-dye t-shirts, tanks, off the shoulder, crop tops, button downs…you name it, you can wear it in tie-dye.

If you don’t want to spend tons on designer tie-dye, then get a kit from your local drugstore and tie-dye your own clothes! DIY tie-dye is easy and a great way to get the look for less. Whether you buy or DIY, give tie-dye a try! The rhyming was totally unintentional!