L Fire Fashion, Entertainment, Gossip and More: The Curvy Girl's Guide to Lingerie

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Curvy Girl's Guide to Lingerie

If you have got a few extra curves, then you may think pulling off lingerie is a challenge. Well, it doesn't have to be.

The key to lingerie, for any shape, is feeling sexy. Let's be honest: Many times, we spend more time choosing it than he does enjoying it. But that's okay -- after all, you have to believe in your product (you) in order to sell it. And it's hard to sell without proper advertising!

Here are a few tips to guarantee your lingerie is successfully marketing to your number one customer -- just in time for Valentine's Day.

1. Know your shape. If you have a rounder tummy, try baby-doll silhouettes. If you are top heavy, opt for pieces that offer you some support. Also, remember to play up your best assets. If you have a great backside, a boy short can be your best friend. If you have a great rack, show as much of it as you feel comfortable with -- either with extra cleavage or by wearing something see-through.

2. Use color to your advantage. Work with your skin tone. Nothing is more dramatic and fresh on dark skin than stark white. Caramel sisters look great in reds, chocolates and warm oranges. Lighter skin really pops in corals and blues. Try wearing colors that complement your eye and hair color.

3. Don't go overboard with fabric. It's easy for curvy girls to want to cover up their excess bits. But, remember that too much fabric can make you look matronly and can actually work against you by drowning out your figure or making you look boxy. Resist the urge to drape.

4. Try it on first. The more curves, the harder it can be to judge fit based on size alone. Make sure your desired look translates well to your actual shape.

SEXY SUGGESTIONS

Body suits contour and sculpt voluptuous curves. Try this Lane Bryant number in pretty pink satin and racy black lace. ($49.50, lanebryant.com)

Slips are wonderful for an effortlessly sexy look. They are also a great go-to for the more demure plus-size gal. This green number from Hips and Curves is great against the skin, and the site has a lots of amazing racier options, too! ($63.50, hipsandcurves.com)

Garters, like this one from Victoria's Secret, are terrific on any shape, and add instant sex appeal. Just add stockings and sexy underwear (or no underwear at all!), cover it up with a dress then surprise your significant other by what's underneath. ($16.50, victoriassecret.com)