When I started my style blog, I set out to prove that size does not dictate style.
This wasn't something I'd always known. For a long time, I only wore "flattering fashion." I dressed in A-line skirts, empire waist silhouettes… anything to help me fake an hourglass shape.
Risky fashion trends of the moment were a no-no, ESPECIALLY the oversize look. While I definitely hid in baggy T-shirts in my teens, as a young woman I steered clear for fear of looking "frumpy" or "sloppy."
Thankfully, my love for fashion trends won out and I began experimenting with roomier designs, but not too often. Now that the oversize trend is in full swing, I decided to challenge myself to wear the baggy-chic look every day for a week.
MONDAY: I got started with this sold-out top from Forever 21, because it emphasizes a lot of my insecurities.
This voluminous top draws attention to my arms and stomach. I instinctually wanted to tuck it in to show off my shape, but I resisted.
Wide leg crop pant by Melissa McCarthy ($26.70, Seven7</a>); Uli leg wrap block heel ($15, Payless)
I also added a pair of wide crop pants to widen my silhouette even more.
TUESDAY: I chose a similarly bulky top for day two.
The wide top reminded me of the days when I wore oversize clothes to hide my body. It felt amazing to wear a big shirt as a fashion statement.
Mesh T-shirt with dipped back and ruffles ($40, ASOS</a>); studded faux leather flatforms ($27.90, Forever21)
WEDNESDAY: My usual version of athleisure looks nothing like this.
Athleisuire is a style I tend to avoid — unless it's tight leggings and a cute sports bra. Fashion images tell us that baggy tracksuits only look cute on thin and hourglass bodies. But they're wrong!
Track pant with poppers by Daisy Street ($35, ASOS</a>); track sweatshirt with popper by Daisy Street ($34, ASOS</a>); white sneakers ($10, Lefties)
It's not about wearing it like Gigi or Kendall. It's about wearing it like YOU.
THURSDAY: I've always admired the dress-over-denim trend on taller, thinner women.
Wearing this white dress with wide-leg culottes was a definite challenge — but that's what body-positive style is all about, going outside of your comfort zone and seeing yourself (and your body) in different ways.
Split sleeve sporty dress by One One Three ($57, ASOS<em>); fringe denim culottes ($150, Eloquii)
FRIDAY: I ended the week with the most "unflattering" outfit of all.
This is the true definition of ugly-chic. Honestly, it looks a little like a craft project gone wrong, but ruffled T-shirts are suddenly everywhere and I love being a part of daring trends.
T-fhirt with ruffle and '90s team print ($40, ASOS</a>); rigid crop flare jeans ($56, ASOS)
Thin women who love fashion take bold risks that don't always pan out — why the hell shouldn't I?
