Yes, a cheeky title! But no, I'm not talking about man parts.
I am talking about clothing size!
So much emphasis is put on the number or letter inside a clothing label, but I'm here to tell you today that SIZE DOESN'T MATTER!!
Case in point?
The sweater I'm wearing today is a recent purchase from New York & Company. It is made to have a big, oversized fit. The one I'm wearing has the intended loose fit.
You know what size is on the label? It's an XS/S!!
Now, I haven't been either of those sizes in a long time, and yet, this sweater fits, and I was drowning in the larger sizes.
Women's clothing often has no sizing consistency, even within the same retailer. For example, I have had to purchase jackets in an 18 Petite from this same store, though that is bigger than my typical jacket size at other retailers.
The number or letter you see on the tag has very little meaning in even accurately depicting our size, so why do we so often use this arbitrary figure to determine our self-worth?
The fact is - WE SHOULDN'T!!! We are no less valuable if we are an XS or a XXXL, a size 2 or 22. I'm the same person wearing an XS sweater as I am wearing my normal size XL.
Another aspect in which size doesn't matter?
The issue of fit and flattery.
Being petite and being curvy, we're often told by the "experts" to belt everything and to keep clothing close-fitting but not tight. Oversized clothing like this sweater are heavily discouraged. On the flip side, there seems to be a trend towards wearing tight, body-conscious clothing among fatshionistas who have rightfully rejected the message that they must hide their bodies in shame.
I'm not a fan of overly body-conscious clothing for myself - I'm not hiding, it's just not my personal taste. I also don't feel the need to define my waist in everything I wear.
And, if following that advice of "experts" all the time means missing out on drapey tops and oversized sweaters like this one, then I am happily a RULE-BREAKER!!
Personal style is all about wearing what we want, participating in trends or fashion for personal enjoyment. I'm not about to let someone else tell me how to do this!
When it comes to fashion, size doesn't matter. Wear what YOU want when you want, and don't let the label or someone else's rules decide what you like. Make your own rules, or better yet, enjoy a little fashion anarchy! ;-)
For more on the arbitrariness of sizing, check out this piece on vanity sizing by J.Crew.
For the tank in another look, see here.
For the pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
P.S. I realize my perspective has changed a bit in the last two years! I wrote on the topic of wearing oversized clothing back in 2012, and my focus was much more on figure flattery. I still love the pants and shoes though! ;-)
I am talking about clothing size!
So much emphasis is put on the number or letter inside a clothing label, but I'm here to tell you today that SIZE DOESN'T MATTER!!
Case in point?
 |
| Sweater: New York & Company (May be available in stores) |
You know what size is on the label? It's an XS/S!!
 |
| Tank: The Limited (Available here) |
Women's clothing often has no sizing consistency, even within the same retailer. For example, I have had to purchase jackets in an 18 Petite from this same store, though that is bigger than my typical jacket size at other retailers.
 |
| Pants: The Limited |
The fact is - WE SHOULDN'T!!! We are no less valuable if we are an XS or a XXXL, a size 2 or 22. I'm the same person wearing an XS sweater as I am wearing my normal size XL.
 |
| Shoes: Target (old) |
The issue of fit and flattery.
Being petite and being curvy, we're often told by the "experts" to belt everything and to keep clothing close-fitting but not tight. Oversized clothing like this sweater are heavily discouraged. On the flip side, there seems to be a trend towards wearing tight, body-conscious clothing among fatshionistas who have rightfully rejected the message that they must hide their bodies in shame.
I'm not a fan of overly body-conscious clothing for myself - I'm not hiding, it's just not my personal taste. I also don't feel the need to define my waist in everything I wear.
 |
| Cuff: The Limited Rings: Torrid (Available here and here) |
Personal style is all about wearing what we want, participating in trends or fashion for personal enjoyment. I'm not about to let someone else tell me how to do this!
 |
| Necklace: Target Clutch: The Limited |
For more on the arbitrariness of sizing, check out this piece on vanity sizing by J.Crew.
For the tank in another look, see here.
For the pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
P.S. I realize my perspective has changed a bit in the last two years! I wrote on the topic of wearing oversized clothing back in 2012, and my focus was much more on figure flattery. I still love the pants and shoes though! ;-)
