Fall Fashions for Full-Figured Women
As part of the "Early Show"'s continuing "Early's Fall Fashion Extravaganza" series, "The Fashion Guy," Lawrence Zarian stopped by Wednesday to show that full-figured fashions can be sexy and trendy.
The average U.S. woman -- who is 162.9 pounds and wears a size 14 -- is often treated like an anomaly by apparel brands and retailers who seem to assume that no one over size 10 follows fashion's capricious trends. Zarian's mission on the broadcast was to prove them wrong.
But why aren't women over a certain size embraced by the fashion world?
Zarian said it's ironic that 100 years ago it was the Rubenesque model who was a size 14-16 that was the ideal, but everything changes.
"It's a slow evolution," he said, "but designers and stores are definitely starting to pay attention to what the majority of women want."
Zarian said the fashion shows are really just a place for designers to show off for one another, and the looks on the catwalk are rarely seen in department stores where real women shop.
Fuller-figured women -- and women in general -- Zarian said should shop for the size they currently are.
"I don't care if you're full figured or not, you should embrace who you are right now," he said. "You have to look good for today. It doesn't matter what size you are, dress for who you are,for where you're at right now."
Zarian said you should avoid playing the "remember when" or "try to be" game with yourself.
He said, "Just remember who you are right now, and dress for that person."
LOOKS FEATURED ON "THE EARLY SHOW":
1. FROM WORK TO PLAY TO EVERYDAY
This is the perfect look, according to Zarian, for every woman on-the-go.
He said you can wear it as an outfit, or break it up and move the pieces throughout your wardrobe.
• LIGHT BROWN BOOT CUT SLACKS: $59.50
• WHITE TAILORED FRENCH CUFF SHIRT: $39.50
• BRICK RED SWEATER DUSTER: $69.50
• THICK CHOCOLATE BROWN BELT: $29.50
MUST-HAVE ITEMS:
• THE WHITE TAILORED FRENCH CUFF SHIRT
• BRICK RED SWEATER DUSTER
2. FASHION. FIT. FABULOUS (THE ICON COLLECTION)
With Fashion Week in the air, this look is from the Icon Collection, inspired by the runways of Paris, Milan and London. This look, according to Zarian, is designed for the fashion savvy woman who seeks a higher level of sophistication with her wardrobe.
• BLACK HAREM WAIST PANTS: $88.00
• GREY SILK COLD SHOULDER TOP: $98.00
• BLACK PONTE RIDING COAT: $148.00
• ICON COLLECTION JEWELRY
MUST-HAVE TIP: Yes, full-figured women can wear harem pants, just as long as they balance out the look with the fuller, cold shoulder top.
The riding coat creates a longer, leaner silhouette.
NOTE: "Dream Girl" star and new mother, Jennifer Hudson loves her harem pants.
3. MAD FOR "MAD MEN"
The hottest show on TV right now is "Mad Men," and not only are we talking about the story lines, we're also talking about the timeless trends.
"Mad Men" character Joan Holloway (played by Christian Hendricks) who is the office manager at the ad agency Sterling Cooper. Hollow is full-figured and definitely not afraid to celebrate her curves, Zarian said.
"Mad Men" has also put the pencil skirt and the skinny belt back into the fashion rotation.
• ROYAL BLUE CLASSIC TWEED PENCIL SKIRT: $59.50
• ELECTRIC BLUE DOLMAN LIGHT WEIGHT SWEATER: $49.50 (THE RIBBED WAISTLINE OF THE SWEATER ALSO CREATES MORE OF A WAISTLINE)
• MODERN ZIP FRONT LEATHER JACKET: $99.50
• BLACK CROC BAG: $49.50
MUST HAVE TIP: Try a little decade bending by adding a modern zip leather jacket to this '60s statement.
The ribbed waistline of the sweater also creates more of a waistline.
4. FROM DESK TO DINNER
This is a perfect look for that woman that wants to be taken seriously at the office and get noticed. The look is extremely sophisticated and east coast chic.
Once our working girl has worked from nine to five, it's time to go from the desk to dinner. The great news: You don't have to go home and change, just remove the cardigan and the belt and you're good to go.
• TURTLE GREEN KEY-HOLE NECK PONTE DRESS: $79.50
• TURTLE GREEN CARDIGAN: $49.50
• FAUX LEATHER BELT: $29.95
• CROC BAG: $29.50
MUST HAVE: The chic cardigan that can carried throughout your entire wardrobe.
NOTE: At night, Zarian says, show some skin and celebrate your sexy shoulders.
5. BRING YOUR SEXY BACK
Finally, the must-have piece for every woman is the little black dress. there is definitely an dress for your shape, style and size, according to Zarian.
This Black Ponte knit drape front dress will definitely "bring your sexy back," Zarian said.
He added you shouldn't forget to showcase your personal style with jewelry.
He said, "The hottest trend right now is to double up on your cuffs and bump it up with bohemian pieces."
• BLACK DRAPE FRONT PONTE DRESS: $105.00
• CACIQUE BACK SMOOTHING BRA: $40.00
ALL CLOTHES WERE PROVIDED BY LANE BRYANT.
ALL THE SHOES WERE PROVIDED BY ENDLESS.COM.
Also, speaking of sexy backs, the model on "The Early Show" wore the "back smoothing bra." It's a new bra from Cacique that Zarian said will have you saying good bye to back fat, and hello to a smoother, shapelier look.