Fashion world finally heeds the needs of the average woman

By Lisa Heyamoto
Seattle Times staff reporter

JOHN LOK / THE SEATTLE TIMES "That (outfit) was just too cool — definitely a going-out outfit," says Laura Trask, model for a day. "I've wanted (a poncho) for a while and I really liked those pants. They were a little bit more than I would spend, but they felt like they would last longer." Lane Bryant poncho ($34.50), Old Navy camisole ($24.50), Lane Bryant pinstriped pants ($49.50).

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Related stories Local offers slim in the plus-size clothing market You need tweed: This fall's fashion must adds miles to your wardrobe

Not so very long ago, the latest fashions for fall 2004 would be hitting the plus-size world, oh, somewhere around 2005.

"By time it got to us it was no longer 'in,' " said Carolyn Strauss, fashion expert and plus-size model. "It was hideous."

As any trend-spotter knows, any later than right-this-minute is just way too late. Fortunately, says Strauss, the fashion industry is finally catching up to the fact that the average woman is a size 14, and she wants to look cute, for crying out loud.

Retailers and manufacturers offering plus-size options continue to increase, and the clothes on the rack are catching up to the trends on the street. Most plus-size fashions are slightly different interpretations of the things you'd find in the women's section, and this year, the plus-size fashion folks are trotting out all the clothes we love for fall, from the tried-and-true staples to the latest looks.

Here is a sampling of the plus-size trends for this fall:

Feminine detailing

"It's really still about bows, buttons and embellishments," said Lane Bryant spokeswoman Catherine Lippencott.

Those flirty trims and details that we loved for summer are migrating to the warmer fabrics of fall.

	JOHN LOK / THE SEATTLE TIMES "I really liked that outfit, I felt like it was very flattering. Of course the jacket was great — that's the focal point." Lane Bryant tweed jacket ($119.50), camisole ($22.50) and flower pin ($12.50).

Lace-trimmed camis, ribbons and bows, elastic shirring on the bustline and accessories like flower pins work well for a plus-size figure, because they not only bring the attention to wherever you want, they make a girl feel like a girl. But a word to the wise from Strauss: Lingerie-inspired clothing has a way of pulling in unflattering places, so make sure to ignore the size tag and choose something that fits.

Tweeds, bouclés and plaids

The ubiquitous tweed coat is all over the plus-world, and man, is it cute. Fringe-y cuffs and ribbon detailing update this look, and when paired with jeans or some crisp slacks, it's the perfect look for the changing weather. Avoid a boxy, wide pattern on a thick fabric and choose a lightweight coat with a dainty weave instead, recommends Strauss. And hey, team it with a flower pin or scarf to make the look your own.

Did we say color?

All the rich, classic colors of fall are back, but with a few unconventional friends. Expect to see blacks, dark grays and browns paired with vibrant flashes of chartreuse, baby pink and — The Next Big Thing — plum.

	JOHN LOK / THE SEATTLE TIMES "I liked the jean jacket a lot, but the skirt is not something I would wear. I really don't think anyone that's my size would feel comfortable wearing it," says model-for-a-day Laura Trask of Auburn. Old Navy jean jacket ($34), Lane Bryant sweater shell ($29.50), plaid skirt ($39.50) and purse ($22.50).

"We think that plum is definitely the new pink," Lippencott said.

Freshen up your work attire with strong colors and bold accents. But don't go overboard. These colors are a little more peek-a-boo than full-frontal.

The poncho

An excellent plus-size fashion choice, the poncho is one of those magical items that knows what to flaunt. Got great shoulders? The poncho knows. How about those arms? The poncho is happy to show them off. Offered in a variety of styles and fabrics, it's easily dressed up with a pair of wool pants, or toned down with your favorite jeans.

"Every time I go to the mall I'm like 'Ooo, I need to get one of those,' " said Laura Trask, of Auburn.

And feel free to rock the macramé or slanted stripes. C'mon, it's the poncho!

Ye olde standbys

"All the good fall stuff that we always love is still in," said Strauss.

Autumnal colors, argyle, pinstripes and corduroys. Boot-cut jeans are still the standard, and big yay for that. May tapered-leg jeans forever be banished to the land of shoulder pads and pleated fronts.

"Boot-cut is a great look for everybody because it slims the hips and balances the bottom half with the leg being wider," Strauss said.

Buy your pants with a slight flare at the ankle, and if you're opting for cords, pick a thin wale to keep things delicate, she said. Double back pockets work well for a plus-size figure, as does a wide, low waistband — pluses' own interpretation of that pesky low-rise craze.

"When fall comes, everyone wants a pair of jeans," said Lippencott.

"The thing I always say is, a size 16 wants to wear the same things as a size 6."

Lisa Heyamoto: 206-464-2149 or lheyamoto@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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