A recent 'shape and size' survey showed that on the average British and Irish woman are size 16 have a height of 5ft 4inches and have a D cup bust. So if you are fretting about being what is commonly known as a 'plus size' then don't because you certainly are not alone. Up until the 1960s plus size women were at the forefront of fashion and were admired for their beautiful curves and sensuous looks. Take Marilyn Monroe for example, she was no size zero and that's for sure. The plus size woman appeared everywhere from films, photographs to paintings so when and why did things change?

'The Gossips' Beth Ditto has been an outspoken ambassador for plus size fashion for many years and has in the past slammed various High Street outlets for not stocking a sufficient range of clothing for plus size fashion lovers. Beth has never been afraid to express her own unique fashion trends and is definitely no shrinking violet. Her refusal to adhere to the rules of what a celebrity should look like has catapulted her into the spotlight and along with her success with her band 'The Gossip' she really has become something of an icon. It has recently been reported that she is about to sign a contract with 'Evans' to launch her own plus size clothing range for sizes 14 to 32 in order to show the world that it is possible for big girls to be versatile in what they wear and be a bit more adventurous.

It is all very well having a choice but the tricky part is usually how to put things together and what looks right for your shape. This can be extremely frustrating for plus size girls. Everyone has their own problem areas and it is not until you are able to identify this that you can get on with feeling good about yourself. Once you have identified your shape then it is easy to know what style should look good on you and what you should avoid. According to Trinny and Susannah there are 12 different body shapes and every women should fall into one of these. However, in my opinion a woman's shape is not set in one category but can be a combination of different shapes. By focusing on your problem area or areas and working around that then it is possible to look fabulous without having to go on yo-yo diets.

COMMON PLUS SIZE PROBLEMS

IF YOU HAVE

LARGE TO AVERAGE BUST

WIDE BACK AND SHOULDERS

BIG TUMMY

FLAT BUM

AVERAGE TO SLIM LEGS

According to Trinny and Susannah this is known as the 'apple shape,' however not all 'apple shapes' have broad shoulders and large busts. Sometimes the problem area is concentrated on just the middle section.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE WEARING

Floaty, light materials. Avoid tight and clingy materials.

Tunics are a must have as they will skim over the problem area.

Empire lines. This will begin under the bust and will draw attention away from your tummy.

V-necks or low necklines keep the eye moving upwards and elongates the neck. A statement necklace will add maximum impact.

Wide legged trousers will even your shape out. Don't be afraid to try 3/4 lengths with a wide leg. When worn with chunky wedges this will even everything out.

Skirts with a full silhouette or slight flair will draw the eye to the lower part of your leg.

IF YOU HAVE

BIG BUST

SMALL, SHORT WAIST

BIG HIPS AND GENEROUS THIGHS

The original womanly shape, so called 'hour glass' shape.

Use your assets to your advantage by wearing scoop neck and V-neck tops in order to lift the bust and elongate your neck.

Pencil skirts enhance and skim over your curves.

Waistcoats curve in all the right places.

Wide leg trousers help to even your lower half out however 'skinnys' can still be worn with tunics and long tops.

IF YOU HAVE

SMALL SHOULDERS

SMALL BUST AND WAIST

`BIG THIGHS AND BIG BUMS

According to Trinny and Susannah this is known as the 'bell shape,' which is slightly different to pear shape as it has a short waist when compared to the pear's long waist.

Don't layer too much around the hip area, as this will only add on extra bulk.

Divert the attention away from your problem area by wearing texture and bold colours up top.

The shrug is a key piece and is good for layering in the top half.

FOR A PEAR SHAPED LADY

Draw attention to your upper half by wearing strapless dresses or thin straps. Bold prints and patterns also draw the eye away from your lower half. Wider leg trousers float over the problem areas. It has been said that you should avoid 'skinnys' however when worn with a longer length t-shirt or tunic the problem area is kept covered drawing attention to toned calves and thin lower legs.