Leggings often look good with these clothing styles. Check out ELLE.com to see these super slimming leggings that will tighten even the most bootylicious of bums.

So curvacious ladies are ish-outta-luck this season? Story of the last 50 years. What else is new?

I refuse to believe I'm confined to a muu-muu the rest of my life simply because I, surprise surprise, look like a woman.

darling, on my 150 lb 5'5" frame, I love wearing pleats... when they start just below the hip bone. A nice tight, hip hugging fit through the hip is gorgeous on us curvy girls in a way that it can never be on toothpicks. And then those pretty pleats add fullness to the skirt that make your waist totally pop.

Maddie--you look about my size, and similar body type, athletic, and I wear those ruched tops from surprise, 4ever21. I don't think it looks bad, but what do I know? People could be howling derisively behind my back ( or more interested in my oreo butt!)

Go with the cling curvaceous types. It slenderizes the middle and sensualizes your envied assets.

My point exactly.

Any woman lucky enough to have some T&A shouldn't hide it under pleats and puckers!

And what in god's tarnation is an oreo butt?

Laura: what you missed

i am athletically built and i wear the ruched and pintucked, i just mix it up- one loose top, snugger pants or skirt.

just don't wear all loose on top and bottom and it will conform to your silhouette better.

and all clothes look amazing on the hangers, that's why models are so skinny.

Huh...?

MJ you are the queen of Elle-quotes today, and I'm loving it! Keep em coming!

Oh lord. Okaaaaay, oreo butt, got it.

To answer the actual question. . .methinks no. I've got some bangin' curves, if I do say so myself, but they are not shown off to their best advantage in pleated, puckered, or gathered garments. I look preggers. And not in a "Hmm, the belly's really out there today" way, in a "Awww, is the nursery almost done?" way.

If you must, try something in a knit fabric like jersey, not a woven, as knits will drape and move with you. Wovens are stiffer and more structured (usually) and can easily create that poochy effect. If you can't tell if a fabric is a knit or a woven, call me and we'll go shopping with my specially-for-fabric magnifying glass. I'm a textile nerd.

I'm going shopping at Jeremy's tomorrow for my b-day... In fact, we're clubbing Friday in the Mission, if you're interested! I know Ashley's a Bay Area gal too... we should def hook up sometime and plan our Vixens in the Park stint.

Ooh, my friend was just talking about Jeremy's today. Never been, meself, but heard good things!

Yay for Vixens in the Park! Which park were we thinking, exactly?

You simply have to look long and hard. I have no doubt child bearing hips and runners thighs to match and I have scored a few flowy, puckering, etc. dresses from Forever 21, and they don't look like my gmas moo moo's from the 70's.

If you can't find one that your not comfortable in, then maybe the puckering, etc. just isn't for you. Find something that you love maybe you will just start a new fabulous trend on your own!

Jeremy's is heaven... you have to get there early if you're going on the weekend, and keep your elbows ready in case push comes to shove, but sooooooo worth it.

I don't know what park. We could turn up interesting folks in Berkeley, that's for sure, but Golden Gate could be fun too, especially on a sunny Saturday... what you say?

I think most fashion choices can work on most body types, as long as you work with your figure. I'm tall but also pretty curvy and so sometimes I can have complications with my fashion choices. If you want to avoid the tent dress look, I would suggest a nice fitted jacket on top of what you are wearing, to give your clothing some more shape, rather than just having it hang off of your figure. A jacket I love:



It's by Mike and Chris and has a wonderful fit to it. Another option? Wearing belts. I like to wear high waisted belts, the ones that fit directly underneath the breast bone. They will create a shape by giving you a waist that would have normally not been seen with a tent dress.

I am tree-trunk shaped, so I never wear anything with tucks, puckers, or pleats. If I did I would look huge or pregnant! It's amazing how many pounds those styles add on. Unless the person is model-thin, it's not a good idea. Go for straight, long shapes, or something that form-fits your curves. You'll look great!

If *REALLY* want to do the pintuck, ruching or pleats be very careful. go for some on the side of dresses, maybe a bit at the waist if you are wearing an empire dress, but it is a very tricky style.

For the coke bottled ladies or the ones with curves, I would stay away from the weird trend of pleated pants. I will never understand why they keep bringing back trends that were mocked and oh so horrifying (i.e. most of the 80s)

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Find your favorite feature and showcase it!

As a classic coke bottle myself, ruching can be extremely flattering when it's more form-fitting through the waist and draped properly (no kangaroo pouch ladies!) Look for asymmetrical cuts, and don't be afraid to rock the one shoulder.

Need to wear a tent on top? These pleated blouses and pintuck tops I'm seeing everywhere are just not ideal for us curvy girls. But if you insist, show your collarbone and pair it with well fit skinny jeans and fun pumps. For a more casual look team with short shorts, strappy sandals and a funky hippie ring or two.

Cheers and good luck!