by Leila Hays
Stop With
the Tutus :
How Plus Size Fashion is Holding Women Back
by Leila Hays
When Ashley Nell Tipton won Project Runway , I celebrated with the plus size community .
It was a huge step in the right direction that a plus size woman won with a plus size collection . But it was a token win , like Robin Williams winning an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting rather than something like The Fisher King .
Tutus , chiffon , flowers , and ruffles are great . On children . On women ? Not so much . On plus sized women ? Oh , hell no .
I expect some major backlash from the we can wear whatever we want so screw you crowd .
I ’ m not backing down or changing my mind . Because the fact is that no one of influence is going to take
59 any woman seriously if she shows up in an outfit like this .
It ’ s the height of plus size fashion right now .
This is my friend , Colleen , and she said she felt ridiculous in this outfit . And yes , I ’ ll say it . She looked ridiculous in it . The whole thing makes her look wider because of the volume of the skirt , and the tee draws attention to her boobs rather than her face .
The thing is , just because you can wear something doesn ’ t mean it ’ s the best option for you . Think about it . Would you rather make the most of your assets and look amazing , or say eff you to reasonable fashion and wear a pink frilly skirt and juvenile graphic tee ? If you ’ d choose the ridiculous , you ’ re probably really pissed at me . That ’ s fine . I love you enough to say it anyway .
The body positivity movement would gain traction and create true change much faster if women dressed more like this .