Fashion is an outlet many people use to express themselves, their identity and style. Its versatility is the reason why the human race finds this tool relatable to daily life and experiences. For instance, the avenue can be used to mirror strong beliefs, culture, religion, social trends, or even an individualistic spirit.
Alternative plus size fashion is all about boldly expressing themselves without fear of trying to fit in. They are loud dressers with a keen eye for representative items and this is what makes the style so enviable! From the fabric choice, lively prints, customization details all the way down to the nitty-gritty, this society sure is schooling us on what creativity is all about.
Speaking of individualistic spirits, alternative clothing happens to have its foundation rooted in similar soil. This kind of style was designed for a community of people who did not conform to the mainstream fashion nor its clothing ideals. To some extent, they were rebels who repelled mass opinions and instead thrived in unique subcultures, different from the usual common order.
With this revolt came an interesting kind of clothing which is what is referred to as alternative dressing. So then what makes plus-size alternative fashion so cool? Well, it’s the authenticity and unrivaled originality.
Today we take a look at the particular elements of alternative plus size clothing, the progress it has made, and of course, the fun bits too! By the end of this read, you might just discover certain fashion pieces in your closet, with a strong association to the alternative community. So, let’s get into it.
1. Raw Prints and Patterns
The essence of any clothing lies in its ability to draw the eye amid numerous distractions, and this is exactly what unique patterns do for us. Dull plain pieces barely create as much oomph as custom prints. Anything from stripes, skull prints, floral décor, plaid designs, checkers are all closely linked to alternative dressing. A detailed top paired with a rugged jean is the ultimate go-to look. With a cute crossbody bag, the whole outfit exotically comes together.
2. Strong Vintage Feel
This is one element that alternative gurus crave for, especially the grunge enthusiasts. They are lovers of the retro vibe and 90’s kind of clothing more so because of the extraordinary designs they possess. Anything with an old rustic appeal is captivating, so it is not unusual to see traits such as the big hair, cool hats, padded shoulder blades, floral maxi dresses with signature pockets and so on.
Now that fashion is more like a cycle, always reinventing itself from old designs, the modern-day vintage proves as the ultimate repackaging, and alternative lovers are here to perpetuate the legacy.
3. Distress Patterns
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t own at least one pair of distressed jeans. In this age, it’s nearly practically impossible. If you haven’t guessed it already, this popular trend is linked to alternative pioneers. Initially, it started off as a style majorly owned by rock band members who would cut off certain parts of their slim trousers to facilitate easier stage movement, but then this went on to become a fashion statement.
Famous bands like Nirvana were especially big on this, and in a matter of time the cutting went on to be improvised on t-shirts, jackets, jeans, denim wear, really anything with flexible fabric. Today, distressed clothing ranks as one of the highly demanded genres, with clothing brands working towards expanding their size collection, to meet the needs of the plus girl.
4. Unusual, Exciting Colors
Ever wondered where those gorgeous hair highlights and bright eye makeup came from? Unless you are a Goth die- hard, you probably take pleasure in experimenting with different shades and tones. Hair offers a splendid opportunity to do so, whether you are dyeing just a part of it or your whole head. If you’re crazy enough, take the option of mixing two or more shades.
The same translates to make-up. A lovely eye color blended with an odd lip creates a timeless look. This is why numerous alternative fans are not afraid to take on bold colors that best reflect their personality and soul. In some sense, color embodies freedom and the latter is a key ingredient in such cultures.
5. Badass Attitude
For the better part, society has posed the plus size girl as one with ugly imperfections and unfit to blend in with the rest. These insensitive sentiments form the recipe behind low esteem and self-consciousness. For once, the plus community now has the power to shun haters and redeem their dented self-image through the use of clothing.
Graffiti attires with coded messages are helping restore confidence in leaps and bounds. Now that customization deals have become the order of the day, any inspirational print or badass quote can easily be added to your collection.
The privilege of getting to present your authentic self unapologetically in a public that has for so long put your kind down is nothing short of empowering. Not to mention, you get to look amazingly cool while at it. It’s a win-win!
6. Cute Metal Details
As we all know, styling is not just about coordinating appropriate color schemes but also looking out for the tiny elements that carry the potential of inciting a total game-changer. Rock and punk devotees are especially in for a treat with special embroidery from metal chokers to handbags and everything in between.
These seemingly minute additions are the epiphany of rock culture. Other alternative designers also add this décor to shoes for an even stronger gothic look. Metal rings are also a total must-have! Whichever the style, these embellishments sure add a sparkle to any outfit.
7. Tattoos and Piercings
It would be a total injustice to talk about alternative clothing without touching on tattoos and piercings. After all, this combo is a key player. In this century body marking has grown into a lucrative business especially amongst millennials and young adults. These drawings often carry a hidden meaning while others are engraved purely for decorative purposes.
Alternative style borrows heavily from this aspect as is evident from Instagram pictures, Pinterest, and Youtube videos. A lot of piercings often are done in unconventional areas such as the lips, brows and tongue while the tattoos are focused on visible body parts. Color shading adds an excellent touch to it transforming the art into a fashion statement.
8. Corset-inspired Clothing
Fun fact, inner garments like the corset and shapewear are said to have originated from the British rock scene. Ladies would dress in corset shaped dresses to accentuate their figure and create an hourglass silhouette.
This innovation has become quite handy in the modern-day as similar attires continue to grace the fashion scene. We all know a chubby girl can always do with more support especially in common problem areas like her midsection and sides. Rather than feel demoralized by weight, corset gowns possess a quick fix. So this makes the garments both functional and classy.
9. Chunky Shoes and Boots
One of the much-loved footwear options is the platform heel which takes to a raised sole a few inches high. Chunky shoes provide a decent alternative more so for girls who have a reserved liking for high-heels. Army-like boots are a catchy substitute too.
It’s no secret that long sessions with heels can get painfully uncomfortable, so for women who would rather prioritize comfort without having to sacrifice their sense of style, a platform shoe is the answer. They are usually paired with fishnet stockings, fancy tights, or tall socks for a fun look! They also make a great exterior when coordinated with short skirts and playful dresses.
10. It’s DIY!
Now that alternative clothing strays away from the mainstream fashion media, it tends to cater only for a niche market. This means a smaller population, lesser profit margins, and at times, watered-down quality. In other circumstances, it just becomes entirely difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Like the age-old saying, necessity is the mother of all inventions; the DIY hack is proving more relevant than ever before. All you need is some customization tools, a visual tutorial, and a bit of inspiration. It takes minutes to recreate an old piece or simply revamp a new one that didn’t quite flatter your taste. Not only does DIY save you from expensive costs, it also allows you to shine your personality using a personal touch. There are literally no rules to it, so it’s that much fun!
DIY Tips for Alternative Plus Size Fashion
- Before making any changes, try on the clothes so that you know where to cut.
- Use fabric dye for a long-lasting effect.
- Bleach is more permanent so it should be used wisely.
- Rinse off the washable paint before hanging your clothes.
- All drying should be done outside in open air, and not in a washing machine.
11. Layering techniques
Typically, an ALT fashion lover will present themselves in tattered, layered clothing which is often worn in a manner to deemphasize the silhouette. This means that several inner items are added before arriving at a complete ensemble.
In modern culture, the style is regarded as trendy, unique, and comfortable. You may already have noticed particular garments that come a size too big like boyfriend trousers, boyfriend sweaters or free skirts. All these are intended to accommodate more garments underneath while still maintaining a chic form.
12. Plus Size Inclusivity
For the icing on the cake, ALT fashion has come a mighty long way. All the above-mentioned traits would not be in the discussion were it not for alternative clothing brands expanding to plus size friendly items. As much as more needs to be done to cater for the full-figured community, the wheels are already in motion and better days are anticipated.
Aesthetic websites such as Trash Queen and Attitude Clothing, offer sizes up to 5XL with unique pieces that the weird head would absolutely love. Judging from the improvements, the future no longer seems bleak like a few years back, instead, the plus girl can now have a share in cool clothing too.
Alternative Style Makeup
Goth, punk, and Emo are the most common styles amongst alternative sub-cultures. Their style is often characterized by heavy embellishments, darker shades, and a ton of black. In fact, these guys are stereotyped as disliking the sun. For girls that veer towards edgy, dark styles, here is how to arrive at a gothic look using your make up and hair.
- Make it pale– avoid overwhelming your face with too much foundation or several layers. This technique requires more powder in the lighter shades to arrive at the desired look. Of course, do not stray too far away from your skin’s natural tone.
- Concentrate on the eyes– the eyes especially should resonate with your dark style more than anything else. Use black eyeliner, black eye pencil, and draw a funky smoky eye. The cat-eye definitely does add a bit more sauce to the equation.
- Blend with your lip- the theme should have a ripple effect. That is to say that your lips should be kept darker as well if not black. Bold shades like purple normally achieve this effect.
- Have your nails in dim shady tones as well and hunt for divine bracelets to go along with it.
- Go for playful hairdos like the two- bun part; alternatively, let your hair flow in its natural kinks. You can add some styling to it as long as it isn’t done too carefully. Messy locks should be your prime look.
To crown it, keep your outfits within a close color range. Black should be the dominant hue, but if you like, break it with other similar tones. Mesh fabric particularly is a favorite to punk rockstars because it easily coordinates with other items. Throw in a moon choker to your look and there you have it!
Final Thoughts
Alternative fashion is a true expression of your identity irrespective of race, color, or background. Plus size clothing has allowed women to voice their image without holding back and most importantly, learn to love their authentic self. All the highlighted elements above have shaped alternative style into what it is, and this is what makes this genre of clothing worth celebrating. Be sure to check out our top picks page too!
