Plus size boho tops should be part of every larger girl's wardrobe. Hippie styles like peasant blouses, embroidered tunics, and gauzy sheer tops are fun to play with at every age. (In the UK, it's hippy.)
Bohemian Style and Body Shape
It is somewhat amusing, when online fashion “experts” say that (fill in the blank) looks good on pear shaped women, and (fill in the blank) looks good on apple shaped women. Some tips work and some don’t because everyone’s body is different. In reality, finding a flattering look is an art, not a science.
And, it definitely includes a lot of trial and error. (Mostly error.)
That’s why bohemian style is cool. The “hippie” look is actually about being original, being artistic, and inventing a look that embodies self-expression. Clothes are expected to make a woman feel good about herself. And, clothes should actually feel good (not tight, not constricting, not stiff.)
1960’s Hippie Style
Flower children of the '60s and '70s wore boho tops in one of two ways:
- With bellbottom jeans
- With gypsy skirts
So, when shopping for a hippie top, think about how it will be worn. Here are some rules to follow, or break, as needed:
- Empire tops look best with jeans.
- Wide A-line tunics look best over jeans.
- Fitted jersey tops look best with fuller gypsy skirts.
- Peasant tops can go with jeans or skirts, depending upon smocking, how loose or blousy they are, and whether or not they are fitted at the waist/hem.
- Floaty or unstructured garments are fat-friendly.
Plus Size Peasant Blouses
When browsing online, why not start with the good stuff? Check out these styles, and then bumble around online to find cheaper knockoffs or sales.
Johnny Was at NeimanMarcus.com:
- Johnny Was Lace-Trim Georgette Top. This Bohemian printed blouse is so European-ethnic, in a multicultural china-teacup sort of way. Well, good fabric with great drape is the essence of style. Yes, this top is expensive for a little tee shirt, but it’s so beautiful. And, empire waists with deep V necklines are good for most apple shapes.
- Johnny Was Teresa Tie-Detail Tunic. The deep emerald color is almost universally flattering and the embroidery is more Heidi / less Wal-Mart. Also, the longer puff sleeves don’t make people want to polka. (Definition of tunic: Any dress that is too short.)
Johnny Was tops are gypsy perfect and would be gorgeous to wear at a beach-chic wedding (even for the bride).
Most proper Mexican peasant blouses come in black or white (or some solid color). Traditionally they have a wide scooped neckline and the sleeves can be pulled off the shoulder, and that's good for balancing wide hips.
Check out this peasant blouse at Ulla Popken: The Embroidered Boho Blouse. While not always a fan of short sleeves, these sleeves are a bit longer than most. And, if a cut fits right, square necklines are almost universally flattering. Look for details like this face-framing embroidery.
Tops in weird prints (at other sites) should not be called peasant blouses. They look cheapie when the prints are garish.
Plus Size Hippie Tops
There is always something extraordinary at Ulla Popken. And, their prices rock.
- Pintuck Crochet Detail Blouse: This white ethnic tunic has great design. The square neckline breaks up space, making wide shoulders and top-heavy apple bodies look more proportional. The horizontal lace suggests a waist, even on fat tummied gals, and does so without being tight. Sizes: 12/14 to 36/38.
- Kimono Style Blouse: This top comes in a pretty hippie-trippy pattern (sheer georgette) and it would be funky-cool over a cami and jeans.
CasualLiving.com has a cute Embellished Acid Wash Top / Tunic. The aqua color is elegant and mixed prints are hip. Try this with something like the Soft Surroundings multi-hued Islamorada Skirt (to size 18). Even though the aqua isn't the same shade as the skirt, it would work. Mixing it up is very Beverly Hills Chic.
Tops for Boho Gypsy Skirts
A twist-front jersey-knit tee looks good on almost anyone. There’s a good example of this style at CasualLiving.com. Details:
- 1x, 2x, 3x
- 13 colors
- Sleeveless or 3/4 length
Most of the time, it is easier to start with a gypsy skirt, and then look for a top in a similar color. The top doesn’t have to match, but it should give an outfit the feel of one continuous line. For example, a white tee and a dark gypsy skirt will cut a gal in half, making her look shorter. Tip for creative types: A ditsy print top and a big-flower print skirt can be really cute and uber-bohemian.
It’s difficult to know how an outfit is going to look when shopping online. That’s why purchases come with return labels. And, having the opportunity to try on different styles in one’s own home, rather than a store's dressing room, makes shopping much more fun (especially for chubby gals).
More Articles:
Kimono Dresses, Kimono Sleeve Tops: Hot, Sexy, Cute & Flattering
Hippie Clothes for Women: Bohemian Chic for Cool Chicks
Mode Trends 2011: Fashion Clothes for Women Over 40 & 50
Best Flattering Swimsuits for Women Over 40 & 50
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
