Fashion is not just for skinny people. The fashion caste system that once separated people into “those who can” (skinny and rich) and “those who can’t” (everyone else) is crumbling and a fashion utopia is emerging where fashionistas can look fabulous regardless of size. Take that Kate Moss!

The Rules

Now, there are few rules you need to follow in order to stay in fashion. In this diet-obsessed, waif-model culture, designers still gear their creations towards a size four (shout out to all of the skinny fashionistas- we love you too!) and their version of plus size is to just make a bigger size four. Commit these size rules to heart and watch your style quotient rise.

1. Dress monochromatically. Dressing in one color de-emphasizes your problem areas by creating one long silhouette.

2. Break out the Heels. Heels elongate your legs, making you look slimmer in the process. Stores like Zappos.com have a huge selection of pumps and heels.

3. Low-rise is not an option. Very few people, regardless of size, can wear low-rise pants. Just because it is in style, doesn’t mean it will work for you.

4. Avoid crop jackets. Crop jackets draw attention to your waist and butt. Purchase well structured jackets that hit you right below your bottom. This season, tweed is very hot, so pick up a cute tweed or velvet jacket. Check out Loehmanns@smartbargains.com

5. Please don’t abuse the Lycra. Lycra is a privilege, not a fashion right.

6. Purchase boot cut pants. One of the season’s biggest trends is the pencil leg pant, which emphasize big butts. Stick with pants that have a slight flare at the bottom, to create a more balanced look. Again, try Loehmanns@smartbargains.com

7. Find a great tailor. Don’t throw out those great fitting pants because they are too long. A great tailor will be able to hem the pants to your desired length for less than $20.

The Stores

So where can you buy these clothes? Below are the best stores to purchase plus size fashions that will enhance your style and be gentle on your pocket books.

Elisabeth.com. Elisabeth.com by Liz Claiborne is make comfortable and stylish clothing in sizes 14 and up. The online store is having a major clearance sale on fall and winter merchandise. Take an extra $20 off purchases of $180 or more.

Smartbargains.com. Smart Bargains has a designer plus size fashions from Liz Claiborne, ABS, and more.

Newport News. Newport News has cheap, trendy fashions up to size 28. Almost all of the sizes you

LaRedoute.com. The Parisian online retailer, LaRedoute.com, has some of the best plus size fashions on the web. They are hip, trendy, and extremely affordable.

Kiyonna. This little website features sophisticated styles for fashionistas who wear a size 12 or higher. We are pretty big fans of their dresses.

Oldnavy.com. Owned by the GAP, Old Navy has cheaper, lower quality versions of the fashions seen at the GAP, up to size 20/XXL. It is great place to stock up on tees, tanks, and other items you may buy in bulk.

Overstock.com. This is the best online outlet and a great place to pick up cheap designer items. The plus size section tends to be a little boring for our taste, but sometimes you can find deals like a Dana Buchman top for up to 80% off retail.

Target.com. Stop by for toilet paper and leave with an outfit. Too bad the Isaac Mizrahi line only goes up to a size 16.

Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s new George line is hot! Where else could you score this season’s hottest style - the bouclé jacket - for $26.00 bucks? More items are being added each day!

Try stopping by your local outlet mall. Off 5th, Saks Fifth Ave Outlet has an amazing selection of designer plus size fashions from Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta and Anne Klein. Also, check out stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Macys - all of whom have very hip plus size departments. Bloomingdales and Macys’ plus size departments usually have the best sales, while Saks Fifth Avenue has more cutting edge fashions and higher end designers.

Remember that you can be a fashionista regardless of your size. Don’t let pop culture’s ridiculous fashion caste system dictate what you can and can’t wear. Arm yourself with a heaping dose of self- confidence, a purse full of common sense and the rules above and head to your favorite store and shop!

About The Author

Kathryn “The Budget Fashionista” Finney is the founder and Chief Shopping Officer of TheBudgetFashionista.com, a popular website that provides realistic fashion advice, shopping tips and sale event information to budget conscious consumers. Known as “the stylist to the cheap,” Kathryn has been around the world searching for the perfect bargain on designer goods and is willing to get the bargain by any (legal) means necessary.

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kathrynFin@thebudgetfashionista.com