| Chapter
14
Plus
Size Suggestions
Here are some additional show apparel
tips for plus size riders:
| 1. |
Dark colors minimize, light colors
maximize. This means that darker chaps will make thighs
of size less noticeable...but think about the contrast:
if you have a very light colored saddle, black chaps
may actually show up more than a medium color.
Also, consider wearing a light hat.
It will add light and interest around your face, and
create the illusion of height and slenderness by making
your figure lighter at it gets taller. A light hat draws
the viewer's eye upwards and makes you look more alert,
without dark shadow over your face. |
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| 2. |
Vertical designs add length, horizontal
designs emphasize width. Don't create a strong color contrast
at your waist–it will draw attention to that area. Consider
for example
chocolate chaps and blouse, with a lighter cream yoke on
the shirt and cream hat for a look that’s slenderizing
at your middle, and flattering around your face. |
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| 3. |
Trust your instincts. You know what
makes you feel most comfortable and most confident. Your
clothes should always
capture your personality and help you feel like you belong...so
don't do something crazy just because a trainer tells you
too (unless they whip out their credit card to pay
for it, then you might as well give it a shot!) |
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| 4. |
Comfort is king. You
know when things fit nicely that you feel comfortable,
but when something is a bit too tight it makes us very
self-conscious. Show apparel needs to be shapely to create
a nice trim silhouette from a distance, but it shouldn't
be so tight that you need to tug at it, or so there are
gaps and strains on the fabrics. For this reason, Plus
riders may be more comfortable in garments with some
stretch to them. Be realistic when you shop: buy things
that will fit when you need to show, not after the Big
Diet. If you melt away, then darn it, you deserve a new
wardrobe! |
My last special suggestion
is to get a great pair of chaps. If you go to a good chap
maker, you should have chaps that
look just as nice on you as a skinny kid... they need to
be just right, and are worth splurging on, because they cover
more than half your body when you show, and they will last
for years and years. Good chaps- like a saddle - are not
an expense, they’re an investment in your success in
the show ring. It's foolish to spend so much money on horse,
training, tack, trailer, and so on, and not feel that you
are wonderfully turned out when you are in the arena. You
get what you pay for, so always buy the best within your
budget.
Next:
Chapter 15 - Horse Show Checklist and Fashion Worksheet
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