Make a confident fashion statement with bright colours, metallic finishes and eye-catching prints.
Make a confident fashion statement with bright colours, metallic finishes and eye-catching prints.
General Manager, Society A
Break up a tonal ensemble with hits of white. Plus, a long coat is an elongating wardrobe must-have.
PH5 dress, $459, from Society A. Earrings, $69; and coat, $275, both from COS. Bag, $785, from Furla. Shoes, $49.90, from Charles & Keith. Rings and watch (worn throughout), Lily’s own.
Instead of hiding behind blacks and flowing kaftans, Lily Hamid is plus-sized and proud of it. Those who know this fashion-loving woman will know the mother-of-one confidently strides out in vibrant hues, figure-conscious clothes and striking accessories, especially earrings, that draw attention to her infectious smile and alluring eyes. Describing her style, Lily, 32, who’s General Manager at multi-label store Society A, says it’s about being “comfortable, colourful and unafraid”. So, naturally we asked her to share her tips on dressing with confidence.
“I think it begins with understanding your body shape and size, and realising the importance of fit. You should never try to fit yourself into the garment; it should always be the other way round. You still want to be able to bring out clothes in the way that regular-sized women can, and that comes from accepting your body size. I’ve met plus-sized women who insist on fitting into a standard L size, when they should be going for a size up, and they can’t find the confidence to embrace and work with their true size.”
“There are two important things to note: Fit, and the types of colours and prints you’re personally comfortable with. Knowing what fits and cuts flatter your figure makes all the difference to your level of confidence. On the second point, you have to figure out if you prefer small pops of colour or bolder, brighter shades. I’ve found that smaller patterns work quite well for women with my body type, and they help to texturise a look.”
“US-based site eloquii.com offers sizes up to a UK 28, so it’s great for curvier women. There is also navabi.com, a multi-label site that’s great for finding plus-sized pieces from designer brands; and there’s ASOS Curve, which carries trendy, innovative pieces.”
The perfect companion to a pair of royal blue trousers? Monochromatic gingham, which you can easily wear to the office.
A copper satin top offers just the right amount of luxe for daytime, without feeling too stuffy.
Elvi top, $56.90, from Zalora; PH5 skirt, $459, from Society A. Earrings, $999, from Mary Katrantzou x Atelier Swarovski. Shoes, $395, from Bimba Y Lola.
