Sure, there are women who breeze through the racks with ease, plucking through spaghetti-strap tops and bias-cut dresses that look good on them without any tailoring at all. You've probably been in a dressing room with one of these women in your life, and you've probably felt that unmistakable pang of jealousy. But these women — there are very few of them. I admire the runways [1], but I doubt I can pull off a lot of the new trends I'm seeing bubble up on the street [2].
It isn't likely at all that you'll feel confident in every silhouette you try on — it's even less likely that you'll be into the looks you see trickling down into stores. So which modern pieces are ladies wearing right now that feel classic? Which are tasteful? Which come in your size and your favourite colour or print? We weeded through all the current styles and found 13 answers you're going to love. Scroll through to admire them on all different body types, then shop them for yourself.
Relaxed Skirt Sets
These breezy sets aren't just perfect as a holiday cover-up but appropriate for the office too, or even a fancy brunch. The skirt silhouette makes your look instantly breathable, and a single print from head to toe is ultraflattering.
Vertical-Striped Pants
Vertical stripes elongate the legs, but whether you prefer a structured trouser or something more lightweight (even linen or denim!), you'll be giving off retro vibes — and that's all part of the plan.
Wide-Leg Jeans
The ultrawide leg is one of the biggest denim trends of the year [4]. In our opinion, it's also the most flattering. The pyramid-like shape cinches in at the waist, and if your jeans are cropped, you can better show off your shoes.
Cropped Hoodies
You don't necessarily need to bare your midriff in a cropped hoodie. We love the look of these with high-rise, straight-leg denim, and you can use one to show off your favourite sport logo or team. The bonus is, this has to be the most comfy of the flattering trends on our list.
Printed, Formfitting Turtlenecks
Whether you prefer tie-dye or animal print, you won't be able to survive 2019 without one of these — we promise. Tuck one into a high waistband and your outfit will instantly flatter your beautiful curves.
Live-In Cardigans
We spotted cardigans all over the 2019 runways, and there are so many ways to wear them to best complement your own wardrobe. Whether you shop for one [5] that's fitted and you button it up, or you leave a slouchy one undone, you'll be emitting grandma-chic vibes everywhere you go. To cinch in your waist, choose a belt that matches the fabric of your sweater to keep things streamlined.
Oversize Shirting
There are so many ways to play around with an oversize button-down. Undo the cinch at the sleeve to keep things loose and breezy, or unclasp the buttons at the bottom of your shirt for a swingy look. Manipulate your top to best show off your favourite assets. Tuck it into high-waisted pants to flatter your waist, for example, and let the collar slip off to the side if you want to highlight your shoulders.
Western Boots
When it comes to shoe trends [6], the Western boot isn't falling by the wayside. The silhouette happens to be super flattering because it balances a lightweight midi dress when you're playing with proportions, and you can pull it off in an ankle shape or opt for knee-highs, depending on which part of your leg you want to show.
Silk Slips
Aside from the fact that the silk slip is the most romantic dress you can own, it also hearkens back to the '90s, so you can wear it with your high-top Converse when you're not getting glam for date night. A silhouette that's forgiving by your bust and formfitting yet movable by the waist makes for a gorgeous cut. So all that's left is picking a colour.
Cargo Pants
Channel the 2000s pop stars [7] in low-slung cargos, or even tuck a tee into a high-waist pant covered in pockets. You're about to see these everywhere, and most of them are extremely structured, which is what makes them so flattering. These pants will smooth your curves around the edges and bring a certain toughness to your look at the same time. Just peruse Gwen Stefani's iconic moments in cargos [8] if you need extra inspiration.
Printed Wrap Dresses
The wrap dress is a season-less trend that never goes out of style, no matter the year. In 2019, though, we're seeing animal patterns, celestial prints, and bold colours that make your one-and-done outfit seem full of personality. Being able to cinch your look at the waist with a tie belt or buttons is the bonus that allows you to show off your curves and amp up the allure, especially when you're rocking a slit.
Ultratailored Outerwear
Look for tweed coats with structure, leather trenches with slick lines, and crisp collars. A quality-made jacket seals the deal. No matter what you're wearing underneath, you're an instant boss babe.
