The Art of Dressing Curves: The Best-Kept Secrets of a Fashion Stylist

by Susan Moses

Susan Moses, the go-to celebrity stylist for curvy women both on and off the red carpet presents the first inspirational, confidence-building, prescriptive style guide for plus-size women who want to dress fashionably and look their beautiful best. Nearly two-thirds of American women are plus-size—and they care just as much about fashion and beauty as their thinner counterparts. They’re tired of being ignored by the industry and shopping for styles wedged into the far reaches of department stores. Now, Susan Moses, a plus-size woman with a dynamic personality and an in-demand stylist whose clientele includes Hollywood and music industry celebrities, addresses this audience’s needs with this essential handbook to help them look fabulous. The Art of Dressing Curves gives plus-size women the confidence and know-how to dress beautifully for their particular body shape. Gorgeously designed, filled with high-fashion photography, and written in Susan’s down-to earth, accessible, and enthusiastic voice, The Art of Dressing Curves tells the story of her journey to self-acceptance and outlines her formula for seamless dressing that has helped some of the most iconic curvy women in music, film, and fashion look dazzling in the spotlight. From foundation garments to wardrobe essentials to hair and makeup, Susan dispenses advice on every aspect of dressing well for one’s shape, size, and personality, insight supplemented by a wealth of elegant editorial photographs, anecdotes, tips, and sidebars, as well as lists of specialty retailers, designers, and websites that cater to plus-size.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 19, 2016

Reviews

[Sweetp-1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing. Nothing new here and a whole huge chapter devoted to shapewear. If your only advice for curves is multiple layers of spanx...ugh. I would have got more from this if the photos had been every day women with bumps and curves and all shapes - not just perfectly proportioned plus size models and Hollywood actresses. Meh.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thrilled I didn't buy this and disappointed as I had been waiting for this book for ages. Essentially I'm going to echo other views: Nothing new here, there is no magic formula, and the only "secret" seems to be shapewear. Lots and lots and lots of shapewear. Moses advocates for layering the damn things and nope, I'm not pouring myself into layers of shapewear when I wear my usual uniform: jeans and a tshirt. Good fitting clothes help tremendously in making you look gorgeous without the need of shapewear, which Moses does kind of point to with a huff but quickly away from. Her "15 Top Pieces" is a rehash of every fashion site, curvey or not, that comes out with the same list at least 2x a year. She is styling for a middle aged lady - there doesn't seem to be anything even remotely youthful for those who are not into dowdy clothes. I'm not necessarily a young chicken myself but c'mon! I'm not the ladies who lunch crowd and this doesn't even closely fit the bill.

What was even more disappointing was half of the photos seemed to be culled from Google images and were of model models -- you know, the size and unders. Selling a book that purports to be about body positivity and "living your best life" while using photos of model models sends a confused message. (And honestly? I know she's using the models to illustrate the different types of body types and clothes, but they all looked the same.)

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

There wasn't anything new here. The secret isn't secret: it's shapewear, a good bra, and following the same rules we've all heard before (know your shape, etc.). I was really looking for an alternate. I don't want to cram myself into spanx daily, much less layer shapewear as Moses discusses. What woman hasn't heard the importance of a good bra by this point. The one thing that I did really like about the book were the beautiful photos of curvy models throughout.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm...

Okay. So. I was really excited when I started this book because CURVY WOMEN AND FASHION, right?

I thought some of the content was good. The information about how to take and use measurements and identify body-types was interesting. Some of the images were beautiful and inspiring.

Other than that? There was nothing groundbreaking content wise. And quite frankly, I don't really agree with most of the guidelines she set out regarding my body type. There was a lot of fashion jargon (most of which was kind of beyond me) that went without explanation so I don't think it was really written for anyone who isn't already pretty fashion-savvy. It also irritated me how often the images used and references made weren't actually representing curvy women.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite of all the photos in this book. But there are another 249 to pick from.

Subtitle: The Best-Kept Secrets of a Fashion Stylist. This is a fascinating book on the art of showing the best of our bodies without stupid misconceptions. The women portrayed in these pages are extremely beautiful, healthy and real. They portrait the real beauty of our time: health and opulence. I loved it.





This is the cover of the book. That girl is so beautiful. I wish every woman looked like her!

This is the cover and editorial information of the book. It says that the book has more than 250 photos. I copied a few, but it is worth to get this beautiful volume and take a good look at all of them.



This is the beautiful dedicatory of the book. The author's goal is that the reader feels inspired by these gorgeous curvy women, and I think she succeeded.



My favorite photo in the book. What a beautiful girl!



Some fashion ideas to look fantastic and professional in our curvy figures:



This is the table of contents of the book. As you can see, she thought about everything, from underwear to accessories:



This is the foreword, and some photos of the author. She was a nice healthy girl who bloosomed into a marvellous woman.



More pictures of the author and other plus-size and beautiful women:



Here is a contrasting collage: on top we have a successful actress who is not ashamed of her curves. On the bottom, a skinny actress who is using a corset to look even skinier:



Here are some examples of how to wear a wonderbra. I love that picture of Liz Taylor in the pinacle of her beauty:



Here is some advice on how to select a bra, and the famous photo of Sophia Loren looking enviously at another woman's bosom:





This is some advice on basic pieces in every wardrobe:











This is another of my favorite photos: the style of former FOTUS Michelle Obama. She had a great style and she knew the art of taking advantage of her figure:



This is advice on how to wear stripes. Every body shape can, but each strategy is different:



Advice on how to wear skirts:



Boots, sandals and shoes in general:



Jewelry:



Rings:



Another extraordinary beauty dressed elegantly:



Some advice on how to wear belts for every body shape:



Another remarkable and successful plus-size woman: Oprah Winfrey:



And another one: Jill Scott



More curvy models. Ammy Schumer amongst them:



Yet another example of success: Adele:



Some beautiful women in swimming suits. And some advice on how to select the best swimming attire for every body shape:





It is also possible to wear fur and feathers:



Some advice on everyday wear:



On thightness: "Your dress should be thight enough to show you are a woman, and loose enough to show you are a lady" --Edith Head



Precious thought by Denise Bidot "There's no wrong way to be a woman". Loved it!



Advice for the "Oval" body shape:





How to maintain your style (repairs, rotation, recycling...):



Purses:



And last, but in any way least: Shoes!





Well, I hope you liked this entry. Did you know that I also have a blog? Take a look here: http://lunairereadings.blogspot.com

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book with too much talk of "problem areas." It also covers a much fancier class of clothing than I wear. Apparently the art involves a lot of shapewear which, given that my qualifying clothing question is "Do the men have to do this?" is not something I am interested in.

That said, a lot of interesting information and resources. And if you are interested in shapewear, this is the book for you.

[Laurel Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The key point to reading and using Susan Moses' book is to understand that she is a stylist. She is out to make you look good, fashionable and glamorous. With that aim this book is full of wonderful pictures of fabulous people (I could wish for all of them to be named; they aren't), most of whom are at least normal-sized or plus rather than stick figures. Yes, there are some models who are presented to show a particular clothing style element but those pictures are few. Looking for validation and can't afford, can't find or want an update from Size-Positive Style and Plus Style? This is the book for you. No corporate uniforms, no muu-muus, no body-shaming here. Read Susan Moses' life story, too.
Where is Mode magazine when you need it?
Downside....you knew there would be a reason I only gave this 4 stars. Fully one-fourth of the book is devoted to shapewear, including bras. Layers of it with nary a mention of how you use the bathroom in this getup once you are fully outfitted; am I the only person who thinks of the practicalities?
I love the clothes and the accessories! Lots of encouragement to do wonderful things with that canvas you have to clothe.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the focus on "flattering" using shapewear and whatnot. I get it, but also, I want my body to be allowed to be my body.

[Arietta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good tips on how to dress for your shape. Good general ideas nothing groundbreaking though

[Night · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a good book, but I did like that throwback Mode spread.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for curvy fashionistas!

This is more than just an indispensable style manual for curvaceous, fashion forward women. It is a celebration of self-love and self-acceptance and a well informed guide on how to look fabulous at any size! I loved it and will refer to it regularly while I build my wardrobe!🥰

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is good for ideas, but take everything the author says with a grain of salt. I found her contradictory. She offers advice to be yourself, and makes recommendations for the correct silhouettes at the same time.

My favourite part of this book was the quotes and images of the curvy women, famous or not. I wish there was more breakdown of how someone may create an individual look.

[Kris Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helpful to consider my body shape and what styles best to dress it with. But I think what I found most helpful were the resources listed. It opened up a whole new world of vendors to help make dressing my size 16/18 hour-glass shape well much easier.

[Eriche Sarvay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Enjoyed this book and learned so much. Heading off to purchase shapewear immediately! She does a great job of laying out not only advice but wardrobe essentials too

[Salliewt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently the secret is shapewear. Smooths lines, enhances shape, provides support, and improves posture. And apparently shapewear is an investment, so be prepared to splurge.

[Jennifer Cook Nafziger · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a decent style guide, but it’s nothing revolutionary. I knew many of these fashion tips and tricks on my own. Probably the most useful part were the tips on shape wear and fittings.

[Kerri Lukasavitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Moses writing is clear and engaging. She offers excellent, professional solutions for a curvy woman's wardrobe.

[Tara Blais Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Fabulous information.