When I look in the mirror, what I see isn’t just my silhouette, it’s a canvas. Okay, that might sound a bit dramatic, but what I mean is that I’ve learned to enjoy how I dress and use it to boost my confidence. This is mainly down to the colours I choose to wear, which is one of my strongest tools for self-expression. As a plus-size woman navigating fashion, what gets me excited is how colour can shift mood, shape perception, and reflect who I am rather than who I’m supposed to be.
One of the things I loved about this Chums blog post about colour matching was talking about how the colour you wear makes a difference. It’s a reminder that wearing the “right” colour isn’t just a fashion fad, it’s rooted in how our hair, skin tone, and eyes respond to hue, value and chroma (light vs dark, muted vs bright) in subtle ways. When I understand what colours make me glow, I feel more confident, and when I wear them, other people see me differently too. There’s also a free guide about seasonal colours you can download to help give you some inspiration.
Why colour matters when you’re plus size
Being plus size doesn’t mean I have to stick to “safe” neutrals or hide in dark colours. In fact, sometimes the opposite! Choosing a vibrant cerise blouse, a warm terracotta dress, or a rich emerald blazer can bring energy and life to my entire look. When I wear a shade that flatters me, I notice how my posture changes, how I hold my head a little higher, how I feel a little more confident.
And because Chums remind us that colour has a psychology (red evokes passion and attention, yellow brings warmth and fun, blue calms and soothes). These aren’t just aesthetic choices but emotional ones too. So when I pick a bold shade for a meeting or a laid-back pastel for weekend brunch, I’m not just choosing what looks nice. I’m choosing how I want to feel and how I want to be seen.
What I consider when styling myself
Undertones & seasonality: I take cues from the Chums piece, yes, there are pigment science and seasonal palettes at play. So if my skin has warm golden undertones, I lean into rich warm colours. If I’ve got cool pinkish or bluish undertones, then cool tones serve me better. The key isn’t rigid rules, but knowing what makes me look ‘bright’ and alive vs. washed-out.
Body shape & focal point: Colour can draw attention to the face, the waist, or the neckline. On me (plus size) I like colours around my face that lift and brighten, and then I might balance with a more subdued tone below. Or I’ll use colour-blocking: a strong colour on top and a darker base on the bottom, so that the bold shade becomes the focal point.
Texture and layering: Colour interacts with fabric and shape. A bold colour in a matte drape might feel different to the same colour in a shiny satin. Plus size or not, I love using a colourful scarf, statement earring or blazer to inject personality without overwhelming.
Mood over rules: Finally, while I respect colour analysis and palettes, I remind myself: if it makes me feel good, wear it. If I’m in the mood for cobalt blue, even if it’s “outside” my season, I’ll wear it and live it. Because personal style isn’t about fitting into someone else’s template, it’s about owning what feels right.
Your size doesn’t restrict your colour. If anything, embracing the full spectrum of colour, rather than hiding from it, can amplify your presence. Thanks to Chums for pointing out that colour really does influence how we feel and how others perceive us. From a plus-size woman’s style perspective: find your favourites, honour your undertones, play with texture and mood and let your colour choices pop. Because you deserve to be seen, to feel confident, and to express yourself fearlessly.
