Paperbag shorts are a staple of any plus size fashionista’s wardrobe. They’re comfortable, easy to wear with anything, and can help you look your best.
But not just anyone can pull off paperbag shorts—they have to be the right length, fit well, and compliment your body type.
With the right pair of shorts and some sartorial know-how (and a little bit of confidence), you’ll be ready to rock this classic summertime style with ease!
Here are our tips for how plus size women should wear paperbag shorts:
1. Wear the right size
When shopping for paperbag shorts, you may find that the available sizes are a little confusing.
You will notice that some of the sizes have letters and numbers, such as S4 and M6.
The first number (S) indicates your size based on your waist measurement in inches, while the second letter (4) indicates your size based on hip measurement in inches.
If you are curvy, go for the size that fits your hips; if you are petite, go for the size that fits your waist; and if you are tall, go for the size that fits your legs.
2. Opt for pleats
Pleats are a great choice for plus size women.
They give you extra volume, which can be a huge help when you’re trying to slim down your silhouette.
Pleats are also flattering because they give the illusion of a smaller waistline and hips while minimizing your thighs. If you have large calves, pleated shorts will help conceal them too!
If you’re ready to jump on this trend but don’t know where to find pleated paperbag shorts, check out these online stores: ASOS Curve, River Island Plus (UK), Torrid Plus Size Clothing Company (US), Urban Outfitters Plus Sizes Section
3. Add a crop top
Crop tops are a great way to show off your waist.
You can wear them with or without a bra and they look good either way. You also don’t have to wear them buttoned up.
Leave them open as shown above, or tie the top knot into a bow like this girl:
Crop tops look great with shorts but they also go well with skirts and dresses too!
So if you’re feeling extra bold and want people to see more than just your thigh line then go ahead and pull on some shorts over those crop tops!
4. Wear it with a belt bag
To add a pop of color to your outfit, you can wear a belt bag with it.
The belt bag can be worn around the waist or across the body as well.
It can also be worn with a dress, shorts or pants.
And if you want to add more style and flair to your look, you can wear it with a t-shirt or blouse!
5. Wear it with a tuck-in blouse
It’s the details that make all the difference.
You can always add a belt to your paperbag shorts, but tucking in your blouse will take them from casual to polished in a matter of seconds.
It also adds a touch of femininity and sexiness that makes these shorts perfect for dressing up as well as down—and it looks great with any kind of top you choose!
6. Layer your top with a long cardigan or jacket
When it comes to layering, you can never go wrong with a cardigan or jacket.
A long cardigan is a great way to add an extra layer of warmth and make your outfit look more substantial and interesting.
Cardigans are also great for hiding any stomach areas that you might be self-conscious about.
A long jacket is another good option for adding warmth, especially if you’re wearing leggings or sweatpants underneath the shorts. For example, take this black peacoat from H&M:
It’s perfect for adding some visual interest while keeping warm!
7. Don’t be afraid of color!
While many people think of color as being a summer look, it’s actually a great way to add some fun to your fall wardrobe.
The idea that wearing bright colors makes you look younger is true, but that’s not the only reason these clothes are so popular.
Colors make you look slimmer because they make you appear more toned and fit. This can also make clothing from other seasons work better for plus size women in the spring and fall (i.e., a peacoat will have more visual interest with a brightly colored top).
If you want to look fashionable without trying too hard, try choosing bolder prints or even small touches of color like floral accessories instead of outfits filled with lots of black and white stripes or solid hues!
8. Mix up your patterns
Pattern mixing is a great way to add interest to your outfit.
But it’s important that you avoid two things: patterns that are too similar, and patterns that are too different.
If there’s a lot of contrast between your top and bottom, it can look funny or even clownish. You want something in the middle—enough difference between them to make them easy to tell apart, but not so much that they clash.
As for which pattern combinations will work best for you…that depends on what type of look you’re going for! For example:
- So maybe you want something more feminine and elegant? Then keep the colors soft and muted—like black with white polka dots or navy with pink polka dots (if those colors sound good together).
- Or maybe instead you’re trying for something more edgy and casual? A bold red skirt with stripes on top might be just what the doctor ordered!
9. Wear them with confidence
The final step to wearing paperbag shorts for plus size women is to wear them with confidence.
You should feel comfortable in your own skin and confident in the way you look.
It’s important that you make sure your body feels good, so take care of yourself!
Wear what makes YOU feel good and don’t worry about what other people think.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some inspiration on how to wear paperbag shorts.
If you’re anything like us and love them as much as we do, then we hope you’ll have fun trying out these looks.
Hi, I’m Isabella! I’m a fashion-obsessed writer who loves everything about it: the clothes, the accessories, and especially the people. I’ve been writing about fashion for nearly 8 years now—and during that time, I’ve learned a few things. First of all, there’s no such thing as bad style. It’s just a matter of what works for you. Second of all, fashion is more than just clothes—it can be a way to express yourself or your personality. And finally: Fashion is fun!