Perhaps today’s single most polarizing celebrity, Kim Kardashian has made quite the name for herself—a hard fact whether you love or hate her. The media magnate and mother literally can’t go anywhere without being photographed, so her evolution into a walking designer clotheshorse seems only natural—her reach (and that of her family) has the power to make an item sell out in mere hours. Her excess is why she’s both adored and loathed, and though we’re certainly jealous of her Balmain collection, there’s more to Kim’s style than an arsenal of labels.
A departure from the traditional sample-size figure—one that would historically elicit access to such an impressive wardrobe—Kim has proven that high fashion is not exclusive to just the stick-figure set. Rather than perpetuating the waifish norm, Kim breaks down a major barrier by regularly dressing her curves in right-off-the-runway confections from Givenchy and the like. And don’t get us wrong—her figure is still certainly exemplary (and not representative of the societal average), but also a very public example of a body type that deviates from the industry-standard ideal.
Kim is unabashedly obsessed with fashion and isn’t afraid to be experimental. Though she has discovered a formula along the way, she also dabbles in of-the-moment trends and at the end of the day, finds a way to make them work for her—something we should all take to heart. Basically, Kim finds a look she loves, throws a “screw you” to any naysayers and wears the style (or variations of it) time and time again with confidence. Here, a few lessons—with photo evidence—that we’ve come to learn from Kim that all essentially boil down to: wear what you want, when you want, how you want, so long as you feel great in it.
@kimkardashian
Short girls can wear longline silhouettes without drowning. Elongate the look with a monochromatic color palette (neturals, such as Kim's whites, are best) and opt for a high-waist trouser, which will add length to your legs.
@kimkardashian
You can do cleavage even if you're chesty. Yes, the look is definitely risqué—but if you're in the mood to show off a plunging neckline, balance your bare skin with a dramatic, sweeping sleeve. (Just make sure you've applied plenty of top stick to keep your assets in place.)
@kimkardashian
Flaunting your bump is beautiful. Though many modern expecting mothers have adopted a mentality of showing off their bun in the oven (rather than resorting to a closet full of muumuus), Kim confirms the look can be elevated and gorgeous, especially when swathed in an elegant black evening gown.
@kimkardashian
There is an easy way to wear complicated silhouettes. Want to wear an asymmetrical, ruffled skirt teamed with a tailored jacket and thigh-high, open-toe booties? No problem. Whether you're curvy, boyish or somewhere in between, employing a uniform color palette streamlines a busy look so the final product is chic rather than disjointed.
@kimkardashian
Don't shy away from playing up your curves. Rather than downplaying an hourglass shape, celebrate it with body-skimming separates punctuated by a waist-defining belt. We love how Kim completely owns her look—some call it vain, we think it's downright cool. Love your bodies, people!
