It’s no longer news that fashion trend changes periodically, often fade out and then resurfaces. However, a tradition has remained frequent in the fashion world: the idea of fashionable outfits being equal to skinny. But thankfully, some plus-size brands are now incorporating models with diverse body types in photoshoots and even high fashion runways. The lack of diversity in the fashion industry is gradually diminishing as clothes are now designed to fit the body of both slender and plus-sized models.
Specifically, the #StyleNotSize movement has made a significant impact on the mentioned above. Launched by two best friends - Maria Castellanos and Denise Mercedes, the trend is gradually redefining what the fashion industry should look like. Both Denise and Maria enjoy the idea of putting on the same outfit and showing it off on social media. Mercedes is size 14, and Maria is a size two, but the friends' photos prove how great an outfit can look on different body types. Have a look!
Maria: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
Denise: DeniseMercedes.com | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Both Denise and Maria met 6years ago and never imagined they would ignite a movement around body positivity. The two friends met through their BFs, and since then, they’ve been working together as social media influencers. Mercedes has over the years been the content creator for curvy, plus-size women, while Denise is a professional dancer.#6
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The two best friends have continued sharing clips on TikTok, and rather than just wearing similar clothes, they now model the same outfits in different body sizes or shapes. They’ve modeled crop tops, high-waisted jeans, swimsuits, body-con dresses, and even maxi dresses. The two friends constantly urged that everyone should feel confident in whatever they want to wear, including a bikini.#11
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In the beginning, the friends didn’t have a hashtag for all of the photos of their outfit but in the first quarter of 2020 permitted their Instagram followers to vote between #ThroughThickAndThick and #StyleNotSize. The latter won by votes, and so the series was birthed. While Maria and Denise have been having fun posting their style, the friends reportedly admit that 99% of the feedback had been incredible, but there’s that 1% that criticize them both.#17
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Maria, in particular, has experienced people in the comment shaming her for being too skinny. Body shaming is visibly real, and it’s a circumstance many people have to deal with every day. Whether you are plus-sized, minor, or tall, you’re vulnerable to experiencing it at some point in life. However, Maria and Denise are changing people’s perception of body shaming while also breaking society's rules.#24
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The double standard associated with body types still lingers. If a larger women wear high-waisted jean and chunky sneakers in some today’s society, there’s always a possibility of falling victim of harsh insults. Nonetheless, many communities are starting to accept and empower different body types, but the stigma hasn’t completely eradicated. In the end, people will forever have opinions on whether someone’s body looks good or not, but nobody has the right to voice that opinion on people. We are all beautiful in our ways!
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