Years ago, when I heard the first murmurs of body positivity, it was all about loving your curves. Now at that time, "curves" was referring to someone with an hourglass figure, and loving your curves was all about showing off your curvy hips, smaller waist and larger breasts.
But this message was incomplete. Some women also have bellies, and that didn't fit into this "love your curves" story. It was all about highlighting your "strengths," but concealing your belly at all costs.
Now admittedly, I have played into this, too — doubling up on Spanx, sticking with fit and flare silhouettes, anything to trick myself into believing I was curvy "in all the right places." Then something amazing happened. Women began proudly showing all of their curves, bumps and bellies! They embraced what their bodies were, and it was beautiful.
A photo posted by Amanda at {LATEST WRINKLE} (@amandamonty) on
Mar 22, 2016 at 6:08am PDT
Eventually this movement adopted an acronym, because nothing happens in this century without a good hashtag. And so it was coined "visible belly outline" or #VBO.
One of the most empowering feelings I have experienced on my body positivity journey has been when I have worn a body-con dress, sans Spanx, and began to see my VBO as another beautiful feature of my body. This is a powerful experience that women of all sizes should have the right to. As our bodies change, for whatever reasons, embracing all of our bumps and curves (including our VBO) is a beautiful thing.
I am always inspired by women sharing their body positive journeys with the world, so here are some of the incredible women who have shared their VBO to continue to inspire women to do the same.
Kristin Chirico | Senior Editor, BuzzFeed
#OOTD visible belly line week, day two -- 2 belly 2 furious
A photo posted by Kristin Chirico (@itskristinchirico) on
Feb 9, 2016 at 4:52pm PST
Chirico did a feature where she sought out looks to showcase her VBO.
Lyndsay Patricia | Aspiring Model
Big belly life. LOVING my new dress from @dolld.kouture ������ #thankyouuuuu
A photo posted by Lyndsay Patricia (@plussizebarbiiee) on
Mar 23, 2016 at 8:04pm PDT
Lyndsay is never afraid to show her VBO.
Jewelz M | Model | Founder of @BigandBlunt
I got this skirt from @babydollsplus and right when I tried it on I fell in love with it. The slit up the side with the extra layer panel added so much more class to the look, it became one of my new favorite pieces immediately. So quickly that I never even had time to think up all the flaws that would have been wrong with this outfit in the past. For starters the belly popping out, the pantie line, the vagina boob, my super high waist line, and last but certainly not least my wide hips. None of these things popped into my mind yesterday while getting ready or while out in it the whole day. Though when I got home and saw the photos I couldn't beleive. I couldn't beleive how free I really am, how far iv actually come. To not even think if I should wear an outfit due to my body shape or weight is astonishing to me. To think that just about a year ago I let fear dress me and control my life seems unreal, if I didn't live it, I don't think I'd beleive it. #bigandblunt #fatshion #plussizefashion #psootd #modelmonday #nobs #pizzasisters4lyfe #effyourbeautystandards #fuckyourbeautystandards #fucksociety #bigarmnoharm #honormycurves #mtlplusfwstyle #sorryimnotsorry #wearwhatyouwant #curvee #curvesarein #curvywomen #bodypositive #bodypositivity #plus_isamust #girlswithcurves #celebratemysize #plusmodelmag #queenshavenosize #befree #beautyisnotgeneric #fullfiguredfashion #girlswithglasses #springishere
A photo posted by Jewelz M (@jewelzjourney) on
Mar 21, 2016 at 9:19am PDT
Jewelz feels free showing her VBO and reflects, "To think that just about a year ago I let fear dress me and control my life seems unreal."
Saucyé West | Model
I don't suck nothing in! Understand that! #vbo #fatqueen #bakery #thatbellyround #myfigureisflattering Photo by @photosbysemaj Isaac Alexander
A photo posted by Saucyé West Plus Model (@saucyewest) on
Mar 19, 2016 at 7:41am PDT
Plus-size model, Saucyé West says, "I don't suck nothing in!"
Virgie Tovar | Lecturer | Activist | Author
These are the earrings I want to be taxidermy'd in, you guys. #losehatenotweight #psootd #fatspiration #vbo
A photo posted by Virgie Tovar (@virgietovar) on
Feb 22, 2016 at 12:56pm PST
Virgie started the movement #losehatenotweight, and is a clear supporter of showing off her VBO.
Karen Ward | Owner, Your Big Sister's Closet | Blogger, Curvy Canadian
My name is Karen Ward, and I�m the owner of the Toronto-based plus size fashion boutique, Your Big Sister's Closet. These pictures are of me, taken around the neighbourhood where my store is located. I model the clothes that I sell at my store personally, because I want my customers and my followers to see what my clothes look like on an actual plus size woman (I�m a size 20-22, not a size 10 model wearing padding!). I never use any photoshop, so that my customers and my followers can get a true sense of what my clothes would look like on a body like mine. The reason I don�t use photoshop is pretty simple. Because I don�t believe that my body should be �corrected� in any way. Not in real life, and not online. I�ve stopped battling, and hating my body. I love my body, and I don�t believe it�s something to be ashamed of. I don�t think I should have to photoshop my arms, or my legs, to make them look smaller. And I most certainly refuse to photoshop my VBO (visible belly outline), and my GLORIOUS ASS!!! A lot of companies would definitely photoshop the crap out of my photos to make them �acceptable� and not �offensive� to their audiences, because they believe that the only way a woman can be fashionable, is to be skinny. Well, I disagree. Clearly. I�ve always wished clothing stores would use models that looked like me, so that I could actually see what the clothes would really look like. And I wish they would stop using photoshop so we could see how those specific pieces would look like on bodies like ours! So this is 100% me, with all my curves and imperfections intact, and you know what? I wouldn�t change a damn thing. Karen.
A photo posted by Your Big Sister's Closet (@bigsiscloset) on
Sep 26, 2015 at 6:26am PDT
As a size 20 to 22, Karen models all her store's pieces herself, and says, "I refuse to Photoshop my VBO."
Cynthia Ramsay Noel | Blogger, Flight Of The Fat Girl
New blog post, part 1 in a three-part series (link in my bio), #PointZeroCurvy - Work. Wearing the new @PointZeroClothing Curvy collection! #flightofthefatgirl #pointzero
A photo posted by Flight of the Fat Girl (@flightofthefatgirl) on
Sep 30, 2015 at 1:14pm PDT
Cynthia shows off her wonderful VBO in this beautiful fitted grey skirt.
Nikki Padula | Blogger, The Ample
Who says sparkle jersey isn't meant for the office? (Also PS that cute lil sparkley number is a @smartglamour creation: the Allison pencil skirt.) professional V.B.O.? RIGHT HERE THANKS #ImFlattered #vbo #visiblebellyoutline #visiblyplussize #TheAmple #womenownedbusiness #smartglamour #shopsmall #madeinnyc #plussizefashion #honormycurves #fatshion #losehatenotweight #plussizemodel #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #bodypositive #allbodiesaregoodbodies #fashionforallsizes #customizablefashion #smallbusiness #womensupportingwomen
A photo posted by Nikki Padula (@the.ample) on
Jan 20, 2016 at 12:49pm PST
Nikki titles this look the "Professional V.B.O."
Meagan Kerr | Blogger, This Is Meagan Kerr
Wearing some classic @17_sundays stripes today as I head off to catch up with my girl @rachelgeebee ��� #thisismkstyle #fatshionfebruary
A photo posted by Meagan Kerr (@thisismeagankerr) on
Feb 24, 2016 at 2:56pm PST
Meagan is from New Zealand and is a body positivity advocate who regularly displays her VBO.
Chelsea Jean | Aspiring Model | Opera Singer
Some more shots from a few weeks ago! Loving my #VBO #model #psmodel #plussize #plusmodel #plusisamust #bigandblunt #effyourbeautystandards #honormycurves #curvygirl #curvesreign #torridinsider #torridfashion #blueeyes #blondehair #pizzasisters4lyfe
A photo posted by Chelsea Jean (@chelsea_jean1018) on
Jan 19, 2016 at 5:51pm PST
Chelsea is sharing her VBO love with this post.
Stefanie Augusteijn | Owner, Sexy Plus | Blogger, Sassy Plus
There's still time! Come in today until 5pm to get that New Year's Eve dress that will wow them all... Featured here is the Martini Mermaid dress in black (also comes in red) #sexyplus #plussize #daretowear #mermaid #jessicarabbit #vbo #belly #effyourbeautystandards
A photo posted by SexyPlus Clothing (@sexyplus) on
Dec 31, 2015 at 10:54am PST
Stefanie rocks her VBO in a mermaid dress.
Jolene | Blogger, Boardroom Blonde
How about that #vbo tho ? Rocking a truly divine @ftfsnaps dress with my new necklace from @centsofstyle (tap for details) #tisthereason
A photo posted by @boardroomblonde on
Nov 20, 2015 at 11:21am PST
Jolene showcases her VBO in this stunning red number.
Alysse Dalessandro | Designer, Ready To Stare
Some #VBO love from yesterday's blog! The skirt is @rue107 via @vivi_style_image's closet sale. The crop top is by @sugarcomaclothing with the @societyplus caged crop underneath! Link in my bio to the blog post!
A photo posted by Alysse Dalessandro (@readytostare) on
Nov 14, 2015 at 8:09pm PST
Alysse shares some VBO love in this gold leopard print pencil skirt.
Nicole Simone | Blogger, Curves on a Budget
Oh hey girl, I see you over there. Another spin on my @ftfsnaps sweater! Because I'm not hiding my tummy from nobody � #TisTheReason #ftfselfie #naughtyornice hair: @ultimatehairextensionz
A photo posted by N I C O L E S I M O N E (@curvesonabudget13) on
Nov 4, 2015 at 5:03pm PST
Nicole says she shows off her VBO, "Because I'm not hiding my tummy from nobody."
Débora Fomin | Blogger, Overlicious
Praticando consumo consciente montando looks diferentes com a mesma peça. (Link na bio) #effyourbeautystandards #vbo #plussizefashion #slowfashion #bodypositive
A photo posted by Débora Fomin (@overlicious) on
Oct 16, 2015 at 7:33am PDT
Débora shows off her VBO in stripes.
Angelina | Blogger, Keep The Curves
Feeing at peace with myself, my whole being, and my chaotic breathtaking life. Living in the sun, bathing in life's moments. #fatbeautiesofthebay #intersectionalbodypositivity #intersectionalfeminism #bodypos #selfiesforselflove #effyourbeautystandards #HonorMyCurves #curves #fatshion #chubbybunny #bodypositive #fatbabe #skorchmag #ownit #loveyourbody #celebratemysize #ootd #plussize #plusmodelmag #plussizeootd #spring #keepthecurves #visiblebellyoutline #vbo #bellylove
A photo posted by �KeepTheCurves� (@angelina_maryann) on
Mar 15, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT
Angelina captioned this photo beautifully with, "Feeling at peace with myself, my whole being, and my chaotic breathtaking life." And in case we weren't sure how she felt about her VBO, she tossed on the hashtag #bellylove.
Aarti Olivia Dubey | Writer | Blogger, Curves Become Her
oh hey! just me twinning in my first fashion post of the new year � the post is up on the blog so show it some love! #plussize #psblogger #fatshion #losehatenotweight #bodypositivity #effyourbeautystandards #fashionblogger #celebratemysize #plussizesg #woc #feelingmyself
A photo posted by Aarti Olivia Dubey (@curvesbecomeher) on
Jan 28, 2016 at 12:32am PST
When Aarti turned 30, she "made the decision to stop hating [her] body and to embrace it," including her VBO.
Corissa | Blogger, Fat Girl Flow
New blog post! Featuring this adorable (and affordable) dress from @rainbowshops #plussize #fatshion #fatfashion #psblogger #psfashion #ootd #psootd #plussizefashion #fashion #celebratemysize #fullfigured #style #styleblogger
A photo posted by Fat Girl Flow (@fatgirlflow) on
Mar 6, 2016 at 4:46pm PST
Corissa shows off her VBO because, in her words, her "purpose is to celebrate our lives and our bodies as we are right now."
Hayley Hughes | Blogger, Fashion Hayley
Loved seeing Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei at the @ngvmelbourne yesterday. Wearing my new (to me) @gormanclothing x @camillewalala top, @eatmedo skirt & @materieldesign flower bangle ��� #showusyourgorman #gormanclothing #materieldesign #eatmedo #andywarhol #aiweiwei #ngv #effyourbeautystandards #vbo #pinkhair #pinkcore #flowers #vintagebike
A photo posted by Hayley Hughes (@fashionhayley) on
Mar 20, 2016 at 1:46pm PDT
Hayley rocks the VBO in a myriad of pastel and printed ensembles.
Jacqueline Gueye | Blogger, Fashion & Pho | Designer, PHO Sizzle
Na-na-na...oh I can't be bothered! Lol. Remember that time I found this awesome power suit at @brotherhoodstlaurence & paired it with my batman tank? Ha! Gold! #fashionpho #vbo #powersuit #thrifting #ilovetoopshop
A photo posted by Jacqueline Gueye (@quelinegueye) on
Mar 14, 2016 at 5:24am PDT
Jacqueline shows off her VBO in a cobalt power suit.
Cailey Darling | Blogger, Darling, I Know
I'm just such a happy mess. #me #selfie #ootd #psootd #plussize #plussizeblogger #psblogger #fashion #fatshion #fat #fatvanity #fatbabe #fatpositive #fatacceptance #chubby #curvy #alternativecurves #celebratemysize #effyourbeautystandards #purplehair #hairspo #skorchmag #societyplus #bodypositice #bodylove ���Takig advantage of the green while it is still here. I am wearing this pink sheer blouse from @societyplus The skirt is from Deb Shops in store before they closed. Even though I am comfortable with my body, it still makes me nervous to rock the VBO in public and i'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone to take more pics where you can see my belly outline. #VBO rocks! PS I have no idea what i'm doing in that first picture but I like it.
A photo posted by Cailey Darling�YT: Such Pretty (@darlingiknow) on
Oct 6, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT
Cailey continues to face her fears by showing her VBO and shares that she is "pushing myself out of my comfort zone to take more pics where you can see my belly outline."
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