<i> Looking for Plus-Size Play Clothes

Dear Fashion Police: I am a large-size exercise nut, but my dilemma is finding appropriate workout clothes in a size 1X. I have tried many Web sites and find lots of tops and one boring ankle legging. I want something cute and comfortable. Help, Police! My Pilates class will thank you.

--STRETCHING TO FIND WHAT I WANT

Dear Stretch: Comfortable we can find, but cute ... well, that depends on what you consider cute. As we’ve said before, the current trend in exercise clothes is dressing way down--lots of black and neutral colors such as navy, olive and gray, and basic styles such as unadorned leggings, shorts and loose-fitting tank tops and T-shirts. Gone are shiny fabrics, bold patterns, matching outfits and eye-popping bright colors such as lime, raspberry or turquoise (although we do see an occasional splash of red). That doesn’t leave much in the way of “cute,” we realize, but it mirrors most people’s attitude these days about going to the gym and working out: This is not social hour, this is not a fashion show, this is getting exercise.

That said, here are some resources for plus-size workout wear, and we did find some color and a few interesting styles:

*Alight.com ( https://www.alight.com ) offers everything from tank tops, T-shirts and jackets to drawstring shorts, dance pants, sports bras and bike shorts. We liked the baseball T-shirt and the tipped tank.

*A Big Attitude ( https://www.abigattitude.com , [877] 858-8820) features an array of workout wear, including great leggings with a wide side stripe, which can add color to your outfit. You can also order exercise books, videos and cassettes.

*Junonia (https:// www.junonia.com , [800] 586-6642) has basics such as unitards, a zip-front tank and leggings, but their All-Sport leggings come in an array of colors, including periwinkle, copper and mulberry. The company also stocks New Balance tennis shoes in extra-wide sizes.

As always, we welcome information about any other resources you smart people have.

Dear Fashion Police: My girlfriend is slim and tall, and she wants to be a model. Can you tell us how?

--MODEL BOYFRIEND

Dear Boyfriend: Yes, but the best advice we always give to aspiring models is this: Get used to rejection, and don’t take it personally. Modeling can be a brutal business, with only a teeny-tiny percentage achieving superstardom. Many models never make it past catalog work and the occasional in-store fashion show. Tall+slim+pretty doesn’t always equal model. There are other factors involved, the most important of which is how one comes across in photographs. In interviews you will be judged on looks alone--there is no Miss Congeniality category--so if you don’t have your self-esteem wrapped in several layers of titanium, you might want to reconsider.

If, after all that, your girlfriend is still willing to go for it, the best way to get started is to contact the reputable modeling agencies in your area and ask when they see new people (most agencies set aside specific days for this). You can find legitimate agencies by calling your local department stores and asking what companies they deal with.

Legitimate agencies will not ask for money up front for things such as pictures or modeling classes. If they think your girlfriend has what it takes, they’ll arrange for photographs and teach her how to walk down a runway. Modeling schools may go over how to apply makeup, but there’s no guarantee that after “graduating” she’ll get scooped up by an agency and live happily ever after.

Although our country is a rich blend of ethnic diversity, this is hardly reflected in most of the models seen in ads, editorial photographs and commercials. Go to any newsstand and you’ll still see mostly white, blond women staring out from glossy magazine covers. This is changing, but slowly. So if your girlfriend’s looks depart from this mainstream definition of beauty, she may have a tougher road ahead.

Did we mention that this would be no picnic? We hate to discourage anyone from realizing their dreams, but we also believe that one should approach those dreams with eyes wide open. Please tell your girlfriend we wish her the best of luck.

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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888 or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.