When you invest in these pieces, certainly keep within your budget, but just the same, your essential pieces should be among the highest quality items in your wardrobe. Reason being is that you will wear them more than any other pieces in your closet. Think to yourself, how many times do you wear a pair of black trousers in a work week? Now I won’t tell anyone, but I know some of you have been wearing those trousers up to three times a week. The better the quality of these essentials, the more likely the piece is to last and stay looking like new.
Now, without further ado, here are the ten essential wardrobe pieces for the curvy girl:
1. Foundation garments
Later I will dedicate an entire chapter to the ins and outs of foundation garments and girdles. Why, you ask? It’s because they are SO...CRITICALLY...IMPORTANT! Do you know what I would look like in a curve-hugging dress without my foundation? I shudder at the mere thought! With the proper girdle, you can create clean lines on the body, flatten out that middle, and smooth down any extra hip. And no whining about them not being comfortable, ladies. When is the last time your stilettos have been comfortable? Uh-huh, that’s what I thought. And actually, some of the newer foundation garments aren’t all that bad, if you find the specific type you need, and get it in the proper size. My favorite foundation garments have come from Lane Bryant and Spanx, but for you budget-istas out there, a trip to your local TJMaxx or Ross can turn up good foundation garments for a fraction of the price.
2. A black skirt
A versatile black skirt that fits well is great for any working girl’s wardrobe. The right style skirt gives off the look of class and sophistication. Don’t tie yourself down to the pencil skirt, because as you know from Chapter 1, it does not flatter every body type. The critical thing about choosing a skirt is selecting the cut that works best for you, not the skirt that everyone says you should have in your closet. Select between the flare, A-line, and pencil. Avoid the straight skirt because it usually makes you look really boxy or really wide. The essential skirt should hit somewhere between mid-knee to right below the knee. The correct fit of a pencil should be close the body, wider at your hip area, and a bit tighter closer to the knees. If you have issues with the back of your legs or don’t like the splits in the back you can easily take it to a seamstress to get them closed up. Now, aside from the initial logistics of finding a good fit, a simple black skirt can be a very sexy yet classic item to have in your wardrobe, outlining the natural curves or creating balanced proportion. For example, if you have a post-work event and need to make a quick change after your day at the office, pair your skirt with a strapless top and a cardigan, a skinny belt, your cutest secretary shoes, and your boyfriend’s watch. When you go to a dinner party afterwards, just ditch the cardigan, add a large belt, jeweled clutch, and strappy sandals with a heel. In a matter of seconds you’ll look ready for after-hours play!
3. Black trousers or pants
What woman doesn’t love her black pants or doesn’t wear them at least once a week? Black pants that fit properly can be so chic. If you are in that dressing room and you find that pair of black pants that are “magic,” grab two or three pairs, girl, because you might not ever find that perfect pair again. If necessary, hem and alter those pants to fit you perfectly, and they will look like you paid twice as much for them.
4. Black leggings
I know I am going to get some disagreement on this one, but in my opinion, God didn’t create a more comfortable, chic wardrobe staple than black leggings. And what’s even better is a good pair that feature a bit heavier fabric and a tight stretch so that it can act as a light foundation garment for your lower body. Leggings are great for the dress that may be a little too short for comfort, for cold winter days when you really want to wear a dress, or for a weekend outfit paired with that cute long tank top you have. You can even incorporate them in your office wear as a twist on the opaque tights look. Try pairing leggings with your favorite sweater dress and your favorite knee-high boots. The general rule for leggings is to keep the butt area covered, because when you deal with spandex, there’s a fine line between looking great and looking, well, not-so-great. Since leggings are so popular now, they come in different prints and colors. I have yet to see any woman, with the exception of Amber Rose, look good in pair of metallic leggings. Actually, metallic anything on the lower region of your body is a bad idea. Plus-size ladies should also steer clear of liquid leggings—the ones with the slight sheen that make them look like they’re wet. These leggings will not only draw attention to any imperfections in your butt and legs, but they will amplify them. There may be a few women who have the perfect legs and bottoms for these leggings, but they are few and far in between. So if you have to question whether you should wear them, when you’re initially trying them on, you probably shouldn’t. Leggings are a great way to express your individual style, whether in black, solid colors, or even in tie dye. Remember to look out for any cellulite, lumps, and bumps while trying on bright colored leggings—any minor imperfections are more likely to show if the leggings aren’t black. But hey, if you’ve tried on a pair of purple tie dye leggings and they look fab, go for it!
5. A little black dress, a.k.a. the L.B.D.
Without a doubt every woman needs at least one little black dress, but in my candid opinion, the more the merrier! This is your “go-to” item any variety of situations. When you don’t have anything to wear, you can throw a L.B.D. and feel much better. Likewise, when you want to look stunningly sexy, choose a L.B.D. with a sumptuous fabric and elegant tailoring. This dress saves the day in a crunch and can even, with the right accessory change, transition from your office to your night of dancing over the course of even a quick cab ride. (My New York curvy girls know what I am talking about!) The L.B.D. is timeless. The one that you take home from the store should accentuate the most gorgeous parts of your body. If you have great legs, then your LBD may be a little shorter than the standard knee-length hem. If your waist is small, then your L.B.D. could be cinched at the waist. If you have great shoulders and a long neck then your L.B.D. can be strapless. Whatever your favorite feature, your L.B.D. should show it off. I have two places in which I regularly look for my L.B.D.s. I know I can go to David’s Bridal to find a structured L.B.D. with minimum embellishments. Another plus of shopping here is that if you need some alteration done on the dress, David’s Bridal has an alteration shop on-site. For my more glamorous L.B.D.s I rely on the plus size designer label Jibri (www.jibrionline.com). It is a little costlier than your average alteration shop on the corner, but the designs are unique, distinguished and totally fabulous. Style tip - Don’t think you can’t take your L.B.D. from night to day? With a few simple steps you can transfer this look to the workplace. Go for sophisticated pumps instead of strappy sandals or super-high heels. Add a blazer or cardigan to tone down the neckline of the dress if it is low cut or strapless. Then put up your hair and throw on your favorite pearls to complete the office look.
6. A crisp, white, button-down collar shirt
I know that this one can be little tricky for the curvy girl. I love a white shirt, but because most curvy women don’t have an hourglass figure, the white shirt can create a bit of a dilemma. But this doesn’t mean you should go without. When you’re looking for a white shirt, find one that fits the largest part of your upper body, whether it is your breasts, hips, or belly. Any seamstress will tell you it is easier to tailor down than tailor up. So once you find nice a shirt that fits the largest part of your body, have the shirt tailored in to the smaller portions of your upper body. This will take your white shirt and turn it into one of your most favorite pieces. Wearing a crisp white shirt always exudes classiness and understated good taste. White shirts are typically easiest to find at your local department store. Most designers that carry plus-sizes, if they make nothing else, always make a white blouse. My personal favorite is from Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Every season consists of at least one high quality white button up shirt for the curvy girl.
7. A trench coat
If you’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, you’ll certainly remember the scene where Andy is walking through New York in one of her oh-so-chic new outfits, straight from the sample closet of the runway. What you should notice more than anything else is that her outfit was built around a great long coat. During the early spring and the fall the trench coat is an essential piece that you could be wearing out and about nearly every day. The trench coat is a great outfit saver because it can give you a sophisticated look, even if you look like a mess underneath. Not that I ever advise looking like a mess at any time, but you know, sometimes life happens. My picks for that spring/fall coat is a one that hits right above the knee and creates a feminine shape. Belted trench coats accomplish this particularly well. Again, fit is always a factor when choosing a trench coat. Remember, since the coat will have to fit you from the knee to the shoulders pick a coat that fits the largest parts of you and then tailor down. Don’t buy one that’s too tight through the arms or shoulders, because this can seriously hamper your movement and look decidedly uncomfortable. I do need to confess something, though—my dirty little secret, and a great curvy girl tip. I do, in fact, have coats that I will never be able to button over my hips. They fit my upper body perfectly and still look cute, but I just have to wear them open. Try it—you may be pleasantly surprised!
8. A day dress
A day dress is a casual dress that can be rocked at brunch with the ladies or on a stroll through downtown. This dress is casual but always flattering. My day dress of choice at the moment is the shirt dress. It gives the crisp sophisticated look of a button up shirt, but is light and airy enough that you could take a casual stroll through the park, and look (and feel) perfectly at home. Wrap dresses are especially great for jet-setting curvy girls, because many shirt dresses are made with jersey, which doesn’t wrinkle and is highly versatile. The wrap dress also looks great on almost any body because it makes your waist look like the smallest part of your body. Since the waist of a wrap dress is adjustable, even if you have some moderate weight gain or loss, the dress will still fit. This is a great dress to check the standard-size stores for—one of my favorite wrap dresses is actually from Banana Republic! Since shirt dresses are generally a single piece of fabric that you wrap to fit your body, tag size isn’t the “end-all, be-all” when trying to find one that works for you. Don’t overlook other daytime styles. Sundresses are also great for showing off a summertime chic look, not to mention sweet sun-kissed shoulders. Many of these lately are being designed with elastic smocking on the back, so a good fit is almost guaranteed. Style tip: Your wrap dress, like your L.B.D., can transition from day to night (or night to day) with just a few minor changes. For daytime, add a camisole if the neckline is too low. Select a complementary pair of flats, and a hobo bag, and you’re ready for the day. For night, add a pair of peep toe patent leather pumps, ditch the camisole and add a funky jeweled clutch and a couple of chunky bangle bracelets.
9. A blazer
A blazer can often save the day by adding that perfect finishing touch to your outfit. A great-fitting blazer will give you a put-together look whether you are in the grocery store or on a business luncheon. Fit is key for adding this item to your wardrobe. Beware the too-tight blazer, but also avoid the oversized blazer. I know the boyfriend blazer is all the rage right now. Curvy girls can work this trend, too, but remember to still work your curves by adding a skinny belt or closing a button to give a little waist definition. This is definitely an item worth getting tailored to achieve that perfect fit that says “money.”
10. Dark denim jeans
Dark denim jeans are a chameleon in the wardrobe. They can be easily dressed up or down, and they’re wonderfully versatile. That’s why they’re on this list! However, finding a pair of jeans is sometimes easier said then done. Plus-size or not, the hunt for a pair of jeans that have the optimal fit can have you wandering in and out of fitting rooms for months. First, narrow down the options by trying the style(s) that best suit your body type. The styles in question are skinny, bootcut, and wide leg. Regardless of the style, all your jeans should fit your frame. Baggy jeans make your butt look shapeless and/or create the look of a “man crotch.” Jeans that are too tight at the waist can give you the dreaded muffin-top. If you get stuck in the situation where you get caught between sizes, (let’s say size 18 is too small and size 20 is too big,) choose the size up, as it will allow for simple alterations and give you a better fit. Alterations can also help you avoid embarrassing, un-ladylike wardrobe malfunctions like plumber’s crack. Pocket details are also important. Pockets that are too small can make the derriere look extremely wide and no pockets can allow the world to see all the imperfections of your butt, unless, of course, you have a great butt. Stick to a decent size pocket—about as big as your hand—for maximum butt-appeal. When it comes to the length of your jeans, look for an inseam length that will allow you to wear both heels and flats. Sporting jeans that are too long make your legs look super short. Jeans that are too short...well, it’s just not a good thing. That’s why we have capris, not too-short jeans. You can actually play with varying lengths a bit when it comes to skinny jeans, but when buying your essential pair, choose an ankle-length pair or longer, so that your jeans can get you through the winter months. You can approach buying jeans in a couple of ways. One way is to buy jeans to fit the largest part of your body and tailor down. Remember you can tailor any part of the jeans—from the crotch to the waist to the length. Another way to approach this dilemma is to buy body type-specific jeans. I personally swear by Lane Bryant jeans. They make jeans for specific body types; the pear, the hourglass, and the apple. The jeans that I bought there fit like a glove, and that’s such an amazing feeling! PZI & Cookie Johnson Jeans are also labels that cater to the women with some curve to contend with. Their jeans go up to a size eighteen and have about a ten-inch difference between the waist and the hip. Low rise jeans can create many issues for the curvy girl, no matter your particular shape or size. Low rise will do one of two things. For the apple figures, they could allow your stomach to hang out over your jeans. (Yuck. Just don’t buy that pair if it creates this particular effect!) Hourglass, box shapes, and pears will run into problems with their hips coming out over the waistband if they’re too snug. And unfortunately, plumber’s crack is almost inevitable with low rise jeans. If you do decide that you just can’t live without your low rise jeans remember a couple things. A belt around the waist of the jeans is necessary to keep them from sliding downwards. Also, if your jeans have gotten too small, you need to let them go, because they’re going to make you look bigger than you really are. Jeans that fit = flattering silhouette.
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