Now that many retailers have taken their plus-sized lines out of stores thanks to recession woes, what’s a curvy gal to do? Shop online—and still fashionably work those curves—of course! Whether you’re headed to the office or off to run your weekend errands, we’ve put together two head-to-toe looks that are as wearable as they are effortlessly chic.
Work It, Girl: You may be surrounded by guys in serious suits, but who says you can’t flaunt your feminine style with romantic florals and girlie accessories in the workplace? Our shopping list to ensure you stand apart from the man-pack:
- Top: Think frilly ruffles can’t be refined? The subdued colors and fall palette keep this look sweet and subtle. Plus, the high neck provides work-appropriate coverage, so there will be no need to fret about peek-a-boo cleavage. Plus Size Ruffled Flutter-Sleeve Floral Blouse, AK Anne Klein, $95, macys.com.
- Watch: We love the look of an oversized men’s watch on the wrist of a lovely lady. But this delicate watch—with is gorgeous geometric shapes and simple face—is just too amazing to pass up. The Maven Watch, Nixon, $150, 80spurple.com.
- Cocktail Ring: We love, love, love oversized statement rings. While we wouldn’t wear a chunky necklace, doorknocker earrings and a cocktail ring to work, we love the idea of pairing this beautifully bulky ring with otherwise minimalist accessories. Octagon Jewel Ring, Banana Republic, $50, bananarepublic.com.
- Pants: We’re all about mixing things up. These straight-leg tweed pants are lightweight and classic—the perfect counterpart to the femininity of the floral top. Plus Size Straight-Leg Tweed Pants, DKNYC, $109, bloomingdales.com.
- Satchel: Functional and eye-catching? Count us in. This bag is big enough to haul all of your gear on your commute, and with its antiqued hardware, it has plenty of vintage, worn-in charm to spare. Flapover Satchel, Melie Bianco, $99, piperlime.com.
- Platform Sandal: We heart high heels. But aching feet? Not so much. Herein lies the brilliance of the platform. You’ll get all of the height, but thanks to the hidden boost, a little less of the pain. Plus, the ankle straps have built-in side zippers for easy on and off. Perfect for hurried mornings. Morgen Platform Sandal, MICHAEL Michael Kors, $154.95, nordstrom.com.
Easy Like Sunday Morning: Weekend comfort doesn’t have to mean baggy sweats. Don’t get us wrong, we’re fans of the worn-in sweatshirt. But when you’re running about town, picking up the dry cleaning, hitting the market or going out for coffee, why shouldn’t you feel fabulous? We’ve found a look that is comfortable and chic:
- Locket: Couldn’t you see this lovely piece around the neck of Jane Eyre? Or perhaps Elizabeth Bennet? All this locket needs to amp up its appeal is a photo of Mr. Darcy. Wuthering Heights Locket, ModCloth, $14.99, modcloth.com.
- Top: All a girl needs to relax on the weekend is a leisurely morning sans alarm clock, a yummy cup of coffee paired with a good book and a beautifully draped tank. Drape Front Top, AK Anne Klein, $75, nordstrom.com.
- Leggings: With a wide waistband and extra-stretchy material, these tights are the closest thing you’ll find to your favorite pair of pajama pants. Of course, these are far more worthy of a jaunt outside the bedroom. Plus Size Leggings, INC International Concepts, $39.00, macys.com.
- Sweater: This sweater has plenty of details to go around. An eclectic mix of patterns, an A-line cut and perfectly puffed sleeves make this more than your average cardigan. Mix Stitch Cardigan in Dark Purple, Caslon, $68, nordstrom.com.
- Boot: We don’t do heels on the weekend. It’s all flats, all the time. These riding boots have a rugged, sumptuous feel—sans hefty price tag. Ride Boot in Chestnut Medium, Nicole, $129, piperlime.com.
- Bracelet: This golden cuff has a “handcrafted by an artisan feel,” but we assure you that you won’t pay dearly for the craftsmanship. It’s not only very affordable, but it’s also entirely adjustable. So it will, indeed, look as if it were made just for you. Archimedes Cuff, ModCloth, $15.99, modcloth.com.
