Help Putting Together A Basic Wardrobe.

Mar 5, 2013

Annette N.

Hi! I'm a plus size 20/22 stay at home mom. I'm 48, but don't wanna dress frumpy. Because of my convictions, I wear dresses or skirts only (though I do wear pants for working out). I like to dress modestly, as in nothing too short, too tight, or too cleavage revealing, & I'm definitely a girly girl & a romantic @ heart. I'm also on the short side of average. I want to build a casual, everyday wardrobe. I live in Minnesota, so even though it's close to spring on the calendar, it's still winter weather (which means temps below freezing & lots of snow). I'd appreciate any suggestions for pieces to buy & outfit combinations as well as places to shop. Thanks, Girls!

Annette

Mar 5, 2013

Natalie T.

One of my favorite features in Harper's Bazaar Magazine is their "Fabulous for Every Age" trend page. It shows age appropriate trends for each decade from your 20s to 70s+! That way you can look at trends, colors, and kinds of clothing are age appropriate so you don't have to resort to a "frumpy" wardrobe.

You can definitely keep dresses and skirts in your wardrobe but don't be afraid to add pants! A nice black trouser pant would look nice and you could use that in pace of some skirts if you want to switch it up a little. Here are a couple links to a good shaped trouser pant (with a lot of petite sizes if you do need to go shorter):
http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-pants-jeans/petite-pants-jeans/bootcut-knit-pant/15821c17838p98534/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=petite+pants+%26+jeans&Mcatpn=jeans+%26+pants&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_15821%406000&Mcat=17838%406000
http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-pants-jeans/petite-pants-jeans/sexy-stretch-tabbed-waist-trouser/15821c17838p149624/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=petite+pants+%26+jeans&Mcatpn=jeans+%26+pants&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_15821%406000&Mcat=17838%406000
http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-pants-jeans/petite-pants-jeans/classic-trouser/15821c17838p149816/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=petite+pants+%26+jeans&Mcatpn=jeans+%26+pants&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_15821%406000&Mcat=17838%406000
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Bi-stretch-Clean-Front-Wide-Leg/ydv3m/?iid=2324972&cid=9577&Rf900=1465,4033,1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1CaS1zdHJldGNoLUNsZWFuLUZyb250LVdpZGUtTGVnL1Byb2Qv
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-pants-skinny-leg-elastic-waist?ID=785283&CategoryID=34053#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D112%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D8
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alfani-plus-size-pants-skinny-zip-pocket?ID=798420&CategoryID=34053#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D112%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D17
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/jm-collection-plus-size-pants-capri?ID=798416&CategoryID=34053&LinkType=#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D112%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D36
I think I am going to order these ones!: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-jeans-co-plus-size-jeans-modern-straight-leg-ankle-floral-print?ID=796096&CategoryID=34053&LinkType=#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D112%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D80
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/charter-club-plus-size-pants-cropped-straight-leg-trousers?ID=773979&CategoryID=34053&LinkType=#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D112%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D86


You can do some easy and comfortable knit dresses in a variety of colors and lengths! You can easily transition these dresses throughout the seasons. They will be nice in spring, but if you wear leggings or tights underneath them, you can stay warm with some boots! Here are a few examples (I also threw in a couple of dresses that aren't knits, but easy to wear):
http://www.lanebryant.com/sequin-flutter-sleeve-dress/p173522/index.pro?selectedColor=Peacoat&fromZafu=true
http://www.lanebryant.com/wrap-dress/p178614/index.pro?selectedColor=None%20selected&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true
http://www.lanebryant.com/kelly-dress-in-black-by-igigi-by-yuliya-raquel/p128211/index.pro?selectedColor=BLACK%2FWHITE&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Exclusive-Skater-Dress-With-Ballet-Wrap/zn9lh/?iid=2755582&cid=9577&Rf900=1465,4033,1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Red&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1Ta2F0ZXItRHJlc3MtV2l0aC1CYWxsZXQtV3JhcC9Qcm9kLw..
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Midi-Dress-with-Pleat-Skirt/z7m1i/?iid=2601757&cid=9577&Rf900=1465,4033,1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Beetred&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1NaWRpLURyZXNzLXdpdGgtUGxlYXQtU2tpcnQvUHJvZC8.
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/agb-plus-size-dress-short-sleeve-a-line?ID=807031&CategoryID=37038#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D155%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D4
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/spense-plus-size-dress-short-sleeve-faux-wrap-belted?ID=787227&CategoryID=37038&LinkType=#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D155%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D20



Blazers are great pieces for your wardrobe! You can basically wear them during any season and they can really make an outfit look very put together. They don't have to be too formal either, they often have some made out of comfy sweatshirt materials or other knits for a more casual but fashion forward look!
This one is made out of a stretchier, more confortable material : http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clothing/Jackets//Black+Ponte+Ruched+Sleeve+Blazer-599321.jsp
This one is just very pretty and classic, but with a laid back look : http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Shrunken-Boyfriend-Blazer/yrsgx/?iid=2325870&cid=9577&Rf900=3717&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black&xr=1&mk=na&r=3&mporgp=L1Byb2Qv
Here's another that can add some color to your wardrobe: http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-tops/plus-size-coats-jackets-vests/double-weave-stretch-blazer/4019c4034p166063/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=jackets+%26+coats&Mcatpn=tops&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4019%406000&Mcat=4034%406000
This on is GREAT because it has the black panels on the side, it draws the eye inward and makes your waist look smaller: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/alfani-plus-size-jacket-tweed-ponte-knit-zip-front?ID=785168&CategoryID=46203&LinkType=#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D47%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D47


Great jackets (for spring) considering your height will be cropped jackets or those belted at the waist. You can try a few like these really pretty spring jackets:
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Fit-Flare-Trench/zfcsd/?iid=2538177&cid=9577&Rf900=3717&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Camel&r=1&mk=VOID&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1GaXQtRmxhcmUtTWFjL1Byb2Qv
http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-tops/plus-size-coats-jackets-vests/polka-dot-trench-coat/4019c4034p172141/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=jackets+%26+coats&Mcatpn=tops&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4019%406000&Mcat=4034%406000
http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-tops/plus-size-coats-jackets-vests/denim-jacket/4019c4034p148562/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=jackets+%26+coats&Mcatpn=tops&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4019%406000&Mcat=4034%406000

Here are a bunch of really pretty tops that will work with skirts and pants!
http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Exclusive-Wrap-Top-With-Fluted-Sleeves/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2789298&cid=9577&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Cream
http://www.lanebryant.com/belted-surplice-peplum-top/p175068/index.pro?selectedColor=Black&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true
http://www.lanebryant.com/ruffle-front-blouse/p166156/index.pro?selectedColor=None%20selected&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true
http://www.lanebryant.com/animal-print-3-4-sleeve-shirt/p176328/index.pro?selectedColor=Humus&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true


I know you said you wear a lot of skirts too but here are a few which are very cute, age appropriate, and fashion forward!
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Midi-Skirt-With-Belt/zihin/?iid=2740976&cid=9577&Rf900=1465,4033,1573&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Wine&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1NaWRpLVNraXJ0LVdpdGgtQmVsdC9Qcm9kLw..
http://www.lanebryant.com/chevron-pencil-skirt/p172143/index.pro?selectedColor=Black&selectedSize=None%20selected&fromZafu=true
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/kasper-plus-size-skirt-pleated?ID=644957&CategoryID=34057#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D22%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D21
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-plus-size-skirt-polka-dot-ruffled-silk?ID=814284&CategoryID=34057#fn=SIZE%3D22W%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D22%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D5
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-plus-size-cardigan-long-sleeve-draped-jersey?ID=793386&CategoryID=40227#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D182%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D2
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/style-co-plus-size-sweater-long-sleeve-surplice?ID=727519&CategoryID=40227&LinkType=#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D182%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D31
http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/agb-plus-size-sweater-three-quarter-sleeve-belted?ID=751376&CategoryID=40227&LinkType=#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D182%26ruleId%3D2%26slotId%3D99




Please let me know if anything works out =) I hope you like some of the things I picked out!

Mar 5, 2013

Courtney O.

Wow^^ that was the most helpful comment I've ever seen, Natalie. Thank you!!

Mar 5, 2013

Courtney O.

I now know how to help my mother lol.

Mar 5, 2013

Natalie T.

Haha thanks Courtney, I get really carried away when people ask for help with clothes-I just LOVE shopping for other people (and myself of course)!

Mar 7, 2013

Sheree H.

Trouser pants, blazers scarves, loose fitting tops, jackets, and of course keep the skirts and dresses, but you can always add leggings and tailored jackets to a dress!