Love the colours in this wardrobe!
I am really big on creating a wardrobe that works and that you can easily mix and match up with all the pieces you own.
I have created this list as a guideline on what items are must haves (before you go buying the trends and the fancy floral prints). Get these items in your wardrobe ASAP, you will be surprised how much you use them on a daily basis. Here we go:
1. A Great Bra
Your bra can make or break your confidence, there is nothing worse than four boobs popping out or, even worse, you having to adjust them every five steps you take!
Let me tell you, I just recently purchased the first bra that has ever fitted me the RIGHT way! I can’t even begin to tell you how friggin’ exciting this is! My boobs are huge and they do not sit well in most bras. Actually, I can’t say I have ever fitted into any bra I have owned… until now!
I met with Regina from Miss Scarlett Did It and she fit me into the perfect bra. This women is a master of bra fitting. Not only am I super comfortable but my waist became more defined, my back looks awesome, and the girls are sitting exactly where they should be. The free boob lift is such a great bonus!
Miss Scarlett Did It show at The Curvy Couture Roadshow
2. A Pair of Jeans That Make You Feel Gorgeous
Denim is always making a comeback in fashion but that’s because it’s never gone anywhere! Jeans that you love wearing are a must for your wardrobe. I know it’s a tough gig to find jeans you love, but let me tell you ladies, it is well worth the hunt. I love Embody Denim. The owner, Natalie Wakeling really knows her stuff. She was Australia’s first ever plus size model and has created a brand that understands our curves and the cuts and fabrics that suit. When you are looking for jeans be sure to try them on. If you’re an online shopping addict then you’ll need to know all your measurements, especially the inner leg as this area gets forgotten and you want to make sure the fit is exactly what you’re looking for. They should feel a bit snug at first but once you wear them they should sit comfortably. I seriously feel I live in my jeans, there is so much you can do with denim (hmmm I think I feel a denim blog post coming up!).
Embody Denim – I LOVE these!
Embody Denim – denim on denim is where it’s at!
3. The Pencil Skirt
You can never go wrong with this staple piece. This skirt is great for every curvy body shape and it goes with almost everything. The pencil skirt can be dressed up or dressed down, and is great for layering. If you are wider at the hips, work with smaller print or go with colour blocking (just one colour, no patterns). If you have a flatter bottom and want to create some action around that area, wearing larger print will help make it appear bigger and rounder.
Asos Curve Pencil Skirt
The gorgeous Mel from Suger Coat It in 17 Sundays pencil skirt
Asos Curve pencil skirt
4. The Blazer/Jacket
Black, pattern, dressy, or casual, you can never go wrong when you throw a jacket on (OMG that totally rhymes, ha ha!). Jackets are especially great for autumn. I love that it’s a key piece you can dress up, dress down, or make some jeans look really fancy with a pair of heels. Casual style icon Jennifer Aniston has helped many of us learn that if you throw a suit jacket on top of a tee shirt your outfit is instantly transformed. It’s great to have a black jacket, as it’s probably the one you’ll use the most. As you add to the collection don’t forget to look at detail; leather trim, funky buttons, and zips. It’s worth investing a bit more on this piece as it will be something you can pair up with almost anything.
Queen B blazing it up
A splash of red makes you pop! Photo: celebuzz
5. A Statement Necklace
Ok, I will admit… I have a slight addiction to these. By slight I mean I own like 60 of them, and by addiction I mean I am always hunting for more; cooler, newer, and bigger ones. Oh gosh, what can I say about these necklaces?! They go with EVERYTHING! I love wearing them over the collar of a buttoned-up shirt. They work wonders with simple minimal colours or tops that are low-key, and they look funky with tops that have a busy pattern as well. I love them mostly because you can be as expressive as you want; I get really funky with the styles I pick because it makes me feel like I am wearing a little work of art around my neck.
My favourite necklace – I love it!
Simple yet gorgeous. photo: Pinterest
Great necklace! Photo: essence
6. The A-line Dress
I recently posted the photos below about Adele and her bad self in this A-line dress. I just loved everything about what this dress did for her figure. The pattern, the length, and the A-line takes in her waist so nicely. These skirts and dresses really work wonders for the curvy woman. A-lines are great because they draw the eye to the areas you want to highlight and they skim over your curves nicely.
Adele looking gorgeous in an A-line dress. photo: fabsugar
A-line skirts are great for the curves. Photo: sheknows.com
7. Black Leggings and (7.5) Black Opaque Tights!
I’ve done 7 and 7.5 because we all need a good pair of leggings especially in the cooler seasons when the layering comes into play, but the tights are a must have for me as well! I love my tights; I wear them with skirts and boots and dresses and then I try to get all creative and buy weird textured tights. It’s kinda fun, so why not!? Again, black is very doable because you will get a lot of use out of them. I bought a polka dot royal blue pair and a black pair, and, um… yeah, I have only worn the polka dots once; my black ones on the other hand, well! I had to buy 5 pairs, just in case!
Kim K doing the all black look. Photo:etcfashionblog
Black leggings with leather detail from 17 Sundays
Kelly rocking tights! Photo: wardrobe staple blogspot
8. The Wrap Dress
This is the ultimate in curvy styling! You cannot go wrong with a wrap dress. The amazing Oprah (who can do no wrong) loves these dresses and the dresses love her, too. It accentuates and brings the eyes straight to the waist and the boobs. The different sleeves and skirt lengths are great as well, since some of us like to go longer and some are keen to show more skin. What I will say is, a wrap dress that is a V-neck or scoop neck will work best as it elongates and shows off a bit of the girls, and since you have a great bra (right?), why not?
Embody Denim wrap dress – so hot!
Gorgeous Embody Denim wrap coat – my fave for autumn
The gorgeous Marilyn wrap dress by Embody Denim
9. The Classic T-shirt
Another item I live in! I have recently been wearing my hubby’s t-shirts because they sit so nicely and baggy. T-shirts are great – again – for dressing up or going a’la casual. When you find one you like, I say get it in a few colours; black and white for sure but look for a nice bright colour that makes your face pop. These are great pieces to layer in autumn and will go with almost everything on this list.
17 Sundays classic t-shirt goes great with leather leggings and is so comfy
The classic T from Harlow, you can pair this one with everything
10. A Great Pair of Flashy Flats
I recently did a blog post on the ‘man’ shoe. I love me some heels, don’t get me wrong, but there is nothing like a comfortable, gorgeous pair of flats. Now there are so many different styles, colours, and textures to choose from you could flat shoe shop for days (ah, Wittner outlet, don’t even get me started girl!)
I love flats but I like them to have some serious personality. I struggle wearing the ballerina plain round toe flats when there are so many cool colours and styles to choose from. My favourite pairs are the ones with unique things like sequins or see through material; the weirder the better. Red flats are really versatile, since you can wear them with stripes, blue, black, and white.
Love the denim on denim and red flats. Photo: crazylove4clothes
My shoes! How cute are they? Thank you Zara! Photo: fabsugar
Even Kim K wears flats – classic black goes with everything. Photo: celeb buzz
Well curvilicious sistas, I think I just created an outfit up here! I hope you got a lot out of this post. I tell the clients I’ve styled that you need a foundation wardrobe, and once you have your basics, then you can add pieces as you go. But never go too trendy when you are missing basics. I have tagged some of the awesome brands I love here so feel free to go check them out and happy shopping y’all!
x E
The Queen of Confidence 