Becoming a Plus Size Clothing Diva

Being put together starts with feeling self confident and vibrant in your clothes. As Fashion Divas we don’t even consider wearing an article of clothing that is in the least uncomfortable, poorly fitting, or doesn’t make us look our best. We never let manufacturers get us down with their different sizing—we are more than a number on a label. We are about cut and fit. Only when they are perfect do they make their way into our closet.
Always start shopping in your closet. Your closet is a treasure trove of style, even if you don’t know it yet! Well maybe not those banana yellow jogging pants from 1992 (get rid of them! We help you organize your closet here).

Once you are done with your closet you should have a personalized shopping list. Combined with the results from your Body Type Quiz you now have your own personal shopper.  Check out our trendy plus size clothing shopping recommendations for:
APPLES   HOURGLASSES   PEARS   STRAIGHT   TRIANGLES.

One more important note. Your basic pieces should always be of the highest quality you can afford. You can save money on your seasonal trend pieces, you will generally only wear these one season, but your wardrobe basics will take you through summer and winter, year after year.

What are wardrobe basics?

You certainly have clothes that you wear over and over again. That make you feel great when you wear them, and don’t pinch and pull. Those are your basics.

Those articles of clothing that look great on the hanger but just somehow don’t make you feel fantastic get the boot. Oftentimes it is just the color of the item that makes it bad for us. You are a Diva—if it doesn’t make you fabulous it has to go!

Have you taken a color test? There's a fast and easy one here. Use your results to build the foundation of your wardrobe.

Your basics should include:

• 2 pairs of good pants, 1 black, one other dark neutral (khaki, brown, navy blue)
• 2 pairs of perfect fit jeans, 1 casual, 1 dressy in dark blue
• LBD (“little black dress” or another dark colour) that can take you from work to evening
• 2 highest quality blouses, 1 cream or white, the other a colour befitting your palette
• a variety of T-shirts
• 3 sweaters, lightweight and wearable year round
• 2 tailored jackets that coordinate with your pants
• 1 black or other dark neutral skirt, seasonless in a midweight fabric
• 2 purses, 1 playful, 1 classic in a classic color
• at least one 3-pc suit. Jacket, skirt and pants all in the same fabric
• 1 pair black flat shoes, 1 pair dark (black or brown) heels, 1 pair runners

These basics are the foundation of your style. You could just wear these things and always be put together, but it would be pretty boring. That is why step two is to start putting the "Diva Factor" into your wardrobe with trendy and fun clothing. You only need one or two pieces of “must haves” per season. These are the things that update your foundation wardrobe and make you fashionable. These things are your personal touch, your personal style and how you express yourself.

Shoes and accessories: you need basic, sensible shoes. But adding stylish shoes to your basics can really change the whole feel of your wardrobe. A dark pair of jeans with a pair of black flats looks great during the day, and pairing those jeans with stylish heels or boots are a fantastic evening look.

Purses and fashion jewellery can really change the whole look of your basics. Imagine someone dressed in black slacks, a black turtleneck and black shoes. Pretty boring? Add a fire-engine red hobo purse, a long, chunky silver necklace and red cuff bangles. Still boring? No, obviously a Diva!

Get into the habit of not leaving the house without at least one accent piece, either a necklace or broche, pretty earrings or rings, or a mix of them all. They really help pull your whole outfit together.