Even a plus size woman needs to keep her plus size basics up to date and fresh. If you have not done so already, it is time to take a look through your closet and drawers and see what items you have worn out or do not wear and clear them out to make room for the new. Here is a quick guide of summer basics to check on and suggestions on where to shop for updates.
Bathing Suit
Your go-to swimsuit that is wearable to any pool party should be black or navy — they are guaranteed to go with any cover up or towel you take with you. Dress them up with some great accessories. My go to place for affordable swimwear is Swimsuits for All. For a little pricier plus design, check out Always for Me. If you still cannot find what you want, here is a listing of retailers offering plus size swimwear.
Solids Twist Bandeau Swimsuit from Always for Me
Convertible Strapless Bra
Gone are the days when only small breasted girls were able to wear strapless bras. With all the different necklines for summer, a convertible bra is a must for the plus size woman. The Cacique line has had one for a few years, and Addition-Elle came out with one this year, and it is gorgeous. Six ways for big breasted women to wear one bra — a summer necessity.
Wicking Pajamas
It is hot. You cannot get comfortable in your cotton PJs and sleeping naked is uncomfortable too. Cool-Jams offer wicking sleepwear for plus size women up to size 3x. At the moment they have about twelve modest styles to choose from. They are comfortable every day, but especially for summer traveling with their general breathability during warm weather.
Wicking Pyjamas from Cool-jams
Body Hugging Tank
With all the sheer tops and dresses to deal with this season, we need an excellent shell that does not add bulk. Penningtons has the Form Fit Fashion Tank in 11 colors. $15 each or 2 for $20. I picked up four of them that will meet all my color coordinating needs this summer. The great thing about these is that they will easily transition into fall layering too. Make sure you get your basic white and black as well as some fun colors. Check your wardrobe — what shirt have you been avoiding because it is too sheer?
Form Fit Fashion Tank from Addition-Elle
The White Cotton Shirt
If you do not have one of these already, you do not know what you are missing. The white shirt can be worn formally tucked into a pair of dress pants. Worn open like a jacket (or belted) with sleeves rolled and a short skirt. Or over a cami and tied under the breasts with a pair of jean shorts. So many options make it a great travel or go-to shirt for the summer whether you are going away for the week or just to cottage for the weekend. Eddie Bauer has a Wrinkle-Resistant Long-Sleeve Tunic.
Wrinkle-Resistant Long-Sleeve Tunic from Eddie Bauer
The Cropped Cardigan
For those who do not like bare arms 24/7, there is the cropped cardigan which goes with equally well with tanks for dresses. Lane Bryant’s Elbow Sleeve Shrug comes in a bunch of colors to make any woman happy, and they would work well with the basic camis I have already mentioned.
Elbow Length Shrug from Lane Bryant
The Maxi Dress
It looks like the maxi dress will be staple for another summer. The flowing fabric is a great way to keep cool and sexy. Swak Designs has their version of the convertible dress, the Anastasia, but my favorite is the Evangaline Maxi dress with its subdued pattern (make sure you check out the pretty cami while you are there too). You can change up the look of your maxi dress this summer with simple accessories like a long necklace, a shrug, a blazer, a jean jacket, or a wrap.
Evangaline Maxi Dress from SwakDesigns
White Jeans
While brightly colored jeans are a huge trend right now, white denim never ever goes out of style when it comes to summer. Always have a white pair of jeans (or capris if you prefer) on hand — and make sure you actually wear them — as they can easily be dressed up or down. Ashley Stewart is celebrating the beauty of white with an assortment of pants, denim, and carpis to choose from. They also have some great brights if you have not found yours yet.
5 Pocket White Skinny Jean from Ashley Stewart
Comfortable Sandals
No, I am not talking about your flip flops. I mean real sandals that look like you actually care. They go with everything in your wardrobe: shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, and of course all the sundresses. Go with a neutral pair of glads or something with a low heel; you know, in case you actually have to walk somewhere.
Just because we call them basics does not mean they are not important or that we cannot have fun with them.
About Maureen Wood