Rebuilding a wardrobe for work when plus size and short. - YouLookFab Forum

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Rebuilding a wardrobe for work when plus size and short.

Archadia

I'm currently in the midst of a weight loss journey with quite a way to go yet and have been managing with a selection of 3-4 year old, very worn out tops and value range black trousers which make me feel 10 years older and Queen Frump. But I've had enough - I'm getting rid of the lot and starting afresh.

I've searched online for advice on getting a starter wardrobe together and there is a lot out there but my combination - short and plus size - is not exact easy to shop for making this oh so more daunting.

Specifically, I'm 5ft and an apple shaped size 18 to 20 UK size (it depends on the store.) I work in an entry level position in an office and working towards a promotion so need to air on the smarter side of business casual.

I would, therefore, love some input as to what styles will suit both me now and last as I continue to lose weight.

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from aly

RobinF

Veteran

Have you considered second hand stores? It can be harder to find special sizes (I am also petite) but you sure can get things cheaper.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congrats on the weight loss. I can't remember whether you can get petites in the UK - can you? In the US, you can buy plus size petites that are cut shorter. That's what you need.

Stretchy tube skirts with flowy yet tailored knit tops come to mind right away for business casual. Great on your body type and forgiving as you continue to lose weight.

Archadia

We have petite ranges here in the UK but I have yet to find a high street retailer that goes up to my size in petite - you're usually lucky if you find a 16 on their rails. That's my next short term goal.

Aida

Veteran

One thing that helps when looking for clothing while losing weight is to opt for pieces that will look decent a size too large; pieces that are fluid to begin with but border to oversized as you shrink. Especially good to find those that can be belted or scrunched to add structure in the smaller stage. Knits in heavier fabrications with good stretch work well too; those can often be worn for two sizes. Keeping your wardrobe small but functional is best though perhaps not as interesting I'd suggest keeping 2 pairs of jeans that fit well at each size and then be a little looser (hah ~~) with the tops. Good luck with the petite sizing!

Aida

Veteran

A few of Angie's posts that you might find helpful:

Figure flattery and priorities:
http://youlookfab.com/2016/02/.....e-flattery
http://youlookfab.com/2015/11/.....priorities

Wardrobe basics and essentials
http://youlookfab.com/2014/01/.....ish-basics
http://youlookfab.com/2016/01/.....essentials
http://youlookfab.com/2014/10/.....essentials

Diagonal lines
http://youlookfab.com/2015/06/.....onal-lines

Elongating an outfit
http://youlookfab.com/2014/04/.....-an-outfit

Adding structure
http://youlookfab.com/2013/04/.....red-outfit
http://youlookfab.com/2014/05/.....-an-outfit

Ivy

I'm also a plus size petite in the midst of weight loss, so know you're not alone in this situation. I'm located in the US so can't offer any helpful ideas for local shopping, unfortunately. Are you able to shop online? That might give you more options.

Archadia

I do shop online and once I have my shopping list together as to what items I am looking for, I'm planning a mixture of online and high street shopping.

But it's tough getting that list together. For example, I spent the evening going through the websites of the retailers I normally shop with and also searching on pinterest to put of a board together of items I liked to get an overall idea of what pieces I'd be looking for to start narrowing it down.

So far that board is very lacking in trousers because predominantly I'm finding black and as I mentioned in my Op, I'm sick of them.

Definitely motivation to keep going with my weight loss, not helpful in getting a starter/capsule wardrobe together.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is definitely a dressing challenge but I am certain you can meet it. With your positive take-charge attitude you will be feeling fab in no time.

I'm hoping some of our UK members will chime in about sources. But I do know that ASOS has a Curve and Plus size line: http://www.asos.com/Women/Curv.....rch&a

I do not know the quality but perhaps if the price is right that is a reasonable trade off since you won't be keeping items for very long.

Do you have Mango in the UK? There are also Plus size clothes there that are fashionable. Oh - found it! http://shop.mango.com/GB/plussize

Archadia

I've been having a nosy around the forum and think this thread went into the wrong section - shopping instead of dressing. Is it a way to get it moved?

Not to knock the advice I've been getting because it has been helpful but what I am sort of looking for is more what to buy/look for rather than where to buy.

My knowledge on what will suit me is nil and without guidance, I'm afraid I'll run the risk of getting it wrong and staying Queen Frump.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Hi Archadia,

So from what I understand, you want styling advice/inspiration to dress a short, plus sized body. Right?

Here's what I found:
http://thecurvyfashionista.com.....-few-tips/

https://bellatory.com/clothing.....ize-Petite

https://msdianekennedy.wordpre.....r-petites/

I like blogger Alison Gary's style. Check her style at http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com

As for where to shop at affordable prices, I know that H&M has a really good collection this season in plus sizes.

Good luck!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Aida's links (and Maneera's) should help you get what you are after.

You've mentioned that you are apple shaped, so check out the guidelines for this body type. http://youlookfab.com/2014/02/.....type-2014/

rachylou

Veteran

You mentioned trousers...how do you feel about dresses and skirts? I find them easier to fit.

Archadia

Thanks for all the helpful links, lots of reading material for me to peruse this evening.

As for skirts and dresses, I'm planning on including them on the list but with British weather being so unpredictable, finding some trousers which would work for me and the capsule would be good.

Would help if I could narrow down a theme... Apart from no black that is.

unfrumped

Veteran

Congratulations!

If Petites are hard to come by, plan on some tailoring for length. This works best with skirts. Pants too re: just the hem as long as the non- petite is not too long in the stride. Knit tops should be more forgiving- push up sleeves. Also cardigans for the " third piece". Tailored jackets ( if warmth needed) are hardest for personalized sizing. For cool weather for sure you need some pant, but don't forget skirt + tights look.

Archadia

Thanks all again for the helpful advice!

I've decided to do a starter wardrobe with black and white neutral colours and use reds to accent. I'm going to limited the wardrobe to as few items as possible so that I can save some of my budget for when I hit size 16.

As for the flip-flop on black, I made the decision to include it because I was struggling to find other neutral colours in abundance in my current size.

So on to my next problem. I forgot to consider that due to my wide feet, my shoe options are limited and my old ones are worn to death. My question is if these shoes would go with everything such as with this lovely skirt I have on its away? Or if there is better style out there I should look for that would match with any workwear look.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Those should work with most workwear if you find the height okay for daily wear. Your feet may also change in size as your weight changes.

I don't know what may be available where you are but in the US the plus-size stores often carry wide footwear as well. There is also a forum thread about wide shoes going on right now.

Archadia

Here in the UK it's the same but unfortunately, my feet are wider than those offered on the high street. I generally get my shoes online as a result but options are limited.

As for my feet getting small as I lose weight. I really hope so.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I love a good wedge, and I have a pair similar to yours that I wear with my pencil skirts and trousers all the time.

I wanted to send a shout out for a stretch ponte jacket, preferably unlined. An unlined blazer will move with you, and will probably look better longer into weight loss. Also, don't forget about grey trousers. I've learned that darker greys, particularly with a tweedy textured look, can pass for black and be worn with it freely.

Have you checked into ASOS curve online? They have a lot of affordable pieces in your size (and mine).

Beth Ann

Veteran

P.S. Do you have a couple of favorite outfits? It might be helpful for you to post them, even if they don't particularly well at the moment. We could make more specific suggestions.

Gaylene

Veteran

Archadia, if you are looking for wardrobe building help, you might get some ideas from this series on The Vivienne Files:
http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....ratch.html

This blogger focuses on putting together wardrobe capsules using a variety of situations and color palettes, so it might be useful to check out some of her ideas.

Angie also has some blueprints for business capsules you might find useful:
http://youlookfab.com/2016/02/.....ring-2016/
http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/.....-for-less/

plonkee

I have a very similar body shape but closest to size 18 and am also 5ft and live in the UK.

I have few Anna Field jersey dresses (from Zalando), I've found them at under £30 each. I also buy from Pepperberry in a size 18RC but these are more expensive.

I wear fluid fit tops from Debenhams (mostly Rocha John Rocha, and Principles) with skirts and trousers. I'm still searching for trousers generally - I try Next, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins and M&S (who do an extra short up to size 18 if that's helpful). Debenhams also do a range of wide fit shoes which are very cute.

Finally, I've taken to wearing blazers and jackets quite a lot. I started with a petite size 18 not meant to be fastened blazer from Wallis, and have added in various jersey blazers over time. I search quite a lot on line for these, and have had lots of luck noticing when the jacket looks too short on the model, as it suggests it might be an ok length on me.

Sal

Veteran

I think you have had great advice. I also think grey could add to your colour mix and it is often easy to find.

Trousers are the hardest thing to find for me- but a plain pair of black cropped pants would be very smart, on trend, slimming and easy.

Good luck:)

Anonymous

The Vivienne Files has some wonderful posts about building a wardrobe from scratch: http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....ratch.html

There are also some posts on that website that build a wardrobe gradually. I apologize, I don't have the searching skills that others have or I would post more links. I do think that the Vivienne Files might be helpful to you.

Anna

I can't really improve on any of the advice given but I have read many times to always dress for the postion you want. Good luck! You will do great!

L'Abeille

Veteran

I've no insight into petite although apple and wide feet certainly resonate. I'm chiming in to comment on your proposed colour scheme. If that level of contrast works for you, black white and red will be so versatile. You can always look chic and professional. You can mix everything as long as the proportions work. And you can branch out / make it your own by adding some distinctive scarves (which keep working through size changes) or leopard print or royal blue... Lots of things will work if you stick with your chosen base.

From someone who only recently started to incorporate grey and navy...

Archadia

Beth Ann suggested that I posted some outfits that I was considering so people would be in a better position to help me so here goes.

So I had the skirt previously posted arrive today along with a white version of the bodysuit below (my first bodysuit btw which I ordered as an experiment.)

It was to try out the look in the 2nd picture but the bodysuit I ordered was too causal for work (works great with other items in my wardrobe though.)

I love the skirt so going to try some other bodysuits/tops with it (see below) and also look at getting a black one as well. I also have a white jacket on the way to contrast the black one already in my wardrobe.

I have a shopping trip planned for this week when I'm planning on taking the skirt with me.

Apart from this look, I'm also looking to mix up my standard top & trousers uniform with a couple of nice dresses. I like the one below but its too short for work so that's the other thing I'll be on the look out for.

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Archadia

So I've come back to give you an update on how the shopping has gone.

I went ahead and ordered the wedges. By coincidence, on the day I did, they were half price. I've arrived and they fit lovely.

I've also taken delivery of clothes (the majority of what is shown in the previous post.) I've also been shopping and really went nuts - I spent like 2 hours in one shop going back and forth the changing room multiple times. I kept to the list of items I was looking for and although I haven't found everything on my list yet, I've made some real progress.

What I have to say is that the best bit is the great fun I've had trying out different looks and working out what will work with what. My favourite outfit so far involves a sleeveless crew neck black top, a black midi skirt and the white jacket from the previous post (photo 4.) It gives the illusion I'm wearing a dress and shows off my curves - it's a far cry from my Queen Frumpy looks.

The biggest disappointment is that I'm still lacking in red/accent items. The red bodysuit from the previous post (photo 6) arrived but that company's idea of what a size 20 is a far cry from my size 20. But at least I've made a start.

I'll end by saying thanks again for the support! I'm very grateful for all the advice.

aly

I just want to say well done with the weight loss and the wardrobe building!

I cannot add any advice to what has already been offered. But I can add my voice to those who recommend patience and persistence I like to break big, imposing tasks into smaller pieces - for example, work hard on getting the right pants for a while, then focus on tops. Or maybe focus on one key outfit at a time. That way you get regular successes along the way.

Best of luck!