10 closet must-haves for cool, curvy women
Building a great wardrobe is kind of like constructing a building: You have to lay down the foundation first, and then you can start getting creative.
Think of wardrobe basics as the foundation of your wardrobe – pretty tops, cool jewelry and other accessories may add style, but there are some classic pieces that will always hold your outfit together. Here are 10 wardrobe essentials that every curvy woman should have in her closet:
1. The right undergarments
Undergarments are especially important for plus-size women who likely have larger busts. Finding a bra with the right fit can have an amazing effect on how your body looks, whereas an ill-fitting bra can be very unflattering. Perfectly fitted bras in nude and black are a must, and curvy women may also want to consider shapewear made of spandex to smooth out lines and bumps under any outfit.
2. Button-up blouse
A simple white button-up blouse is a must in any woman’s wardrobe. If you’re having trouble finding one that fits correctly, buy the size that fits the largest part of you (like your bust, for instance) and get it tailored to the smaller areas of your upper body.
3. Fitted cardigan
A fitted cardigan that hits you at the hips is an essential layering piece, and it looks good on women with any body type. Find one in a neutral color like black or navy that you can pair with any number of outfits.
4. Fit-and-flare dress
Any curvy lady will look great in this flattering style of dress that cinches in at the waist and then flares out over the hips. Make sure you have at least one around for nice occasions or wearing to the office.
5. A-line skirt
Like a fit-and-flare dress, A-line skirts are always flattering because they downplay a larger lower body. Find one that’s high-waisted to wear with tucked-in blouses at work.
6. Dark slim pants
Slim pants that hug your legs are great to wear with looser tops and cardigans and a nice pair of boots. Make sure you find a pair in black or another dark color because lightly colored slim pants can draw attention to wide hips and thighs.
7. Wide-leg jeans
Any woman with wider hips looks great in wide-leg jeans and trousers. Have a dark-wash pair in your closet that you can throw on for running errands.
8. Basic black pumps
Comfortable black pumps are one of the most classic shoe necessities and will never go out of style. These are great for wearing to the office or to a semi-formal evening function. If heels aren’t your thing, no problem – black ballet flats serve the same purpose and look great.
9. Comfortable flats
Comfortable flats with arch support – like loafers or boat shoes, for instance – look stylish with any outfit. They’re perfect for slipping on before taking care of errands around town.
10. Boots
If you’ve never owned a pair of nice leather boots, get some as soon as you can. These shoes are comfortable, versatile and can be worn through spring, winter and fall for any number of different occasions.
Comments (13)
Vickie Smallwood
Love your clothes
Melissa French
Nice to read. So useful and informative tips. Thanks for sharing…
Monroe & Main
We are glad to hear it! Thanks for your feedback.
Deborah Easton
I love your clothing. It’s young, without being tailored to the 20 something’s. It’s stylish, yet acceptable for the office. The quality of the clothing, helps to justify the cost.
You should offer more e-mail coupons . Like a three tear coupon special. Spend $100.00 get $10.00 off. Spend $15.00 off. Spend $300.00 get $20.00 off. Trust me you’ll get more sales……
Monroe and Main
Thanks for the comment and ideas Deborah! 🙂
Barbara dennis
Yes I love your clothing line but to have plus-sized clothing and present them on all small models is an insult to us ,what’s wrong with showing various body types so everybody can get an idea of what they would look like,it would be so refreshing to see a full-figured woman in your magazine,and I don’t mean a sz 12, what about a 16, we look good in our clothes , too
Denise V Hunt
Love the A-line dresses that are right at or below the knee. Please add a 4x to your catalog. 3x is a bit snug, 4x would make me buy more. Love your clothes!!!
Monroe and Main
Thanks for the comment Denise and we appreciate the feedback as well!
Vera crews
You’re giving tips for plus sized women yet you’re using these skinny models? Are you kidding me?
Monroe and Main
Hi Vera,
Thanks for the comment. We are always exploring utilizing plus-size models and we have actually worked with some in the past. We appreciate you voicing your opinion. Let us assure you that even though we show our clothing on a “traditional” model, we take great pride in offering our styles in sizes up to 3X or 24. We utilize live fit models and adjust the fit of all our garments for plus-size. You can read more about this here: https://www.monroeandmain.com/blog/real-women/this-fit-is-for-you/ Thanks again for the comment. Hope you are having a great day!
Patricia McLaughlin
Petite plus size women would benefit from pants in their length. It gets expensive taking everything to the tailors! It doesn’t stop at pants either. Add to it sleeves, dress lengths, coats, jackets, etc..so if you buy an outfit it can almost double in price after the cost of the tailors.
Ramona Williams
THANK YOU¡!!! FINALLY Somebody likes my full figure. You guys just need to offer us shorties excuse me us plussize shorties more. pants that will fit us
Shar
Love to see the plus size taking off, thanks so much