I’m a Plus-Size Editor and I’m Refreshing My Fall Wardrobe With These 8 Closet Staples

Tamim Alnuweiri
·5 min read

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From $14 skirts to luxe bags from a Meghan Markle-worn brand.

<p>Mango/ Cuyana/ Elwood</p>

Mango/ Cuyana/ Elwood

I hope that one day shopping as a plus size woman won’t be the harrowing experience it currently is. I don’t even try to shop in person, but shopping online is just as exhausting.

After spending at least 12 hours online shopping and having so many tabs open my laptop sounded like a plane engine before crashing, I have completed my fall wardrobe refresh. Eight products made it into my cart and wardrobe (thank god for all the pay in installment options) which I’ll elaborate on below.

Good American Cotton Cropped Long-Sleeve Tee

<p>Good American</p>

Good American

$45

This is a versatile piece that works with all types of fall and winter weather. It can be worn on its own on warmer days or as a middle layer on colder ones. For example, I am currently wearing it on top of a long-sleeve lace shirt but under a heavy duty sweater. It’s perfectly and subtly cropped on my 5-foot 2-inch stature. It’s a solid everyday basic, which is hard to find. 

Pilcro Long-Sleeve Sheer Corset Tee

<p>Anthropologie</p>

Anthropologie

$68

A corseted t-shirt! What will they think of next? Seriously, this is my favorite top ever. It’s all the comfort and ease of a T-shirt but with very subtle corset-like ribbing done through thick seams that elevates the style. The touch of tailoring cinches the shirt in at the waist and makes all the difference in taking an outfit from meh to chic. It’s available in three colors, two of which (white and black) come in plus sizes up to 3X. I’m a size 14/16 and I found the 1X to be a great fit.

Cider High-Waist Zip-Up Slit Mini Skirt

<p>Cider</p>

Cider

$14

I know, I know — fast fashion. But until more brands start creating skirts that fit my body, this is what I have. Cider makes all of my favorite skirts. I am literally wearing one about 70 percent of the time.

Many brands simply expand the size of the waist and leave everything else as is which has caused my butt cheeks to flap in the breeze more often than is appropriate. Cider actually fixes the rest of the garments proportions, too. As such it’s become my favorite place to buy skirts. This one in particular is my everyday go-to. I haven’t worn pants in 15 years but I think of this Cider skirt as being akin to a favorite pair of jeans or leggings.

Mango Pleated Mini-Skirt

<p>Mango</p>

Mango

$50

I recently learned that Mango makes select styles in extended sizes and it’s been a game changer. I’ve been specifically enamored with this pleated mini skirt. The length is right and it’s a perfect-for-fall thick knit reminiscent of men’s suiting fabric.

Cuyana Linea Bucket Bag

<p>Cuyana</p>

Cuyana

$398

My mom gave me a vintage ‘80s Chanel bag for a college graduation gift. I love it to death but unfortunately that’s become quite literal. I’ve overworn it. It needs a break and probably some repair, both of which I have been unable to give it because I didn’t own a bag I like enough to wear in place of it. This has changed thanks to the Linea Bucket Bag from the frequently worn by Meghan Markle brand Cuyana.

It’s medium-small, fits way more than you think it would (Mary Poppins style), has a detachable crossbody strap, goes with everything, and gets me so many compliments. I have been wearing it and nothing but for two months now.

Elwood Babydoll Crop Zip Hoodie

<p>Elwood</p>

Elwood

$75

This is going to sound unbelievable to many people but, I have never owned a sweatshirt in my life. I grew up in a sweatshirt- and sweatpants-free home. By the time I was old enough to buy my own clothes, I couldn’t find any that I liked. They all made me feel like the Michelin Man if he had given up on life.

Elwood’s Babydoll Crop-Zip Hoodie is the first and so far only hoodie I’ve ever liked. The cropped fit makes this feel like a fashion item rather than house clothes and it’s become a favorite layering staple on colder days.

Argent Viscose Wool Crepe Madison Blazer

<p>Argent</p>

Argent

$425

Listen, this is an investment piece and one well worth the money. I have a dozen blazers and they run the gamut from new and sleek to vintage and heavily shoulder-padded. Argent’s Madison Blazer is the one I’ve been wearing nonstop since the fall weather blew in.

It’s got a relaxed tuxedo jacket feel to it and there are elastic-like scrunchies inside the sleeves near the wrists that keep this from becoming frumpy or poorly fitting. It pairs well with absolutely everything. I’ve worn it with a silk dress to a bougie party and with a Ramones t-shirt and lace tights — it looked incredible both ways.

Rebdolls Ruby Sequin Mini Bodycon Skirt

<p>Rebdolls</p>

Rebdolls

$50

I know how controversial this is going to be, but I swear this pink sequin mini skirt is more of an everyday item than it seems. Sure, it probably is too much to wear to work, but with a crisp untucked oversized button-down and some penny loafers? Perfection. 

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