10 Plus-Size Women on the Power Pieces That Make Them Feel Unstoppable
You know that one piece in your wardrobe that makes you feel invincible whenever you put it on? A “power piece” can be anything from the perfect pair of curvy jeans to a killer moto jacket. It’s the piece of clothing that unfailingly makes you feel confident and unstoppable. Whether it’s a designer buy or something thrifted, the power piece is all about clothing that positively affects how you approach and interact with the world.
As plus-size women, we’ve been told for so long what we can and can’t wear. I urge you all to take risks and not be afraid to rock a body-con dress or show your legs. Fashion rules were meant to be broken, and every woman is unique and beautiful in her own way. Thankfully, more and more plus-size brands like ASOS and Simply Be are taking notice and supplying us with standout pieces to help us curvy babes look and feel great. To show you what I mean, I asked 10 of my favorite bloggers and models to share their power piece and why it’s important to them.
Kelly Augustine, style blogger, @kellyaugustineb
“I received this jacket to attend a day of shows and events during New York Fashion Week in September. I love to wear statement pieces, especially during NYFW, where they are always good conversation starters. I feel like a total badass when I wear this jacket. It’s so unique, when you throw it on, you have no choice but to exude confidence. Wearing this jacket helped me conquer NYFW. It’s a time when, though shows are slowly becoming more inclusive, bigger bodies are still vastly ignored. We aren’t expected to be stylish when we are present, so I wanted to conquer the shows and represent for us curvy girls!”
Brianna McDonnell, style blogger, @_the_b_word_
“I’m 6 feet and plus-size, so it’s so hard to find jeans that fit really well. When I got these jeans from Fashion to Figure, I immediately fell in love. These jeans hugged all the right places and were actually long enough — it was a miracle. I wholeheartedly believe that an outfit can change your mood, confidence, and your whole day. Whenever I put on these jeans, I honestly feel unstoppable and empowered. I know jeans are such a closet staple basic, but there is no magic like finding a well-fitted pair!”
Margie Ashcroft, style blogger, @margieplus
“My power piece has to be my vintage Levi’s high-waist jeans that I DIY’d into shorts. Finding shorts of any sort in my size is nearly impossible, so I purchased these a few years ago for $5 in the men’s department of a local Goodwill. Super inspired by all the street-style photos of denim cutoffs, I wanted to find a pair of my own that actually fit my size 16/18 figure. I’ve worn these with everything from sequined tops and fur coats to sneakers and a matching denim jacket. Every time I put them on, they fit great and always seem to go perfectly with pretty much anything. There was a time in my life growing up when I was not only extremely self-conscious, but I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something that showed so much skin. Whenever I put these magical jeans shorts on, it helps remind me to love the body I am in and not to be ashamed to show it off.”
Chanté Burkett, style blogger, @everythingcurvyandchic
“My power piece would have to be jumpsuits. You can get so many styles out of jumpsuits, add layers for those chilly days, or add some banging accessories if you’re looking to go extra on the glam. This killer look is from ASOS, but I purchased my first jumpsuit about two years ago. I used to be afraid of jumpsuits because they brought attention to my midsection, but they definitely fit my style. I love pieces that can go straight from work to dinner without having to change your entire outfit. I decided to rock this jumpsuit to a business meeting once and the whole style let them know that I’m serious about my fashion and business. #bossstatus”
Rochelle Johnson, style blogger, @iambeauticurve
“I only have a few body-con dresses in my closet, and this one is from Forever 21. I bought my first one a couple years ago and felt so empowered because I had not seen a girl my size wear one. ‘They’ said that the body-con dress was only for those girls with perfect bodies, so I put one on! My style is versatile, so the dress fits in because of the layering factor. You can layer a vest, a bomber, a blazer, or your favorite denim jacket over the dress to add some edge and interest. I instantly feel sexy in a figure-hugging dress. Ironically, I reached for my body-con on my first night out after having my son! It’s a reminder to embrace what is, that this is the body I have now and to rock it out.”
Kellie Brown, style blogger, @itsmekellieb
“This particular leather jacket is a recent acquisition from ASOS. I loved it because of the structure and awesome hardware. It fits perfectly into my overall style because it works with both minimal and feminine outfits. I like this piece because I don’t think it changes the way I feel about myself, but it definitely amplifies my powerful cool-girl vibes. I throw it on for just about any occasion, and it gets a lot of compliments. Definitely a confidence-booster in any situation!”
Felicity Hayward, model, @felicityhaywardcurvemodel
“I designed the power outfit shown here with a latex designer called Kim West from London. The whole idea was to create something fun for curvy babes, but also to have sizes inclusive to all (they’re made to order). I’m a girl who loves a statement look and matching co-ord, so this fits perfectly with my overall style. The latex material makes me feel sassy as hell — once on, it’s like a second skin; you almost feel naked — it’s very liberating. It also holds you in so well that your posture is straight, making it easier to strut down those streets with your head high. This look helped me empower my body and know that #selflovebringsbeauty and no matter what your size or shape, rock whatever you feel. Every day is a special occasion because life is too short.”
Shay Tucker, style blogger, @thickgrlscloset
“My power piece is this cobalt blue coat from Modamix that I got last fall. I love a bold statement piece so was drawn to the jacket, because of the color first and foremost. I like to stand out and catch the attention of others when I get dressed. When I put this coat on, I feel like I’m a badass and am ready to step into any fashion event or office and command respect. It really does take my confidence to the next level. When I wore it to the Simply Style blogger conference last year, I felt out of place because there weren’t a lot of other plus-size bloggers, and I didn’t really know anyone there. But as the day went on, I received so many compliments on the jacket. That turned into exchanging emails and info with tons of other bloggers. And it caught the eye of June Ambrose, so that in itself is total win.”
Danielle van Grondelle, model, @daniellevangrondellemodel
“My power piece is this printed dress I purchased about a year ago from my favorite brand KTZ. I love a good body-con dress that can showcase my curves. People call me the print queen, so this statement piece was right up my alley. I think it’s important to show that curvy women are just as stylish and fashionable. I feel great when I put on the dress, and I get so many sweet compliments when I wear it. The last time I wore this power piece was to a NYFW casting that I ended up getting booked for!”
Jessica Torres, style blogger, @thisisjessicatorres
“Leather jackets are a staple in my closet — I tend to buy a new one every season. This one I bought only a few months ago from River Island’s new plus-size line, and I can’t stop wearing it! The leather jacket is a staple in my closet. I like that it can edge up any outfit no matter how plain or basic it can be. A leather jacket is the closest thing I know to magic. There is an instant cool factor that comes along with a leather jacket. When I feel a little shy or insecure about my outfit, all I have to do is pop a leather jacket over for an instant laid-back but super-cool vibe. I spent years trying to hide my body because I was ashamed of it. Now I make sure to be noticed whenever I enter a room. No one can ignore the cutie in a cool leather jacket.”
What do you get when you combine perfect style with perfect fit? Perfect confidence — and an outfit that’s your #PowerLook. Find yours with Yahoo Style’s complete guide to fashion that makes you feel invincible, and post your #PowerLook to be featured on our feed!
