Clothing for the curvy: Volume 4, Dresses

This is the final piece of my series, and in my opinion, the most challenging thing to buy...

Dresses: Dresses are hard to find when they're not made of knit or jersey.  I can't tell you how many dresses I've only been able to only zip up to my rib cage.  To add to the problem, I prefer to wear a regular bra whenever possible so spaghetti straps are usually out.  This is advanced shopping.

First things first, forget about strapless or spaghetti straps unless you have a fantastic bra and the dress covers the top of your breasts.  Adjusting your dress all night is just tacky. 

I think the most flattering cut is a sheath dress (with or without sleeves), but it has to fit right or you look like a walking rectangle.  The coverage up top allows for a supportive bra and a tight fit in the rib cage keeps you away from the 'is she pregnant?' effect.  Dresses with belts and a defined waist keep you from appearing shapeless (which looks terrible if you're going to have your picture taken).   Plan on trying on lots of dresses with little success, but it will be totally worth it when you find the right one.  I wore my black sheath dress for four years before having to replace it because of fading.  The dresses below look like they may accommodate some curves:

Ann Taylor Loft - Piped Dress with Waist Tie - $69.99

The Limited - Pieced Waist Sheath - $79.50  (I want this one!  So flattering!)

Many magazines would lead you to believe that there is an endless supply of wrap dresses to contain your curves and save the day.  However, I've rarely found a wrap dress that didn't reveal boobtastic cleavage and require a camisole.  The same applies to cross-front v-neck dresses with empire waists.  However, if you're the right size for that particular dress, they're super flattering. 

Target - Mossimo Crossover V-Neck Dress - $39.99

I've had the best luck with dresses at The Limited and J. Crew (outlet).  Unfortunately, their prices mean I don't have as many as I'd like.   Not being a common size and shape means needing to spend a little more and go for classic styles so you can wear them for a few years.  I refuse to point all of you to the cheap Old Navy dresses on sale right now because the material is so thin you can see every bra hook, but I've found a few things there in the past that have held up nicely. 

Moral of the story: Don't give up or expect everything to fit and if you see something that would flatter your shape, consider buying it and saving it for later.  Shopping with a deadline usually results in an expensive dress that isn't quite what you want.  (For me, anyway...)  Happy shopping!

In case you're interested: Overstock.com

I browsed Overstock.com while watching Oprah tonight and found some cute things I wish I could buy.  But I wont... *sigh

Sangria Scoop Neck Dress - $42.99
I think the navy and yellow is a nice nod to the nautical trend without looking like you're setting sail.  Plus, jersey knit means no ironing and easy packing.

 

Twill Cowl Neck Dress -  $39.99

This dress is not for the faint of heart, but I think the print is really cheerful for summer dates and attending showers.  

Black Puffed Sleeve Dress (Maternity) - $59.99
Ok, so this one isn't for me, but I have several pregnant friends and I think this dress is really cute and didn't know it was maternity until I clicked on the description.  I have no idea if it will work with a baby bump, though.

Coral Embroidered Pillow - $23.99
This pillow reminds of the ones you'd see in a chic apartment in Domino magazine (I miss it so much!)

Packing Part 2: Business trip

My lovely roommate travels a lot on business and has asked me to come up with a 5 day business trip wardrobe that fits in a carry on.  Challenge accepted. 

I don't travel for my job, but if I did, here's how I would pack for a week away (assuming business casual):

2 pairs pants - black and gray
Black knee length skirt
1 pair dark jeans (hemmed for flats)
2 cardigan sweaters
White 3/4 sleeve button down shirt
2 sleeveless tops for layering
2 statement necklaces
1 chunky bracelet
Yoga pants/ T-shirt
Knit dress
Leggings

Black pumps
Black ballet flats
Flip flops

 

Monday: Black pants, white 3/4 sleeve shirt, statement necklace #1, bracelet, black pumps
Tuesday: Black skirt, Cardigan #1, statement necklace #2,  black pumps
Wednesday: Gray pants, Cardigan #2, statement necklace #1, black pumps
Thursday: Black skirt, white 3/4 sleeve shirt, Cardigan #1, bracelet, ballet flats
Friday: Jeans (or Gray pants if office isn't casual), Cardigan #2, statement necklace #2, ballet flats

If you go out to dinner during the week, wear the jeans with the top you wore to the office or the leggings with the knit dress and a cardigan on top.  The items above won't take up much room and you can add workout clothes and another casual outfit if needed.

Obviously you have to be ok with wearing your clothes more than once, but if you're just sitting in an office they can't possibly get that dirty.    How's that, Leah?  :)

Clothing for the curvy: Volume 3, Swimsuits

Since you'd think it were summer if you step into Target, I decided to cover swimwear today.

Swimsuits: If you need an underwire in your bra, you have no business running around in a triangle top.  I'm sorry.  It's true.  Chances are, you won't get away with a $25 Target swimsuit.  Swimsuits that don't fit are not sexy and only make you look bigger.   Plus, doing anything other than laying down and walking in an ill-fitting bikini top is just asking for a nip slip.  ;)

That said, I have found a fantastic brand of swimwear that sells the tops in bra sizes with hidden underwires.  I love my Aerin Rose swimsuit and have been wearing it for the past two years (I don't swim that much).  Yes, they're  pricey but I think an extra $30 is a small price to pay for something that fits and holds everything in.

Aerin Rose - Banded Halter Top (with hidden underwire) - $72 (doesn't include bottoms)

Although I haven't tried them myself, Victoria's Secret has started offering a wide range of bra-sized tops and there are a lot in D-cup sizes now.

Body By Victoria - Retro Bandeau Top - $32.00 (doesn't include bottoms)

And for the more modest, Body by Victoria - Retro Tankini with hidden underwire - $32.00 (doesn't include bottoms)

Clothing for the curvy: Volume 2, Pants

This is the second installment of my clothing for curvy girls post... 

Pants:  As Stacy and Clinton say over and over again, you want to create the illusion of long legs.  That means your hips and thighs should not look like they're about to bust out of your pants.  Unfortunately, as I found out when shopping for jeans, the skinny pant trend is taking over and those of us whose thigh is several inches larger than our knee are faced with a challenge.  I tend to wear wide leg pants and fitted tops to avoid the issue entirely.  Labels that say 'fitted through the hip and thigh' usually mean tight on me and I am too lazy and poor to buy a larger size and tailor it down everywhere else.

I've recommended Gap's Long and Lean jeans to everyone who will listen but their dress pants can be hit or miss.  Banana Republic's wide leg styles tend to fit nicely without pulling, but you just have to shop with the intention of trying on a lot.  The Limited is not consistent with the fit of their pants, but give them a shot.  I think the pair below would be flattering.

And please don't let the sizes get you down.  A 12 at Express can be an 8 somewhere else.  I've been known to rip out labels that upset me after I get the pants home. ;)

Gap - Long and Lean Jean - $59.50

The Limited - Drew Vertical Pocket Wideleg - $79.50 (Wait, these often go on sale for $49.50)

Not ready for mom jeans

It's an odd feeling to realize that you've outgrown a store you frequented for years - not in size, but in age and style.  It makes you want to run out and wear something trendy and have some drinks to prove how young you still are.  (Take that, Express!)  Later, you accept it and walk right past the next time you go shopping.  I mentioned this before when I was hunting for jeans, and have since learned that I am far from alone.  I've been asked to expand on places to shop when you're not young enough to wear a vest as a shirt but not ready to shop for mom jeans. 

It's pretty clear that most stores have a target customer in mind.  The Marketing department often names her and the entire collection is an imaginary closet for this made up 26 year old photographer with long legs, lots of money, and a love for Indian inspired jewelry (I'm calling her Paige).   In real life, most of us don't look like Paige and our age/lifestyle/income makes much of her wardrobe impractical.  That means we have to be able to pick out 1-2 pieces from a line of 20 that will work in an outfit completely different than Paige's afternoon at the museum ensemble. 

In the past month, I've shown lots of examples of clothing for my own age group and now I'm going to try to help the person who gave me the idea for this post today.  The still stylish 30-40 year old.  There really aren't a lot of affordable stores who target her anymore.  However, the stores aimed at those a bit younger still offer great pieces that are age appropriate and won't force anyone to pick between clothing for a 25 year old and shopping at Coldwater Creek (not that there's anything wrong with that).

So, if you're approaching a 'certain age' and looking for sophisticated clothing that still looks trendy, I think you should start browsing these stores without the idea that they're too young for anyone:

Martin & Osa
Pros: A great source for knits and tops that hit at hip length and skim over your shape instead of hug every curve.  The jewelry is affordable and of decent quality.  For the most part, the fabrics don't look cheap and hold up well over time.
Cons: The pants all seem to be cut for long, thin legs.  The prices start out a bit high.

 The Limited
Pros: Shirts with boob room.  Well made knits.  Affordable suiting.  Tailored shirts with trendy detailing. 
Cons: Jewelry often looks like it came from Claire's.  Pants for a fuller hip/thigh are now hard to find.

Ann Taylor Loft
Pros: Great source for knits and J. Crew copycat embellished tees.  Lots of statement jewelry.  Shorts are long enough for adults to wear.
Cons: Some items in the store are a bit matronly.  Thin cotton of shirts and dresses can look cheap when it was actually $79.

Obviously there are many more options and some obvious choices like Banana Republic that I haven't included.  I think the key to not appearing like you're trying to look 22 is to stick with flattering shapes and don't try to show lots of skin (unless you're a Real Housewife on Bravo).  All three of the stores I featured will have things that are shown in outfits meant for a 25 year old but when paired with basic pieces, they become less edgy. 

Be brave ladies - and don't wear tapered pants no matter what.

Clothing for the curvy: Vol 1, Shirts

I think the 'curvy' label gets overused a lot.  Too often it is a euphemism for plus size when in fact they are very different things.  You can be curvy and not plus size.  Case in point: Me.  I wear a size 8 or 10 in pants, but have to buy a 12 or 14 in dresses and tops in order to accommodate my chest without gaping buttons.  I'm also cursed with (and maintain with food) thighs that don't have an inch of space between them when I walk.  This means finding clothes to fit is much harder for me than my 5'6", size 4 friends. 
After about 15 years of feeling bad about my body, I've learned to accept that the overall shape is not going to change much and I've gotten pretty good at knowing what will look good and what to leave on the rack (and avoid disappointment in the fitting room).  Since I'm often asked where I find clothes that fit, I thought I'd share the knowledge. 

I wrote this series of posts all at once, but rather than create the longest post ever, I'm going to spread this out over several days.  I hope it helps, even if it does create lots of women who dress like me.  ;)

Shirts:  If you're busty but don't have a large waist to match, you probably wear a lot of knits that stretch and do a lot of layering.  It's easy but gets boring sometimes.  If you do want a button down shirt that isn't huge under the bust, try the styles at The Limited.  They cut for a woman, not a 17 year old, and the shirts usually have seaming at the side of the best to create a good amount of boob room.   If you see that diagonal line on the side of the bust (hard to tell in the picture, but you can zoom in on the site) you know it has a chance of not making you look pregnant.  I've tried on countless tops of the past few years and this is the only store that always has shirts to fit.  Plus, they're usually under $50 to start with and quickly get marked down.

The Limited - Short Sleeve Button Front - $23.70

Knits:  Cable knits are not your friend if you're busty.  When a sweater is ribbed, you look bigger when those vertical lines start to curve outward around your chest.  I think that smoother fabric is much more flattering unless the sweater is oversized and the cables aren't distorted.  Of course, I think that cardigans are God's gift to busty girls because they aren't meant to close across your chest and you can create a smooth line and the illusion of a small waist.

Fabric is important too.  I try to only buy knits that are thick enough to not show every detail of my bra and have a bit of stretch so they don't look misshapen by end of day.

Gap - Silk blend v-neck - $30.00 (I'm waiting for these to go on sale a bit more but they appear well made in person and the silk blend means they won't stretch out as much as the 100% cotton version)

 Martin & Osa - Soybean Ribbed Cardigan - $24.95  (I have this in green from last fall and I love it.)