To make it into my wardrobe, a piece has to fulfill three categories: classy, curvy, and chic. I’m not one to follow trends unless they’re potentially timeless, suited to accommodate my curvy figure, and I feel tres chic in them.
If you’ve read my essay on my favorite red lipstick, you’d already know I’m a sucker for the Old Hollywood aesthetic. Classic leading ladies of the Golden Age of Hollywood had curvy figures and clean silhouettes. Marilyn Monroe’s curve-enhancing fashion is my main source of inspiration when it comes to more formal pieces; whereas the androgynous style of Lauren Bacall is where I turn to for more casual looks.
I always keep these fashion icons in mind when I shop. I inadvertently ignore overly-trendy items like culottes from 2016, or bandage dresses from 2013. The key to making my clothes last more than a season (and reducing fashion waste) is to shop for staple pieces that I can mix and match.
Asset accentuating pieces are a must. Having a larger chest and butt means taking those physical dimensions into consideration. Some people tend to wear things that minimize their chests, but I mean, if you’ve got it, flaunt it, right? It really depends on your level of comfort, but I’m far more comfortable in breezier garb.
Here are some fashion essentials I keep on rotation:
A Curvy Girl's Closet Essentials
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High waisted pants
If you lived through the early ’00s, you might have low waist pants trauma—like me. Genuinely, you’ll have to pry high-waisted pants from my cold, dead hands. Like most people, I have a belly. I don’t hate that I have one, but I want to feel secure and confident whenever I go out. That’s exactly why I love high-waisted pants. They give you extra support and flaunt your figure.
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Figure-flaunting tops
My cleavage is one of my best assets. That being said, I look for pieces that tastefully flaunt them. When it comes to getting dressed, I follow the balance rule. If I’m being showy up top, I leave a little more mystery at the bottom. So revealing tops usually call for pants or a mid-length skirt.
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LBDs
Surprisingly, one of my most bought items during the quarantine were little black dresses. LBDs are a closet staple and can come in handy at all times. You can dress them up with a pair of heels or dress them down in sneakers depending on the occasion. Also, I just feel like a Bond Girl whenever I wear one.
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Sundresses
If you want to instantly feel cute, throw on a sundress. I usually go for sundresses with an a-line, empire waist silhouette because it instantly gives you a cinched shape. I’m a firm believer that every woman must own at least one white sundress. It’s just as classic as the staple LBD and equally versatile.
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Season-round swimwear
Going to the beach is one of my favorite activities. I grew up in a water-loving family, so beach fashion is particularly important to me. I love vintage-style swimwear, which means I’m a high waist bikini queen. For swimsuits, anything remotely vintage-looking is an instant add to cart. Low back monokinis are an exception, though.
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