Build your perfect plus size capsule wardrobe

Real talk: building a capsule wardrobe can be a daunting task for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for plus size babes, when finding a single item of clothing that you love can sometimes feel like a mammoth task.

But fear not! Building a plus size capsule wardrobe is not impossible. Here are our top five tips to help you build a plus size capsule wardrobe has you looking and feeling incredible.

Before you start building your capsule wardrobe, take some time to consider your personal style is. This will help you make informed decisions when choosing pieces that fit your aesthetic and will also make it easier to mix and match items.

Importantly, your style might differ to what’s already in your wardrobe. Pleasingly, we’re seeing more and more plus size brands hit the market, meaning that plus size babes have more choices than ever before! To help you home in on your personal style, take some time to browse Pinterest boards or social media for inspiration. Look for plus size fashion bloggers or influencers who share your body type and style preferences, and make a list of the styles, colours, and silhouettes that appeal to you the most.

Once you have a clear idea of your personal style, it’s time to identify the core pieces you need to form the basis of your wardrobe. These are the essential items that you can mix and match to create a variety of outfits.

Our must-haves include:

• A well-fitting pair of jeans
• A tailored blazer
• A comfortable pair of black leggings
• A versatile dress that can be dressed up or down
• A classic white shirt
• A cozy sweater

While we absolutely LOVE a pop of bold colour, keep in mind that these basic pieces are the foundation of your wardrobe, so ideally stick to neutral colours that can be paired with a variety of other pieces.

Once you have your core pieces locked in, it’s time to add some flair with statement pieces that show off your personal style. You might like to select pieces that are bolder in colour, pattern, or silhouette and can add a pop of personality to your outfits.

Our picks are:

• A fun midi skirt
• A colourful blazer
• A colour block dress
• A flowy maxi dress
• A bold accessory like a statement necklace or earrings

Tip: Consider your overall colour palette when selecting these pieces, to create maximum opportunities and mix and match with your core pieces.

We know that times are tough, and the urge to snag a fast-fashion bargain is likely strong, but remember that when building a capsule wardrobe, you want pieces that will last. The reality is that cheaper, fast fashion items, often fall apart quickly and need to be replaced frequently.

Investing in high-quality items may cost more upfront, but in the long run, it will save you money (hello, lower cost per wear!) and will help you create a more sustainable wardrobe. Our tip: look for pieces made from quality, durable fabrics that are well-constructed.

When shopping for your capsule wardrobe, it’s important to shop smart. Instead of buying everything at once, take your time and carefully choose each piece.

We also suggest checking out op shops (the men’s section is a treasure trove of shirts and blazers that are plus-size friendly) and online second-hand clothing retailers (such as The Fat Section).