Recently in Special Sizes Category

Q. I have bought several blazers over the past 2 years and find that I enjoy wearing them with jeans and cute tops when I go out, but have a hard time transitioning them into my work wardrobe.  I would do button-downs in fun colors, but unfortunately, I have a larger chest and button downs just don't work.  Any ideas on what to pair them with (or where to find button down shirts that fit?
-Topper 


A. My advice for busty girls is always to buy a top that fits around the chest and then head to a tailor to have the rest of the shirt fitted to your body.  Or, for the perfect fit off the rack, Rebecca & Drew makes an ingenious line of shirts and shirtdresses that are sized by cup size that won't gap on even the bustiest girls. Also, look for stylish knit tops and thin sweaters to wear under the blazer as an alternative.

Rebecca & Drew Swiss Dot Blouse,
available up to size 38D
$165 at saks.com

Q. Wow!  Great web site.  I was unable to find the answer to my question, so here goes: I am a 48 year old plus size woman and work as a Legal Secretary for a corporate law firm.  The Powers-That-Be have decided to switch our holiday evening party to a luncheon this year at a trendy restaurant in Washington DC.  I am at a loss as to what would be appropriate holiday attire for this event.  I know it is more casual than an evening event, but I am not sure what would be appropriate for a luncheon. We will be at work in the morning, then walking to the restaurant from the office.
-Work Wear Wonder   

A. While the timing may have changed from evening to lunch, there is no reason you shouldn’t wear something more stylish for the occasion - especially since it’s at a trendy restaurant. This calls for a dress. Wearing a dress will help you stand out from the pants and shirt crowd, give you a youthful appearance and allow you the opportunity to break from the “what you wear to work every day” look.  Add some nice hosiery and heels and you're ready for holiday cheer.  I’ve picked out some great dresses that are age and event appropriate:

left to right:
Maggy London Faux Wrap Shirtdress, $138 at nordstrom.com
Lily Three Quarter Sleeve Surplice Dress, $92 at nordstrom.com
Ruched Surplice Dress, $116 at kiyonna.com
Poet Sleeved Faux Wrap Dress, $128 at kiyonna.com

Q. Living in New York, I am surrounded by stylish women. I'd like to adopt some of the popular styles, such as jeans tucked into boots and pencil skirts with heels, but I have a, shall we say, ample lower half and I'm not sure I can pull it off. Can pear-shaped girls wear those styles? Any advice on how to make it work?
-Curvy in NYC 

A. There are ways to make those trends look good on a curvy shape. If you’d like to sport jeans tucked into boots, look for a pair of jeans that are slimmer cut towards the ankle. BUT here’s the deal—these jeans are specifically to be worn with boots and a knit top or sweater that covers the hips or gathers around the hips.  Or wear a longer style button down that isn’t boxy in cut and wear it untucked and add a fitted vest.  You want to balance the top half with your bottom half without drawing too much attention to your curvy hips and thighs.  Ashlee Simpson's look shown here would look great on a curvier girl.

As for the pencil skirt, there are styles that are cut straight rather than fitted.  While a-line skirts are truly best for just about everyone’s shape, particularly curvy girls, if you wish to try out the pencil skirt trend, look for fabrics that hug, slim and smooth your figure.  And don’t hesitate to add a little help underneath!  We’re big fans of Donna Karan’s Body Perfect shapewear pieces and Spanx undergarments since they are thin, comfortable and slim and smooth out all those imperfections.

 
Both of these pencil skirt options from newport-news.com offer a figure flattering silhouette with added control properties that smooth and slim your shape. left to right: Fit & flare skirt (also available in plus sizes), $39 and Control pencil skirt, $39

Ashlee Simpson photo via InStyle

Q. I have always wondered and had a problem when looking for blouses in Plus size stores - instead of having mostly vertical stripes or stripes that are diagonal and meet in the middle to minimize a large bust, they all mostly have loads of horizontal stripes! I am surprised that designers for these stores seem oblivious to this. A few of the horizontal stripes may look okay under a nice fitting blazer or sweater but not alone. Where are all the vertical and diagonal stripes?
-Stress for right stripes 

A. Yes, I wonder as well why plus size collections inevitably include horizontal stripes.  But there are some designers that get it. Lane Bryant is one of those companies that always offers a wide selection of contemporary looks and plenty of vertical, diagonal and chevron stripe styles.  I’ve picked out looks from several brands that I hope will help minimize and add style to your wardrobe.

striped kimono-style tunic,
$44.50 at lanebryant.com

mitered-stripe shirt,
$44.50 at lanebryant.com

grey lurex stripe twist
front 3/4 sleeve tunic,
$42 at torrid.com

Q. What are some good websites to find plus-sizes for a woman in her 40s?
-Plus Size Style

A. Shopping for a curvy girl is a delight these days with so many chic options available. Check out sites like lanebryant.com, kiyonna.com, alight.com, ullapopkin.com, avenue.com, and the plus size departments at lizclaiborne.com and fashionbug.com. As for department stores, I’ve always liked the styles offered at nordstrom.com and Salon Z at saks.com. Many designers like Ellen Tracy, Dana Buchman, Lafayette 148, Eileen Fisher and Sigrid Olsen select various styles from each collection and offer them in plus sizes.

shown left, Lafayette 148 Tweed Jacket and Stretch Wool Pants from Salon Z at saks.com

Q. I’m under 5ft, a size 14/16 and over 50.  What length of skirt do I wear since I now only wear flatish type shoes.  Do I wear a short skirt, knee length or a skirt to my ankles.
-Skirt Concerned 

A. For your age and petite height, avoid long skirts that hit around the ankles, they will only stunt your height and make you appear even shorter. Obviously avoid the mini since you’re not in your 20’s or 30’s. Look for skirts that are not too voluminous that hit just below the knee.  The length will balance your proportions better and just because you’re wearing “flatish” shoes, don’t give up on choosing stylish shoes whether they’re flats or kitten heels.

Here are 3 skirt options we found at nordstrom.com in your size:

Mac & Jac Abstract
Watermelon Print Skirt, $72

Jones New York Signature
Knot Print Skirt, $74

Softwear Soft Touch
Print Skirt, $64

Q. Where can I find a one-piece or tankini with underwire?  I am a size 16 and with D breasts, so I just can't go without the wire.  I am only 28, so I don't want a “grandma” suit, but I can't wear a string bikini either.  Please help!
-A Southern Sunbather

A. Some of the best styles that give lift and support with no “grandma” concerns are halter-top swimsuits.  Look for ones with built in cups for the best lift and there are many swimsuits with discreet features like extra Lycra to flatten tummies and slim hips.  I love Miraclesuit, and they offer specific styles for D and double D cups. Below are a few of my suggestions and be sure to check out our latest Swim Style style recipe for more options.

Solid-Color Wrap Miraclesuit
$102 at eddiebauer.com

D-cup Solid V-neck Halter Tank Swimsuit
$68 at landsend.com

Venezia Sport rhinestone-accent halter tank
$89.50 at lanebryant.com

Q. I can't tell you how many great tips I've gleaned from your column.  Now I'm needing a bit of your expertise on a problem I'm facing!  My company's annual meeting is coming up and I'm stumped on ideas for an awards dinner outfit.  I just found a short sequin skirt that is a blue mist color that I thought would be fun to wear, but I'm not sure what to pair with it.  Is black too harsh with a pale blue?  Also, this certainly isn't a very formal affair (they suggest cocktail attire) so I don't want to go too fancy but I thought I might be able to pull the sequins off with something more understated on the top.  I'm a size 20 and have a large breast size and want to make sure that it is flattering to me. Help!  You're so great with everyone else I'm praying you can help me too!
-Lost in Boston 

A. This kind of event is infinitely more important than a cocktail party with friends.  You’ll be making an impression on many important people company wide and showing off a more glamorous version of yourself.  This is a chance to be fun and friendly and still be professional. Any fashion faux pas will be remembered. As for a short sequin skirt, I worry about the length.  This is not an event appropriate for anything closely resembling a mini. And sequins can be bright, so if you stick with the skirt, the top must be subtle.

My first choice would be a white top (similar to the look shown at left), but black would be fine if your wear black sandals. It’s hard for me to really say yes to the black combination without seeing the skirt. If you opt for another outfit, then go for a dress—it’s a no-fuss solution that just requires the addition of accessories and the right bra underneath. I chose a few tops and some affordable dress options as well. Good luck at the annual meeting.

left: Lafayette 148, Salon Z Stretch Cotton Shirt, $248 at saks.com

Lafayette 148,
Salon Z Sophie Jersey Top
$288 at saks.com

JS Boutique Shirred
Two Layer Dress
$190 at nordstrom.com



Lily Three Quarter
Sleeve Surplice Dress
$92 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am going to be married in the near future (we are considering eloping, so it's a bit casual). To that end, I picked up the J. Crew whitney silk faille dress in pale green and am trying to figure out how to accessorize it. I'm thinking strappy heels and some sort of wrap with dangly earrings, but I'm not sure what to do color-wise since the dress is a light sage green color and I don't particularly want to wear white with it. Would metallic sandals work? Where would I look for something like this (especially as I tend to need a 12W)?
-Wedding Shoe Woes
 
A. Just because you’re considering eloping doesn’t mean your wedding attire has to be casual.  It’s your day to shine whether it’s walking down the aisle at the Little White Chapel in Vegas, with your closest family on a hilltop in Hawaii or having a small gathering at an intimate restaurant.   

Shopping for a larger size shoe can frustrating since many designers do not produce larger sizes and when they do, they produce fewer styles and stores buy smaller amounts of the styles compared to sizes 7 and 8. It may take a little more sleuthing to find a stylish heel that accompanies the chartreuse dress, but my suggestions lean towards a metallic heel and these shoe picks all come in your size:

Special Occasions 'Coco' 
$143 at designershoes.com

Annie Selena 
$58.95 at zappos.com 

J. Renee 'Inga' Sandal
$82.85 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am a fashion consultant and have a client who is large in the bust area.  She is size 38 DD, but says her bras just don't fit well.  Her dilemma is she wears great suits but the wrong blouses and sweaters underneath.  I want to help her accentuate her bosom, not hide it.  She is a corporate secretary and has to dress business conservative.  She wears too much black.  What can I suggest as far as blouses are concerned to give her a polished look without buttons bulging in her blouses?
-Fighting Button Bulge

A. The first order of business is to find your client good fitting bras.  A good bra can lift her breasts, minimize her bust and make her clothes look and fit better.  Many department stores like Bloomingdales have bra fit specialists who can help your client find the RIGHT bra. 

With a large bust, she should choose v-neck sweaters and avoid turtlenecks and crewnecks. She may also have to buy one size up in a blouse so she can button without the pulling effect and then head to a tailor to have any extra fabric taken in.  Better to know your local tailor and spend a few extra bucks to look good than wonder about your appearance and the impression you’re giving at the office with ill-fitting clothes.  And if she thinks black makes her appear smaller or more slender, then let her know that even red and navy blue can too when it’s worn head to toe.   A solid colored suit that’s not black paired with a subtle patterned blouse or knit top can make others turn and take notice in a positive way.