It’s that time, team, shorts season! I mean, as a Queenslander, pretty much every season is shorts season, but you know what I mean. I’ve talked about how to find and wear shorts as a plus-size woman on this blog before. Of course, I have; this blog is a million years old. There have been many, many posts about shorts. Check them out next if you want some tips.
And, I see you out there. But, those of you who can feel your body physically tighten and the little voice in your head start to work itself up, stop! Seriously, stop that. No matter your shape, size or the current situation with your legs, you can and should wear shorts if you want to. No one cares as much about what you’re wearing as you do, so do what you want. And if someone has a problem, tell them to come and talk to me.
So, I thought I’d take a look around and find some shorts and put together a few outfits for you all. There are a couple of casual options, some that you can dress up for summer evenings, and all that in-between shorts goodness. Sound like a plan? Let’s get on with that.
Outfits for Plus-Size Shorts you’ll be wearing this Summer
Sweet Sweet Pastels
Even for someone like me who wears a lot of black, something about the warmer months has me craving colour. It’s pretty hard to resist. So get your colour fix in soft, pastel tones in sweet candy colours. I love to add colour to my shoes, but tops and other accessories are perfect.
And then, when you pair the ice wash, pale blue, denim with these colours, you’re sweet as (that’s for my NZ friends, lol). Lightwash denim is the perfect addition to your wardrobe; it’s just so versatile no matter the time of year. Don’t you think?
Ladies and gentlemen, nostalgia has entered the chat. When it comes to all things seasonal and on-trend, nostalgic items are top of the shopping list for those who identify as Millenials—especially geriatric types (otherwise known as Zennials).
Grab some shorts that all your favourite teen movies queens would’ve been proud of, and wear your childhood with pride. And no, in case you were about to ask, I don’t think you’re ever too old to wear Powerpuff girl socks.
There’s nothing I enjoy more than having people over for some beverages and a BBQ. Seriously, it could be the only socialising I enjoy doing anymore. I know post lockdown it’s all about the picnics, but I’m firmly team backyard BBQ. That said, this outfit would work for either. And for these kinds of events, you want comfortable, easy to wear clothes that look like you made an effort. Enter my dress as a top (discussed at length in this post) over shorts.
And you know me, I would typically default to a sneaker or a slide with this kind of outfit, but I came across these chunky sandals. They not only are in a great neutral tone (elongating for those with similar skin tones), but the chunky heel looks comfortable, stable and adds points for effort. Of course, nothing says I tried more than a heel.
Am I going to work out, or am I just getting coffee? That is the question? My love of activewear as daily clothing started, officially, when I started working for myself full-time. Working from home meant that comfort won across the board—more than style, more than looking the part, all the things. The good news is that these days, there are plenty of others that feel the same way.
I’ve linked to the range at Active Truth which you folks rave about, but I own bike shorts from so many retailers ranging from Best & Less to Hine Collective. Trust me; once you put bike shorts on, they’ll convert you. My favourite part is taking a simple bike short and crop and turning it into an outfit. If you want or need to. Take an oversized tee, some eye-catching sneakers, and you’re good to go. Pull up those socks, lady, and you’ve got style.
Now we’re back in my comfort zone; welcome to monochrome. I love mixing black and white together in an outfit, and adding printed shorts to the look makes it get up and get out the door approved. There will be no tough decisions to make when you go with this look, not to mention how versatile the shoes and tank are when worn separately.
What’s a flippy short, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a soft short, lots of room in the legs for a wide, easy-wearing fit. Perfect for those with larger bums and thighs that need more room. Soft shorts, the summer update to our favourite soft pants, are comfort dressing at its finest, and yet, you still look like you made an effort. Would recommend.
Links:
New Look Floral Flippy Shorts (other prints available)
You know what I mean, right? I can picture it now, the European cities, wine on the terrace, your days spent adventuring nut never breaking a sweat. I may not be able to promise you international travel or decedent adventures, but this look will transport you there all on its own. Effortless style, impossibly chic, perfect for those who are looking to holiday at home.
The higher waist and flat fronted waistband of these shorts make them easy to dress up or down. Add the matching jacket (yes, you heard that correctly) and a heeled sandal and you’re all set for your evening. But during the day, paired with stripes and denim, you’ll be exploring in comfort. Now, excuse me, I’m going to grab a wine and pretend I’m on vacation.
There you go, team, my plus-size summer shorts round up. I hope you were able to take away some inspiration for your summer shorts style! At the very least, you are now feeling more confident to put together items in your wardrobe. So, get those legs out into the world; summer is coming up fast. I can’t wait to see what you come up with, so tag me on Insta, I want to see.
What do you think about when I mention a casual style capsule wardrobe? For some, it will be jeans and tees, and for others, less interested in waistbands it may be t-shirt dresses or a go-to maxi. Which is it for you? Or perhaps, like me, you are a combination of both?
Since I started working at home full-time, my need for clothes to leave the house in has gone from light/moderate to non-existent! That’s before any of the stay at home orders or lockdown. Most days I work in either cut off denim shorts (which I couldn’t find any decent ones online this time, I’ve added jeans and other shorts instead) and a tee. Or my favourite go-to when I can’t be bothered to a maxi dress. During winter, I add a jumper of some description. Simple and effective.
But lately, I’ve been thinking about taking it up a level. I am selecting a group of items that work together to create a capsule wardrobe; causal style, of course. The sort of clothes I can wear all day, then add something to go out for dinner or visit the family. I don’t need much, but I want to feel like I’m making an effort again. While I was on my adventure to grab some new items (like jacket and lounge set below) I found some links to old favourites too.
Here’s what I’ve come up with; my ideal plus-size casual capsule wardrobe!
Ponte Pants + Sass Dress or Ribbed Tank or Grey Tank + Smock Dress (women open) + Superstars or Birkenstocks
Mum Jeans + Sweet Top or Cocoon Top or Ribbed Tank or Bodysuit + Superstars
Marty Coat + Maxi Dress + Dr Martens
Phew, what a mission THAT all was. Not to mention expensive as I added a few to cart as I went. But, what say you, would these pieces make the cut for you? There’s not a lot of colours here, I know for some people that would be a no-deal, but I’ve noted the selects that come in different colour-ways in the links. I was torn between the grey lounge set from Cotton On and the plum one, worth a look if grey (or black) isn’t your thing.
Wearing sneakers with everything and anything is my thing. It used to be ankle boots, then somewhere along the way I decided that sneakers were fun and never took them off again. So when people kept landing on the blog asking ‘how to wear sneakers with this or that’ I decided it was time to answer the searching.
Don’t you think?
And sneakers can mean all sorts of styles from Converse to street style trainers to a more preppy style that looks like a loafer hybrid thing. Whatever your style sneakers are one of those items that every girl needs in her wardrobe. Because comfy. Haha. So let’s get the ball rolling, pull on your sneakers team.
Sneakers and Dresses
There isn’t a length that the sneakers and dress combination doesn’t work for. I love the look of sneakers with a little dress, a maxi dress and pretty much anything in between. I love a clean white sneaker (obviously) but don’t discount black for a sporty impact or coloured sneakers for their fun and joyful addition to the outfit.
Sneakers and Jeans or Pants
Just like when you’re wearing ankle boots, I like to have a peak of an ankle between the sneaker and the bottom of the jeans. Otherwise, let’s face it, you kind of look like your Dad on an overseas holiday. Haha. I live in sneakers with my boyfriend jeans especially, but they work just as well with a slim fit, an anti-fit and the jogger style jeans or pants.
Sneakers and Skirts
There’s nothing I love more than my stripe pencil skirt, white sneakers, a casual tee and some fun layering with a light jacket (usually my cape style ones). It’s casual; it’s cool, and it can take you to work, the movies or out to dinner with the right attitude. When it comes to skirts and sneakers, I find that the midi-skirt can be the trickiest to wear because the length of the top can put you out of balance. But tuck like a legend by checking yourself out in the mirror and tuck, untuck or blouse until it works.
Wearing 17 Sundays Denim Jacket (Size AU 20), ASOS Curve Grey Easy Vest Maxi Dress (Size AU24) and Adidas NEO Sneakers (Size 11).
For sneaker outfit inspiration take a look at my #sugersoutfit tag on Instagram or the outfits gallery here on the blog. There’s plenty of options there, especially Instagram as it’s such a day-to-day look for me. What can I say, sneaker life chose me. Haha. What about you? Are you team sneakers with everything?
Not every outfit has to be all glam hair and makeup, crazy heels and corsets as tops (cough cough). Sometimes the way you feel most confident and in control is when you nail the perfect casual outfit. Sneakers, dress, jacket. Done. Well that’s how it works for me.
This outfit is on high rotation in my wardrobe, it’s actually the third time we’ve tried to get photos for the blog of this outfit. Seriously. One set was too dark (hello winter sunset times), the other was too light (hello midday sun) and this set, while far from perfect finally gets the job done.
My friend Lisa Kerr will be happy! She sent me this dress one hundred years ago. Here it is Lisa! Finally out of the wash and on the blog. And so you know, ladies out there, this remarkable little dress is wear anywhere, slouchy, wash and wear. All my favourite things. Win.
For those playing at home, it also looks great with ankle boots, knee-high boots and wedges. I tried them all. It’s fool-proof. I have big plans for this baby come summer with tan wedges, maybe a belt (mine is short already) and my sleeveless white waistcoat. Lots of options. I’m glad to have it in my wardrobe. I’ve even slept in it as a nightdress.
Wearing T-Shirt Dress by Lisa Kerr Designs, MYNT jacket and Adidas Sneakers.
When the new season 17 Sundays goodness arrived on my doorstep I was the happiest packer there ever was. The team had supplied me with loads of new stuff for the ProBlogger conference I was attending and it arrived in the nick of time. I gave them all a quick wash (remind me to tell you a story about how I switched to “team wash all the things”) and packed them. Done. This casual dress was chosen as my drive/arrival outfit. But it was the cape that was the show stopper.
It’s just so darn cool.
When this baby first came out {it has since been joined by some cape-y-goodness friends} it was a hot topic in many of the group chats I’m in. We rejoiced that something so current and cool was available in plus. That we would get a chance to style this on trend item… How to wear a cape jacket, challenge accepted! That’s where this post comes in.
How to wear a cape jacket: My take on things.
I wore mine open, the draw cord tied at the bottom over a casual dress with sneakers. Casual and perfect for me and the task I had ahead. Throughout the 17 website you will see other casual outfit options, open or closed over jeans with simple t-shirts under. Simple, slouchy perfection. But what if you want to dress the cape up?
Over the weekend I threw it over a dress I was wearing to dinner, left open. The navy was perfect for that and it paired beautifully with some nude shoes and gold accessories. Another get way would be to wear it with a pencil skirt, done up with heeled boots and some killer earrings. Dressing it up is about tailoring the rest of the outfit so the slouch is dialled down and the glamour is amped up. Obviously you’re not going to make it to a ball in them, but dinner and drinks with friends? Easy.
Wearing 17 Sundays c/o the brand Eye Candy Tee Dress {size L} and Set Sail Chambray Cape {size M}
It had been a big weekend. I let my hair dry in a pony tail and waited for the time to come for us to leave the house. Popcorn for dinner with a movie would have been my preference, but there were places to go and people to see. I reached into my suitcase from the weekend and dragged on this denim a skirt and the flawless tee combination.
I’m pretty sure I’d dropped pizza on the skirt but figured it was still good. That’s how tired I was. Those girls had worn me out. Apparently the idea of wearing pizza stains was a good idea. Haha. And you thought things were all classy fashion around here. Well, sometimes it’s what I put together to wear out to eat.
Luckily the quality of the skirt and a cute as heck plaid tee makeup for my overall lameness. I picked up the tee from Wet Seal Plus via Mel of Curvy Cartel. That lady keeps me in cool stuff like no one’s business. It was born to be worn with my 17 Sundays gear. The denim especially. A simple tuck of the shirt, pull on some sneakers, and I was all set to go. Lazy girl weekend style for the win.
Flawless Top – Wet Seal Plus (sold out online) Old Flame Denim Skirt – 17 Sundays {size 24 – gifted} Adidas Sneakers – via eBay
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What do you wear on the weekend when you could really do with a nap?
As soon as the weather turns warm I can’t be trusted to do anything but lay around and drink ice-cold beverages. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration but on weekends, it wouldn’t a stretch. So what do I wear for such occasions? What’s my summer session style? Well, it’s laaaaaaid back. Way back. Mostly it involves swimwear and thongs, today I dressed ‘up’ a little for an afternoon session and BBQ dinner.
Denim, flats, light and easy layers, and something to carry my drinks in. Mr Suger by my side doesn’t hurt either, of course. I don’t need much. I’m a simple girl at heart. A bit of sunshine and the world just seems to be a brighter, better place. All concept of deadlines and work to be done just disappears. Who can blame me, there’s summer in my blood. But what was I talking about? Oh yeah, outfit.
Today {yesterday now, I suppose} I wore my new 17 Sundays denim skirt for the third time since it arrived. An impressive wear rate by anyone’s standards. Unwashed, you can see how little it has crushed in that time. Let me just tell you that it wears like a dream thanks to the lush, soft, freaking amazing denim. Really, it’s like nothing else. I’m wearing the 24 with the string pulled tight. It’s a perfect fit.
I paired the skirt with crisp white and my sneakers because denim and white are made for each other. I strung my stacked rings on some beaded necklace strands for a touch of colour. Then finally I added a bag I picked up at a garage sale a few weeks ago, the print is adorable, the colours are a perfect match to the necklace. Got to love a good matchy-matchy win. And hey presto, outfit. Now where is the chilled cider at?
ASOS Curve Blouse {old stock}, 17 Sundays Old Flame Denim Skirt {gifted}, Adidas Sneakers via eBay, Necklace is a combination of two {old stock} and bag from a garage sale.
In sharing my favourite casual outfit of the moment, I have to share another thing… My favourite thing to do at the moment is slouch. Slouchy clothes, slouchy attitude, slouchy all the things. It’s that I’ve had all sorts of free time over the past week or two and I when I’m not busy I like to slouch. I’m sure I’m not the only one? I meant the ’90s happened, didn’t they?
So there’s this line that I have between untidy and slouchy. It’s hard to explain other than my outfits have to look deliberate. Slouchy easy layers are one thing, looking like I wore my pyjamas out in public is another thing altogether. Consideration is key. Sometimes, like these leather-look pants, it’s the texture that matters. Sometimes it’s a half-tuck instead of untucked or my hair being done instead of not. It’s the little things that pull it together.
When you go for casual cool, it’s a fine line. Sometimes you just look casual. That’s what I’m saying. This afternoon was borderline; this afternoon Hubby and I were driving around, having a chat and trying to decide what to grab for dinner before going home. Heck, for this adventure I could have worn my pyjamas if I wanted to. Sneakers, worn-in chambray, a classic white tee and the slouchy softness of the jogger pants are a great, easy to wear combination. Or I think so anyway. That’s why it’s my favourite casual outfit. Who knows what next week will look like though. Haha.
Wearing basic tee {ASOS Curve}, chambray shirt {17 Sundays – old stock, more to come}, leather look joggers {17 Sundays – gifted 22} and sneakers {Adidas}.
