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.
The most clicks in the AW2021 trends report were to some beautiful jewel-coloured plus-size jumpers. Heading into the cooler months here, chunky, soft, cosy jumpers are in high demand; I get it. Defined as (yeah, I looked it up, eldest daughter mode engaged) a knitted garment typically with long sleeves, worn over the upper body; jumper. With that in mind, I went looking a little further afield and found some GOLD.
The best part about a jumper is that you can wear them with anything. Literally, anything you like. You can dress them up or down, wear them around the house or out on the town. Even the images (grabbed from the retailers) below show the range of ways you can style them. My personal favourite is jeans and boots or over a dress. I love that a statement colour or a chunky knit pattern can do all the hard work for you.
Years ago, my sister bought the wrong size of a mustard knit jumper and gave it to me. To say that I wore that jumper to death is an understatement. Even now, it’s still in my wardrobe because I won’t part with it. Buy well, and you’ll have your jumper for seasons to come. This sort of look never goes out of style.
It turns out that the title of this post is a little outdated. Whoops. We have already hit winter (officially) because boy oh boy, doesn’t time fly. I decided to keep it though because what I’m talking about is those sunny days where it’s warm enough for pretty much whatever you want to wear but cool enough for a jacket. Those magical days.
And on magical days a girl needs an outfit.
For me, the go-to, fall-back, never fail outfit is a simple dress, ankle boots and a jacket (usually something pretty light). For some of you, it will be jeans and others a maxi dress, we all have our items or style that we love. In the end, the rules to making that outfit work are pretty similar. Take something you love, pair it with something warm enough and add some killer shoes.
Who said style is HARD? Haha.
Wearing Ellos Knit Dress (22/24 – Navy), Autograph Fashion Cropped Denim Jacket (similar) and BareFoot Tess Boots (so old)
This year Winter took it’s time coming to my home town. I didn’t mind one bit, I was still on the beach and splashing about in pools until May, can’t argue with that. But then it arrived one weekend and blasted us with cold air and cooler nights, and I had to get Winter ready.
And Winter ready meant boots, as discussed previously (boot weeeeek!). After that it was comfy, cosy layers to work in where attending is cold, but my office isn’t. My officemate LOVES the heater. I gag on hot, recirculated air. So we have to meet somewhere in the middle. So my clothes need to too.
Enter, Coco.
The 17 Sundays sports luxe incarnation of the slouch dress. Back zip and split, perfect shaping throughout the body and wide, slouchy goodness where it adds extra oomph. Seriously, this dress, oh my. I’m wearing the large, but should have probably been in the medium. I’m currently sitting around a pretty standard 22 size wise, to give you the heads up on that.
And these maroon boots, well hello sailor, they take my breath away. And to think, I almost didn’t buy them. I was there for sensible, can work for work, and work for play black boots. But my sister insisted I try them on, knowing full well there is no way I’d resist them once I did. Smart cookie. I know a lot of the ladies on the Facebook page own these now, SO great.
Some days you just have to get up, put on some face, get dressed up and go out on the town. This weekend we did exactly that (in a different outfit, which I forgot to get photos of in all my rushing around). So here’s one I prepared earlier. All black. All the boots goodness. Can’t beat THAT.
I’ve had this a-line turtleneck from Yours Clothing for a while now and hadn’t ever worn it. It turns out having something wrapped around my neck, not something I enjoy, in clothing. Which sounds dirtier than I intended it to be. My bad. There’s a variance in the fabric that in person looks like a sheer stripe which I love. I looked around for something similar but there wasn’t much to be found. Let me know if you’ve seen something and I’ll add a link.
Layering it over a simple black pencil skirt, mine is from 17 Sundays’ BASIC range. The addition of my heeled boots added warmth and simple chic effort that heels wouldn’t have been able to deliver. And let’s face it, if you’re going out for dinner, then out afterwards, you want comfy but cool. All I need is a jacket for between the car and venues and I’m set. Got to love being a Queenslander. Haha.
Wearing Yours Clothing Turtleneck, 17 Sundays BASIC skirt (sold out) and Step on Air Heeled Autograph Boots.
Recently my office at work moved locations and I find myself in a Construction Depot with all the dust and dirt that entails. On the upside, I don’t have a great deal of customer contact, so I’m actually pretty much ok to wear whatever I like. Winning! So my work look, with the addition of these Autograph Fashion boots, has been all about easy layers.
Mostly black, as per.
My favourite thing of all time this winter is once again the sleeveless jacket. So great for that run from the car to the office and just as comfortable in a heated office when you get there. It’s a great compromise especially for those of us far enough north to make the cold weather manageable. That’s my hot tip for cold weather.
That and boots, so thank goodness it is boots week. Well, unofficially, but we are talking all boots, all week loooong. If you want more tips on wearing this style of knee-high boots check out my post from yesterday. Later in the week I’ll be uploading an ankle boots post along the same lines. Any questions? Ask them in the comments and I’ll update the post with the ones that need more info.
Winter, it finally showed up and isn’t it looooooover-ly.
Wearing Target Australia long sleeve Top (similar), SARA for Ezibuy Sleeveless Jacket (similar), 17 Sundays Acid Wash Leggings, and Heeled Knee High Boots from Autograph Fashion.
Do you have a secret weapon when it comes to winter work style? Tell meeeeee!
I lamented my lack of winter boots, knee-high boots, in particular, were a significant missing, but I stumbled, entirely by accident, I promise, over a 40% off sale at Autograph. Now I love their boots. I’ve been wearing them year after year since they first introduce the black leather riding boot. Easy to wear, always comfortable and cost per wear is ridiculously good.
So I bought two pairs.
To be honest, I could have easier bought three or four. Maybe I will later. But for now, I have a Maroon Suede flat pair and a heeled black leather pair. Yum yum. I feel like my poor sneakers might finally get a break as I slip into my first new boots of the season. It was time for the boots outfits to start flowing!
There have been some questions come through about boots and how to wear them as a plus-size woman. So as promised, on Facebook last week, I’ve decided to offer a few suggestions for those wanting to get on board the look and for those who HAVE the boots but never wear them. Wasteful team, let’s get you into those boots.
I started writing about it, collecting some photos and shopping links (yay) and I realised there are two types of boots to cover here so I’m going to break it down into a knee-high boots and an ankle boots post. This is the knee-high boots post. The ankle boots one will be out later this week. If you’re interested in thigh-high boots, they’ll be mentioned here. And if you’re interested in calf height boots, they’ll be a part of the ankle boots post.
Housekeeping over with, are you ready!?
How I Wear Knee High Boots as a Plus-Size Woman
There are two primary ways that I wear my knee-high boots; with jeans and with skirts or dresses. Opposite ends of the spectrum for sure, but both as easy to pull off a casual vibe to match a flat boot, or amp things up a little with a heeled knee-high boot. I’ve outlined both below with a few examples from the blog. Given my recent purchases, keep your eyes peeled for my newer boots to be on the blog soon for more outfit ideas.
Knee High Boots and Jeans
With jeans, it’s always classic to wear them over a slim fit jean. And when I say slim fit, I mean it. Any extra bulk around your knees and thighs looks slouchy and not in a good way. It’s why a lot of plus women don’t find it a ‘flattering’ look. Extra fabric bunching up everywhere is never a good look. Slim fit is best. Try leggings if you just can’t find jeans that work.
You’ll see from the examples that by laying some simple pieces together, the result is a classic, easy to wear style. I can’t go past a long line jumper over jeans with boots, mmmm winter awesomeness.
Knee High Boots with Skirts or Dresses
Knee, high boots with skirts and dresses, are one of my favourite, easy to wear, looks good every time, simple outfits. I love pairing a simple dress with knee-high boots when the weather gets chilly. Throw on a jacket or long cardigan and I’m set. It’s a go-to style that you’ll see replayed over and over on my Instagram outfits hashtag. You’ll have to go back to last winter; we haven’t had much cold weather until now. https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sugersoutfit/
My tips for making the boots and skirts work is that their boots should fit you well at the calves and ankles where possible. A lot of the plus brands have released boots with adjustable calf widths and elastic panels to cater for the larger variety of calf/ankle widths, so keep trying until you find one that works. As you can see from my boots, I always have a little bit of slouch at the ankle where the boot is loose, but this can’t be helped, so I wear them anyway. So don’t let that stop you!
I love a shorter length skirt with knee-high boots in a flirty and fun way. But I can’t ignore the midi skirt either; it’s got a classic, chic look about it that I love. Especially with a heeled boot. Find a skirt length that suits YOUR body type. The best way to test this out is by trying. Put on your boots, get in front of a mirror and try on one of everything. Haha. Practice makes perfect, and you’ll be one step closer to rocking those boots with new, maybe unexpected, items from your existing wardrobe.
There you go team; that should get you started. If you’ve got a post, a photo or an Instagram that you want to share with us, we’d love to see you rocking your knee-high boots. Add them to the comments and let’s get a gallery going.
Well, if it’s not autumn where you are just know I feel your pain. Even when I spent the weekend in Melbourne, it really wasn’t autumn weather. More like, maybe I could sleep with a sheet and a blanket perhaps weather. But that doesn’t mean I’m not turning my attentions to what I’m wearing when the weather cools down.
If it ever cools down.
Remind me I said that when it’s minus two here and I’m complaining because it’s freezing.
So I went to Melbourne and part of that trip with the 17 Sundays VIP night. Super fun night and let me tell you, that Margaret MacPherson is just as cool as she is hot. She’s a Queenslander though, we sort of knew that would happen, right? The best part was that the team raided their warehouse and filled racks and racks full of their clothes and it all just looked so beautiful. So cool. So fashion, you know?
And from those racks I put together a few outfits to hang up and Suze and I played around with making them all look fab. Anywaaay, my point is that this outfit that I’m wearing is one of the outfits we put together. So it’s 17 from head to toe and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s pretty darn epic.
I mean, you can’t argue with all this print and texture and layering and awesomeness. You really can’t. And I think that’s key. You need to be unafraid to put things together that may not work on your way to finding something you love. This outfit started out with the lather look pants and the skirt just worked better. For me anyway. You know me and ankle boots with skirts…
Wearing new season 17 Sundays, check out the page here. I’m calling it gifted but in reality, I raided their warehouse, like a kid in a candy store, and took as much goodness as I could fit in the suitcase home with me. And on that note, I’m wearing the 24 in this skirt for those playing at home. If you’re interested in buying one, it might be worth contacting the team to talk about sizing. That’s the pro tip.
Last weekend, not the one just gone but the one before, I spent the majority of the weekend working at home or going out to eat. Well, other than the night I spent in the wilderness without phone reception, but THAT is another story. And I was pretty darn excited to get to wear my ankle boots for one of the first times this season. Win.
Cooler weather is coming. Ankle boot weather. Apparently, we certainly haven’t seen much of it. Even Melbourne didn’t turn it on for me while I was there. But since I am well-adjusted to not exactly getting ‘boots’ weather I just do what I do best and wear my boots with skirts and dresses. Easy.
You do that too right? Wear your ankle boots with skirts and dresses?
I blame the 90’s and the whole Doc Martins and floral dresses thing. I mean, who didn’t want to be Drew or Liv or Winona or one of those cool chicks stomping around looking like a delicate flower/crusher of things. I know I did. 90’s girl DREAM.
But how do you make it work?
First some pics, of this cute trans-seasonal outfit and then let’s talk about wearing ankle boots with skirts and dresses as a plus size woman. Things I’ve learnt and tricks to make you more comfortable if you feel like it has just never worked for you.
Right, I have a few key points about making ankle boots with skirts and dresses work. Because I love the combination and think if you want to wear it, you darn well should. But a lot ladies have reservations. Especially if they are plus size and feel like their legs now look like tree trunks. If that’s you and nothing you’ve found seems to work let’s talk things to look for. I’m sure you’re ready to hear this, right?
Look for loose at the ankle or a DIP at the front.
My old nude boots, oh man I miss those poor broken babies, are a perfect example of this (see link). They dip at the front and help elongate the leg and slim the ankle. If you can’t find a pair that dips, find a pair that is wide at the ankle. Sure a slim fit may seem like the better idea, but it will just make your legs look SQUISHED in there. Go for a wide ankle width like from brands like Autograph or City Chic.
If you’re afraid of looking stumpy, go nude.
HA. That was fun to write. You could go nude, or you could choose some nude boots. I’m a fan of my blonde coloured nude boots (especially when I AM blonde) because they just bookend my outfits so easily. But the main advantage is that like nude heels, they will elongate the leg and let you build up to something more out there. Wait, did I mention my nude boots? I did. Sigh. Here they are looking amazing again.
Always always have a chunky heel.
I knoooow, you love the riding boot style, the flat soft boot. Well if you’re ankle boot game is a little weak you need the heel for oomph. And I suggest chunky because you don’t lose any of the comfort of a flat. Well, not much of it anyway. Another alternative is a wedge, like this boot I picked up from Target a while back.
Try stockings or tights.
Sometimes all it takes to get into your ankle boots with skirts groove is a pair of tights or stockings. I did this outfit a while ago that paired black boots with black stockings and it makes for a smooth transition into the boot game.
Wearing Stripe Top from 17 Sundays (similar’ish top), Button Up Skirt from ASOS Curve (current), Ankle boots from Autograph Fashion (last season) and bemused expression from the combined effect of my hair and the wind… Gosh.
Got any plus size woman type ankle boot wearing tips? I’d love to hear them.
Ladies and, well, ladies welcome to spring! Eeekk, I know right? Thank goodness. Because after spring comes summer and I cannot wait. So when the team at beme approached me to share the beme spring lookbookwith you all I heard spring/summer and was like YES! I’m in.
After taking a look through the lookbook, I chose a few items that I wanted to put together into an outfit (there’s another post coming, get excited) to share. Because we all know that me in the dress with sneakers is always going to look different to the model with her blow-dry. Not that that’s a bad thing…
So for the first post I chose this cute, comfortable and brightly coloured dress (it is a lot of colour for me right? Tis the season to bust out the colour). It was perfect for my first outing with Mr Suger on his return as we hit the supermarket deli section for a cheese platter type assortment to end all assortments. Thank goodness he’s home team, thank goodness.
And the dress? Well true to size I’m wearing the 22 and it fits perfectly. It was plenty of room to move without being too slouchy that it loses my shape. I think this will join the lineup of summer dresses I drag around from the house to the beach and back again. Non-crush fabric too, that’s a win in my books.
What else can you expect from the new season at beme? Lots and bright and breezy pieces, some kaftans loving and a few pairs of shorts I’ve got my eye on. There are swimmers with power mesh and more than one great dress to add some colour and va va voom to your nights. In fact there a multi-coloured maxi in there that I know you guys are going to love. So if you want to check out the new arrivals, head over here.
If you visit me here often, firstly thank you, then you would know that I’ve got a thing for a printed dress with ankle boots or sneakers. It’s sort of my go-to style. My fall back. My first choice when I need to pull an outfit together. That fondness is often and regularly supplemented by the team at 17 Sundays thanks to their killer print dresses. All the prints are actually designed in-house, isn’t that amazing?
Talented people man, they blow my mind.
So I have more than one printed dress in my wardrobe (hence the post title) and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Printed dresses, especially ones like this one, are easy to wear and always kick style goals. Every time I wear this dress someone asks me where it from. And almost every time someone says how awesome it is. That’s a win!
I received a parcel of items from 17 Sundays to pack and take with me to the ProBlogger conference. This dress was in it. And that’s where these photos were taken, not my living room, obviously. The day I wore it no less than 5 women stopped me to ask about the dress or pay it their compliments. FIVE, in like 6 hours. That’s got to be a new dress record…
Anyway. The somewhat short version is that a simple, but cool, printed dress can you take you places lady. So find one you love and give it shot. I know you’ll come back to me and be like, OMG Suger you were SO right. Becuase I am and I will be and this will absolutely happen. Until then, enjoy a couple more pics. Pinnable pics, hint hint, if that’s your thing.
Shirt dress love. That was basically going to be the name of this post. A girl can go anywhere, do anything in a good shirtdress. Work, rest or play (as the old Milo commercial goes) a shirt dress is easy to wear, comfortable and always ALWAYS chic. So if there wasn’t much more to say, it would be that you should get a shirt dress and wear it ALL the time.
The end.
Haha. Joking.
As I slipped this beauty from 17 Sundays over my head, scraped by hair into a ponytail that was wild and crazy and in need of some attention. As I dragged my socks and boots on enruote to the car. As I felt the cool breeze and the evening air settle on my skin. I thought about how easy it is to get dressed with a shirt dress. How 15 minutes ago I’d been in my underwear in bed. thank goodness for the shirt dress.
Shirt dress of awesome from 17 Sundays via MYER and Boots from Autograph Fashion (on sale!)
