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.
Have you been wondering what’s new in Australian Plus-Size Fashion for Autumn/Winter? Phew – that’s a mouthful! I’ve been taking a look around (mostly looking for boots; where did you find boots this year?), and these are the trends I see everywhere. Some have been popping up for a little while, and some are fresh for the AW/2021 season. Now, you know me, and when you see this list, you’ll see there is one, maybe two, that I’ll be getting on board with. But there’s plenty of other goodness for the rest of you, too.
And no, no one here expects you to rush out and purchase anything. We’re much too old for that. But I also know that it’s handy to have a little help from a friend when staying on-trend. Someone to do the legwork, find some great items and make the whole process easier. Since I was doing my research about some of Australia’s best plus-size retailers and brands on what was out there, I thought I’d be that person for you. Let’s dive into what I found, shall we?
Trends, Styles + Tips – Australian Plus-Size Fashion Trends for 2021
Knits as far as your eye can see
Please don’t roll your eyes at me, Meryl! Knits for winter, groundbreaking, right? Well, before you click away, hear me out. This season, I see many statement knits, knit sets, knit dresses, and skirts for a fun take on the normal cozy favourites. It was hard to narrow this section down, so you will find that most retailers will have more than one offering in this category, so make sure you take a look around.
Who doesn’t want to be a picnic, right? This trend is hanging on from Spring/Summer and is seeing a lot of brands bring out options in deeper and darker tones as we move into the cooler seasons. When you’re after a fun gingham or a moody plaid, there is a lot out there at the moment. And I don’t know about you, but I’m still not over The Queens Gambit and all the stunning checks (or the breathtaking cinematography), so why not wear them too? This is such a go-to dress for me, and I think you’ll find something similar that works the same in your wardrobe.
If you’ve been here for longer than a minute, you should have guessed this is the bracket I’ll be dipping the most into for my AW2021. I’m living for the matching tracksuits, basics in stripes and warm tones, as well as those small details that make an item more than your average loungewear piece. Shop these styles if you’ve committed to the “stay at home” aesthetic and won’t give it up. Or, if, like me, you believe sneakers are never going out of style.
If you came past the gingham etc., section, you’d know that sleeves are 100% a thing, so much so that I had to give them their own section. Big sleeves or small, this season, they’re saying something. Another carryover trend, I think this one is just waiting for the chance to get out in the world in a big way. Heck, even I’ve worn some outfits with a sleeve; this checked monochrome dress or this one that shows up in some of my profile images. As someone with broad shoulders, I used to worry about going big with a statement sleeve or shoulder pad. But do you know what? It’s too much fun not to!
We’ve already spoken about matching tracksuits, but what about the one-piece jumpsuit? As simple as a dress with the convenience of pants, that’s always been my favourite part. Plus, they make dressing up so easy. You’ll see that I’m a massive fan of a jumpsuit (I own the Hope & Harvest one in the first row, #2) from posts on the blog, but I can’t seem to make overalls work for me. If you have this secret magic, please let me know your secrets! That’s the major upside of this coming season; there is a cut and fit to suit everyone and their comfort zone.
Heck, I hope you’re feeling well informed about Australian Plus-Size Fashion for Autumn/Winter 2021 team. Because THAT was a mission. You’re lucky you’re cute because I wouldn’t spend this amount of time rounding up images and links for just anyone. Haha. So, tell me, what’s your wardrobe look like this year? Are you adding much to it or going with what you have? Due to an expanding waistline, I’ve had to get some new jeans. But other than that, it was a knit or two for me, maybe a tracksuit or two (that I don’t need), and the search continues for a pair of decent ankle boots.
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.
It’s about that time when we stock up on winter essentials to get us through the colder months. In fact, perhaps it’s a little late with the weather we’ve already had this year. I had been looking around for things to add to my winter wardrobe and it got me thinking about the things that make up my winter essentials list.
You know, the items that I reach for every winter. The ones that you can invest in and wear this year and every year. When I was thinking about what items I reach for it came down to high-quality boots, a few key pieces that can be dressed up and the chunkiest of chunky knits.
My key winter wardrobe essentials;
Ponte Pant
Tube Skirt
Dark Wash Denim
Knit Dress
Faux Leather Skirt
Chunky Knit
Big Jacket
Biker Jacket
Shop the Winter Essentials Mood Board
City Chic Biker Jacket | City Chic Trench Jacket | City Chic Long Jacket | Monica the Label viaHear Us Roar Luxe Teddy Jacket
I want to know if you’re plus-sized or large-chested if you wear chunky knits. A friend was saying the other day she doesn’t wear chunky knits because they add bulk. Which, I guess they do, but surely the appeal of the squishy, soft, chunky knit beats that, right? Tell me I’m not the only one. I can’t be the only one.
Speaking of tricky plus-size essentials, if you’re in the market for boots, I updated my posts about knee-high and wide-fit boots with current links. Some of the example photos may not be available, but all the stores are live and ready to sell you the new season version. Check them out. I know having a decent pair of boots is pretty essential to my winter wardrobe.
What would you have on your winter wardrobe essentials list? Seen anything in your travels that you want to share? I’ve opened the links in the comments so you can share them with us.
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Feature image via Monica The Label at Hear Us Roar
Friday night the ladies and I popped into the Hear Us Roar pop-up shop. What an amazing night! As a stockist of a massive selection of Australian plus size fashion (size 12 – 26) to be able to go into a pop-up has been a popular strategy for the brand. They’ve done Melbourne, Sydney and now they’ve made their way to our sunny piece of heaven in Brisbane. And let me tell you, team, they kicked things off with a bang.
The ladies and I had a great night!
Desiree (@madamerougemakeup) and Amanda (@iammandyleigh) tried on all the new season stuff (I was happily on camera). They even made a few sneaky purchases. Most notably, Desiree picked up Embody Denim’s Birkin Maxi Dress which was spectacular on her (and the many others that tried it on). SO GORGEOUS. But there was also lots of new season goodness from 17 Sundays (favs) and Hope & Harvest; with Harvest coming from the Gold Coast for the night. Suitcase of new arrivals in hand! Love that. The pop-up has a huge range of swimwear too, lots of casual and dressy outfit options and some basics and denim. All the things!
There’s something about the vibe in Brisbane that I just love. People really showed up for the event and were keen just to have a good time, shop, drink some cocktails and meet some new people. Everyone we met was happy to say hi and chat about what they were looking at or how they’d come to be there. I loved it and was running around like a mad person with a camera. Haha. It’s been a while since I really felt like stepping out like this, but I’m ridiculously glad I did.
It’s nice to be back in the game, you know?
And no, I don’t have any plans to be a full-time style blogger again anytime soon, but I do miss these kinds of chances to hang out with the crew. I had a few ladies asked if I worked at a particular retail store, which I think means they kinda recognised me and I’m not obsolete just yet! Haha. So, watch this space. You never know what could happen. Even if my Instagram Husband has now officially retired, there could be an outfit or two left in this old girl yet.
So, have a flick through some of the pictures on the gallery below. If you’re in Brisbane, make sure you pop down to the new location at Westfield Chermside (lower level, near Tony Bianco and Tigerlily) before December 5th when they shut up shop. Need more info than that? Easy done, you can get ALL the details from the Facebook event page if you need it. I’m hoping to be there again next week, maybe Wednesday at this stage or it might be Tuesday afternoon. But, I’ll keep you posted and let you know on MY Facebook or Instagram. So follow along for all that goodness.
This was going to be an outfit post. But it sort of turned into something else. Because this weekend we are at home, there is nowhere to go, and no one to see. Nothing to do but recharge the old batteries and prepare ourselves for another busy month ahead. I need weekends like this one. I highly recommend weekends like this one. Pull on your snuggly gear and settle in to read, and sleep in and bask in the sun.
That’s my plan.
It’s actually going rather well.
This afternoon we saw a movie, cooked ourselves dinner and now we’re settled on the couch watching tv. I tap-tap away on websites, finishing the launch show notes for the SUGER+INK podcast and this post. Perfection.
When I’m quiet, after a packed week like I’ve just had, I can’t help but smile at how life turns out. I’m doing more of the things that I love with workshops and social media clients, time to blog and time with my Mr. I think when I decided to start to carve out more time for the things I love by scaling back my work hours, I absolutely made the right choice. And yes, money has been tighter, but who cares right? Money schmoney.
Get comfy team, slip on some jeans and a knit and hang out.
Wearing long-sleeve top from Kmart, bemeBuckle Trim Tunic, Harlow Black Jeans (24) and New Look Wide Fit boots.
Tonight the local show kicks off for the general public. Event and stallholders and the like have been here a while, but tonight with a bang of fireworks, it all begins. It’s showtime. A hot topic of discussion leading up to this week is where is the normal show weather. Where are the cold nights, the temperate days, the sunshine or the rain (we alternate between both)?
There has been none of it.
Until yesterday. Yesterday there was a killer sunset and bam, the cold descended and we find ourselves with a heaping helping of show weather. Mr Suger and I even shut up the house for the first time this year last night. There are already whispers about starting the fire. I’m calling those whispers premature.
With winter comes my winter wardrobe. In my hometown we get a couple of months of chilly nights, minus morning temperatures and foggy mid-mornings. And when talk turned to winter, it got me thinking about my hair. As you do. And that despite loving my growing mane of blonde hair, I was getting a little bored with such things…
Famous.
Last.
Words.
What came next was an experiment of epic proportions with my cousin Bec and the salon she works at, a semi-permanent colour named after some version of concrete and my lightened, beach weary, in need of a trim but who has time for such things, hair.
The results? Well see for yourselves. It’s the ashiest blonde/brown I’ve ever had. Yet in some lights it’s very much the blue grey it claimed to be. Plus, as usual, my hair took matters into its own hands and managed to still throw some gold. It’s a hybrid colour and I’m loving it for a change. Especially since we are expecting it to fade out pretty quickly, changing with every wash.
But winter hair managed, don’t you think?
And there’s no way I could finish this post without a few words about this slouchy, slinky dress sent to me by Harlow Australia from their Autumn/Winter collection. It’s been in high rotation already in my work wardrobe and I can see it continuing all season long.
But then I’m not surprised, I still wear my Harlow Wrap Dress from two years ago at least a few times a month. The team knows their work style, well worth a look for those that want dresses (especially, but lots of other options) to pull double duty for work and for play.
Wearing Harlow Australia Diva Slouch Dress (gifted)
Mr Suger leaned in, moving forward to run the scratchy palm of his hand along the sleeve of my top (dress). There’s so many different things to touch, he said grinning like a goof-ball. And that my friends is when I knew this post was to be about texture, mixing textures and how monochrome needn’t be boring.
First can we talk about this Yours Clothing skirt? Sure we can, this is my blog and I do what I want. Haha. It has this great waffle texture that is gorgeous and a fullness to it that I love. It’s a shape I hadn’t planned incorporating so heavily into my wardrobe, but after a couple of weddings the style has really grabbed me.
With the skirt in play, I added the jacket, also sent to my by Yours Clothing. A easy to wear, pleather jacket that is light enough to throw on but that will keep me warm when my home town does it’s thing and tries to freeze me. The textured quilting on the jacket is everything. Textured layer two, added.
To top it off and finish the oh-so-touchable combo, I added the never fails me, shine bright dress from Harlow Australia. One of the first items I ever received from the brands and easily my favourites. Everyone that knows me has seen me in this dress for occasions from date night all the way through to my cousin’s hens party.
Touchable, super sexy and comfortable enough to trick your brain into thinking you’re wearing a t-shirt. Win. Triple win. Sorry you can’t buy it any more, maybe keep an eye out online for one second hand. You won’t regret it.
WEARING: Jacket and skirt from Yours Clothing UK {gifted} Dress from Harlow (worn as top – sold out) and ankle boots from New Look via ASOS.
When it comes to texture the layers are interesting, something soft against something shiny, against something course to the touch. It’s fun. It adds interest where the simple, untextured versions of the items would’ve been good, but all together now, they’re great. Give it a try. I’m sure you’ll find you’ll love it too. Already a texture pro? Give me your best tip.
The Daily Life asked where to buy minimalist clothes for curvy women, I couldn’t have agreed more with the post. This is my style. This simple, pared-back, cool pieces that aren’t kitschy or overtly sexy or girly. Where are these retailers? Who is catering to the women in plus who don’t want to dress up, who want fashionable clothes that are classic and chic?
Where are they?
I loved the article. It summed up how I felt entirely about the problem with being this consumer in the market flooded with girly-girl offerings. And yes, I followed a couple of new Instagram accounts for brands I hadn’t heard of. The thing is that I HAVE found the places I like to shop for these items.
And the good news for us locals is that a large chunk of them are Aussie owned labels. My first response was to tweet that they forgot my favourites 17 Sundays. The 17 Sundays team responded with a tweet that suggested that SOME Aussie selections might have been a good idea for the post. They were SO right.
Here are my suggestions for where to buy minimalist clothing for curvy women.
17 Sundays
It’s no secret that when it comes to this brand I rely heavily on their items to fill my wardrobe. Between the brand relationship and the money I personally spend, my wardrobe is 17 heavy, let’s face it. And it’s because their style overlaps so nicely with my own. You want cool pieces that are fashion in a way that fashion is so under-represented in plus, start here. And their BASIC range, well I live in it for its simplicity and functionality. And because it makes me feel cool. Shop 17 Sundays here.
Embody Denim
It doesn’t get more minimalist than classic denim with the side order of the little black dress. And these are two things that Embody Denim do with their hands tied behind their back. Great cut, excellent quality and effortless, chic cuts are what they are about. Every minimalist needs a GREAT pair of jeans. Plus women, start here. Shop Embody Denim.
Eder + Berk
Formally Meri by Design, Eder + Berk delivers the style of Northern Beaches corporate we all aspire too. Classic pieces and strong cuts. Their recent showing at Curvy Couture blew us all away and I’m sure there’s much more to come from this relaunched brand. Shop Eder + Berk.
Hope & Harvest
A long time favourite brand on the blog, Hope & Harvest deliver everyday pieces you can wear from hanging out in the park to a corporate work environment. Sure every season there’s a go-to selection that you’d hardly call minimalist, but the core of their brand speaks to the girl who just wants great stuff, with a decent cut that she can wear all day long. Shop Hope & Harvest.
Harlow Australia
When Harlow launched I was excited to finally have found a provided that made a simple moto-pant for plus women, pencil skirts and wrap dresses for work. Simple, classic styles that I wore time and time again. They have developed their range and now cover a lot of bases, but the core of simplicity is still there. Now incorporating denim, what more could you want!? Shop Harlow Australia.
You’re welcome, team. As always, I’ve got your back. But I’m not sure this is the last on the topic that you’ll hear from me… This topic is a bit of a bee in my bonnet. All I want is simple, cool, beautifully made clothes that are stylish and classic. Is that so much to ask? I don’t think so.
Our first official morning in Melbourne Liv and I, in our capacity as official Curvy Couture Road Show 2015 bloggers, were asked to attend the Blogger’s Brunch at the gorgeous Little Mule Cafe. Hosted by the event organisers it gave us the perfect opportunity to catch up with the other bloggers, meet some new faces and drink all the coffee Melbourne had on offer. Yum.
In a last-minute outfit switch, I changed into a completely different outfit than I had planned before leaving. I wore my very 90’s City Chic, dual-layer top, paired with the always there when you need it Harlow Scuba Skirt, and my New Balance sneakers. Then because Melbourne was being Melbourne, the duster jacket from Boohoo.com. How very 90’s sitcom girl of me, don’t you think?
So that’s what I wore, but what did we do?
Well, I’m glad you asked. The ladies all met at the cafe, Liv and I, on time for once made a little detour around the block before finding the location just 15 minutes after the start time. A new record. Settling into the bar stools around the lavishly presented tables (Melbourne, you’re so pretty) we gave out hugs and semi-squealed hellos.
With breakfast served, and more coffee ordered, we received a rundown of the Curvy Couture Road Show 2015 events to follow. The media times, the event, the after party. We had all the details, and things just continued to get more and more exciting. We were here. Yeeeesss. All the time and effort spent to get here was a memory now. Now it was time to let our hair down and enjoy.
Which of course we did. Big time. HA.
Let me say though that these bloggers, the women we have met through blogging, they make up some of the best people I know. Sure we live interstate some of us, dress differently, enjoy different things. But in the end when we scooped Nat and Hayley up and dragged them back to our hotel room, we were as at home as if we had known each other our entire lives. That’s the upside of sharing yourself online. The plus in a world that can seem full of negatives. There are people out there who will be your friend, genuinely, if you let them. And that’s the best bit!
Now, some more photos!
Great venue right? Are you in Melbourne and would like to check out The Little Mule yourself? Pop over to their Instagram page for all the details. A big thank you also goes out to the organisers for such a gorgeous venue, brunch and taking time out of what was obviously a busy schedule to organise this for us.
The Queensland Plus Size Blogger laaaadies and a few of their gents got together for a Christmas dinner and drinks a couple of weeks ago. I’m a slacker, so this is an outfit post, a wrap-up post and an I love these girls post all in one. Prepare for the head spin as I whip around. Ready? Let’s go.
The outfit? Well, I kept it simple with this dress from Harlow Australia‘s FIRST ever collection. This dress has served me well for aaaages now. What’s not to love about a light, easy to wear a dress with side splits and a low-cut front? Nothing, that’s what.
Wanting to add a bit of bling, added the Nyata kimono over the top. From their recent collection, this shrug looks as good with the black dress to go out as it does with my chambray dress for a lunch with friends. Easy peasy and a perfect weight for the Queensland summer.
For the party, we met up at the casino’s Kitty Bar for cocktails. Seriously, the bar guy is going to be super annoyed I said this, they have THE BEST mojitos. Sooo good. And Mr Suger even called the process of putting it together a performance. He was right; it was cool to watch and I picked up lots of tips for next time I make them at home.
From there, we moved on to JoJo’s where we had a big table on the verandah enjoying the best breeze. It was a coolish evening, so we all rejoiced in not having sweat off our makeup by 10 minutes into the evening. Which would be the norm for the average Christmas party in these parts. Hello humidity and summer storms. It was a great night.
But you know what my favourite part was? That these women and their partners, they have become such an integral part of my life. Some of the best friends I’ve ever had are in that group. What a gift that is. I’ve always loved how the Queensland Plus Bloggers steer away from girl drama and competitive bullshit. I’ve got my fingers firmly crossed that as the group continues to grow as more ladies join us that it will continue to be that way. A support network. A resource. Friends.
Taking my love of all things monochrome and sports luxe to the next level today sharing with you this new bomber sent to me by the team at Harlow Australia. As part of my challenge to myself to wear more colour this season all things black and white have been relegated to the later pile. They find themselves in the back of the wardrobe, left in favour of neon green, deep pinks and royal blue. Poor dears.
It’s been fun stretching myself though. It can be difficult to throw together an outfit at the last minute when you’re not just matching black with black, with white. I’m finding my way. I wear colour more often than not these days. But a girl’s first true love never leaves her, right? And black is certainly my first true clothes love. It was never going to stay gone for too long.
This is my second ‘official with a camera’ attempt to get photos of this mesh bomber jacket. It’s elusive in that it looks great on, and I’ve worn it a number of times. Hello, it’s a jacket with holes, in this weather, it’s perfect. And let’s face it, very my style. But the photos have never worked out. It’s hard to capture the detail I think. Harlow’s new range has a threefold focus with a little bit sporty, a little bit boho and a little bit glam. And then after that, they released some new denim. Phew. Busy busy. Check it out.
Pants – Bellecurve (old stock), T-Shirt – ASOS Curve & Shoes – Emerson for Big W
Shop the Borderline Sports Luxe Mesh Bomber here.
Oh yes, and new hair! Check that out. I cut off half, maybe more, of the substantial ponytail I’d been accumulating. All the recent colour changes, ombre styling and pool swimming had done its damage. It was time to lighten it up. I’m going to write more about it, and how it seems to be a bit of a thing at the moment, we are making changes. Making moves towards summer, towards a different life… I have more to say than can be added here. So I’ll be back.
