Spring and fall are my favorite times of year because the weather in my neck of the woods is just right for being able to bridge winter and summer clothes. I also love the opportunity to bust out of basic black, which occupies way too much of my closet. Here are some recent outfits along with some styling tips. Most of the items are from Gwynnie Bee, which is like Netflix for clothing. Learn more about Gwynnie Bee in this post.
Tip 1: Layer with color
My automatic instinct with this black and white print dress was to grab a black cardigan. Boring! Adding color to a neutral print can help jazz up your outfit to scream spring.
Karen Kane Palm Print Hi-Low Dress via Gwynnie Bee
Karen Kane Cardigan via Gwynnie Bee
ABS by Allan Schwarz necklace from Ideeli
Tahari nude peep toe pumps from Macy's
Tip 2: Sleeveless is okay!
I don't know where the myth came from that plus size meant you couldn't wear sleeveless items. On warm days, sleeveless items are so comfortable. On cool days, you can throw a sweater on if you want. Embrace the sleeveless.
Karen Kane Extended Back Hem dress via Gwynnie Bee
Kate Spade hobo bag – old (similar)
Tahari nude peep toe pumps from Macy's
Tip 3: Pop of color
If you are doing a black and white print – especially in a classic pattern like pinstripes, polka dots, or houndstooth – add colorful accessories that will put an extra pep in your step. You could do colorful shoes as I did, or add a colorful handbag, bracelets, or statement necklaces.
INC Houndstooth Faux Wrap Dress via Gwynnie Bee (size 3x)
INC Mint Pumps from Macy's (similar)
Tip 4: The lazy day dress
I have an obsession with maxi dresses because they 1) feel like you're wearing pajamas; 2) garner lots of compliments. They are the ultimate in throw-on-and-go clothes, and due to their length, require very little accessorizing, or even perfectly matching shoes.
Anna Scholz contrast kimono maxi dress via Gwynnie Bee (size 24)
Tahari nude peep toe pumps from Macy's
Tip 5: Add shape with a belt
With this dress, I loved the colors and print, but as soon as I put it on, I felt like there wasn't any shape and just too much print to handle. Enter: the belt. The belt automatically gives waist definition and breaks up the pattern so it's easier on the eyes.
Anna Scholz Split Sleeve Top (worn as a dress – it's long!) via Gwynnie Bee (size 24)
Belt from Lane Bryant (similar)
Tip 6: Want to stay neutral? Add a fun print.
If you really like sticking with a more neutral palette, look for items with a pattern. I love this whimsical giraffe print. Right now, there are so many different prints out with animals: birds, ladybugs, horses, and dragonflies are on patterns everywhere right now. It's a subtle way to make you smile when you look in the mirror.
Anna Scholz Giraffe Print Kimono Jacket via Gwynnie Bee (size 24)
Old Navy Premium Denim Straight Leg Jeans – no longer available – mega sigh! (size 26)
Kate Spade bag -old (similar)
Old Navy necklace from about 2 years ago
INC Mint Pumps from Macy's (similar)
Want to check out Gwynnie Bee for yourself? You can try out their service for 30 days – completely risk-free. This offer applies to the 1, 2 and 3 garment plans. You won’t be charged unless you continue with the service and you can cancel online at anytime. Simply sign up here and mention Skinny Emmie to take advantage of the free trial offer.
FTC Disclosure: If you sign up for Gwynnie Bee and mention my name, I get credit towards my subscription costs. This is a service I paid for before all of that, so honestly if you don’t sign up through me, no sweat! I just want people to know about it, regardless. Also to disclose, Gwynnie Bee is a client of my company, Authentically Social. I was not paid or to write this post and aim to represent my opinions without influence.
