How many times have you stood in front of your closet wondering what to wear. Even with dozens of options looking back at you, it just doesn’t seem like there’s much to go with.
This is a problem that many plus size women face each day, and yet it’s also a problem that’s easy to remedy when you have all of the basic staple fashion items available.
When you have these 20 basic items, you will be able to mix and match to coordinate a stylish outfit for virtually any occasion.
The key to each piece is to be timeless, so that you can get the most out of your wardrobe for many years to come.
Although some images in this post may not show plus size models, each item does have plus sizes. This post contains affiliate links.
Contents
Tops of Every Style
1 – Camisole
A camisole is a lovely fashion piece that can easily work with any outfit and occasion. Most camisoles will have a decorative trim which adds a fun feminine touch.
You can choose a solid neutral color to easily mix and match it with other clothes, but if you would like to have your cami as a bright splash of color, make sure to choose something that isn’t too trendy (i.e. neon colors or patterns).
No products found.
Women's Cami with Built in Bra Cup and Adjustable Strap
JUST MY SIZE Women's Lace Tank
Agnes Orinda Plus Size Cami Tank
TIYOMI Plus Size Tank Top
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size Casual Scallop Trim Camisole
7th Element Plus Size Tank Top for Women
Plus Size V Neck Spaghetti Strap Camisole
Women's Plus Size V Neck Lace Trim Loose Fit Top
Plus Size Floral Spaghetti Strap Cami
Women's Plus Size Lace Trim Sleeveless Cami Tank Top
32 Degrees Women's Cool Flowy Cami with Built-in Cups
MANER Women's Plus Size Cami Casual Pleated Chiffon Tank Top with Beaded Strap
TIANZHU Women's Lace Detail Loose Fit Sleeveless Tank Top
Women's Plus-Size Charmeuse Camisole with Medallion Lace
Verdusa Women's Plus Size Sleeveless Floral Print Spaghetti Strap Camisole
2 – Tank Top
A basic cotton tank top is perhaps one of the most versatile clothing pieces that you could possibly have in your closet.
A black or white tank top can easily be used for casual outings, workouts or slip under a blazer for a professional look. They are light, easy to wear and very easy to dress up when you need something a little more fashionable.
JUST MY SIZE Women's Cooldri Performance Scoopneck Tank Top
V FOR CITY Tank Top 2 Pack
Eytino Women's Plus Size Tank Top
Plus Size V Neck Tshirt for Women
LARACE Tank Top for Women
EIMIN Women's Pleated Scoop Neck Sleeveless Stretch Basic Soft Tank Top
Amazon Essentials Women's Swing Tank
Women's Plus Size Sleeveless Double Layer Casual Chiffon Tank Top
Plus Size Tank Top Sweetheart Neck Casual Shirt
Eytino Women Plus Size Tank Top
IN'VOLAND Women's Sequin Sleeveless Sparkle Top
Epic MMA Gear Long Flowy Sleeveless Tunic Top For Women
3 – T-shirt
A standard t-shirt is another versatile piece that can work from day to night. Wear it on its own with a pair of jeans for a clean casual look, or pair it with a skirt and some bold accessories for a fun dressed up look.
The t-shirt cut should be carefully considered for many plus size women, since the neckline will make or break your look.
If you are heavier in the tummy area, choose a v-neck style to draw eyes upward instead of focusing on the belly.
If you have a large chest and feel uncomfortable with too much gaping, try a boat neck style or a wide crew neck.
SAMPEEL Women's Summer V Neck Casual T-shirt
ALLEGRACE Women's Casual Scoop Collar Plus Size T-Shirt
Amazon Essentials Women's Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt
Florboom Plus Size Women's High Low T-Shirt
BELAROI Women's Plus Size V-Neck T-Shirt with Pocket
JUST MY SIZE Women's Plus-Size Short Sleeve Crew Neck Tee
Just My Size Women's Plus-Size Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee
Women's Loose Top
Amazon Essentials Women's Short-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt
Women's Plus Size Loose V Neck T-Shirt
4 – Turtleneck
A turtleneck may be a seasonal clothing piece, but it’s a great item to have on hand for cooler weather.
Choose a basic turtleneck style (ie. not cowl neck) and make sure it has a good fit and solid color for more versatility.
Wear it under jackets, throw on a shawl or dress it up with pearls for a more sophisticated look.
Hanna Nikole Women's Ultra-Soft & Stretchy Turtleneck
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size Cut Out Turtleneck
LARACE Women Turtleneck Knit Sweater
Women's Plus Size Warm Short Sleeve Turtleneck Top
STRETCH IS COMFORT Women's Plus Size Relaxed and Regular Turtleneck
SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Turtleneck Long Sleeve Slim Fit
Amazon Essentials Women's Classic-Fit Lightweight Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater
Woman Within Women's Plus Size Perfect Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Tee Shirt
MakeMeChic Women's Plus Size Casual Turtleneck
SweatyRocks Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Mock Neck Top
LILLUSORY Womens Turtleneck Oversized Long Batwing Sleeve
COOTRY Women’s Plus Size Turtleneck Mock Neck Top
Hanna Nikole Plus Size Turtleneck Sweater
5 – Sweater
Everyone needs at least one basic sweater in their wardrobe. A solid black sweater is a great fashion item that works well for most occasions.
You can dress it up with a skirt, create a business casual look with a pair of slacks, or jazz it up with stylish jeans and funky jewelry for a fun party look.
Just like t-shirts, choose a neckline that fits comfortably around your neck and one that will draw attention away from “problem areas”.
Amazon Essentials Women's Fisherman Cable Long-Sleeve Crewneck Sweater
Amazon Essentials Women's Long-Sleeve Lightweight Crewneck Sweater
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Long-Sleeve Cable Crewneck Sweater
RITERA Plus Size Tops for Women Long Sleeve V/Cowl Neck Lightweight Sweatshirt
Hanna Nikole Women's Plus Size Crew Neck Knit Pullover
Vamtac Women's Cable Knit Long Sleeve Sweater
LARACE Cowl Neck Sweatshirt For Women
Verdusa Women's Plus Size Casual Off Shoulder Sweater Long Sleeve Knit Top
BELAROI V Neck Sweater
Bulotus Women's Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Sweater with Pockets
6 – Cardigan
There are many uses for a cardigan in a neutral solid color. They are a great layering piece, give you extra warmth and add more depth to a look.
The most common cardigan style is the round neck with plain buttons.
You can wear it buttoned up for a more proper preppy look, open for a relaxed dressy look, or closed with just one or two buttons done up at the waist, which will emphasize feminine curves.
How easy is that? One cardigan can instantly give you several different looks.
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Open-Front Cardigan Sweater
BELAROI Women's Plus Size Cardigan
LARACE Open Front Knit Cardigan with Pockets
Women's Plus Size Cardigan
TIANZHU Lightweight Crochet Cardigan for Women
Eytino Women's Plus Size Cardigan Short Sleeve Waffle Knit
POSESHE Women's Plus Size Casual Lightweight Open Front Cardigan
QUALFORT Women's Knit Cardigan
Shiaili Classic Plus Size Sweaters for Women Oversized Long Cardigan
CHICWISH Women's Classy Light Tan/Black Open Front Knit Coat Cardigan
Shiaili Long Plus Size Cardigans for Women Easy to Wear Open Front Clothing
7 – Silk Blouse
A silk blouse may not seem like an obvious choice as a staple wardrobe item, but it’s a great fashion piece to have on hand.
Wear it under a blazer for a more formal professional look, wear it on its own with a skirt for a sexy sophisticated look, or pair it with a good pair of jeans for a fun party look.
Add a touch of class to any outfit with a good silk blouse, and if you can’t afford silk, satin will give you the same results.
ZOMVA Women's 2024 Plus Size Satin Blouse
IN'VOLAND Women's Long Sleeve Button Down Plus Size Satin Blouse
Maysoar Women's Frill Mock Neck Silk Blouse
IN'VOLAND Women's Plus Size V Neck Blouse
HOTOUCH Silk Button Down Shirt
GRACE KARIN Women's Satin Silk Blouse
LYANER Women's Satin Drape Long Sleeve Blouse
Chigant Silk Long Sleeve Blouse
8 – White Button Down Shirt
A white button-down shirt is a great choice for day or night. It can be paired with jeans or khakis for a clean casual look or paired with business wear for a professional look.
It’s a great easy choice for those days you just don’t want to think about what you want to wear but still look great.
MCEDAR Women's Oversized Button Down Shirt
IN'VOLAND Women's Linen Button Down Shirt with Pocket
Floerns Women's Plus Size Button Down Half Sleeve Shirt
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Button Up Long Sleeve Curve Hem Blouse
TIANZHU Women's Plus Size Button Down Short Sleeve V Neck Top
Plus Size 3/4 Sleeve Shirt for Women
Riders by Lee Indigo Women's Plus Size Easy Care ¾ Sleeve Woven Shirt
LALAGEN Womens Plus Size Oversized Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt
IN'VOLAND Womens Plus Size Button Down Linen Shirt
Blazers and Jackets
Layering clothing pieces is a good rule to follow in order to keep you looking good and feeling comfortable in any situation.
Add a fitted blazer or tailored jacket to give you that extra look of style, but also giving you the option to lose layers when feeling warm.
9 – Fitted Blazer
A fitted blazer is an essential wardrobe piece because it adds more structure to an outfit without looking like a suit or outerwear.
Add a silk blouse or feminine camisole underneath a fitted blazer for a dressy look or add it to a basic t-shirt or tank for a more fashionable casual look.
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Blazer
KOJOOIN Womens Plus Size Casual Long Sleeve Blazer
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Casual Blazer
Womens Plus Size Casual Pocketed Blazer
Hybrid & Company Women's Comfy Blazer
Agnes Orinda Plus Size Blazers for Women
WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Button Blazer Jacket
Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Suit Jacket
10 – Tailored Leather or Denim Jacket
A good tailored jacket is perhaps one of the most difficult plus size fashion items to find, because most plus size jackets are made to fit a wide range of body shapes. Denim and leather are recommended since they are classic timeless fabrics that look great on anybody. It’s important to take some time to find a good jacket that can be tailored to your body shape. Don’t settle for any old style, consider this a fashion investment that will make you look and feel amazing.
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Long Sleeve Collarless Denim Jacket
Levi's Women's Original Trucker Jacket
Lock and Love Women's Removable Hooded Faux Leather Jacket
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Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Denim Jacket
uxcell Women's Plus Size Button Closed Cropped Denim Jacket
Geschallino Women's Plus Size Faux Leather Jacket
SERYU Leather Jacket for Women
Fahsyee Women's Faux Leather Jacket
Pants and Skirts
To complete a basic outfit, you’ll need some bottoms.
Many women will have multiple pairs of black pants or skirts because each one fits differently. Sometimes we keep items that we know don’t fit well, simply because we like the style. Pants and skirts should never feel uncomfortable or make you feel less than confident.
Get a good set of bottoms and invest a little extra money to have them perfectly tailored to your body. A few great bottoms will easily knock out a closet full of less-than-desirable bottoms.
11 – Jeans
Most people love a good pair of jeans. Once you break them in, they are your friend for life.
Surprisingly, jeans have been around through all of the ages and have become one of the most loved fashion pieces on Earth. They are incredibly versatile and come in a wide range of styles to work with every body shape out there.
Find yourself a good pair of jeans and wear absolutely anything you want with them. Everything goes!
Gboomo Womens Plus Size Skinny Jeans
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Women's Curvy Totally Shaping Straight Jeans
Lee Women's Plus Size Instantly Slims Classic Relaxed Fit Monroe Straight Leg Jean
Silver Jeans Co. Women's Plus Size Elyse Mid Rise Comfort Fit Straight Leg Jeans
Silver Jeans Co. Women's Plus Size Boyfriend Mid Rise Slim Leg Jeans
LALAGEN Women's Plus Size Skinny Jeans
Riders by Lee Indigo Women's Plus Size Midrise Straight Leg Jean
12 – Khakis
Unlike jeans, a pressed pair of khaki pants are not as versatile but necessary nonetheless. A good pair of khakis are just the thing for casual or business casual occasions.
They can easily be paired with a basic t-shirt, button down shirt, turtleneck or sweater. Add a tailored jacket for a little more depth and you’re good to go.
Lee Women's Plus Size Wrinkle Free Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Pant
Gboomo Women's Plus Size Stretchy High Waisted Pants with Pockets
Briggs Women's Plus Size Super Stretch Pants
Lee Women's Plus Size Relaxed Fit All Day Straight Leg Pant
Eytino Women's Plus Size Corduroy Elastic Pants with Pockets
13 – Slacks
A pair of quality slacks really makes a difference in an outfit. Depending on the type of top you choose to wear with them, they can instantly go from professional to formal to a fun party look. Choose a neutral color like black or dark charcoal.
Lee Women's Plus Size Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pant
Briggs New York Women's Plus Size Pants
Plus Size Stretch Dress Pants for Women
Lee Women's Plus Size Relaxed Fit All Day Straight Leg Pant
Gboomo Women's Plus Size Dress Pants with Pockets
Hanna Nikole Women's Plus Size High Waisted Stretch Trousers with Pocket
Plus Size Women's Straight-Leg Dress Pants
Catherine's Women's Plus Size Curvy Slim Leg Pant
Amazon Aware Women's Ponte Knit Slim Pant
Briggs New York Women's Plus Size Super Stretch Pants
14 – Classic Skirt
There are tons of different skirt styles out there.
Some are seasonal and others are trendy at the moment. While they all look great at the moment, it’s important to get a timeless classic skirt style that can work with multiple items in your wardrobe.
Choose from either a-line, flared, or pencil skirt styles for a wider range of use. It’s also recommended to choose a neutral color that can easily be dressed up with any color.
Kasper Women's Plus Size Stretch Crepe Skimmer Skirt
Star Vixen Women's Knee Length Classic Stretch Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt
Verdusa Women's Plus Size High Waist Knee Length Bodycon Pencil Skirt
SSOULM Women's High Waist Flare A-Line Midi Skirt
Milumia Women's Plus Size High Elastic Waist Long Bodycon Maxi Pencil Skirt
Star Vixen Women's Plus-Size Knee Length Full Skater Skirt
Hanna Nikole Plus Size Black Skirt with Pockets
Classic Plus Size Skirts for Women Stretch Pleated Midi Skirt
Hanna Nikole Women's Plus Size Pencil Skirt
Kate Kasin Pencil Skirt with Wrap Front
Women's Plus Size Casual Midi Elastic Waist Skirt with Pockets
The Basic Black Suit
A standard black suit is something that many people lack in their wardrobes. A good black suit is something that comes in handy more often than not, and instantly gives you a professional look when needed.
15 – Black Suit
The beauty with a black suit is the fact that you can remove the blazer to look more relaxed, and change up the tops to suit each occasion. Add shimmery silk or satin for something a little more formal, or throw on a basic white tank top for a more corporate look.
Agnes Orinda Plus Size Business Suit for Women
Aro Lora Women's Plus Size 2 Piece Suit Set
Women's Plus Size Two Piece Elastic Waist Straight Leg Suit
Jessica London Women's Plus Size Two Piece Single Breasted Jacket Skirt Suit Set
Jessica London Women's Plus Size Two Piece Single Breasted Dress Suit
Roaman's Women's Plus Size Two-Piece Skirt Suit with Shawl-Collar
Women's 3 Piece Plus Size Suit
IyMoo Women's Plus Size 3 Piece Suit
A Dress for Every Occasion
Simple, feminine and fashionable, dresses are another problem area for women. You can have a closet full of dresses, yet feel like there’s nothing to wear.
The problem with this is that you have too many options and don’t know which one to choose.
Invest in a basic set of dresses that can take you from day to night, then add accessories to suit each occasion.
16 – “Little Black Dress”
The famed little black dress.
Every woman thinks she needs a little dress to complete her wardrobe but really, a basic black dress that fits well is what everyone really means.
The length can be anything from above the knee to cocktail length. It all depends on which length you feel most comfortable in.
It is not recommended to choose a maxi dress style since this style goes in and out of fashion all the time. Try a classic style that looks and fits well and dress it up as necessary.
POSESHE Women's Plus Size Summer Dress with Pockets
POSESHE Women's Plus Size Sleeveless V-Neck Sundress with Pockets
Nemidor Women's Plus Size Ruched Wrap Dress
Women's Plus Size Casual Dress with Pockets
Nmoder Women's Plus Size Stretchy Flared Wrap Dress
London Times Women's Short Sleeve Crepe Fit and Flare Midi with Waist Button Detail
Hanna Nikole Chiffon Cape Dress
Women's Plus Size Casual Mini Dress
Women's Sexy Plus Size Lapel Shirt Dress
17 – Day Dress
A simple day dress is often overlooked in women’s wardrobes, yet it’s one of the most versatile pieces that a woman could own.
A basic day dress is quick to put on and easy to dress up or down with other clothes and accessories.
Add a cardigan, jacket or blazer then dress up with jewelry.
POSESHE Women's Summer Dress with Pockets
kissmay Plus Size Women's V Neck Cocktail Party Dress with Pockets
Women's Casual Dress
Agmibrelr Women's Plus Size Flutter Sleeve Dress
ALLEGRACE Square Neck Summer Casual Flowy Maxi Dress
Women's Plus Size Tiered Maxi Dress with Pockets
Nemidor Women's Casual Plus Size Summer Floral Print Dress with Pockets
Women's Lapel Shirt Dress
Floerns Women's Plus Size Wrap V Neck Short Sleeve Dress
RITERA Short Sleeve Colorful V Neck Dress
Agnes Orinda Plus Size Dress for Women
Amazon Essentials Women's Waisted Maxi Dress
18 – Black Sparkly Dress
A black sparkly dress is essential to have, even if you won’t be wearing it on a regular basis.
Try to find a cocktail length dress so it can work with any occasion, but keep in mind what works best with your body and what makes you feel amazing. Other lengths can easily work with most occasion (just avoid short dresses to formal events).
Choose a dress with subtle sparkle so that you have a feminine dressy look but can also ramp it up for something more special.
Parara Plus Size Mesh Cocktail Evening Dress
Pinup Fashion Women's Cape Dress with Chiffon Overlay
Floerns Women's Plus Size V Neck Sleeveless Sequin Cocktail Party Midi Dress
IN'VOLAND Plus Size Women's Glitter Dress
IN'VOLAND Women's Sequin Plus Size V Neck Party Dress
Ever-Pretty Women's Plus Size V-Neck Shimmery Flutter Sleeve Evening Dress
Floerns Women's Plus Size Glitter Wrap V Neck Short Sleeve A Line Dress
Finish Off with Outerwear
Good quality outerwear is a necessity in every woman’s wardrobe. They are the fashion pieces that can will protect you from the elements, but also show off your personality and sense of style.
Get the best quality that you can afford because they are the only wardrobe pieces that are not easily replaced, and should be kept for the longest haul.
19 – Tailored Trench Coat
Trench coats are great pieces to have for cool rainy days.
The tailored look gives you a professional structured look while also looking totally fashionable. Tie the belt around your waist to emphasize curves or tie the belt behind your back for a slight flared look.
GRACE KARIN Women's Trench Coat with Pockets
FARVALUE Women's Waterproof Trench Coat with Removable Hood
Agnes Orinda Women's Plus Size Long Winter Coat
CURLBIUTY Women's Pea Coat Double Breasted A Line Long Trench Coat
CREATMO US Women's Trench Coat with Detachable Hood
Hanna Nikole Women's Plus Size Wool Dress Coat
Chrisuno Women's Double Breasted Trench Coat with Detachable Hood
20 – Long Wool/Cashmere Coat
A calf or ankle length coat will not only keep you protected from the cool weather, but it also hides any length skirt or dress that you may be wearing underneath.
Wearing an awkward length that doesn’t really cover your clothes gives you a sloppy look and depending on the weather, may even ruin your clothes.
chouyatou Women's Big Notch Lapel Single Breasted Mid-Long Wool Blend Coat
Roaman's Women's Plus Size Long Wool-Blend Coat
Jessica London Women's Plus Size Long Wool-Blend Coat With Faux Fur Collar
Aprsfn Women's Double-breasted Wool Blend Jacket
The next time you’re standing in front of your closet wondering what to wear, take a quick inventory of your wardrobe pieces to see if you have these basic 20 items that every woman should have. If not, create a day to purge old unfashionable items and go shopping!
Just curious – is there a shopping guide that shows us who the maker of these items are and where to shop for them?
Hi Stacey
We’ve linked each image to where you can buy the item in question – hope that helps!
I have several adorable ankle boots, but I’m not sure how to wear them with skirts. What kind of skirts look good with ankle boots? Can you post pics of examples that work. I’m a size,13-14 petite with rectangle shape. Thank you!
It all depends on the style of ankle boot. We don’t have examples at the moment, but play around with your wardrobe to see what looks good. Hopefully in the future we can have fashion boards to show you how to put them together.
Great post, lots of ideas. Love the first cami – silky and sexy and hides the straps!
I love that basic black sweater and the way it is a bit longer in the front, shorter in the back. It would look good with a statement necklace. I’m on the hunt.! Thanks for reminding me to keep my out for a good one.
This was so helpful! I never knew how important it was to have so many different dresses. I always felt underdressed at weddings and things but I just thought it was because I don’t wear make up. But I’m certainly going to go dress shopping after seeing this. And I think that a list of shoes would be super helpful too! Thanks 🙂
Glad you found it useful! Since your comment, we have written a post about shoes, which you can view here: https://curvy.plus/blog/the-ideal-plus-size-shoes-for-every-season/
Thank you Tanni! I totally believe every woman should have one quality suit. While they say “The suit maketh the man”, this certainly applies to women as well.
I’ll try to get some accessory and footwear articles up in the near future!
Love these! I finally bought a pair of GOOD quality slacks and a fitted blazer and wow did it make a difference when I had to go into meetings and feel poised and confident. Can you do a list for accessories? And then maybe shoes? I’m always inspired to go re-examine my closet when I see your posts.