Wallets are thinning out, and pockets are getting a little empty these days. This is why every penny counts and every dollar has to be stretched. For a plus-sized woman, this ends up being a tough road to trek. In some cases, you may find yourself compromising style for affordability, or affortability in the name of looking good. In this manner, you spend a lot of dough for maybe two or three outfits. I know this feeling and sometimes it's worth it, sometimes it is not. Especially if you're looking for the basics--dresses and skirts for Summer, tops to wear underneath a jacket or blazer, or those tank tops to be worn in a multitude of ways. Let me ask you this--when you spend a lot of money, wouldn't you rather have something to show for it? This is a time when you want to check out both the quality and the quantity. Be good to your wallet!
First, we will go over some (I highly suggest you do a little research of your own--there's much to explore with their tops ing general!) of the basics and solids from
Old Navy's Plus Size Women's section. It's "exclusively online" and ranges from sizes 16 to 30. Sometimes, shirts will fit snugly. Other times, they might be a size too big. Usually with their tank tops and such, it's best to go a size under. Now, let's start with the tanks. First a
casual tank. Take notice of the deal here. One tank by itself is about 11 bucks. Two or more cost nine dollars. I'll put it this way--if you're looking for more than one color, this is a decent deal. You can rack up about two or three in the color of your choice, and have something to show for it. These shirts are loose-fitting, comfortable, and are almost waist-length. Fair warning--a lot of people are after these great shirts. They're always in high demand. Especially flexible colors like black, orchid, and gray. With Old Navy, sometimes you have to get it when you see it. In any case, this Rib-Knit Tank is great for a blazer or a suit jacket. It's also nice to layer underneath a dress with wide straps that might be a little too low-cut or has a thin fabric. You could also wear it underneath a jean jacket or a hoodie.
Then, there is a bit more feminine tank top. I LOVE tank tops like these with the lacy accents on the straps. Just like the ribbed tank top, there's a deal for 2 or more priced at 9 dollars. Alone, this one would be about 12.95. You can wear this one all by itself with a nice floral or solid skirt, a pair of sandals or flip flops, and a nice piece of jewelry for show. A cute bolero or shrug would go well with this shirt. The lacy part is there for a reason! This is why I'd hate to cover it all up. I have about four of these tank tops myself. Sometimes I just like to wear them around the house, and sometimes I will put one on underneath a jacket.
If you're looking for something a little more dressy, fear not! This is where Old Navy actually impressed me. Where I'd be scrounging for Torrid for a dressy look, Old Navy caught my eye with their stunning sets of dressy tanks and halters. They have
trendy tiered ruffles,
rope-trimmed blousons,
pleated empire-waists, and
O-Ring Jerseys! Last year, they had studs and ruffled shirts. I grabbed those as soon as I scrolled down. These are usually styles you have to pay twenty and thirty dollars for. The majority of these shirts are 23 and 22 dollars. Some are even less than that at $19!
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| Metallic Tunic |
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| Floral Smocked Shirt |
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| Pin-Tucked Shirt |
Last, but not least, we go into the
shirts of Old Navy's Plus Size division. During the early warm months, there might be a few. During the cooler months, there are plenty. Whether you're shopping when it's warm or hot, you'll come to find a very "relaxed" feeling to this store in general. This is what I personally like about it. This is why I say it's a good place to get your "basics". You can't go wrong with your basic purchases from here. You can create a lot of great ideas from the base of an outfit! Now, we've been looking at solids this whole time. I wanted to save the prints for last with the shirts. Next is the
floral smocked shirt. It's very light, feminine, and great for a breezy, Spring day or an early morning Summer-type thing. You can keep it simple by tossing on a pair of shorts,
capris, or khaki pants and a brown sandal or
wedge. Toss on some cute silver or gold earrings, a bracelet, and you're ready to go! Next is the very
retro tunic. I love tunics! You can also pair this up with a
wedge shoe, a skirt, or a sandal and some shorts. Capris are optional. A nice
bracelet and some chunky earrings would rock this outfit to the fullest extent. Finally, we've got the
pin-tucked solid shirt. Sort of like a tunic, this is another staple piece that can be dolled up or dressed down. It's soft, feminine, and has a rich coloring.
Finally, we're at the end. The dresses of the Plus-Size section are to die for. I think of them as quality for their quantity. Though they are priced at 30 dollars and above, it is well worth it. Especially if you're looking for a simple dress for a warm-weather outing. I will just say this--before your spend ten or twenty dollars more, consider going to Old Navy. When you spend fifty dollars or more, sometimes the shipping is free. And, if you're looking for more than one item to go along with your dress, then you can find your shoes and the jewelry to match. Now, on to the dresses!
The first dress is a part of my own collection. I haven't worn it yet (give me about four to five days and I'll have a picture of myself at the event...hee hee.) but I have tried it on. It fits like a dream. I put on a black shaping camisole underneath. This might be a bit too heavy for some. I also paired it up with a nice
silver butterfly necklace and a pair of
flat black sandals with an embellished thong. I will be wearing this one to my cousin's high school graduation down in Paris, TN. It's at night, so it's also the perfect length for whatever weather TN has in store for me. I'll be covering up with a nice shrug just in case the wind wants to get funny with me! I'm thinking black lace or white lace. If I'm lucky, I might find a cute bolero! The next floral-print dress has a very
lush, tropical feeling to it. It's a tiered sundress with teeny, tiny straps. I think this one is so lovely! Although it's not necessarily my cup of tea in a dress (the straps are a bit too small for my liking to be worn outside!), perhaps a plus-size fashionista with a bit more courage will proudly rock this one!
The Summer season is all about bright colors and comfort. Contrary to what people may say about your body type, don't be afraid to take those sleeves off and strut your stuff. There's nothing wrong with seeking comfort on those hot days. It never hurts to feel good and look good at the same time. I'm actually trying to come out of my own comfort zones after years of sweating and suffering in hot clothes to hide a big body. You just can't hide a big body all the time. I tried to "work" with it with dark colors and short sleeves, but sometimes that doesn't work! So you have to work with your body type! Find cuts that work for you. You don't have to wear bright neon and such, but you don't have to confine yourself to blacks and purples, either. Look out for part two featuring Torrid and the magic of sales!
Finally, we're at the end. The dresses of the Plus-Size section are to die for. I think of them as quality for their quantity. Though they are priced at 30 dollars and above, it is well worth it. Especially if you're looking for a simple dress for a warm-weather outing. I will just say this--before your spend ten or twenty dollars more, consider going to Old Navy. When you spend fifty dollars or more, sometimes the shipping is free. And, if you're looking for more than one item to go along with your dress, then you can find your shoes and the jewelry to match. Now, on to the dresses! The first dress is a part of my own collection. I haven't worn it yet (give me about four to five days and I'll have a picture of myself at the event...hee hee.) but I have tried it on. It fits like a dream. I put on a black shaping camisole underneath. This might be a bit too heavy for some. I also paired it up with a nice silver butterfly necklace and a pair of flat black sandals with an embellished thong. I will be wearing this one to my cousin's high school graduation down in Paris, TN. It's at night, so it's also the perfect length for whatever weather TN has in store for me. I'll be covering up with a nice shrug just in case the wind wants to get funny with me! I'm thinking black lace or white lace. If I'm lucky, I might find a cute bolero! The next floral-print dress has a very lush, tropical feeling to it. It's a tiered sundress with teeny, tiny straps. I think this one is so lovely! Although it's not necessarily my cup of tea in a dress (the straps are a bit too small for my liking to be worn outside!), perhaps a plus-size fashionista with a bit more courage will proudly rock this one!