Help me accessorize, please...

[ha98ed14]

I am a hopelessly unfashionable sort. I am also plus size and just don't care all that much. My winter uniform is jeans, a black turtleneck and a black fleece vest with black sporty Privos or something mildly cool and black. I wear it to class, to pick up DD, shopping. Pretty much meets all my needs.

Next semester I am going to be student teaching, which means I will be standing up in front of 40 14 year olds all day long, and I will be moving around. I need to look professional, but not business suit or anything. My biggest problem with my own wardrobe is that my shirts shrink length wise and end up being too short. Add to that that I will be lifing my arms up to write on the board and we have a problem. Did I mention I am plus-size.

I found a solution. Lands End makes these tunic length turtlenecks that I think will work. I ordered one to sample it and it came today. I also ordered myself several pairs of black dress slacks. So I will be wearing wide leg dress plants in black, Dress mary janes with a 1.5 inch heal (black) and these tops. http://www.landsend.com/pp/PlusSizeCottonInterlockTurtleneckTunicTop~174795_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::LNY&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001&origin=search

I plan to order in black, black, purple, and blue (already have). And maybe another black. So yes, I will be wearing next to all black. But I kind of need it to be that way, though. I get anxious about my clothes and how I look, so once I find a uniform that I feel ok in, I just kind of stick to it with a little deviation here or there. (I do own a red sweater!) But I know I could do a lot with some accessories. Scarves or pins or something. I have no idea what is in. Would you link to some pictures of what can be done with a scarf or a pin or another kind of accessory? I would really appreciate some help embellishing my uniform...

[cvanbrunt]

I'm going to recommend a book. It is a great resource for understanding what looks good on you (at any size) and how to build a wardrobe. I've found it very helpful as I have started to build a quality professional wardrobe over the last year.

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Stylist-Behind-Scenes-Expertise/dp/1592400418/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261100502&sr=1-1

[happymom]

Hmmm, I'm also plus-sized and not a good "accessorizer". And I can totally relate to the strong desire to wear black. ;) I dont wear scarves and pins since I would just do it wrong and it would look stupid. :) But, I do find that some funky jewelry and cute shoes definitely add. It isnt too hard to find jewelry to match black clothes. Also, I find that nicely styled hair really adds to looking put together! Good luck with the student teaching.

[kozachka]

I understand why you are tempted to buy all your pants in black, I am heavier on the bottom so I feel this way, too. But I would strongly encourage you to also get pants in charcoal gray and chocolate brown. There colors are not that lighter but would add diversity and interest to your wardrobe. Since these are neutral colors, you can pair them with just about any color or black item that you already have. Also consider adding different textures (e.g. corduroy) and patterns (e.g. vertical stripes) in addition to what you are used to.

And while you are at it, why not get a couple of v-necks to bring attention to your face. You can layer them with long sleeve button front shirts or t-shirts, it would look much nicer than a fleece vest over a turtle neck. You also need a structured jacket. It would make you look skinnier. My mom is plus size and she wears fitted tops with neautral bottom, including skirts. Fit is very important so try things on in store if you can.

Gray pants that you might like
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7043&vid=1&pid=670454
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=7043&vid=1&pid=580292&scid=580292022

[JTsMom]

Lane Bryant makes tops that run much longer than you'll find in most places. What about something like these:

http://www.lanebryant.com/apparel-accessories/tops/shirts-blouses/surplice-blouse/4018c4019c90p55026/index.pro

http://www.lanebryant.com/apparel-accessories/tops/shirts-blouses/striped-woven-shirt/4018c4019c90p15133/index.pro

http://www.lanebryant.com/apparel-accessories/tops/shirts-blouses/striped-boyfriend-is-it-shirt/4018c4019c90p26284/index.pro


They always have good coupons and sales, so don't let the prices throw you.

[JenaW]

If you are doing an all black day, what about a scarf around your neck or some funky necklaces. There are so many options available right now, and many for very cheap. I love department store jewelry (you can often find a coupon too). Something on the longer side with some bright colored beads could be pretty. I have recently discovered scarfs and now wear one almost every day. I gravitate towards black a lot although I have been told it is NOT one of my colors. So I have some scarfs in green (I have green eyes) and other colors that work better. My favorite scarf trick for a long on is to fold it in half, wrap it around my neck, then take the two loose ends and pull them through the loop end and pull it snug. You can also tie it like a neck tie. A close friend of mine (who is also plus sized) bought a few jersey separates for student teaching. She liked the drapiness of them, as well as the comfort. She was able to accessorize with some cute jewelry and always looked great. like someone else mentioned, a good hair cut will also go a long way towards making you look and feel better too.


Not sure what colors you like, but here are some exs of necklaces that can add a pop of color and some fun to an otherwise all monochromatic outfit. Many of these also have matching ear rings or bracelets too.

http://tinyurl.com/y9yz7qk
http://tinyurl.com/y9nzyeg
http://tinyurl.com/y9sdh95