Howdy, folks! I’m Chinazor Offor, aka Chichi, the new associate writer on Refinery29’s Shopping team. My specialty is plus-size style (all my thick gals, stand up!) — I’m passionate about fashion inclusivity, or lack thereof, and helping my fellow chunky cuties access the wild world of trends we’re so often excluded from.
As far as my personal style goes, it’s evolved over the years; I’ve experimented with emo-girl prep, teen-mag chic, wannabe hipster, edgy-college core, and so forth. Now, at the ripe age of 25, I can’t really say that I’ve landed on any vibe in particular (I blame ADHD for that). What I have learned is how to zero in on the hidden gems sprinkled around the internet that cater to large bodies. My mind is always in a million places and so is my closet — but, I do have my tried-and-true staples which I’ve lined up ahead.
These pieces are my go-to’s that I’ve worn into the ground, they’re the ones I reach for when my brain is all mushy, and (most importantly) they make me feel put together. And now I’m sharing them with you, my new R29 fam. Jump to these when thinking hurts!
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
AE Curvy Mom Jeans
Closet Staple: Mom Jeans
I have to be honest, I did not think I’d be wearing American Eagle Jeans in my prime adult years. Plus-size Instagram made me do it, and I’ve never looked back. Denim is especially tough for those of us with large booties and thighs. As Beyonce beautifully puts it, “If you don’t jump to put jeans on, baby, you don’t feel my pain.” I almost gave up on the idea of owning a “mom jean” cut denim because there weren’t many plus options available, but these babies changed that; they’re high-waisted and actually comfortable, plus they make me feel like an all-American cutie.
Shop American Eagle
American Eagle Outfitters AE Stretch Curvy Mom Jean, $, available at American Eagle Outfitters
Eloquii Bow Back Organza Blouse
Closet Staple: Statement Blouse
If you are like me, then you often imagine you are the lead character in a drama about your life. You get the need for a head-turning garment. Donning a top with organza sleeves allows me to be the showstopping theater star I never was. I’m an Aries with lots of fiery placements in my chart. Can you tell? Elloquii is a label that does trendy styles for big gals really well.
Shop Eloquii
Bow Back Organza Blouse, $, available at Eloquii
Adidas Advantage Sneaker
Closet Staple: Neutral Sneaker
Moving to NYC drastically impacted my fashion choices. I cannot tell you how many pairs of shoes just don’t cut it for treading all day down the city streets. Whether it’s a long trek stepping over gum-covered sidewalks or stomping through questionable fluids, these sneakers can handle it all. The soles are crafted with Adidas Cloud-Foam materials which makes them extra-cushy and supportive, and they pair well with EVERYTHING — jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings, you name it. They’ve definitely gotten me through the last couple of years and, although they could use a scrub-a-dub-dub, are still in great shape.
Shop Nordstrom Rack
Adidas Adidas Advantage Leather Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Eloquii Tie-Waist Wide-Leg Faux-Leather Pant
Closet Staple: Wide Leg Pants
As anyone with chub rub knows, the pants you wear make all of the difference. These black wide-leg pants aren’t just chub-rub friendly but they also go with virtually any top I own — and, they can be dressed up too! They’re perfect for dim sum in Chinatown or a spicy rigatoni at Carbone (pre-Covid tings, amirite?). I’m currently obsessed with these Eloquii pants. But since they’re almost sold out, check out this pair (also from Eloquii) that are pretty similar.
Shop Eloquii
Tie Waist Wide Leg Faux Leather Pant, $, available at Eloquii
Glamorstar Leopard Beret
Closet Staple: Beret
I love hats. But, sadly, my head is too large for most of them. Enter the beret: three years ago I was gifted a mustard yellow one (the perfect color). My most recent addition to the collection is this here leopard-printed one that I snagged off Amazon for $14. These Frenchie hats are the perfect complement to any outfit that could use a lil’ something extra. Taking it from ringarde (as Pierre Cadault would say) to eye-catching!
Shop Amazon
Glamorstar Leopard Beret, $, available at Amazon
Ralph Lauren Striped Cotton Shirt
Closet Staple: Button-Down Top
It’s genuinely hard to go wrong with a button-down top. You have your short or long-sleeve. You can leave it open, button it up, tie it, and tuck it. I have many different ones with different patterns and prints — but, if I had to pick just one for you to get right now, it’d be a classic long sleeve stripe. My favorite way to wear it is to tie it into a cropped top with high waisted pants.
Shop Ralph Lauren
Lauren Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Striped Cotton Shirt, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Madewell Greer Bootie
Closet Staple: Black Square-toed Booties
Who doesn’t love a black bootie? I always jump to these whenever the situation calls for a little something more than casual. I found as someone with a slightly wider foot the square-toe gives me a lot more wiggle room. It’s definitely ideal and far from uncomfy. Unfortunately, the pair I own is vintage — but this pair from Nordstrom do the trick!
Shop Nordstrom
Madewell The Greer Bootie, $, available at Nordstrom
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