5 Show Season Outfits for the Plus Size Nerd
For a long time, the thought of packing for a show was a cause for immense anxiety. Inevitably I would order a ton of junk online and haul it to whatever convention center we were at that weekend, only to discover I HATED everything on my body.
Then one day Geno Stampora dropped mega knowledge that stuck with me. He shared a story about how he felt really confident in a particular suit so he just wore that same suit to all his speaking engagements. Makes sense right? Find something that works and then remove the stress. So that is exactly what I did.
A fashionista I am not, but I have been dressing this body for a long, long time. Over the years, I have developed a capsule wardrobe for show season. Now I am able to toss a few things in my suitcase and know I’m not going to be wandering the streets of Las Vegas before an event praying like hell they have my size. (there is a very real and traumatizing story there that we will save for another time, lol)
Little Black Dress
This dress in particular is Calvin Klein and less than $35 on Amazon. I purchased it through Prime Wardrobe years ago and it has been a staple ever since. I love that I can literally ball it up and it never needs to be ironed, has sleeves (an absolute must) and I don’t feel like I am going to accidentally show my ass. This is a dress I have worn to gala fundraisers, business dinners, shows, pretty much everywhere.
Black Dress with a Twist
Typically “fast fashion” has been off limits to me but ASOS Curve has changed the game. What you need to know about ASOS is that the inventory on the site turns over very quickly so if you see something you like buy it right then!
I was a huge fan of the Adamms Family as a kid and this peter pan collar dress gave me very Wednesday vibes. For me, having something black and classic with an interesting detail is the perfect item for show season.
Pop o’ Color Dress
I am a bit of a plain Jane so my bold statement is a green utility shirtdress from Anthropologie. I like that it ties at the waist because I can control how fitted it is for my body and that it is thin so it works pretty much year round (California). Anthro rolled out APlus their new extended size line last Spring so yay for more companies being size inclusive!
The heeled Dr. Marten’s boot were an impulse purchase that Annie forced me to make. I wasn’t convinced and pretty sure I would end up giving them to her but low and behold… I kinda love them.
Black Jumpsuit
I was hesitant at first to hop on the jumpsuit bandwagon but let me tell you these one piece outfits will be your very best friend. This particular jumpsuit is from Torrid but from a couple of seasons ago. (I will link a super similar one) Try and act surprised when you see this bad boy on the red carpet at NAHA later this month.
Hair Nerd Swag
The Classic Black Hair Nerd shirt is my ol’ faithful. Whether I pair it with a blazer, alone or layered… a hair nerd shirt works in any pro beauty situation. I throw it on with my Universal Standard jeans and silver docs (these are $50 right now!) and roll out. The really awesome thing about Universal Standard is they carry sizes 0-40 and have a program called Fit Liberty that allows you to exchange up or down a size during the first year. So even if you fluctuate, they have you covered.
In the end, no matter what items you choose make sure you feel comfortable and confident. There is nothing worse than spending the day at an event tugging and pulling on your clothing or feeling out of place. Find pieces you love to build your basics and the rest will come together.
This page may include affiliate links.