I'm a Plus-Size Fashion Editor—4 Elevated Staples Living Rent-Free in My Mind

Imani wears black pants, black shoes, and black pants.

(Image credit: @champagnemani)

It's no secret that the chicest closets are built on solid staple finds. Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of color, fun fabrics, and statement pieces. As a fashion editor who just so happens to be plus-size, I also know how hard it can be to find simple, versatile pieces that you want to wear over and over again. I'm talking about the no-brainer building blocks of a wardrobe that you can depend on time and again. This is precisely why I've made it my goal to help all the plus-size fashion people find amazing staples.

Yes, you heard right. I've highlighted a handful of elevated wardrobe basics, and I provided an array of shopping options across price points for each. While hunting down good plus-size market is never easy, I've done my best to take the guesswork out of finding these versatile, elevated finds you'll use for years. Keep scrolling to shop my selection of elevated plus-size staples.

Trench Coat

A trench coat adds the perfect dose of elegance to just about any outfit. Right now, the style is having a strong moment, so many chic plus-size styles have been popping up. Whether you like something more traditional or you're down to experiment (leather, anyone?), this style is sure to keep on delivering.

Button-Down Shirt

There's a reason why every fashion person you know has a solid button-down or two. The styling options are truly unmatched. From a French tuck to layering under sweaters, there are so many ways to make this style work well in your wardrobe.

Pencil Skirt

There's something so undeniably chic about a pencil skirt. It just instantly makes the person wearing it look 10 times more put-together. I've been really into the corporate-gray trend, but a classic black skirt will hit just right every time.

Black Pants

If you're looking for bottoms with a dressier feel, you can't go wrong with a solid pair of black pants. Every occasion doesn't necessarily call for a sophisticated look, so you can easily dress these down if needed. However, I love that black trousers can take things up a notch.

Associate Shopping Editor
Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor and model who has recently relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast offices. For WWW, she utilizes her love of personal style to dish out shopping advice to the masses.After graduating from the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism, Chichi moved to Brooklyn and began hustling to make it in the NYC media world. Before landing at WWW, she spent some time at Vice Media Group, where she helped revolutionize Refinery29's plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage and even co-hosted a summer styling series. Prior to R29, she supported Bustle Digital Group's commerce team and freelanced for various publications.Chichi is a multi-passionate, pop culture–obsessed television and music lover who enjoys a good concert and a yummy meal just as much as she loves analyzing cultural trends and throwing together a solid outfit. After work, you can probably find her bopping around the best L.A. restaurants talking about her latest ADHD-fueled hyper-fixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, TikTok black hole discoveries, and theories on the emo-rock music revival).