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.

Chichi Offor
Associate Shopping Editor

Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor who relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast office in 2022. At WWW, she utilizes over 10 years of editorial experience to dish out shopping advice to the masses and analyze key pop-cultural moments. Chichi previously worked at Refinery29, where she helped revolutionize the brand’s plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage. In her spare time, she’s keeping up with the latest movie releases, enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, or obsessing over her latest ADHD-fueled hyperfixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, the negative effects of bicoastal intellectual elitism, and Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic). You can find her online @thechichio on Instagram.