Plus size spring style for all occasions

Editor’s note: please welcome today’s guest blogger Kim Abbate from Creating Kim. With a love of fashion and curves of her own, she has pulled together some plus size outfits for different spring occasions.

Spring is finally in the air! Melbourne always lags a little behind the rest of Australia, but we finally saw some sunshine this weekend and that means it’s time to start thinking about a few changes in my wardrobe. It’s time to put away the winter warmers and whip out some spring racing finery and more colourful frocks for the office.

In years gone by, as a plus size woman, my choices were limited; there were shapeless sacks in block colours or black on black on black. Seriously. Thankfully today there are a range of labels with on-trend pieces for all occasions from casual to corporate and spring carnival to spring weddings. I’m here to help you find some inspiration this spring that will lift your spirits from the backyard BBQ, to the boardroom or trackside. The beauty of it all is that you can order it from the comfort of your living room and it will turn up in time for the next sunny occasion on your social calendar.

Casual

1. Target denim dress $69 | 2. Read and Bell scarf $75 | 3. Seed tassel tote $89 |     4. Target block heel sandals $39 | 5.  Autograph rose gold ballet flats $59

I bought this dress last week and I already know it’s going to be a firm favourite. Simply adding a scarf or a statement necklace lifts it immediately. If the spring weather isn’t quite warming your toes just yet, you can choose the ballet flats over the sandals, or even go for a pair of ankle boots.

Office

1. Birdsnest Belle Bird slim control dress $169 | 2. City Chic preppy cardi $69 |
3. Grace slouch shoulder bag $99 | 4. Clarice lace up wedge $99

Maybe it’s my slightly conservative style, or maybe it’s my comfort zone, but I’m a big fan of this dress length for the office.  It’s a flattering, feminine cut but the fact that it just skims the bottom of the knees makes it work in most work environments. Teamed with the preppy cardi (because every office has that person who turns up the air con just a little too high) and some comfortable chic heels you can take it from a meeting to drinks after work with ease.

Spring racing

1. ASOS lace top dress $93 | 2. Dream Diva poppy shift $99 | 3. ASOS chevron skirt + High neck top $80 | 4. & 5. Carlo heel in black and nude $69

Do you love the pomp and ceremony of the spring racing carnival? Derby Day, Oaks or the main event, we focus all of our attention on the most important aspect – the fashion, right? Even Melbourne (generally) manages some sunshine for a couple of the main track days, so a mid-length dress will work (maybe just add a little jacket or shrug to the planning). My main tip for the races (from someone who once made the mistake) is to wear shoes that you will be comfortable in ALL day.  Nobody wants to be the woman walking from the track with her shoes in her hand.

The shoe above works in either nude or black as the heel gives more support but looks fab with your facinator.

Occasion

 1 Belle Bird lace insert dress $99 | 2. Olga Berg lizard clutch $69 |
3. Dream Diva pleat dress $129 | 4. Carlo heel in nude $69

Spring is the perfect wedding season and it’s also the prelude to christmas events – sometimes even black tie.  Who doesn’t love an excuse to frock up? If you’re lucky enough to celebrate the love of some friends at a wedding or you have another occasion to consider, these two dresses will have you covered. From the sleek lines of the Belle Bird lace dress to the flowing form of the Dream Diva pleat, either will have you feeling fabulous late into the night.

If none of these outfits work for you, check out some of my favourite plus size stores:

Belle Bird
City Chic
17 Sundays
ASOS curve
Target curve
Dream Diva

Do you have a spring event coming up that you’re looking forward to?

Kim Abbate is a working single mum who blogs at  CreatingKim. Her blog focuses on topics that most busy mums can relate to around work, fun, family and health. She also blogs at Life With Tweens which focuses on everything related to that awkward stage between being a child and being a teen. She  has a passion for empowering women and drinking coffee. Or wine. Generally wine.