The Miwa Top and the Importance of Wardrobe Basics
We all have those special little checklists that we make when we’re looking for a new outfit. Does it have sleeves? Is it fully-lined? Can I belt it? This can certainly be limiting and I definitely have shied away from wearing more adventurous pieces because it violates too many of my personal outfit requirements, but on the whole, women tend to know what looks best on them and what they will be most comfortable in even before trying it on. We often have a closet full of wardrobe basics that meet these requirements.
So when I saw the Miwa Top in Black, I knew that this top would be perfect for me since it hit almost every single item on my checklist: it has loose, bell-style, three-quarter sleeves (which are my personal favorite), it has an empire waist, is fully lined, is made of wrinkle-free jersey material, and it even comes with a great fabric belt. The Miwa Top can be worn with or without the belt so you can customize this wonderfully basic, black jersey top for anything.
A good black top is my go-to for almost every outfit.
As a so-called “plus-size fashionista,” I feel a certain amount of pressure to always push myself with outfits, and as a result, I get a little stressed out when I’m wearing a “basic” item like a black top or a gray sweater. I think this anxiety comes from the sense that, as a plus-size woman who cares deeply about fashion and who is incredibly invested in style, if I wear a pair of sweats, even to the grocery store, then I am betraying myself. I’m trying to get over this self-imposed mental block and rock anything that I wear from ratty t-shirts to formal dresses, but it takes a certain amount of practice.
The Miwa Top, at its core, is a basic piece. Without the belt, it is a simple, flattering black top. It is even made out of a cotton jersey, which is essentially the most basic material you can wear. However, the cut on this top makes it special. And that is really what I’ve been looking for in my wardrobe – “special basics.”
I paired my staple, black Miwa Top with black jeans and yellow flats. The great belt kept me from being monochromatic and kept the focus on the tiniest part of me – my waist.
Maybe it’s just because the word “basic” seems to have negative connotations to me, but I really struggle with it. As a result, here’s a list of five staple pieces that every plus-size woman should have in their wardrobe.
1. Structured black top: This can be a t-shirt or you can even do something a little more elaborate (like the Miwa Top), but it’s important that there is some good seaming and structure. This top should be a wear-alone piece meaning that you shouldn’t feel the need to pair it with a jacket or a cardigan. Although, of course, you can.
2. Comfortable pair of jeans: Yeah, I value comfortable jeans over stylish jeans. If you can hit both, that’s great, but in my experience, if you aren’t completely comfortable in your clothes, you probably just won’t wear them. Who wants to feel self-conscious all day?
3. Blazer: Blazers can go with everything and anything, from jeans to dresses and everything in between. They immediately add a sense of presence to any outfit, and so they’re perfect for dressing up a casual look for work or a nice dinner out.
4. Boots: Good boots can be hard to find. Especially if you need wide-calf boots. However, they really are one of the most universally flattering and convertible shoes if you need something to transition seasons.
5. Simple Jewelry: Statement necklaces and earrings are wonderful. They really, really are. However, on those days when you either don’t feel like over-the-top sparkle, or when it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear an oversized, sparkly floral collar, make sure you have your minimal jewelry pieces picked out. For me, it’s a pair of gold heart studs and a few simple rings – just enough so I have a little bling without it being overwhelming.
How would you wear this top?
If you have your own list of staples or if you want some shopping tips, you can always hit me up on Twitter or Instagram.
