Welcome Allison McGevna, 31, of Inside Allie’s World, who is joining us as our resident curvy-girl style blogger. She was featured in the December/January issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch and contributes her thoughts on finding the perfect outfit to the site each week. This week, she spills on how to shop your closet and remix what you own. (And if her items are sold out, we’ve linked to similar styles below — happy shopping!)
Courtesy Allison McGevna
Sometimes I’ll have pieces in my closet that I really love, but just can’t figure out how to style. This week’s crop top and floral skirt were two of those. The crop top top was actually from a top-and-skirt set that I ordered on Sugarpopped.com. The skirt ended up being too tight on me, but I really wanted to make the top work on my figure. I had styled the Eva Mendes for New York & Company skirt (similar style) with a white T-shirt before to try and achieve this fresh, neutral look I had envisioned, but it was never quite right.
RELATED: See even more wardrobe tips from Allison here!
Let’s talk about why I love these pieces. Crop tops can be tricky for any woman, especially if you’re plus size. Like I’ve always said, it’s easier for curvy women to look supersexy (sometimes this is a good thing, but sometimes it’s not!). When considering a crop top, I always make sure I can find one that’s a good fit, and figure out a way to work it without going overboard. I’m all for women wearing what they feel great in! But you do have to weigh what is age- and life-appropriate. This top is wonderful because it has longer sleeves and a turtleneck. It’s rare that you can find a crop top that offers this much coverage. It really checks all the boxes! The top is pretty fitted, so I knew I needed to wear it with something flowy and high-waisted.
This Eva Mendes for New York & Company skirt is so gorgeous. Eva Mendes designs such great clothes. Her designs are fashion forward, her line goes up to a size 18 and everything is really affordable. Most importantly, the clothes she designs look like clothes she would actually wear! This skirt’s material is lightweight and satin-y, so it can be dressed up or down. And, it’s a great example of a fuller skirt that doesn’t have so much structure. It really skims over your shape. Bonus: No shapewear necessary!
I finally had a “Eureka!” moment and realized I needed to look within my own wardrobe to figure out how to style these two pieces. The color palette of the top and skirt were so sleek and cohesive, and the proportions worked perfectly. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of this pairing sooner! The top is long enough and the skirt is high-waisted enough to show just a sliver of skin (I never wanted to go overboard and show too much) and the whole look felt young and modern. Plus, it gets you in the mood for spring! Lighter colors can sometimes be tricky to pull off on a curvy frame, but when you go monochromatic like this, it gives you a bit of a lengthened effect.
I paired the look with rose gold pumps from Charles David and gold-and-pink bracelets from New York & Company (similar style) to go with the palette and keep that long, lean line intact. And, if you’re wondering what bra I wore underneath the crop top, I chose a pink bra from Lane Bryant’s Cacique collection (a similar shade to the blush-colored top). With lighter colors and tighter fits, it can be tricky to find the right undergarments. The bra is seamless, so it doesn’t show through underneath a fitted top, and it’s thickly lined, so if it’s colder, you won’t have a wardrobe malfunction!
Do you shop your closet and remix your wardrobe? What has your most successful remix been to date? Sound off below!
