Plus Size Outfit

Finding Staple Wardrobe Pieces at Gordmans

If you were to take a look at my closet, you wouldn’t even be able to guess what style I primarily lean toward or if I have a favorite color. That’s because I get new clothes almost on a daily basis, and one article never looks like another. I love embracing trends and discovering new styles for curves, but that usually means that I have so many pieces of clothing in my wardrobe that don’t pair well and go out of season quickly. After purging my closet once a month—yes, once a month—and color-coding it, I have decided to hold myself to a challenge for 2020—or as most would say, *a New Years Resolution*: Buy fewer statement pieces and more classic, staple clothing.

But does this mean that I stop shopping and indulging in statement clothing that makes me feel inspired? No! It just means that I have to shop smarter. Enter Gordmans, my favorite off-price retailer. Not only does Gordmans buy excess inventory from my favorite brands and designers to offer me a huge discount, but they are also always looking out for us curvy girls. When I shop at Gordmans, I walk in feeling confident that I am going to get the best deal and walk out with on-trend styles I’ve been craving.

So, I decided to put my love for Gordmans to the test to see if I could find a classic, staple outfit that could work for a variety of different outfits and styles so that I could also buy just a few statement pieces to create endless looks. Let’s see how I did! Also: I am giving you the chance to win a $100 gift card to Gordmans at the end of this post, so stay tuned! 

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City shops for budget friendly clothing at Gordmans.

The Basics
I have been looking for a really comfortable pair of true black jeans, and when I set my sights on these YMI skinny jeans, I was in love. They were so soft to the touch, and sure enough, when I tried them on, they instantly became my new favorite pair of jeans. I also found this tank top with a zipper accent, which I could wear all day every day with anything—exactly what I was looking for! I determined that this was going to be my staple look. It’s black, classic, and comfortable, which checks off every box I had when it came to finding classic clothing.

I got this entire outfit for less than $25, which left me some extra cash to spend on statement pieces. Having an outfit like this that I can plop into any look makes me feel better about spending money on items that may not go with everything, but will certainly pair well with black.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City shops for budget friendly clothing at Gordmans.

A Pop of Color 
This cardigan caught my eye as soon as I walked into Gordmans. I instantly told myself, “No, we are here for staple clothes only!” This cardigan was the opposite of classic. However, it was only $16, and if I found a staple look like the one above, this cardigan could pair well with that and other monochromatic looks that I plan out. So I decided to indulge in this statement piece. It’s so comfortable, and the color brings a smile to my face and livens up any outfit I wear it with. I wore this outfit to the office one week, and everyone complimented me!

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City shops for budget friendly clothing at Gordmans.

On-Trend Now: The Teddy Coat 
One of the trends that I have really been wanting to try is the teddy coat. These cozy jackets are so cute, but I fear that they won’t be around for much longer. So when I found this gorgeous cropped teddy coat for only $24, I had zero regrets buying it. And, I knew it would go perfectly with the staple look that I had created!

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City shops for budget friendly clothing at Gordmans.

Can Prints be a Staple? 
This is a question I have been pondering for a while because of how prevalent leopard is. I have been wanting to incorporate more of it into my wardrobe, but I am trying to contemplate whether or not it will be a staple or a fad. One rule that I think I can live by when it comes to embracing this trend is to find a pattern that has a modern take on the trend and that is neutral, like this sweater. The print is updated and it will go with anything in my closet. Therefore, I didn’t feel excessive when I bought this because I knew that it was versatile, and even if it became a fad in a couple of months, I loved it.

GIVEAWAY
Whether you love shopping at Gordmans or you’re looking to experience the magic of finding your favorite styles and brands at a fraction of the price, enter my giveaway to win aa $100 Gordmans gift card! Here are the rules:
1. Follow Gordmans on Instagram
2. Comment on my most recent Instagram post: HERE featuring my new favorite finds from Gordmans! Tell us what styles your excited to find at Gordmans!
We will choose a winner at random on Friday!

Find your closest Gordmans store by visiting Gordmans.com… and do not forget to invite me!

Thank you to Specialty Retailers, Inc. for sponsoring this post. I am a huge proponent of brands that promote inclusivity and sell high-quality, well-fitting clothing. All opinions expressed in this post are 110% my own! Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make Natalie in the City a possibility!

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