5 Wardrobe Essentials That Are Comfortable + Flattering No Matter Your Body Type

Finding clothes that look good on you and are actually comfortable to wear is one of the greatest challenges in life, let’s admit it. If you’re someone who dreads leaving the house because you hate changing into “real clothes” you should know it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are two main qualities every piece of clothing in your wardrobe should have. First, it makes you feel like you look good. Second, you should feel good wearing it. It might take some time to find those items, but once you have them, you can use each one as a base for outfits that you enjoy wearing and even get you excited to go out.


1. Loose Dresses

A dress might not be the first thing to come to mind when you think comfort, especially if you aren’t the dress-wearing type. You might also think that dresses are limited to being worn in spring or summer, but dresses can work in colder seasons if you pair them with leggings and a good quality coat or jacket.

The key to making a dress work as an essential piece is to consider the following: does the color match with the rest of your wardrobe? Is the dress loose enough to wear comfortably? Is it too short or too long for your height? If you’re satisfied with your answers to those questions, you’re on your way to having a valuable item in your closet.

Recommendations:

Left: H&M – Poplin Beach Dress / Right: Old Navy – Linen-Blend Jersey Swing Dress for Women




2. Lightweight Oversized Blazers

Oversized blazers have been getting a fair amount of attention the last year or so and it’s no wonder why. Throwing on a simple blazer will help smooth your figure down and come in a variety of colors and materials. Blazers are also highly versatile and can be paired with most tees, sweaters, and even tanks.

As long as you’re coordinating colors properly with what you’re wearing with them, you can’t really go wrong with a roomy blazer. Just make sure that you don’t buy it too oversized, as that can overdue the oversized look. You ideally want the blazer at the longest at your hip and fit fairly snug around your shoulders.

Recommendations:

Left: H&M – Oversized Jacket (Gray) / Right: Everlane – The Oversized Blazer (Glen Plaid)




3. Size Up Boyfriend Shirts + Dress Shirts

Boyfriend and/or dress shirts are an amazing value because they can be worn multiple ways and come in an endless amount of styles. The two primary ways that you wear them are buttoned and tucked into jeans/shorts/skirts or unbuttoned and layered to match with a shirt or tank top underneath.

If you choose an airy and flexible material like polyester or silk-type fabrics like viscose, it will give you the comfort you need at any point in the year. If you choose a size that’s slightly bigger than your perfect fit, they’ll also provide you that room to move without feeling the same type of suffocation other clothing might.

Recommendations:

Left: Gap – Linen Boyfriend Shirt (Light Blue) / Right: Boyfriend Striped Linen-Blend Shirt for Women (Black White Stripe)




4. Striped Tops

At least one or two striped tops are a must for your closet. Why? Whether you wear a horizontal or vertical shirt they have their own distinct and great features for comfort and fit. Horizontal striped tops are known to make you look slimmer, while vertical stripes can elongate your figure and make you seem taller. Either way, it’s a good deal.

Beyond that, striped tops have been a classic for decades. You know that your pieces will last for years to come because they’ve stood the test of time already. Thanks to their popularity, you can find practically find the pattern on any type of top, whether it’s long-sleeve, short-sleeve, off-shoulder, and more.

Recommendations:

Left: J. Crew – Striped boatneck T-shirt / Right: Nordstrom – Stripe Woven Tunic




5. Midi Skirts

Midi skirts are a great asset to anyone who wants to feel more confident, but doesn’t want to commit to a single piece like a dress. Midi skirts are a summer staple for a reason. They help keep you cool on high temperature days and are preferable to those who are feel shy wearing something shorter like a knee-length skirt.

Midi skirts can be positioned higher or lower depending on your preference on where they sit around your midriff. Make sure to try different products to get a good feel of their bands and if they’re secure enough. Drawstring bands can make some paranoid that they’ll come loose, while waistband strength can cause some discomfort as well, factor that in when you try on different skirts and find one that will fit your comfort level perfectly.

Recommendations:

Left: Banana Republic – Knit Tiered Midi Skirt / Right: Pull-On Midi Skirt




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Antoinette Maven

"Antony" Maven is a contributing writer for SimpleHermit.com and identifies as an INFP. She loves to hike with her dog, write poetry, find hidden gems in her small town, and read her nights away.