When you go shopping, do you ever feel stuck in the middle? It’s that sensation when you’re constantly jumping back and forth between one size range and another. Or when you have to take three sizes of one item to the dressing room, and still can’t find a fit. If this is you, you may wonder how to dress a mid-size body.
Lucky for you, our Next Level Wardrobe style team is on the case. We work with clients of all sizes, professions, and ages, so we have firsthand experience in successfully styling all types of women, including mid-size women. Read on for more information about this inclusive sizing trend and how to approach it timelessly.
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Understanding What “Midsize” Means in Women’s Clothing
Mid-size generally refers to US women’s sizes 10-16. It refers to a body type that’s between smaller, “straight” sizes and plus-sized.
Where did this term come from?
According to the Today Show, it’s a TikTok original. Don’t worry, we’re not about to tell you to start following every Gen Z trend. Someone on the app just coined the term for that gap in women’s fashion that didn’t have a name yet.
Many creators felt that brands drew a hard line between straight and plus sizes. After all, manufacturers base plus and standard-size clothes on two different patterns.
You may see a big discrepancy in how clothes fit you if you’re in the middle.
With most women in America fitting at a size 12 or above, it’s easy to see why this range needs attention.
Does this sound like you? Then let’s get to filling your wardrobe with clothes finally made for you.
Are There Fashion Rules for Mid-Size Clothing?
NLW Client, Stella, Teacher in NYC
No, there are no rules for mid-size women’s clothing. If you’re a mid-size woman, you can wear whatever you like. But if you are searching for guidance, we’ve got you.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we offer the same guidelines for every client who comes to us, whether for our virtual styling services, in-person wardrobe styling, or plus-size image consulting. These steps work whether you’re plus, straight-sized, or wondering how to dress a mid-size body. That is, if you want to:
- Love everything you buy
- Create unlimited outfits without overshopping
- Feel confident buying with intention
We call this the Next Level Wardrobe style system. Here are the three steps to follow:
Do You Have Frumpy Style?
Tips for Dressing a Medium-Sized Woman
1. Stick to Core Colors for a Polished Look
If you want to have a wardrobe that you can mix and match with ease, you should follow our hierarchy of color. This means dividing your closet into three sections based on colors.
Most of your closet should be black, white, grey, and navy. These colors go with everything, meaning your potential to mix and match skyrocketed.
The second biggest section should be tonal colors, aka tints of those original core colors. They allow you to add texture and visual interest to outfits without going wild.
The smallest closet section should be mid-size clothing with accent colors or patterns. These act as that “little extra something”.
2. Invest in Essential Mid-Size Wardrobe Staples
Fast fashion is everywhere, we know. But we’re big believers in quality over quantity. Buying many low-quality items sets you up for a cluttered closet that you constantly have to update.
Opt for classic, high-quality pieces made from lasting materials to get the most out of what you wear. You’ll buy less because you’re being selective, thinking about what you truly need.
3. Prioritize Fit Over Size Tags
If you’re here trying to figure out mid-size fashion, you likely struggle with fit. No matter your size, we believe in hiring a tailor.
We know alterations sound like a splurge. However, if you’re following the other two steps, you’ll only need to alter key pieces. Specifically for mid-size women, we also recommend experimenting with fabrication. Maybe a 16 is loose around your waist but fits your thighs. Try a size down in a style with stretch.
The last thing you want to do is buy high-quality pieces in the right colors, only to have them fit poorly. You don’t want to look frumpy or outdated in oversized, ill-fitting pieces. (Not sure if you have frumpy style? Take our quiz to find out and get tips on how to fix it.)
Must-Have Mid-Size Clothing for Business Casual Workwear:
We’ve identified three must-have pieces when thinking of how to dress mid-size figures following this system. They follow our steps, and they’ll highlight everything you love about your body. They’re all perfectly professional, making them ideal for any CEO, entrepreneur, or worker aiming for a promotion. Here are the five types of mid-size clothing every professional woman should have.
1. Mid-Size Executive Dresses for Business Casual Offices
Product by Ralph Lauren, shop here.
Dresses don’t get enough praise for their workplace versatility.
Seriously, they’re a one-and-done outfit. The right mid-size dress is the kind you can throw on in a flash and still seem polished.
Try an a-line style or fitted frock if you prefer styles that bring out your curves. More into an airy vibe? Enjoy the return of empire waist dresses or flowy midi options.
A favorite mid-size option for us is this easy-to-throw-on A-line. Besides its “one and done” appeal, we love the shape it creates. A wrap silhouette allows you to define your waist and highlight curves.
Take advantage of its versatility by dressing it up with heels for a formal event or wearing sneakers or flats for something casual.
For lovers of less structured materials, try a shirt-dress with a tie-waist. The adjustable waist allows you to achieve the perfect fit, and the collared top suits any office.
2. The Best Mid-Size Jeans for Business Casual Workwear
Product by NYDJ, shop here.
The next piece we love for how to dress mid-size frames is a classic pair of straight-cut jeans. These denim heavy-hitters are the go-to style at the moment, and it’s not hard to see why. (Yes, you can still keep your skinny jeans too!)
Straight-cut jeans just skim the widest parts of your body and come to a mildly tapered hem. We especially love this for mid-sized clients.
Why? The style accentuates your figure instead of hiding it like exaggeratedly baggy jeans. They’re also more modern than skinny silhouettes, and they look good with different types of shoes; boots in the winter, and fun sneakers in the spring.
If you’re hunting for the best jeans for mid-size ladies, give high-rise ankle jeans a whirl. Go for options free of any distressing or heavy fading so you can safely wear these for most occasions.
This is also a great time to play with color. You don’t have to stick to only classic dark denim. Trying a gray color will lighten and brighten up your wardrobe, which may be useful if you tend to overdo a dark color palette.
These will likely be something you don’t already have. Pair them with a pop of color on top or a core color, depending on your mood or personal brand.
3. Flattering Blouses for Mid-Size Women
Product by Foxcroft, shop here.
Our third essential for mid-size women’s fashion is a blouse. Yes, revolutionary, we know. But sometimes, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to refine it.
So what do we love about this piece of mid-size women’s clothing?
We’ll start with the obvious: a blouse is polished and professional, perfect for every dress code. As a separate, it gives you the freedom to pair it with jeans, trousers, or skirts. Plus, it’s a year-round go-to.
Now here’s what medium-sized women should keep in mind when shopping for blouses:
Buttons and gapping. Many of our mid-size clients tend to have fuller busts. Pair this with the wrong blouse, and it can lead to uncomfortable pull lines or gaps. To combat this, we advise prioritizing either blouses with stretch or sizing up.
Blouses with some spandex or elastane may feel more comfortable and mold around your shape.
However, if you prefer all-natural fibers or that clean, freshly starched shirt look, pick one that fits the widest part of your bust. Then, go to a trusted tailor who can take it in where it’s oversized.
4. Go-To Knit Tops for a Midsize CEO Style
Product by Anne Klein, shop here.
Have a casual or power casual office? Then a comfortable knit top can do no wrong.
Knits are a must in midsize fashion. Why? Because they’re comfortable, stretchy, easy to dress up or down, and fit most bodies.
We suggest the laid-back vibe of a linen and cotton muscle tank in a neutral color. The loose knit makes for maximum breathability, so you can wear it through hot climates with ease.
And don’t worry, the neutral color and lightweight material also make layering this piece during colder seasons a snap.
5. Mid-Size Fashion Trousers That Mean Business
Product by Eloquii, shop here.
To round out our list of mid-size fashion musts, we have wide-leg trousers.
While “on-trend”, wide-leg bottoms are anything but a passing phase in the style world. That’s because they’re easier to move in and more comfortable than skinny or tight-fitting bottoms, and they look fantastic on all bodies.
For years, many mid-sized or plus-sized women stayed away from wide-legs. The old advice used to be “The skinnier the better”. But in reality, wide-legs are a smart way to add proportionality and balance to your look.
For warmer seasons, we recommend grabbing a lighter-colored pair of trousers. Lighter colors are a simple way to make your wardrobe feel fresh.
Wear this in the summertime with a matching cream blazer and open-toed heels. Want to transition this to fall? Not to worry. Throw on a navy cashmere sweater and you’re good to go.
Mid-Size Outfit Ideas for Women in Leadership
The start of your capsule wardrobe is in place. Now it’s time for our last bit of advice: midsize outfit ideas. Consider these your quick reference for midsize style inspiration.
1. Master the Monochromatic
Source: Instagram.
If you’re thinking of how to dress professionally as a mid-size woman, you can’t go wrong with a monochromatic suit.
These ensembles instantly appear polished with minimal effort. You can rock your monochromatic look in an accent hue or stay classic with core colors like the image above.
The neutral color palette balances out the boyfriend-length cut of the blazer and the wide-leg pant silhouette.
This is a great example of how to pull off a medium-sized women’s CEO style while in a meeting or speaking at a summit. It’s also ideal to pack for a woman’s business trip. Just bring a few changes of tops and you’re set.
2. CEO Style: Mid-Size Business Outfits That Command Respect
Source: Instagram.
One of our favorite hacks to instantly transform your outfit is to layer up. As long as you get a coat, jacket, or sweater in the right fit, you’re good to go.
In this ensemble, the jacket amps up the visual interest. It pops against the white dress.
Plus, if this dress is lightweight or sleeveless, popping on a layer keeps you in line with strict dress codes.
Another reason why this dress gets the okay for the workplace is the collared top and button-down front. These small but important details read as office-approved.
3. Mix-and-Match Separates for Standout Mid-Size Looks
Source: Instagram.
We told you we loved straight-fit bottoms, and the same goes for trousers. These black paper-bag trousers paired with the denim jacket are professionalism personified.
Wear if you’re unsure of your office’s rules or you want to feel polished without overdressing.
The lime-green square-toe heels are a great example of how to use an accent color. But if you prefer a low-key look, you can always sub in black or white loafers.
Ready to Elevate Your Mid-Size Business Casual Wardrobe?
So now you know the answer to what is midsize and how to dress for this body type. That’s step one. The next step is to figure out your style to start your transformation.
Apply for our women’s image consulting services and personal styling to work with experts to elevate your closet. We’ll create a personalized style plan, shopping list, and shopping experience tailored to your needs.
