3 Style Shifts That Instantly Elevate Your Presence—Especially for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet asking, “How do I show up today?”—you’re not alone. And the answer isn’t more clothes—it’s smarter styling. Especially for mid-size and plus-size women, how you dress can be a powerful tool to lead with visibility, authority, and self-expression.

These three style shifts are what I teach my clients—executives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—who want to command rooms, exude confidence, and stand out in every space they enter.


Shift 1: Stop Dressing to Disappear—Start Dressing to Direct

Wearing color doesn’t make you “too much.” It makes you memorable. For plus-size and mid-size women especially, color is an asset, not something to hide behind. Strategic use of bold hues instantly builds authority—no words needed.

A stylish cobalt blue pantsuit with wide-leg trousers and a matching top, worn by a mid-size woman with wavy hair and strappy heels. Paired with interchangeable tank tops in mustard, pale blue, and coral.

💥 Style Tips That Command Attention:

  • Try a deep plum, emerald, or cobalt suit with a sleek neutral shell underneath—think power and polish.

  • Layer a structured cobalt blazer over a cream column dress to energize any boardroom.

  • Add bold pumps—like emerald green or scarlet red—to a black sheath dress for a balanced, eye-catching look.

👉 Explore power pieces I style clients in Wear Color.


Shift 2: Prioritize Fit Over Flattery

Your body isn’t the problem—your clothes might be.
For too long, women have been told to “flatter” by hiding. But baggy, shapeless silhouettes only erase your presence. The real key? Fit that honors your shape, gives structure, and radiates confidence.

Elegant outfit featuring a rich purple pleated midi dress with long sleeves, paired with magenta and purple slingback heels.  A bold magenta oval clutch, dangling earrings with purple and blue stones.

💥 Plus-Size & Mid-Size Style Tips That Define (Not Disguise):

  • Opt for a belted dress that cinches your waist and elongates your frame.

  • Choose structured dresses with defined shoulders or a statement neckline to instantly polish your look.

  • Go for a wrap dress that hugs your curves and moves with ease—perfect for desk-to-dinner impact.

These aren’t “figure-fixers”—they’re presence-enhancers.

👉 See my top client-recommended dresses in Pieces with a waist.


Shift 3: Lead with Identity—Not Apology

Every outfit speaks. What’s yours saying?

Before you get dressed, ask: “What message do I want to send today?”

Especially as a plus-size or mid-size leader, your style can reinforce your voice—or undermine it.

Your clothes should reflect who you are, not who you’ve been told to be smaller for.

a bold floral blazer, light blue sleeveless top, magenta wide-leg trousers, light blue textured block-heel pumps, a structured light blue handbag, and dangling earrings with purple and blue gems.

💥 Style with Identity-Driven Confidence:

  • Throw on a statement blazer that draws compliments and sets a tone of authority.

  • Add bold glasses, patterned scarves, or sculptural earrings that echo your personality.

  • Choose a luxe wrap dress or matching set in a fabric that speaks volumes—without you needing to.

This isn’t about being louder—it’s about being more you. Fully aligned, fully seen.

👉 Explore power pieces I style clients in Statement Pieces.


From Invisible to Impactful—Without Changing Your Body

You don’t need to shrink yourself to lead with presence.
These style shifts help mid-size and plus-size women own the room—whether you're running a meeting, speaking on stage, or networking at an event.

When your wardrobe is aligned with your power, you’re not just dressed—you’re directing the room.


FREE Style Masterclass for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women in Leadership

What if the very clothes you were told to wear to “look professional”... were actually the reason you feel overlooked?

If you're tired of playing small with your style, join me for:

Ditch the Corporate Armor: Elevate Your Executive Presence & Dress for Impact

In this masterclass, you’ll discover how to:
✅ Build a streamlined wardrobe that reflects your authority and leadership
Dress with confidence and clarity—without panic shopping before every event
✅ Stop letting outdated dress codes keep you invisible in high-stakes rooms
Position yourself as the high-impact leader your work already proves you are

Perfect for mid-size and plus-size professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs ready to stop blending in and start commanding respect.

🚨 IMPORTANT: You MUST register using the link to attend live or receive the replay. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you show up—without changing your body.

Hello!

I’m Melanie — a personal stylist and confidence coach for high-achieving women who want to stand out through style.

Here, I share style tips, personal branding advice, and outfit strategies to help you get noticed and lead with confidence.

Let me know if there's any way I can help you!



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5 OUTFIT MISTAKES KEEPING YOU FEELING FRUMPY & FRUSTRATED

Discover Outfits On Autopilot

Discover Outfits On Autopilot

Stop saving your clothes for "good".... enjoy them now!!

 I always worked really hard to be able to buy really nice clothes.  So when I would finally acquire the items, I didn’t want to mess it up.  I would end up keeping them “for good” and never got the most possible enjoyment out of these investment items. 

There were plenty of times I forgot that I had these precious items.  When the occasion was finally right to put on such a piece sometimes they didn’t fit as well as they did when I purchased it or it was out of style and it didn't look current. 

Moral of the story… there is no day like today to put on something special! 

Here are a few tips to getting those items in your outfit rotation

  • Pull out 3 items you save for “good” hang them on the door or in the front of your closet and wear them within the next week.

  • Dress down a piece if you feel it’s a little dressy for your daily life with casual basics like a white tee, jeans, or sneakers.

  • It’s finally getting warmer out so pair a frilly dress with a pair of flat sandals and a denim jacket... go out and have some fun!

This is now I have been enjoying some of my "good pieces"

Click here to see or purchase items pictured below

fringe skirt style advice
marant dress fashion advice
philip lim lace top style advice

Stylish shoes don't have to be a sore subject

I love shoes!!!!  They are probably my favorite thing to shop for myself and for clients!!!  Shoes still fit if you gained you gained a few pounds and if you take good care of them they will last a very long time so I don't feel guilty splurging on them!   My clients love shoes too...but recently they have been a sore subject ( did you know I was that corny?)  I’ve had lots of conversations about foot pain, heel height, blisters... I could go on and on!

I know a thing or two about foot pain… I am 5 feet tall , moonlighting as someone that is 5'5.   I've spent my life walking many avenues to the closest subway, standing at events for 10 hours, and walking for miles on end at trade shows .  Instead of being in a constant state of pain, my vain self has learned to shop for shoes that are comfortable.  I refuse sacrifice style for comfort, so it’s a good thing that there are so many great comfy stylish options this season. 

Click here to see my picks for comfy stylish shoes

I’ve also included a bunch of closed toe options for ladies who need to keep it a little buttoned up at the office. 

comfortable shoes stylist.png
shopper shoes comfort
stylist shoes comfortable