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

How to attract dream clients online with your personal style

 

The good old boys way of marketing doesn’t speak to the savvy empowered women you want to work with… but how exactly do you connect with busy sophisticated women that you will to fill your calendar with… and could see yourself opening a bottle of wine on with on the weekend? 

 

When I mention online presence and marketing… you should see the look on my client’s faces, you would think I am trying to sell them some instant miracle voodoo that gets them to lose 30 lbs overnight… that’s because we have all been approached this way on social media being sold something.  But that’s not what I’m talking about.  

 

Now more than ever intelligent decision-making women are online look for solutions to their problems… everything from how do I get my kid to sleep in their own bed to I am being treated unfairly at work and I want to sue.  Need proof… visit any mom, keto, or Peloton facebook group… lots of support and solutions at your fingertips! 

 

So how are you going to connect with these fabulous women and not get lost in sea of online noise?  

 
 
Style transformation

Welcome!

I'm Melanie! A personal stylist and confidence coach for high achieving women. 

Here on the blog, I write about style tips, personal branding, outfit creation, and how to use your wardrobe to get noticed. 
Let me know if there's any way I can help you!

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1.   Know your ideal client

executive presence

You are a version of your ideal client… you have similar fears, likes, dislikes… you may not be in the exact position as her, but you may have been there at some point in your life.   How do you want to be marketed to?  What creeps you out and what gets you wanting more? How do you like to connect with people online? What would get you to stop the scroll… a beautiful pair of shoes? A unique color combination?  A candid picture of someone reading a book by an author you love? Think of marketing as dating or becoming friends with someone… what would make you go up to someone at an event and start a conversation with them? Show this in your marketing 

2. Be Where Your Target Audience Is

The more your ideal clients get exposed to your brand, the more likely they are to follow you. That’s why you should find out where your customers spend most of their time on, be it online or offline, and then persistently interact with them in an authentic way.  

 

3.  Elevate Yourself through Personal Branding

As mentioned, people are attracted to those they can relate to. You can take advantage of that fact by creating a strong brand image that reflects your personality and core values. Your clothing, especially when showing pictures and videos of yourself on your website, social media, or video conference… is a huge part of your personal brand.  When our eyes land on someone we form a first impression and 55% of that first impression is based on what you are wearing.   Be sure to show your unique personality with your style to stand out.  

4.   Be Strategic and Consistent When it Comes to Style 

Develop a consistent look when it comes to your personal style.  Most people tend to think style is about always being new and different, but that is the furthest from the truth when it comes to personal branding. People develop a sense of loyalty to businesses that offer consistent quality.  Create a brand color palette and signature style for your clothing and keep on showing up in those colors and styles.  The idea is for your clients to rely on you and when they know what to expect from you… they will hire you to be their advocate.

executive presence  at work

5.   Confidently Show off Your Value With Your Clothing

What can you offer to your ideal clients? How can you make their lives more comfortable or how do you solve a problem they are continuously encountering?  You have to be confident and show up like a leader every day… not when you feel like it!  Instead of simply talking about your values, show them to them through your clothing.  If your client values innovation, you aren’t going to want to be wearing the black suit everyone else is wearing.  If your client needs you to be sympathetic, your clothing should showcase someone that is compassionate.   Know that your clothing is sending out messages and make sure they are in line with what your ideal client needs to hear! 

Now that you know how you should be showing up online… get started, don’t wait until it’s perfect… Perfection is the enemy of creativity and these days you are going to need to be creative to stand out!  

Need some help figuring out how to translate what is in your closet into your online personal brand?  That is what I’m an expert at and would love to chat with you about it… use the link below to book a call!

 

Curious about how a personal stylist can help you? Let's Chat about it. 

On our call we will discuss what's holding you back from being excited about getting dressed and showing up as the leader you were born to be.  We'll discuss your personal challenges and talk about easy solutions.

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