More gray, with a side of plum

Along with gray, another big color for fall is plum (or wine, burgundy, etc.) This is a color combo that I'm particularly fond of. Black is a good basic but to bring out the richness of a deep jewel tone, I think a lighter shade like charcoal is a more sophisticated choice. After the cut are some of my picks from Lane Bryant - a day to evening look and a casual outfit for running around on the weekend.

Wear to Work

Ruched charmeuse blouse in polished plum. Sizes 14/16 - 26/28, $40. If plum isn't your color, this top comes in four other beautiful shades, any of which would work with gray.

Pinstripe wide leg pant in medium heather gray. Sizes 14 - 28, $60. Plain gray trousers are an excellent staple item but for a little extra dimension, try a subtle pinstripe or plaid pattern. I really like the width on the leg of these pants.

What I like about this blouse and pants together is that they can go from a daytime work look to an evening look with just a couple of small changes.

Here are some accessory ideas for work wear:

Fitzwell Lana II in gunmetal. Sizes 5.5 - 13 in medium and wide, $65 from Zappos. I still love pointy toed shoes, especially in a moderate heel like this. These shoes from Fitzwell have gel insoles built in for comfort.

Exotic London laptop bag in black, $60 from eBags. I have a Case Logic bag in a different style and I love it. I chose this one because it's sleek but still has space for everything and has the chic croco embossing that adds a little texture. Laptop bags absolutely do not have to be boring!

For evening, ditch the basic heels and big work bag for strappy sandals and a sleek clutch.

David Tate Infinity in silver, $83 from Zappos. I chose these particular sandals above all the other silver strappy sandals on Zappos because of the size selection. Finding a silver shoe is easy. Finding one that comes in sizes 6 - 13, narrow through double wide is a little more difficult. On top of that, these are pretty, feminine sandals that could carry you right through the holidays. I'd wear them with jeans, too.

La Regale Satin Frame Clutch with Jewel Clasp  in black, $47 from eBags. I love this little bag. It's so classic and pretty and it looks way more expensive than its price tag. I like that it has the metal feet, that's usually a detail found on pricier bags. I chose black for versatility but it comes in six other beautiful shades. The burgundy would be a lovely choice for this look as well. This is another item you'll use again and again.

For the Weekend

Solid shirred V-neck tee in pepperberry. Sizes 14/16 - 26/28, $15. I've always been a fan of Lane Bryant's cotton/spandex tees. This one is a little more interesting than a basic tee with the shirred v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves. You can wear it alone or layered, as it's not too heavy or bulky. It's begging for a chunky necklace and a bunch of bangles at the wrist.

Wide leg twill pant in graphite. Sizes 14 - 28 in three inseam lengths, $40. Casual cotton pants are supremely comfortable and versatile, and these wide leg pants in dark gray are an updated version of your boring khakis. The hardware on the belt is a nice touch.

Ros Hommerson Ailis flats in pewter from Zappos. Sizes 6 - 12 in medium, wide and double wide, $80. I love flats - they're cute and comfortable. There's nothing better than that. I chose these for the pewter color, which is a little more exciting than just black or flat gray and because they're more substantial than a really flat ballet shoe. If you're zipping around running errands, your feet need a little more support than that. These would also be perfect with jeans.

Comments

[Eclipse]

I love the look of those charmeuse blouses from LB, but in reality, they are so impractical to wear... they spot and snag if you look at them the wrong way. I had a few of the mandarin-collar style ones they first came out with and i loved them but the fit was also all weird - I don't have an especially large chest but my size blouse gaped at the buttons, and a larger sized blouse was just obviously too big. It's too bad, and I wish they made them with slightly better tailoring in a more practical fabric!