17 Plus Size Basics Everyone Needs

As a print-obsessed gaudy fashionista, the mere mention of plus size basics used to induce great panic in me — fears that wearing more minimalist styles would make me a basic b*tch. But as plus size minimalism has gained more visibility over the past year, I've learned the value in keeping things simple, too.

Plus size basics for spring 2016 are about so much more than camisole tanks with built-in bras and basic stretch leggings. Brands like EKINEYO and Universal Standard specialize in contemporary basics with interesting cuts in minimal tones. Designer Carmakoma also stocks a basics shop on its site of luxury plus size pieces.

Plus size basics don't need to all be muted pastels, either: Black, beige, blush, and white are versatile colors that can be incorporated as basics into any spring wardrobe and re-styled for lower fall temps as well. The key to wearing basics is finding a style that fits for you. If you never wear shift dresses in bright patterns, then a gray basic shift might not be the best place to start.

From modest and minimal to over-the-top and sexy, basics certainly don't have to mean the same thing for everyone. Like anything in fashion, basics are what you make them. Being a plus size babe wearing basics doesn't make you lazy, either. It just makes you cute. Here are 17 potential starting points.

1. Faux Knot Crop Top

Kianna Crop Top, $50, Courtney Noelle

This crop top was a popular winter style in stretch velvet for indie brand Courtney Noelle, and for spring it's available in white. The faux knot front adds a special detail while the color and fabric keep it crisp and clean.

2. Draped Dress

The Geneva Dress, $120, Universal Standard

I had the chance to wear this Universal Standard dress through a membership to plus size subscription service Gwynnie Bee. I fell in love with the soft cotton lycra of the fabric and the asymmetrical cut of the dress. I styled it up with accessories, but a simple white tennis shoe would look cute, too.

3. Tube Top Swimsuit

Seashore Stunner High Waist Swim Bottom, $28, Rebdolls | Seashore Stunner Swimwear Tube Top, $19, Rebdolls

Between the cut of this swim bottom and the subtle shimmer of the nude fabric, this fatkini should prove that you don't need to go full-on mermaid to be a stunner at the beach.

4. Wide Leg Pants

Black Extreme Wide Leg Trousers, $40, Yours Clothing

Now that you don't have to worry about snow ruining the bottom of your pants, spring is the perfect time to try out a wide leg pair. The extra wide-cut of these makes them over the top while the color and styling make it flawlessly basic.

5. Boxy Tee

Plus Size Classic Boxy Tee, $10, Forever 21

I know that boxy is another B-word that can send fat babes spinning to traumatic childhoods of being forced into the frumpy plus size clothes of yesteryear, but stay with me on this one. Pair it with some high-waisted short shorts and you'll certainly be far from frumpy.

6. Badass Bomber

New Look Inspire Sateen Bomber, $49, ASOS

The sateen finish of this bomber keeps it far from average, but the khaki color makes it suited for a minimalist palette.

7. T-Shirt Bodysuit

Plus Yasmin T-Shirt Bodysuit, $16, Boohoo

I'm still getting used to bodysuits for plus size people existing, so seeing a simple T-shirt piece in plus size feels like a small victory for basic-loving fatshionistas.

8. Fitted Jeggings

Amber Dark Wash Ankle Jegging, $98, Hey Gorgeous

My straight size friends used to make fun of my love of jeggings until they realized that this hybrid jean legging is super comfortable and easy to style up or down.

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9. Tie Dress

Nunki, $117, Carmakoma

From the textured tie and the hemline to the zipper front and contrasting black paneling, this dress is all about the details.

10. Cotton Tunic

The Most Perfect Tunic in Short Sleeves Cloudy Skies, $44, Redress NYC

Available in a range of colors, both bright and muted, the tunics at Re/Dress are called "most perfect" for a reason.

11. Jogging Jumpsuit

ASOS Curve Washed Casual Jumpsuit With Drawstring, $57, ASOS

At first glance, I thought this was a tee and joggers. But upon realizing it was a jumpsuit, I saw sheer basics brilliance.

12. Asymmetrical Top

Plus Size Slinky Asymmetrical Top Nude, $34, Missguided

This slinky nude top reminds me of something that Cordelia and Buffy would've fought over in the wardrobe department of Buffy The Vampire Slayer back in the late '90s. Pair it with a choker for a dreamy throwback look.

13. High Waist Shorts

Astoria High Waist Ponte Shorts, $29, Fashion to Figure

I happen to love a pair of plus size short shorts for spring, summer, fall, and as far into winter as weather permits me. This pair is retro-inspired so you can wear it with a bralette or underneath an oversized sheer tee.

14. Off-The-Shoulder Dress

Ekineyo Rib Knit Off-The-Shoulder Dress, $68, eKineyo

This dress is sexy and sophisticated. Add drama to your look with a belt or keep it simple with a choker.

15. Long Line Vest

Chicest of Them All Vest, $90, Society-Plus

With large lapels and an extra long length, this vest is flowy, fun, and enough of a statement on its own to need no further dressing up.

16. Two-Piece Set

JetSet 2 Piece Set, $140, PopUpPlus Online

Part of the new extended size range of PopUpPlus, Body By Love, this set features a high slit skirt that is sexy athleisure basics done so right.

17. Caplet Blazer

Studio Capelet Jacket, $119, Eloquii

As far as professional plus size basics go, I always head straight to ELOQUII for that. This capelet is structured and polished, but paired with a patterned pant, I feel magic in the works.

Basics don't have to be boring pieces in your closet. Instead, they can be on-trend, fashion-forward, and an expression of your badass personal style.

Images: Courtesy Brands