fashion

I'm a plus-size Entertainment Editor. Here's every size-inclusive, special occasion piece I'm currently adding to my wardrobe.

There's nothing quite as humbling as sitting across from a movie star while a swarm of beauty experts tweak their already perfect face, all while the nearby cameras confirm that you definitely look like a potato who applied lipstick in an Uber.

I realise this is a niche complaint to have about your job, but it is a low-stakes, ongoing issue I face in my role as Mamamia's Head of Entertainment and host of daily pop culture podcast The Spill.

(Yes, when it comes to difficult jobs that make a real difference in the world, teachers, nurses, support workers and podcast hosts are all basically on the same tier...).

A sizeable amount of my job is dedicated to interviewing celebrities, covering red carpets, and attending the fancy kind of parties where they frown upon things like shoving a few extra canapes in your purse on the way out.

This means that I'm always on the lookout for new special occasion pieces to add to my wardrobe, and being plus-size (especially in Australia where clothing options are particularly limited) this can be a bit of a challenge at times. 

So, here are all the special occasion, size-inclusive pieces I've recently hunted down and am currently adding to my wardrobe, in case you too need to face down a celebrity wearing a new outfit that you love. 

Something 4 Olivia Rue Blazer, $149.99

Rue Blazer by Something 4 Olivia. Image: The Iconic

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If I need to feel put together or dress up a plain pair of pants or a dress, then I instantly reach for a blazer. 

I also have a lot of basic black in my wardrobe so this lush Something 4 Olivia blazer in tan is the perfect option. The notched lapel detail and double-breasted design make this option a little fancier than your average, more corporate-style blazer. 

It's available in a size 10 though to a size 24.

Buy it here 

Novella The Label Quadro Sequin Maxi Skirt,  $249.00

Novella The Label Quadro Sequin Maxi Skirt. Image: Novella The Label

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If I closed my eyes and pictured the ideal skirt to walk a red carpet in, it would be this gold sequined creation from Novella The Label. 

This skirt is crafted from soft mesh tulle covered in gold square sequins and as an added bonus is fully lined. And since sequins never go out of style, you can wear it with a fitted black blazer in winter or pair it with a classic 'nice top' for the warmer months.

It's available in a size 10 though to a size 24.

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Buy it here

Novella The Label Racy Red Velvet Dress, $269.00 

Novella The Label Racy Red Velvet Dress. Image: Novella The Label

One more from Novella The Label because their pieces are so special. 

I know the LBD (little black dress) is what the fashion set always say you should have in your wardrobe, but I'd like to put forward a case for the LRD to also be considered a front-runner when it comes to event dressing.

From the classic cowl neckline to the ruched long sleeves and the waist tie detail, this dress is going to be on high rotation in my closet. 

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It's available in a size 10 though to a size 24.

Buy it here

The Poetic Gypsy One of a kind Maxi Dress, $149.99

The Poetic Gypsy One of a kind Maxi Dress. Image: The Iconic

This dreamy dress from The Poetic Gypsy won me over with its delicate lace detail and just the right amount of ruffles that won't leave you feeling like you're in a low-budget, off-Broadway play.

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The kind of piece you can dress up with a bright lip and heels for a special event or dress down with flats for a weekend wine and long lunch.

It's available in a size 10 though to a size 24.

Buy it here

FAYT The Label Hendrix Trench Coat, $179.00 

FAYT The Label Hendrix trench coat. Image: FAYT The Label 

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Circling back to my issue of currently having a mostly black wardrobe, I'm on the hunt for different coloured coats and jackets to change my go-to looks up a little bit.

This sleek full-length, double-lined trench coat from FAYT The Label comes in the perfect shade of muted grey, and while we're deep in the midst of a trench coat trend, it's not a cut that will go out of style. 

It's available in a size 6 though to a size 26.

Buy it here

 Forever New Reva Curve Cowl Neck Glitter Midi Dress, $189.99 

Reva Curve Cowl Neck Glitter Midi Dress. Image: Forever New

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This glittering midi dress from Forever New is just crying out to be worn to a movie premiere where influencers are pushing each other out of the way to get selfies.

The gorgeous metallic hue teamed with the classic cowl neckline and sexy leg slit tick every box when it comes to looking for a party dress.

It's available in a size 16 though to a size 22.

Buy it here

Embody Women Helena Cap Sleeve Jumpsuit Emerald, $279.95

Helena Cap Sleeve Jumpsuit in Emerald. Image: Embody Women.

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Due to being extremely tall there are two things I have never been able to do - sit comfortably on a plane and wear a jumpsuit.

While comfortable air travel still alludes me, I recently procured this gorgeous emerald, shimmery jumpsuit and it's been a game changer. The perfect cut that doesn't discriminate against long legs and larger-than-average breasts.

A luxe, glamourous option for when you're looking for a special occasion outfit and are feeling fatigued by dresses.

It's available in a size 8 though to a size 22.

Buy it here

 Estelle Jasmine Rose Dress, $199.00 

Estelle Jasmine Rose Dress. Image: The Iconic

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If you're going to opt for florals, ensure they're featured on a black mesh dress like this standout Jasmine Rose Dress from Estelle.

The lush flower detail, visible slip design, and fitted silhouette make this the perfect trans-seasonal party dress.

It's available in a size 10 though to a size 24.

Buy it here

Harlow Born To Be Wild leather look midi skirt, $169.00

Born To Be Wild leather skirt. Image: Harlow 

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If you're like me, you probably have a closet full of 'going out tops' that need something elegant to pair with them when heading to special events.

Enter the chic Born To Be Wild midi skirt from Harlow, crafted from high-quality super stretch leather-look fabric, it's the kind of piece you'll be reaching for again and again.

It's available in a size 12 though to a size 26.

Buy it here 

Laura Brodnik is Mamamia's Head of Entertainment and host of The Spill podcast. You can follow her on Instagram here.

At Mamamia, we independently choose and write about products our writers genuinely recommend. We have affiliate partnerships so if you use these links to buy something, Mamamia may earn a small commission. 

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