Cyndie Washburn Nester, Director, Women’s Trend, JCPenney got together with me at About Plus-Size to talk about fresh looks for the season. Get to know JCPenney, and then you can use those great $-off coupons outlined in the blog from time to time.
Q: How is JCPenney providing plus women with trendy or fresh options for the season?
JCPenney: We are expanding our plus-size assortment to represent more fashion items in both sportswear and dresses. We have already begun a new online runway presentation to highlight some of these new looks. Log on to jcpenney.com and use the left hand navigation to see our "womens" assortment. Each month we will highlight more of our fashion offering on models.
Q: What new design initiatives or collections are you offering that will bring women back to JCPenney if they haven't shopped there in a while?
JCPenney: Our goal is to provide the same key fashion trends for women of all sizes at JCPenney. If plaid is a key trend then you will see plaid in our assortment--skinny jeans too!
Q: Do you have any major trend tips to offer the plus size customer for the Summer & Fall 2010 season?
JCPenney: There is a new proportion for fall that will really flatter the plus size customer; it is called "The Triangle"...think oversized on top and slim on the bottom.
This proportion goes with the skinny bottom trend where we will offer the jegging ( a cross between a jean and a legging), skinny jeans and even leggings. The choice you make in skinny bottoms really depends on your comfort with wearing skinnies. Jeggings and skinny jeans provide more support fabric wise as the denim fabric has stretch which holds everything in place. Wear a tall boot or short boot with your skinny bottom to get some height. Elongation of the body is key. On top, choose from great shirts, tunics, knit tops and sweaters that all have an oversized shape that covers the hips and thighs and shows off the skinny proportion on the bottom.
Dresses are also a key trend for fall. There are great retro shapes that follow the bodies curves with empire waist lines that always flatter. Ponte knits and even sweater dresses make these silhouettes super comfortable, too.
Q: What is the one must-have piece from JCPenney's plus offerings?
JCPenney: Go Skinny! Don’t be afraid to try a jegging or skinny jean this fall. We offer indigo denim and also black. Wear the black with all your favorite tops, cardigans, boyfriend jackets and tunics to work Monday-Thursday, then go for the indigo pair on Friday with one of our plaid oversized shirts!
