As someone who is a size 26/28 myself, I always look for diversity in the plus fashion world. It not only gives me style inspiration but it also helps me shop because I am seeing women who look like me and can see how that clothing looks on a larger body.
Some of the brands I love to shop such as City Chic, Lane Bryant, Torrid, Avenue, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, Kiyonna, Beth Ditto and Universal Standard are brands I learned to shop more savvy with by following fashion bloggers my size, who encouraged me to try new styles by simply putting themselves out there, showcasing their looks.
With sizing inconsistent across the board and many brands stopping at a size 24 or 3X, we have to shop smarter and not solely by the size tag. Seeing more fashion bloggers out there above a size 24 helps women shop better and find great fitting clothing, while inspiring them to evolve their style.
So we asked 7 fashion bloggers, all a size 24 and above, to tell us what their favorite brands are and why:
[tps_title]#1: ShaKera from The Real Sample Size[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: The Real Sample Size, www.therealsamplesize.com
Blogging since: July 2015
Size: 22/24
Favorite Brands to Shop: Fashion to Figure and Eloquii
Why? I love Fashion to Figure because of their fun, playful and trendy styles. When I’m looking for a cute, casual look or night-time look, Fashion to Figure always caters to my needs.
Eloquii is, by far, my ultimate brand to shop at. They keep me trendy, classy and gorgeous, all at the same time. Eloquii has wonderful pieces that are trendy yet conservative as well as casual looks that can easily go from day to night.
[tps_title]#2: Lisa of MustangSallyTwo[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: MustangSallyTwo – www.mustangsallytwo.com
Blogging since: July, 2015
Size: 26/28
Favorite Brands to Shop: Lane Bryant, Torrid, Avenue, Eloquii, Penningtons, SWAK Designs
Why? I shop Lane Bryant specifically for careerwear, dresses, designer collabs, swimwear and pjs. Torrid is my go-to for casual fun and sexy pieces, denim, dress pants and swimear. Avenue has the most amazing dresses, wide width shoes (that are cute!) and accessories.
I shop Eloquii for careerwear, fashion-forward pieces and quality fabrics. Since I am based in Canada, Penningtons is my go-to store for great basics, denim, Melissa McCarthy Seven7 and Tess Holliday collections. Lastly, I love SWAK Designs for ALL dresses, especially their maxis and their fun prints and bright colors.
[tps_title]#3: Rebecca of The Plus Side of Me[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: The Plus Side of Me, theplussideofme.com
Blogging since: October, 2010
Size: 4X, 28/30
Favorite Brands to Shop: Torrid, Lovesick, Who What Wear at Target, and Kiyonna
Why? Torrid’s jeans are the only jeans that have the perfect combination of stretch and shape that I love. Their jeggings are at the top of my list, and their recent expansion to size 30 means I feel more comfortable trying new jean styles.
I’ve also had great luck at Lovesick with their tops. I like that they feature easy-to-wear styles in multiple colors and patterns, like their kimonos and their off-the-shoulder tops.
Who What Wear at Target is a brand that’s new to me, and I find that their items have a more special style to them than the regular basics that I usually find at Target. I also like that they carry the same styles in straight sizes and plus.
Kiyonna is the perfect brand for a knock-out dress that will fit impeccably. Their quality and sizing is consistent, which earns them bonus points in my book.
[tps_title]#4: Amanda of Fashion, Love, & Martinis[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: Fashion, Love, & Martinis, www.fashionloveandmartinis.com
Blogging since: 2008
Size: 24/26
Favorite Brands to Shop: ASOS Curve, Eloquii, Simply Be, Torrid and Lane Bryant
Why? They make extended sizes! Their size ranges go beyond size 24. I love that these brands carry so many items, too. Modern, classic, boho, glam, edgy, romantic — there’s something for every style.
[tps_title]#5: Emily of Amply Emmy[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: Amply Emmy, amplyemmy.com
Blogging since: June, 2013
Size: 26/28 or 30/32 – depends on the cut, fabric and stretch
Favorite Brands to Shop: fullbeauty, Avenue, Walmart, Boutique+ at JC Penney and SmartGlamour
Why? My tried-and-true brands are Avenue for dresses as well as Woman Within and Roaman’s from fullbeauty.com for tops and petite pants. A couple of years ago, I started buying clothes from, of all places, Walmart. Their Faded Glory brand offers well-made dresses, pants and jeggings in sizes up to 26/28.
I’m also frequenting JCPenney’s website since they partnered with Ashley Nell Tipton on their Boutique+ brand. Hopefully, they’ll carry extended sizes in their stores and not just online.
I’ve also recently discovered the joy of made-to-measure clothes, thanks to brands like Smart Glamour. It’s a time saver to wear a dress right out of the package and not have to take to the local tailor for alterations. As more brands offer extended sizes, I’ll find more great outfits… like the cute skater dress that I just ordered from Society+ and can’t wait to wear.
[tps_title]#6: Corissa of Fat Girl Flow[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: Fat Girl Flow, www.fatgirlflow.com
Blogging since: April, 2015
Size: 26
Favorite Brands to Shop: http://www.fatgirlflow.com/100-places-to-shop-for-plus-size-clothing-part-2/
Why? I love any and all companies that take the time to make their clothing as accessible to as many sizes as possible, so the companies included in my post (plus size clothing size 28+) are ALL my favorites!
[tps_title]#7: Emily of Authentically Emmie[/tps_title]
Blog Name & URL: Authentically Emmie, authenticallyemmie.com
Blogging since: 2009
Size: 24/26
Favorite Brands to Shop: Melissa McCarthy Seven7, Kiyonna, Eloquii, City Chic, ASOS Curve
Why? Melissa McCarthy Seven7 is the only reason I’ve dared to work more pants into my wardrobe! As an oval shape, finding pants that fit can be infuriating. It’s so rare that I wear them that my friends act amazed when they see me in them. I’ve added printed pants, jeans, and even shorts to my closet recently – all from Melissa McCarthy Seven7. I also love the loose, flowy style of the tops – completely opposite of what I’ve consistently worn the past several years. Since so few companies offer anything above a 24, I had given up that I’d ever find a true oversized, flowy garment presented in a trendy way. Not so anymore!
If I ever need an outfit to make me feel great, I will automatically grab one of the many Kiyonna dresses in my closet. From matte jersey to full lace, their dresses never disappoint. They are easy to wear, fit impeccably, and never go out of style.
I was so excited when Eloquii started expanding sizes on some of their items, because I’ve always been right on the edge of being able to wear them. If I want pieces that are a little more “of the moment” without being too trendy, Eloquii is where I’ll search. I’m also an unabashed lover of neoprene (perfect combo of comfort, stretch, and easy care), and they use a lot of it in their clothes.
For fun and flirty styles, I look to City Chic. Their prints are always fun and they have a couple of cuts that I’ve learned fit my body well: the zip front tunics and fit and flare dresses with just a touch of crinoline at the hem. Sometimes the waists are tight on me without stretch, but I just pay attention to the fabric before purchasing.
I don’t buy a lot from ASOS CURVE, but the items I do purchase end up being favorites in my closet. Two of my favorite items in my closet are ASOS CURVE, and were purchased 3+ years ago. Great prices as well.
Let us know your favorite brands to shop! Comment below and let’s chat!