If you’re 40 or older, you have had a front seat to the evolution of plus size fashion in the last few decades.
When I hear 20-something year-old’s complain about how limited plus size fashion is, I always tell them, “You have no idea. What’s available now is leaps and bounds from where we used to be.”
Add being over a size 24 to that and you really know the struggle that we had to endure in the 70’s and 80’s.
With that said, we thought it would be interesting, as well as insightful, to spotlight 12 plus size fashion bloggers over 40 in a weekly series, chatting with them about their style, favorite trends and how their fashion choices have evolved over the years.
This week, the 40+ Blogger Series features the charming and beautiful Emily of Amply Emmy.
Blogging since: June 2013
Age: 54
Size: Depending on the brand… 26/28 or 30/32
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How would you describe your style right now in one sentence?
I’m experimenting with my style still but am as comfortable in flowery sundresses as I’m in skinny jeans with a fun, graphic shirt so I guess my style could be called casual and eclectic.
What were your favorite brands and trends when you were in your 20’s?
I had no favorites in my 20’s because there were few stylish choices for young, plus-size women. I wore mostly boxy, voluminous dresses or tops that were designed for older women. Sometimes I’d get button-down shirts from the plus men’s department.
What are your favorite brands and trends now?
Avenue has been my tried-and-true as well as some fullbeauty brands like Woman Within and Roaman’s. Now I’m finding great pieces at indie designers, like Smart Glamour and ASK Fashion, in addition to Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, JC Penney’s Boutique+ line and Society+ since they’ve offered extended sizes.
Fit-n-flare, wrap and skater dresses are my favorites. I also enjoy straight leg or skinny pants/leggings with striped or colorful shirts and tops and have recently begun wearing high-waisted skirts with shorter tops.
How has your style changed over the years? Did your body image affect the way you dressed?
Oh, absolutely!!! The more I grew to accept and love my body with all its lumps and jiggles, the more I wanted to dress for comfort and play with style. After decades of hiding my body, I started wearing dresses and tops that skim it… big belly and all. I also started breaking other “fashion rules” like avoiding prints and stripes. Instead of criticism, I find that more people compliment my outfits. Now that there’s so much to try, I want to try it all… except high-heeled shoes. I can’t do heels.
What advice would you offer your younger self when it comes to fashion and body positivity?
First of all, I would tell my younger self, “You’re beautiful and it’s going to be OK.” Secondly, “Don’t let anyone dictate what you should wear. If you like it, wear it! If you’re not sure how it will look, don’t be afraid to try it on. If someone says that will make you ‘look bigger’ let them know it’s not a bad thing.”
What trends are you happy to see return this fall and winter?
I love florals so dark florals has been a fun trend to try. I’m also happy to see riding boots and pieces like wrappers and shawls, button down shirts with color blocking, dresses and tunics in bold colors and two-fer tops for their shirt/sweater looks without the bulk.
Who are some of your style inspirations in the blogger world?
That’s a tough one to answer because many have inspired me in one way or another so here’s a small sample in no particular order: Alysse of Ready to Stare; Emily of Authentically Emmie; Lisa of MustangSallyTwo; Corissa of Fat Girl Flow; Marcy of Fearlessly Just Me and Virgie Tovar.
What trends are you looking forward to this spring?
Definitely dresses with florals and bright colors. I’ve also joined a gym to help improve my mobility and fitness so athleisure will be fun.
What are your plans for the blog in 2017?
My blog is mainly about fat acceptance and body positivity but in the last couple of years, I started incorporating style into it, which has been so much fun. I want to experiment more with fashion and beauty and to hopefully show that it’s never too late to begin loving your body just as it is and dress it as wonderfully as you feel.
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You can check out Emily’s blog Amply Emmy here.
You can find her on Instagram here and on Facebook here.
Check back next Tuesday on the blog to see who we feature next in our 40+ Blogger Series.