Fashion for curvy girls

I'm wearing a size 46 or 48, and I stand about 5'10"...
Even when they’re being absolute firecrackers, these women somehow manage to squeeze themselves into those smaller size brackets—down to a 44—which you'll find stocked in pretty much every shop around town...
Sometimes you just can't wear the low-rise jeans or anything too tight and revealing because of work requirements, yet you still find yourself craving that modern, vibrant look that actually feels fun to wear...

Shopping for clothes feels like such a massive drain on my soul and a complete waste of my precious time, and honestly, here is a little look at the exhausting, uphill battle that defines the whole process...

Moving from the high-end stuff down to the budget options...

Marina Rinaldi's collection at Nordstrom—specifically that Max Mara line designed for those with a bit more of a midsection... it’s incredibly pricey, honestly. The Italian cuts seem specifically tailored for women who carry their weight in the stomach, whereas I’ve always found German brands offer a much better fit if you actually have curves in your hips and backside. That said, if you happen to be invited to a high-society gala at the White House and you don't mind dropping a small fortune for something elegant... it might be worth the splurge...

Elena Miro, over on Ilica Street... everything there is just so overpriced, and honestly, the fashion is a bit much—we're talking trousers cut in that tapered carrot shape that makes you look like a little sausage, or tops that are way too long, and skirts that are almost always that tulip style... Still, I suppose it's worth popping in for a browse every once in a while...

MARCONA, over on Gundulićeva... it’s definitely on the pricier side, but you can actually track down some decent, classic pieces there—nothing tacky or overly trendy, just those timeless staples that actually hold their own...

If you're looking for DELMOD, head over to Ilica—just take a left from the Square toward Frankopanska. It’s got that same vibe as MARCONA, but they also carry Hirsch, which feels really fresh and modern... high quality, too, though it's priced reasonably unless you're looking at certain models that can climb up to 46 or 48... just a heads-up, you might want to ask one of the sales associates about those specific prices since everything is out on display...

If you ever find yourself wandering around downtown near the old shopping district, you really ought to swing by Gerry Weber... they’ve got such a massive selection of stuff that hits that sweet spot between quality and being actually affordable, which isn't easy to find these days. It honestly doesn't matter if you're looking for something trendy for the younger crowd or just something solid for the older generation, they pretty much have it all covered... and since they seem to be getting new shipments in constantly, it feels like there's always something worth checking out if you pop in every once in a while...

Monari over on Ilica... they’re a bit on the pricier side, though I suppose you get what you pay for, and some of their pieces run anywhere from 46 to 48 bucks...

SHOPPING SPOTS: If you’re looking for Centra Mode, they have locations in Dubrava and downtown near Martyrs of Fascism Square—there's one on Jurišićeva too, right near Draškovićeva, though they have a few other spots scattered around the city... They tend to carry a massive variety of styles, but you really have to ask the clerk for help because they don't always put every single size out on the floor. Honestly, the selection is pretty solid, even if they don't really cater to that specific teenage crowd, though you can definitely find some basic pieces that work with just about any look... Prices lean a little toward the pricey side, but considering the quality of the stuff, it’s actually fairly reasonable... Oh, and at the location by Martyrs of Fascism Square, they carry a special line specifically for those who like the SAMOON style—you know, the ones with those extra-long, flat tops...

You know, thinking about those spots like Walmart or Target, or even that stretch over by the industrial parks near the airport... it’s kind of similar to how things operate at a place like LANTEA...

Massive shopping malls... they have this strange, sprawling energy that you just don't find anywhere else... those endless corridors lined with everything from high-end boutiques to those little kiosks selling phone cases, all under one massive, climate-controlled roof... it’s almost like entering a different dimension where time doesn't really exist quite the same way...
Downtown Manhattan, near Times Square; then over to the mall—it was just Marks & Spencer...
But then you see them with necklines plunging all the way down to their navels, almost entirely made of synthetic fabric, and you realize that if the price tag is low, the quality is bound to be trash, yet if it’s actually decent, the cost climbs so high you start wondering if you could just find something much better for that kind of money...
The Importanne Gallery over on Bandolera Street is definitely on the pricier side, but if you manage to snag one of those numbered pieces—they have up to 48 of them—the stuff they carry is genuinely modern, interesting, and just... different...
Downtown—specifically that Dorothy Perkins spot—is mostly just a collection of cheap synthetic fabrics and those neon low-cut tops that people try to pass off as "trendy," though they really only appeal to teenagers or anyone desperately clinging to that feeling... Then there’s Peek & Clopenburg, which is more of a hit-or-miss situation where you can find pretty much anything if you look hard enough, provided the price point works for you... they have a decent variety, but honestly, if you aren't looking for something up to a size 14, you might come up empty-handed, as they rarely carry anything larger than a 16 or 18...

KATALOZI: This is my go-to spot for jeans, specifically those OTTO pairs... I usually end up ordering about five different styles at once since some always fit perfectly, and occasionally you strike gold with catalog clothes that are surprisingly high quality, though you really need a thick skin to deal with all the ordering, the waiting, and the inevitable returns...

Other stores: there’s basically a 0.001% chance of anything happening, so you're really just burning through your time, your nerves, and whatever little bit of self-confidence you had left...

Despair: swimwear—it’s nowhere to be found, but seriously, absolutely nowhere...
As for gym clothes and fitness gear—honestly, I haven't the slightest clue what I'm doing... I just end up ordering whatever looks decent in a catalog...

MAXY POKER — honestly, you might as well just wrap yourself in some colorful bedsheets at that point, because the result is exactly the same...

Has anyone else noticed how weird it is that a guy weighing 250 pounds can walk into Lacoste and find a shirt that actually fits him, while women are basically left out in the cold... like, if you aren't walking around looking paper-thin, good luck finding anything in their women's line... Is this just blatant discrimination or am I just overthinking things...?!

Hey everyone. So, I was wandering around near the old Roman ruins... right across the street, there’s this little shop—a "blah blah XXL" kind of place. Since I usually rock a size 46-48, I decided to try something on for a wedding. Honestly, it was an incredible 🙂

I'm definitely not the only one here who lives for a good shopping spree! 😍
Since I've filled out a bit more lately, I've been finding some seriously cute stuff—honestly, my wishlist is longer than my bank account can handle! It all comes down to personal style, obviously, but there's plenty to choose from. Plus, let's be real, I'm pretty picky about what actually looks flattering on my curves 😳 😁
Most of my tops come from Target, which always has such a killer selection (like cute camis and shrugs for maybe 50-$53 bucks)
Old Navy is another great go-to. They don't have a million different styles, but they have tons of colors to pick from, which is a huge win (dresses run about 130-$67)!
Sometimes I'll make a quick trip over to Phoenix to hit up H&M. Their BB line is amazing for curvier girls—super cute shirts and tanks for like 15 bucks
Every once in a while, I'll head over to Arizona where you can find basically everything at really fair prices. And if I catch them during a clearance sale? The deals are almost ridiculous (camis for 80-$40, dresses for 100-$53).
I usually get my jeans from this local vendor who brings them in from overseas at decent prices. They actually have great options in Arizona too, even for those of us with more curves, but I’m just too lazy to go try them on there (around 100-$53). 😳 The styles are honestly gorgeous!
Any girls in the 😍Phoenix area😉 looking for a shopping buddy? Feel free to reach out and we can go hunting together!

Reading through these posts is enough to trigger a full-blown migraine...
why?...
Every single year we enroll about 80 new fashion design students. A third of them actually graduate, and out of that third, maybe ten go into the industry. And every single one of them—without exception—focuses exclusively on designing for skinny models. 🤷
If you look at anthropometric data—even just glancing at partial statistics—it’s clear that women are generally developing more substantial builds. Beyond just genetics, you have diet and sedentary lifestyles playing a massive role. Even just walking around downtown, you can see the ratio of thin women to fuller-figured women has shifted significantly compared to the 80s, leaning heavily toward higher weights.
All my friends with curvier figures complain about the exact same thing: there’s nowhere to actually shop. And when they do find somewhere—I'm thinking of those high-end boutiques in places like Beverly Hills or SoHo—the prices are astronomical. They end up being forced into catalog shopping from places like Lands' End or whatever...

I really need to open my own boutique...
strictly sizes 12 to 26...

oh, and... I'm curious, what's your biggest struggle?
finding an everyday outfit?...

It’s not even about that; it’s just incredibly difficult to find anything modern or actually attractive in larger sizes. Most of what’s out there looks like it was designed specifically for my grandmother or some old aunt. Honestly, even they might consider it if it had any sense of style, but this clothing is an insult to anyone with decent taste. It looks like something a stressed-out mom living out in rural Nebraska with nine kids and zero free time would be forced to wear just to get through the day.

Alternatively, if a brand actually offers a plus-size line—like those tacky catalog companies—and tries to market it as "modern," you just end up with these incredibly dull, shapeless, baggy cuts.

If I had to sum up plus-size fashion in three words, it would be: baggy, boring, and ugly. There’s this widespread assumption that wearing oversized, shapeless clothes somehow flatters a fuller figure, but I couldn't disagree more. All it does is make everyone look massive, regardless of how much extra weight they actually carry.

I honestly get the impression that "modern," sexy, or interesting clothing is deemed appropriate only for thin people, while those of us with curves are just supposed to deal with it. And whose fault is it? I guess if we want to dress normally like everyone else, we’re just supposed to stop eating cookies. 🙄

So, there’s this shop over in suburban New Jersey called MAXY TRENDY—I was browsing their window display the other day and spotted quite a few tunics that actually caught my eye, plus the prices aren't even breaking the bank,
My mom picked up a skirt there for $40, she's 52,
And they carry sizes starting from a 14 and up,
Now, I usually wear an 8, but I totally get the struggle. Honestly, in places like Orsay, Tally Weijl, or especially Terra Nova, I can't even get my legs into an XL—it's ridiculous. My calves are just too strong, you know? Their pant legs are so narrow I could practically fit my hand inside them, which is just plain absurd...
Anyway—if anyone in the area is interested, I can give you the exact directions to the place 🙂
I actually have a hunch they might be sewing the clothes themselves—like, it might actually be local US manufacturing

It’s the same dilemma I have with every other thread, but I’m specifically asking about Osijek... does anyone know of a shopping area or plaza with a good selection geared toward younger crowds?
We’re heading out to Savannah this weekend and my sister needs some new clothes. She’s a size XXL, roughly a size 12 in US terms.
I’d rather not spend the whole trip wandering aimlessly around town like crazy people, so please, do tell.🙂
Thanks.

@Majkumu, they actually locked my thread, which effectively stripped away my ability to argue that I'm not concerned with WHERE to shop, but rather WHAT to buy.

So, my dear plus-sized friends, what do you wear that actually looks decent? When I'm swimming in these oversized tunics, I feel like I look like a caricature of a certain old-school diva, or honestly, just like my mother. As for trying anything more daring, I simply haven't found the courage yet because I'm terrified everyone will just stare at me in shock. 😢
On the "What should I wear..." threads, I always feel a bit embarrassed to join in since everyone else seems so slim and stylish.

I've gone into much greater detail regarding my dilemma here. 😍

Thank you! 🙏

brighttinker17 said:@Majkumu, they actually locked my thread, which effectively stripped away my ability to argue that I'm not concerned with WHERE to shop, but rather WHAT to buy.

So, my dear plus-sized friends, what do you wear that actually looks decent? When I'm swimming in these oversized tunics, I feel like I look like a caricature of a certain old-school diva, or honestly, just like my mother. As for trying anything more daring, I simply haven't found the courage yet because I'm terrified everyone will just stare at me in shock. 😢
On the "What should I wear..." threads, I always feel a bit embarrassed to join in since everyone else seems so slim and stylish.

I've gone into much greater detail regarding my dilemma here. 😍

Thank you! 🙏

Me? In this heat, I'm still stuck in jeans... though I've got plenty of tops—colors, black, gray, whatever. My real issue is the bottom half, specifically pants... I'm a size 18/20...🙄 and that's been the case since my pregnancy, even though I'm a size 10 up top...🙄 so finding shirts is easy enough, but the pants...🙄

Have you had a chance to browse any of those shops the girls have been raving about? I recently popped into H&M, and they have some absolutely lovely pieces perfect for a stylish young lady. Honestly, I regret discovering it so late in the month, as my budget is already, well, a bit depleted.

Since everyone seems to be gearing up for various protests this fall, perhaps we should organize our own little demonstration—one that advocates for the right to dress decently in our city. 😠

I’m currently wearing a size 14, standing about 5'8", and weighing roughly 165 pounds.
I suppose I don’t quite see myself as being overly overweight, nor do I find much difficulty when it comes to shopping for clothes. It isn't as if I have to hunt through XXL sections at the mall, because I can usually find my size just fine in standard stores. Most of my weight tends to settle in my midsection, which I guess is a bit bothersome, though I do have a lovely bust and decent legs, which provides some small comfort. My partner tells me I’m the sexiest woman he knows, so... I suppose I trust his judgment enough.😂
A size 14 fits me quite comfortably; I mostly shop at Target, Kohl's, or H&M, where I can easily find my number, and occasionally I'll find pieces at Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, or Guess. Sometimes I might peek into Promod, Roxy, or Urban Outfitters, or simply order things online. If I happen to be traveling, I might even head over to a nice outlet mall, though I usually end up exhausting myself and my budget in the process.😁 I have a bit of an obsession with shoes, handbags, and jewelry, as I feel they elevate any ensemble. I certainly don't shy away from wearing skirts, low necklines, or those other little flourishes that people seem to reserve exclusively for the "thin" crowd—provided, of course, one maintains a sense of taste.
Whenever I mention to someone that I "really ought to go on a diet," the most common response I get is something along the lines of, "Oh, please, what are you talking about?"
I honestly suspect that this supposed "clothing problem" exists mostly in people's heads. There seems to be this assumption that if you are slightly larger, you must inevitably look "frumpy," "country," or just plain "tacky." I can't help but wonder why that has to be the case.

brighttinker17 said:@Majkumu, they actually locked my thread, which effectively stripped away my ability to argue that I'm not concerned with WHERE to shop, but rather WHAT to buy.

So, my dear plus-sized friends, what do you wear that actually looks decent? When I'm swimming in these oversized tunics, I feel like I look like a caricature of a certain old-school diva, or honestly, just like my mother. As for trying anything more daring, I simply haven't found the courage yet because I'm terrified everyone will just stare at me in shock. 😢
On the "What should I wear..." threads, I always feel a bit embarrassed to join in since everyone else seems so slim and stylish.

I've gone into much greater detail regarding my dilemma here. 😍

Thank you! 🙏

First off, based on that locked thread, it’s pretty obvious you’re hating on being overweight. Look, nobody loves carrying extra weight, but you aren't huge, so stop the drama.
You didn't mention your size, but if you pay attention to proportions, you can dress really well and find decent stuff.
I have a similar build (except I don't have wide hips, but I have a significant bust, which makes finding shirts, jackets, bras, and tank tops a nightmare) and I wear skinny jeans, skirts, midi dresses, tunics, fitted tees, leggings under skirts or dresses, and I layer everything—people compliment my look all the time.
It’s all in your head.
If you go for looser fits, use a belt to create the illusion of curves instead of looking bulky. If you're wearing tunics, ditch them and throw on some skinny pants. When you do skirts or dresses, pick ones you can belt so you can cinch the fabric to highlight your chest rather than your stomach.
You can find clothes anywhere if you actually put in the effort. I shop at places like Nordstrom, Topshop, Macy's, H&M, or Marks & Spencer when I'm out, and occasionally Zara.

As for that style you showed, you can pretty much replicate it by grabbing longer tees that follow your lines without being too tight, then just throwing a jacket or a scarf over the top.
I don't see the big mystery here. Just browse the websites of those stores, make a list of what looks okay, head to the mall, and try those tops and light layers on with some jeans until you find something that actually looks good and makes you feel confident.🤷

Dana Clark, you are absolutely right—it is all about mindset. When you feel good, you radiate confidence! Based on what you’ve shared, you really are wonderful. 😍 In fact, I just pictured you as that brilliant professor from an Intro to Anatomy lecture! 😍
I constantly see curvy women walking around downtown looking absolutely stunning, and I have to admit, I get a little envious sometimes. 😳

brightrider95, I completely understand. To be honest, I’ve been feeling quite frustrated with my own weight lately. I spent almost my entire life being quite slender; I don't think I ever weighed more than 130 pounds, and now, suddenly, everything has changed. Nothing I used to own fits me anymore.
Actually, I am not even sure what my size is these days. 😳 I am basically rotating through a few oversized XL t-shirts, which looks terrible because they are tight across the chest but hang loosely everywhere else. It's the same story with jeans; I’ve settled on a size 14.
I realize this might be more of a psychology topic than a fashion one 😁, but since I need to head back to campus soon, I could really use some practical advice on how to dress so I don't look heavier than I am. Your post actually gave me a bit of a boost, so thank you. 🙂
I am genuinely looking forward to autumn and pulling out my cardigans and leather jackets. I don't quite have the courage for leggings yet—hopefully, that comes with time—but perhaps some slim-fit jeans? Why not! Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🙂

brighttinker17 said:Dana Clark, you are absolutely right—it is all about mindset. When you feel good, you radiate confidence! Based on what you’ve shared, you really are wonderful. 😍 In fact, I just pictured you as that brilliant professor from an Intro to Anatomy lecture! 😍
I constantly see curvy women walking around downtown looking absolutely stunning, and I have to admit, I get a little envious sometimes. 😳

brightrider95, I completely understand. To be honest, I’ve been feeling quite frustrated with my own weight lately. I spent almost my entire life being quite slender; I don't think I ever weighed more than 130 pounds, and now, suddenly, everything has changed. Nothing I used to own fits me anymore.
Actually, I am not even sure what my size is these days. 😳 I am basically rotating through a few oversized XL t-shirts, which looks terrible because they are tight across the chest but hang loosely everywhere else. It's the same story with jeans; I’ve settled on a size 14.
I realize this might be more of a psychology topic than a fashion one 😁, but since I need to head back to campus soon, I could really use some practical advice on how to dress so I don't look heavier than I am. Your post actually gave me a bit of a boost, so thank you. 🙂
I am genuinely looking forward to autumn and pulling out my cardigans and leather jackets. I don't quite have the courage for leggings yet—hopefully, that comes with time—but perhaps some slim-fit jeans? Why not! Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🙂

I'm chubby, honestly better not to say how many pounds I am, but I weigh more than you, and I'm shorter too...
Actually, I don't think you're "chubby" at all based on your weight, but hey, if that's how you feel, fine...
But really, it isn't about what you wear, it's about how you carry it. I rotate through cardigans, jeans, skirts, flats, heels... and I look great in everything. Stand up straight. Chin up. Smile. Don't try to hide the weight; just own it.

If you want some actual advice though...
Wear things that follow your silhouette. Not stuff that's tight against your skin, but pieces that trace your shape. Since I have hips and a butt, high-waisted jeans—the kind that button at the navel—work wonders. Wrap dresses are magic, too, along with a thin belt at the waist. Stick to solid colors. And since I've got a decent cleavage, I always go for V-necks; they visually slim down my shoulders. Turtlenecks just make me look like Pamela Anderson.

So, yeah...
Usually, I grab stuff from places like Nordstrom, Mango, H&M, or Zara. C&A has some decent finds, and I usually stick to Tom Tailor for denim. For bras, I definitely hit up the Victoria's Secret outlet over in San Francisco.

brighttinker17 said:Dana Clark, you are absolutely right—it is all about mindset. When you feel good, you radiate confidence! Based on what you’ve shared, you really are wonderful. 😍 In fact, I just pictured you as that brilliant professor from an Intro to Anatomy lecture! 😍
I constantly see curvy women walking around downtown looking absolutely stunning, and I have to admit, I get a little envious sometimes. 😳

brightrider95, I completely understand. To be honest, I’ve been feeling quite frustrated with my own weight lately. I spent almost my entire life being quite slender; I don't think I ever weighed more than 130 pounds, and now, suddenly, everything has changed. Nothing I used to own fits me anymore.
Actually, I am not even sure what my size is these days. 😳 I am basically rotating through a few oversized XL t-shirts, which looks terrible because they are tight across the chest but hang loosely everywhere else. It's the same story with jeans; I’ve settled on a size 14.
I realize this might be more of a psychology topic than a fashion one 😁, but since I need to head back to campus soon, I could really use some practical advice on how to dress so I don't look heavier than I am. Your post actually gave me a bit of a boost, so thank you. 🙂
I am genuinely looking forward to autumn and pulling out my cardigans and leather jackets. I don't quite have the courage for leggings yet—hopefully, that comes with time—but perhaps some slim-fit jeans? Why not! Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🙂

Are we talking a size 36 in standard sizing or specifically for jeans?
I just picked up these killer super skinny dark denim jeans from Old Navy with a bit of stretch; they fit like a glove and were only $60😍
They also have these amazing oversized viscose tees at Macy's, maybe around $33, that hang perfectly. Plus, their cardigans are basically clones of the Top Shop stuff but way easier on the wallet.

If you're still feeling lost on what to grab, I can drop a few links to stuff currently in their shop. I actually own some of it myself, so I know for a fact it's worth the money.😉

I am truly delighted by all your help 😍

brightrider95, I’m looking for a size 4 in jeans, specifically avoiding those dreadful men's cuts. They are an absolute disaster. 😢
That sounds wonderful; thank you both so much for the suggestions. I plan to head over to Fifth Avenue and CC1 to browse. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated about stepping inside because whenever I see those tiny little tops, I end up looking like a piece of ham wrapped in netting... oh dear.
I think I will focus my efforts on longer shirts, jackets, belts, and loose-fitting jeans... that sounds like an excellent plan! Thank you all! 😘 😘

brighttinker17 said:I am truly delighted by all your help 😍

brightrider95, I’m looking for a size 4 in jeans, specifically avoiding those dreadful men's cuts. They are an absolute disaster. 😢
That sounds wonderful; thank you both so much for the suggestions. I plan to head over to Fifth Avenue and CC1 to browse. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated about stepping inside because whenever I see those tiny little tops, I end up looking like a piece of ham wrapped in netting... oh dear.
I think I will focus my efforts on longer shirts, jackets, belts, and loose-fitting jeans... that sounds like an excellent plan! Thank you all! 😘 😘

And whatever you do, don't let those anorexic sales clerks mess with your head...
good luck...

So, I’m basically a size 6, but finding pants is a total nightmare. I can squeeze into size 27 jeans, but trying to get into size 8 dress slacks? Absolutely zero chance. 😢 I’ve got a J.Lo booty, and honestly, I can't find a single pair of pants in all of New York that actually fits me. 🤷 They just don't sit right. Either they gap at the waist or they're way too long... Does anyone have any good recommendations for dress pants that aren't from DP or TS?

I’m right there with you—I wear a size 10 or 12, and Neckerman is pretty much the only brand left on my radar. But thank God I live near a Target, so I can just head over and try stuff on in person!
I still love dressing like I'm in my twenties, no matter how many birthdays pass.
Why on earth hasn't someone set up a #CURVY# clothing marketplace right here on this forum yet?

http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...4&cmpid=k68717

Over in the UK, everyone swears by "Evans" for getting all the essentials... definitely worth a look!!