Fashion for curvy girls

Jason Moore63 said:well, then you just sell it on the forum 😂
I've never been disappointed by anything I've bought online🤷 especially stuff from ASOS... all the shops (except eBay) that Charles Kern28 listed have great reviews and wouldn't dream of selling junk. Plus, the sales are way better than what you'd find in downtown Chicago (like, ASOS has dresses for 5 or 6 bucks, whereas I could never find anything like that in the States)... I actually just ordered a gorgeous little black dress for going out from ASOS for 8 bucks 🤣 plus 6 bucks for shipping... I'll never find something like that in the US for $40

When it comes to eBay, you definitely need to know the ropes to stay safe. For example, I stick to sellers based in the US to avoid those annoying customs fees, and I only deal with folks who have over 99% positive feedback—though I always take a quick peek at their negative reviews first just to be sure. I also exclusively use PayPal because they’ve got your back; if your item doesn't show up within 45 days and you flag it, they'll pop the money right back into your account. If anyone wants the deep dive, check out our "Online Shopping" or "eBay" threads. Honestly, I've done five separate hauls on eBay so far and haven't had a single bad experience. 👍

Charles Kern28 said:Fair enough, that’s just how it went for you. It’s a bummer you gave up after just one try, though! I’ve ordered about ten times now and everything has been spot on (I've done everything from jackets and blazers to tops and swimwear). Sure, there might be a time in the future where I fall in love with something that doesn't quite fit right, but that happens to me even when I'm shopping at the mall... Sometimes I love a piece so much I just ignore the fact that the fit isn't perfect 😬
Plus, you just have to learn the ropes of online shopping. For example, don't order a massive haul all at once so you don't get hit with unexpected customs fees, always double-check size charts, read reviews if they're available, stick to reputable sites, and obviously buy cuts you already know look good on you. If it's something totally new, I usually try to find it in a store first to see how it sits on my body. You also have to keep an eye on certain sites—sometimes you can snag absolute gems for basically pocket change.
As for driving all the way to a big city like Chicago to shop, it might make sense if you're already passing through, but for me, it’s definitely not worth it for a few reasons:
1. I don't go on shopping sprees twice a year; I just buy stuff when I need it, and if I can't find it then, I'm not going to drive hours just to hunt it down. That would mean making at least 2-3 trips a season.
2. A round-trip ticket from a place like St. Louis is almost $67, and for some people, it's even pricier, which adds up fast when you factor in multiple trips.
3. It's way easier to order from my couch than to spend the whole day sprinting between malls and boutiques—especially since most shops only carry specific sizes—all while racing against the clock to catch my bus or train back home. 😁
4. Online, I have access to a much better selection of wearable styles, and I don't feel forced into buying something just because it's the only thing available in my size. I want to choose what I wear,
not settle. 5. I save both time AND MONEY, because most things I grab online are things I couldn't find for that price anywhere else in the States (even with shipping), assuming I can even find what I'm looking for at all.

All in all, I think online shopping has way more pros than cons! 😍

In your specific case, though, it clearly makes sense. Chicago isn't far for me, and I have a car. Plus, wandering through a mall is practically priceless to me 🤣. Besides, I don't even need to head into the city; there's a Target nearby where I can find plenty of what I need.

By the way, ladies, let's keep in mind we're talking about fashion for "plus-sized" women, because I see some dresses being mentioned here, and it feels a bit... well, okay, "plus-sized" is a broad term, I suppose... though, truthfully, nobody is likely to see me in a dress. Except maybe for sleepwear.

Nathan Baker said:In your specific case, though, it clearly makes sense. Chicago isn't far for me, and I have a car. Plus, wandering through a mall is practically priceless to me 🤣. Besides, I don't even need to head into the city; there's a Target nearby where I can find plenty of what I need.

By the way, ladies, let's keep in mind we're talking about fashion for "plus-sized" women, because I see some dresses being mentioned here, and it feels a bit... well, okay, "plus-sized" is a broad term, I suppose... though, truthfully, nobody is likely to see me in a dress. Except maybe for sleepwear.

I don't even fall into that category anymore (I'm a size 12 or 14 in those really tight cuts)... I used to be a year ago... and back then, I actually wore dresses.🤷🤷 Take a look at this blog:http://www.leblogdebigbeauty.com/ ...she doesn't let being plus-sized hold her back one bit.🤷

Jason Moore63 said:I don't even fall into that category anymore (I'm a size 12 or 14 in those really tight cuts)... I used to be a year ago... and back then, I actually wore dresses.🤷🤷 Take a look at this blog:http://www.leblogdebigbeauty.com/ ...she doesn't let being plus-sized hold her back one bit.🤷

Look, this entire conversation is supposed to be about fashion for plus-size women. So, honestly, it feels a bit pointless when someone who isn't actually dealing with these sizing struggles tries to weigh in on the whole "ordering a dress online" debate. It creates this false impression for people who don't realize that finding affordable, diverse options for curvy women is actually quite easy if you know where to look. That’s why I mentioned earlier that it’s often much more worthwhile to just head to a larger nearby city for a proper shopping trip. It doesn't have to be New York or Chicago; if I can find what I need in a smaller town, surely there are decent options in places like Atlanta or Charlotte. Okay, maybe not everywhere, but we have to make it work somehow. Of course, there’s the practical issue of not wanting to haul yourself around on public transit just to shop—I certainly wouldn't do it, simply because lugging heavy bags around on a bus or subway makes zero physical sense. But that doesn't really validate the online shopping argument either, because, frankly, you don't have much choice otherwise. And secondly, I think that if someone has access to a car and the opportunity to go out, they aren't just doing it because they're afraid of not finding their size or feeling awkward. They just have to swallow that reality, because stores exist now. It wasn't always like this; there was a time when trying to walk into a boutique felt like walking into a gauntlet.

🙄

Charles Kern28 and Jason Moore63 have already covered all the bases. It’s a no-brainer—ordering online is just better. Not only is it easier on your wallet, but you aren't stuck with whatever one tiny boutique happens to carry in downtown Chicago. You actually have options. 🙄

And yeah, don't forget about dresses. Just imagine the possibilities.

Here you go, this shop is a great place to pick up some clothes. 🙄

Nathan Baker said:In your specific case, though, it clearly makes sense. Chicago isn't far for me, and I have a car. Plus, wandering through a mall is practically priceless to me 🤣. Besides, I don't even need to head into the city; there's a Target nearby where I can find plenty of what I need.

By the way, ladies, let's keep in mind we're talking about fashion for "plus-sized" women, because I see some dresses being mentioned here, and it feels a bit... well, okay, "plus-sized" is a broad term, I suppose... though, truthfully, nobody is likely to see me in a dress. Except maybe for sleepwear.

I don't get it. I usually rock a size 10 or 12 depending on the cut, and there is absolutely nothing on this green earth that could stop me from throwing on a dress, shorts, or a mini skirt. If anything, that's my go-to look most of the time because I feel like skirts and dresses just hit differently on me than pants do. We really shouldn't let a few extra pounds limit our style choices.😉

Nathan Baker said:Look, this entire conversation is supposed to be about fashion for plus-size women. So, honestly, it feels a bit pointless when someone who isn't actually dealing with these sizing struggles tries to weigh in on the whole "ordering a dress online" debate. It creates this false impression for people who don't realize that finding affordable, diverse options for curvy women is actually quite easy if you know where to look. That’s why I mentioned earlier that it’s often much more worthwhile to just head to a larger nearby city for a proper shopping trip. It doesn't have to be New York or Chicago; if I can find what I need in a smaller town, surely there are decent options in places like Atlanta or Charlotte. Okay, maybe not everywhere, but we have to make it work somehow. Of course, there’s the practical issue of not wanting to haul yourself around on public transit just to shop—I certainly wouldn't do it, simply because lugging heavy bags around on a bus or subway makes zero physical sense. But that doesn't really validate the online shopping argument either, because, frankly, you don't have much choice otherwise. And secondly, I think that if someone has access to a car and the opportunity to go out, they aren't just doing it because they're afraid of not finding their size or feeling awkward. They just have to swallow that reality, because stores exist now. It wasn't always like this; there was a time when trying to walk into a boutique felt like walking into a gauntlet.

Like I said, until about a year ago, I used to struggle with this quite a bit. I'm 20 now (meaning I was definitely heavier back in my teens), and if it wasn't for online shopping and places like Grazer, I would've been stuck wearing shapeless tunics and pants that look like something my grandma would wear... and yeah, back when I was heavier, I actually wore dresses and skirts. They suited me way better because they hid my thighs and showed off my waist. I don't see any reason why a plus-sized woman shouldn't wear a dress...🙄 I live somewhere between Philadelphia and New York, but even then, I rarely find anything that actually fits me well in either place. Even now, when I go out with my mom—who is still plus-sized—there's hardly anything in the stores she likes that I’d actually want to wear. I love Dorothy Perkins, but their plus-size selection here is pathetic compared to what you find online. The only headache is that they don't ship directly to the States... I've had to order things for my grandma in Germany, or if you know someone in Canada, since they do ship there...😳 I like C&A too, but damn, the online selection is just so much better than what's sitting on the racks in person...

Why don't we talk about dresses on this thread instead? 😍 I’m a US size 14/16 and I live in dresses! They are my absolute favorite summer staple—super comfy, breezy, and just gorgeous. Honestly, I think any girl looks better in a dress than pants, as long as she finds one that actually hugs her curves in the right spots. And let's be real, there are so many styles and lengths out there now, it’s almost overwhelming. I pick stuff up at local shops here, but shopping online is where the real magic happens—better prices and way more variety (I've seen some gems for like $10 or $15 lately!). So why not? 😍
These are my current favorites 😍
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Curve-...t=-1&clr=Black
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Curve-...rt=-1&clr=Navy
http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Plu...ss-(6881).aspx
http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Bla...re-(7299).aspx

I noticed Jason Moore63 mentioned the Big Beauty blog. That woman is a total icon! She’s such huge inspiration for outfit ideas and, best of all, she proves that curvy women can rock absolutely EVERYTHING if they just find the right fit for their shape. Huge props to Big Beauty 😍

Personally, nothing under a size 14 feels "curvier" to me. So, any commentary regarding smaller sizes is frankly redundant and misses the point of this discussion entirely. As for those of us rocking a size 14 or higher, we can certainly dress however we please, of course, but there is the matter of aesthetics. It’s about knowing when to draw the line. It never occurred to me—nor would it ever—that I could just slip into the same cuts as someone with a perfectly balanced silhouette. We can lie to ourselves all we want, but let's be honest: this isn't a question of self-confidence, it's a matter of good taste. It simply looks unflattering, and people will laugh; they won't be thinking, "Wow, look at that confidence," they'll be thinking, "That person has zero sense of style," at best. That doesn't mean we have to resort to wearing shapeless sacks, either. There are plenty of options out there, and you don't have to limit yourself to just one department store.
It is far better to actually get out, take a stroll, and see things for yourself rather than hiding behind a screen and ordering from the comfort of an armchair. Then again, people will find any excuse to avoid the effort—it's too expensive, they don't have my measurements, they don't have a car, and so on. I stand by my stance that online shopping is a lesser option for all the reasons I've already mentioned.

Nathan Baker said:Personally, nothing under a size 14 feels "curvier" to me. So, any commentary regarding smaller sizes is frankly redundant and misses the point of this discussion entirely. As for those of us rocking a size 14 or higher, we can certainly dress however we please, of course, but there is the matter of aesthetics. It’s about knowing when to draw the line. It never occurred to me—nor would it ever—that I could just slip into the same cuts as someone with a perfectly balanced silhouette. We can lie to ourselves all we want, but let's be honest: this isn't a question of self-confidence, it's a matter of good taste. It simply looks unflattering, and people will laugh; they won't be thinking, "Wow, look at that confidence," they'll be thinking, "That person has zero sense of style," at best. That doesn't mean we have to resort to wearing shapeless sacks, either. There are plenty of options out there, and you don't have to limit yourself to just one department store.
It is far better to actually get out, take a stroll, and see things for yourself rather than hiding behind a screen and ordering from the comfort of an armchair. Then again, people will find any excuse to avoid the effort—it's too expensive, they don't have my measurements, they don't have a car, and so on. I stand by my stance that online shopping is a lesser option for all the reasons I've already mentioned.

I partially agree that moderation is key, but you can definitely put together great outfits without looking ridiculous. For instance, take this woman the girls mentioned: 🙏
http://www.leblogdebigbeauty.com/
She really knows how to pull an outfit together even though she's probably a size 18

Nathan Baker said:Personally, nothing under a size 14 feels "curvier" to me. So, any commentary regarding smaller sizes is frankly redundant and misses the point of this discussion entirely. As for those of us rocking a size 14 or higher, we can certainly dress however we please, of course, but there is the matter of aesthetics. It’s about knowing when to draw the line. It never occurred to me—nor would it ever—that I could just slip into the same cuts as someone with a perfectly balanced silhouette. We can lie to ourselves all we want, but let's be honest: this isn't a question of self-confidence, it's a matter of good taste. It simply looks unflattering, and people will laugh; they won't be thinking, "Wow, look at that confidence," they'll be thinking, "That person has zero sense of style," at best. That doesn't mean we have to resort to wearing shapeless sacks, either. There are plenty of options out there, and you don't have to limit yourself to just one department store.
It is far better to actually get out, take a stroll, and see things for yourself rather than hiding behind a screen and ordering from the comfort of an armchair. Then again, people will find any excuse to avoid the effort—it's too expensive, they don't have my measurements, they don't have a car, and so on. I stand by my stance that online shopping is a lesser option for all the reasons I've already mentioned.

I'm not so sure about the wide selection; lately, I've been buying way more online than in physical stores. Most stuff in our local shops feels like it was designed for grandmas—terrible prints and everything is just shapeless. Okay, we aren't all equally large, but why should I, someone who actually has a waist, have to wear a T-shirt that looks like a tent? Finding pants is a nightmare because everything is too wide in the waist (if I can even get into them). And finding skirts is practically impossible; you'd think they'd be universal for all body types, but you can't find a single one that isn't just a giant sack.🤷

Nathan Baker said:Personally, nothing under a size 14 feels "curvier" to me. So, any commentary regarding smaller sizes is frankly redundant and misses the point of this discussion entirely. As for those of us rocking a size 14 or higher, we can certainly dress however we please, of course, but there is the matter of aesthetics. It’s about knowing when to draw the line. It never occurred to me—nor would it ever—that I could just slip into the same cuts as someone with a perfectly balanced silhouette. We can lie to ourselves all we want, but let's be honest: this isn't a question of self-confidence, it's a matter of good taste. It simply looks unflattering, and people will laugh; they won't be thinking, "Wow, look at that confidence," they'll be thinking, "That person has zero sense of style," at best. That doesn't mean we have to resort to wearing shapeless sacks, either. There are plenty of options out there, and you don't have to limit yourself to just one department store.
It is far better to actually get out, take a stroll, and see things for yourself rather than hiding behind a screen and ordering from the comfort of an armchair. Then again, people will find any excuse to avoid the effort—it's too expensive, they don't have my measurements, they don't have a car, and so on. I stand by my stance that online shopping is a lesser option for all the reasons I've already mentioned.

Look, though—someone wearing a size 14 who's 5'3" isn't going to look the same as someone who's 5'11". Size alone doesn't tell the whole story... you can't just claim nothing looks curvier under a 14 without looking at the frame.

Nathan Baker said:Personally, nothing under a size 14 feels "curvier" to me. So, any commentary regarding smaller sizes is frankly redundant and misses the point of this discussion entirely. As for those of us rocking a size 14 or higher, we can certainly dress however we please, of course, but there is the matter of aesthetics. It’s about knowing when to draw the line. It never occurred to me—nor would it ever—that I could just slip into the same cuts as someone with a perfectly balanced silhouette. We can lie to ourselves all we want, but let's be honest: this isn't a question of self-confidence, it's a matter of good taste. It simply looks unflattering, and people will laugh; they won't be thinking, "Wow, look at that confidence," they'll be thinking, "That person has zero sense of style," at best. That doesn't mean we have to resort to wearing shapeless sacks, either. There are plenty of options out there, and you don't have to limit yourself to just one department store.
It is far better to actually get out, take a stroll, and see things for yourself rather than hiding behind a screen and ordering from the comfort of an armchair. Then again, people will find any excuse to avoid the effort—it's too expensive, they don't have my measurements, they don't have a car, and so on. I stand by my stance that online shopping is a lesser option for all the reasons I've already mentioned.

I actually think that girl from the blog dresses really well and looks great... she doesn't let her weight dictate her style, she controls the style. Besides, do you dress for yourself or for everyone else? If you love an outfit, who cares what some random person thinks? Why bother with shallow comments? If you like it, go for it. You just have to learn how to coordinate the pieces so the clothes fit your shape rather than letting your shape swallow the clothes. You aren't defined by the numbers on a scale. Whether it's 140, 170, 220, or 270... it shouldn't matter. Even someone with "perfect" proportions looks off if they have zero self-assurance and no smile. Most of this stuff is just mental.😉

Everything seems to be somewhat relative, I suppose... I usually wear a size 4 in pants, though for certain styles I might go up to a 6, and for skirts or tops, a 2 might work better. My body type is such that I have pretty wide hips and a narrow waist, so finding pants can be a bit of a struggle if they don't have any stretch in them, I guess. I noticed nobody mentioned Marks & Spencer when talking about larger sizes, which is a shame because they really have everything... they carry up to a UK 22, but a 16 or maybe an 18 in jeans fits me just fine.
I'm not quite sure why anyone wouldn't want to wear dresses... personally, I think knee-length summer or winter dresses look much better on me than pants do, since they hide my hips and my calves aren't too heavy, plus they highlight my waist. For someone with a fuller figure, wearing heels probably looks a hundred times better than just wearing a baggy shirt and some loose trousers, maybe.
Anyway, I'm currently on the hunt for some skinny jeans, and I'd rather not trek all the way to the H&M in downtown Chicago to find them. Does anyone happen to have a suggestion?

brightcobra20 said:Everything seems to be somewhat relative, I suppose... I usually wear a size 4 in pants, though for certain styles I might go up to a 6, and for skirts or tops, a 2 might work better. My body type is such that I have pretty wide hips and a narrow waist, so finding pants can be a bit of a struggle if they don't have any stretch in them, I guess. I noticed nobody mentioned Marks & Spencer when talking about larger sizes, which is a shame because they really have everything... they carry up to a UK 22, but a 16 or maybe an 18 in jeans fits me just fine.
I'm not quite sure why anyone wouldn't want to wear dresses... personally, I think knee-length summer or winter dresses look much better on me than pants do, since they hide my hips and my calves aren't too heavy, plus they highlight my waist. For someone with a fuller figure, wearing heels probably looks a hundred times better than just wearing a baggy shirt and some loose trousers, maybe.
Anyway, I'm currently on the hunt for some skinny jeans, and I'd rather not trek all the way to the H&M in downtown Chicago to find them. Does anyone happen to have a suggestion?

Dorothy Perkins (maybe near CC or on a main street)

Look, Sigurnost, I honestly think you’re totally missing the point here. Like, seriously, explain to me why anyone would laugh at someone wearing a skirt or a dress just because they're a size 14 or 16? If you feel limited by your body type or if you personally don't vibe with how you look, that doesn't mean everyone else feels the same way. I’m a size 12 myself, and yeah, sure, I have my moments where I’m staring in the mirror feeling less than perfect—we all do, right?—but I can tell you for a fact I’ve never dressed in a way that gave people a reason to mock me. If you’re sitting there feeling self-conscious, thinking everyone’s gonna stare and go, "Oh my god, what is she wearing?", just try it! You might realize you were being a little too hard on yourself. Obviously, a skirt or a dress can be styled with total class, or it can look like a complete disaster. But hey, a size 6 can pull off a total fashion fail just as easily as anyone else.
I’m with Jason Moore63 on this one, too. Just throwing numbers around doesn't say much. A size 12 could be someone who carries it all in their midsection, or it could be someone with a really balanced, curvy figure depending on how tall they are.

Charles Kern28 said:Why don't we talk about dresses on this thread instead? 😍 I’m a US size 14/16 and I live in dresses! They are my absolute favorite summer staple—super comfy, breezy, and just gorgeous. Honestly, I think any girl looks better in a dress than pants, as long as she finds one that actually hugs her curves in the right spots. And let's be real, there are so many styles and lengths out there now, it’s almost overwhelming. I pick stuff up at local shops here, but shopping online is where the real magic happens—better prices and way more variety (I've seen some gems for like $10 or $15 lately!). So why not? 😍
These are my current favorites 😍
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Curve-...t=-1&clr=Black
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Curve-...rt=-1&clr=Navy
http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Plu...ss-(6881).aspx
http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Bla...re-(7299).aspx

I noticed Jason Moore63 mentioned the Big Beauty blog. That woman is a total icon! She’s such huge inspiration for outfit ideas and, best of all, she proves that curvy women can rock absolutely EVERYTHING if they just find the right fit for their shape. Huge props to Big Beauty 😍

I don't know about you all, but my issue with summer dresses was always thigh chafing—which is why I avoided them entirely. Those painful red rashes simply weren't worth the effort. In the winter, skirts were fine, but during the summer? Only if I wore bike shorts underneath—and then I’d just overheat. And no, powder didn't do a damn thing.

Honestly, I feel like powder is kind of useless, and baby oil is just the absolute best, I guess. And if it helps anyone feel better, my sister is about 125 pounds at 5'10", and she deals with the same thing every now and then—it seems like it’s more about body type than actual weight, maybe.

Jonathan Perez88 said:I don't know about you all, but my issue with summer dresses was always thigh chafing—which is why I avoided them entirely. Those painful red rashes simply weren't worth the effort. In the winter, skirts were fine, but during the summer? Only if I wore bike shorts underneath—and then I’d just overheat. And no, powder didn't do a damn thing.

I usually just deal with it by wearing slip shorts made of lightweight material—they're flowy enough that I don't feel too hot.🙏

Baby oil? Never heard of that one 😳. Maybe I'll give it a shot next summer 😁.

It’s honestly so nice that we have American designers who actually hit those big numbers, especially someone like Igor Dobranić—he really is the absolute king of his craft, I think. I actually picked up some linen trousers from him, and I wore them all summer long without them stretching out, sagging, or even tearing at the seams, plus they stayed just as deep black as the day I bought them. His tunics and skirts are pretty wonderful too, I guess. If your size happens to be out of stock, you might be able to place a special order, though I suppose that probably doesn't apply during a sale.

To jump in on this thread—I’m definitely on the fuller side myself. Some people try to tell me I don’t count because they think it's just wide hips, but hey, the scale doesn't lie when it comes to my clothing sizes! 😁
I swear, I can pull off absolutely anything I set my mind to—mini skirts, dresses of every length, crop tops, corsets, short jackets... you name it, I make it work.
The real trick is figuring out how to adapt the look to the season. For instance, if I want to rock a mini skirt, I’m not doing that in the middle of July; I save it for winter. I’ll layer up with two, maybe three, or even four pairs of thick black tights 🙄 so there's zero skin showing, throw on some massive heels, and top it with a blazer. It works perfectly. (Honestly, that's why I have a soft spot for winter 😁).
In the summer, though? Maxi dresses are everything. I truly believe every girl should own one, regardless of her size. When people see me in them during the heatwave, they always ask, "Oh my god, did you lose weight?" And I'm just like, "No, it's just the dress!" 😍The catch for me is that mine are cut right under the bust with a flared hem—sometimes a half-circle, sometimes full—which fits my curves beautifully. The struggle is finding them in stores, so I’ve actually started sewing my own.
As for tops, I wear just about anything; I just layer a blazer or a cardigan over them and call it a day.
And pants? I pair them with an interesting tunic or something similar—I manage.
At night, it's always heels; they make me feel five pounds lighter. During the day, since winter is settling in, I switch to boots or flats, and it all looks great.

And like brightcobra20 mentioned, I use baby oil in the summer, but lately, I've been using a little hack. I take those standard 20-denier tights, cut the legs off at the knee so they act like little shorts—leaving them just long enough to pull up—and then I wear a bodysuit underneath to smooth everything out and flatten any bumps. Once that's done, I can wear just about anything! 😁😁