Fashion for curvy girls

Check it out http://www.asos.com/Women/Sale/Dress...ize=20&sort=-1—they've got stuff up to a size 20 here 😉but they also have the curve collection http://www.asos.com/Women/Curve/Cat/....aspx?cid=9577 which runs from sizes 20 through 24

It’s a nice sentiment, I suppose... but I’m just not the type to go buying things blindly without doing my homework first. Though, I suppose if these pieces mean something special to other girls out there, they might reach out to you—I noticed your signature, after all.

Nathan Baker said:It’s a nice sentiment, I suppose... but I’m just not the type to go buying things blindly without doing my homework first. Though, I suppose if these pieces mean something special to other girls out there, they might reach out to you—I noticed your signature, after all.

Look, just try buying one cheaper thing first—once you realize how much easier life is, you’ll be hooked. And honestly, you don't have to wander around half-dead through shops that barely have any decent selection anyway. It’s not like some place like Zara can charge a premium for basically a standard rag$267, which goes for like 15-20 bucks on Asos.

I was never really "that girl" (ugh, would this even look good on me? disaster, total nightmare, I can't even find anything when I'm trying things on), but obviously now I know which cuts actually work for my body, so I stick to that range—and yeah, the sizes are pretty much exactly what they say on the tag.

You totally misread me—I’m not out here trying to flip products or acting as some kind of personal shopper for everyone else. All I was doing was pointing out that there are actually other ways to shop besides hitting up our overpriced local boutiques. 😉 Honestly, it used to be unthinkable for me to buy even a basic piece of clothing without trying it on first. But once you actually give it a shot and realize how good it feels... 😁
And look, if you’re stressing about the sizing, just grab a size up—it’s not a big deal. A decent tailor can tweak a dress to fit your curves perfectly without breaking a sweat.

Signing off, Kimberly Perez3 🙂

You mentioned things being cheaper—and sure, they are—but at what cost? I get that you can stumble upon a steal during a massive blowout sale on ASOS, but let’s be real: most of those budget finds are cheaply stitched or made from bottom-tier materials. This past summer, I was hunting for a wedding guest dress—literally just two months before the big day—and anything that actually looked decent and used decent fabric (say, viscose, instead of polyester or acrylic or some other absolute garbage) came with a price tag ($130–$250). If it was on sale, my size was nowhere to be found. In the end, I went to a reputable boutique and picked up a 100% silk dress for about $200 after trying it on first; I knew exactly what I was getting. Especially when you're carrying a few extra pounds—it's even harder because you don't fit into standard "off-the-rack" sizing—the material and the drape are everything. You can't know that until you try it on, and there's a huge chance you'll end up needing alterations, which brings us back to the same old question of how it will actually turn out (or if it even 🙄). I'm speaking from experience here, since I know exactly what it's like to deal with extra weight and an awkward build. My take? Online shopping isn't for everyone. And don't even get me started on the customs, shipping fees, sales tax, and the sheer stress that comes with it all... 😉

lonedrifter15 said:You totally misread me—I’m not out here trying to flip products or acting as some kind of personal shopper for everyone else. All I was doing was pointing out that there are actually other ways to shop besides hitting up our overpriced local boutiques. 😉 Honestly, it used to be unthinkable for me to buy even a basic piece of clothing without trying it on first. But once you actually give it a shot and realize how good it feels... 😁
And look, if you’re stressing about the sizing, just grab a size up—it’s not a big deal. A decent tailor can tweak a dress to fit your curves perfectly without breaking a sweat.

Signing off, Kimberly Perez3 🙂

I’ve shopped online plenty of times and it’s fine as long as you nail the size. Most sites give you measurements in inches, so you can see exactly what you need. My only hesitation is always shoes—maybe ballerinas, and even then, only the ones with that stretchy elastic bit around the edge.

Jack Gray51 said:So I’ve been scrolling through all your posts and honestly? I have to say, a lot of you seem to have this super weird mindset when it comes to how much you're willing to drop on clothes. It was Nathan Baker's post that really got me thinking—they were saying they'd shell out $267 for a wedding dress, but then for stuff they actually wear every single day, like shirts or sweaters, they'd cap it at maybe $50. Like, excuse me? I don't get that logic at all... personally, I always prioritize my daily wardrobe over some fancy shoes for a formal event.

My whole philosophy is pretty simple: I care way more about having comfortable shoes for my everyday grind than those designer heels I'll only wear a couple of times a year for a few hours. If they're uncomfortable, I can deal with a little foot pain once in a while, whatever.

But seriously, the quality and comfort of what I'm wearing on a Tuesday afternoon matters SO much more to me—I need to feel good in my skin, you know? Maybe it's because I tend to hold onto my favorite pieces for years and years, so I don't mind dropping an extra 200-$100 if it means it lasts.

Sorry if I'm totally off base here though...

It's because you simply can't walk into a decent store and find a high-quality, beautiful dress for $150-$100. It's just not happening.

If anyone’s looking—Target has some decent stuff on sale right now. You can actually find some nice basic tees and cardigans without feeling like you're digging through a bin. Even their pants are marked down, somewhere from $70 to $47. My mom picked up a top today and, honestly, it’s actually decent quality. They’ve got a good amount of winter gear over at $17 too—maybe around $23 items.

Jerry Bailey47, if you're really passing up a $200 dress because of the price tag, then yeah—I totally get why online shopping feels like such a massive headache for you 😉 Honestly, I would have loved 😁

ASOS actually has a crazy amount of different cuts and fabrics—like, seriously, there’s something for everyone if you bother to look.

In the last two years alone, I've picked up about 15 dresses, and not a single one has had crappy stitching, even though the materials vary all over the place—cotton, viscose, polyester, or those silk blends—and I got them all for a steal. $50 (Two of them actually went for a full $13 🙂
And honestly? It's such a rush when I get a compliment on a dress, especially when people act shocked once they hear how little I actually spent on it. 😁

Anyway, that's my two cents—hopefully, you guys will eventually just bite the bullet, try shopping online, and be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is. 😉

Peter Gray2 said:It's because you simply can't walk into a decent store and find a high-quality, beautiful dress for $150-$100. It's just not happening.

Partially correct.
Look, let's be real—not everything, and certainly not every bit of advice, helps me snag high-quality gear without breaking the bank every single time. I mean, sure, I can hit the sales if I'm lucky, but otherwise... do people honestly believe those twenty-dollar trousers from H&M are actually built to last? Not really...
They aren't...

When you look at the actual cost of custom sewing, there's a practical reality people often overlook... a larger person is always going to pay more. It really just comes down to the math of material consumption. You’re using significantly more yardage, especially when you're drafting patterns for something like a structured dress or a tailored shirt... it adds up.
Finding a decent tailor is an absolute nightmare. Most of them just seem to slap a pattern together without any actual thought, and they have zero ability to actually fit someone with curves. It’s like they can't be bothered to think through the construction... some are just lazy, others genuinely don't have a clue how it works.
Sometimes, the issue isn't actually with the model itself. It’s more that the foundational cut just hasn't been tailored to your specific build... for instance, if the shoulder slope isn't angled properly and instead sits almost completely flat...
The contours along the back need to be smoothed out more significantly... everything there needs a better curve. Maybe lift the edges slightly, refine the details, and so on...

lonedrifter15 said:Jerry Bailey47, if you're really passing up a $200 dress because of the price tag, then yeah—I totally get why online shopping feels like such a massive headache for you 😉 Honestly, I would have loved 😁

ASOS actually has a crazy amount of different cuts and fabrics—like, seriously, there’s something for everyone if you bother to look.

In the last two years alone, I've picked up about 15 dresses, and not a single one has had crappy stitching, even though the materials vary all over the place—cotton, viscose, polyester, or those silk blends—and I got them all for a steal. $50 (Two of them actually went for a full $13 🙂
And honestly? It's such a rush when I get a compliment on a dress, especially when people act shocked once they hear how little I actually spent on it. 😁

Anyway, that's my two cents—hopefully, you guys will eventually just bite the bullet, try shopping online, and be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is. 😉

You completely missed my point. Believe me, I would love nothing more than to shop online constantly, but unfortunately, I just can't. 🙂 What I meant was that the dresses I actually like on ASOS—the ones that would actually look good on me—tend to run in the $100-$200 range (which is basically what I ended up spending on the one I finally bought). Look, weight isn't the issue for me, but I'm busty, and finding off-the-rack pieces that fit properly without trying them on first is an absolute nightmare. It’s even tougher if you’re plus-sized. I was trying to say that you have to account for way more variables than someone with an "average" build; you have to obsess over the cut, the fabric, and—for instance—making sure my bra straps don't show. Since I can't wear a strapless bra to save my life, I’m stuck with spaghetti straps or one-shoulder styles, which narrows my options significantly. And once the selection shrinks, you lose all control over the price point. Last year, I struggled so much looking for this one specific dress—hunting for two whole months both online and in stores—that I seriously considered skipping meals for a month just to afford something that actually fits and makes me feel comfortable. You have to understand that when you carry extra weight, the cut and how the fabric drapes (or holds you in the right places) is everything. That is incredibly hard to judge online, let alone on a budget. And what’s the point of spending $20 if the dress doesn't even fit? Then you're stuck dealing with returns—and *that* is the real hassle. 😉

Nathan Baker said:If anyone knows where I can pick up a wedding outfit for under $50, please, let me know. I'm all ears.🙄

That’s an interesting way to look at it. Following that logic, when I eventually get married, I’d need to hunt down a gown for less than $50—and since I’ll probably never wear it again, whereas I might actually use a wedding outfit a few more times, it almost makes sense... or does it?

You basically took my "logic," twisted it into this weird little bucket, and now your conclusion doesn't even match what I actually said.
Basically, what I was saying is that I find it totally bizarre how people have zero issue dropping $267 on a dress they’ll wear once or twice, yet suddenly act like spending $133 on everyday clothes—stuff you'll wear for at least two years and probably ten times a month—is some huge deal.

Yeah, I honestly don't get it. Especially when we're talking about a city that isn't exactly mid-sized and where having decent, well-made clothes actually matters.

I mean, look—you buy a shirt in NYC for like $30, wash it three times, and the seams warp so bad it looks like trash. I'd much rather go to an upscale spot in the Upper East Side and spend $83 on something I can wear for three years where the stitching actually stays put.

@Peter Gray2: yeah, you're right, you aren't gonna find a high-quality gown for $50. But do you seriously think some pair of jeans from Topshop in NYC for $50 are going to be just as good as a $150 pair from Esprit or Mustang or whatever?

Jerry Bailey47 said:You completely missed my point. Believe me, I would love nothing more than to shop online constantly, but unfortunately, I just can't. 🙂 What I meant was that the dresses I actually like on ASOS—the ones that would actually look good on me—tend to run in the $100-$200 range (which is basically what I ended up spending on the one I finally bought). Look, weight isn't the issue for me, but I'm busty, and finding off-the-rack pieces that fit properly without trying them on first is an absolute nightmare. It’s even tougher if you’re plus-sized. I was trying to say that you have to account for way more variables than someone with an "average" build; you have to obsess over the cut, the fabric, and—for instance—making sure my bra straps don't show. Since I can't wear a strapless bra to save my life, I’m stuck with spaghetti straps or one-shoulder styles, which narrows my options significantly. And once the selection shrinks, you lose all control over the price point. Last year, I struggled so much looking for this one specific dress—hunting for two whole months both online and in stores—that I seriously considered skipping meals for a month just to afford something that actually fits and makes me feel comfortable. You have to understand that when you carry extra weight, the cut and how the fabric drapes (or holds you in the right places) is everything. That is incredibly hard to judge online, let alone on a budget. And what’s the point of spending $20 if the dress doesn't even fit? Then you're stuck dealing with returns—and *that* is the real hassle. 😉

Between this year and last, I’ve been to 14 weddings. Ten of those were close family stuff where it’s always the same group of people, so obviously, I needed different outfits—and yeah, I got them all from ASOS.

My cousins and friends have asked me a million times where I got my dresses, and on average, I’ve paid about $20 per piece. Just to be clear, I’m far from skinny—I’m not an XXL or anything—but things don't just "fit perfectly" on me, and the hunt is a marathon. Around here, I know my size, I don't hesitate, and I just buy. Even if I do have to get something altered (like that maternity dress I bought once—it was gorgeous and only $20, but it was huge in the stomach), the tailoring ends up costing me $6.75 more, and honestly, you wouldn't find a dress like that for that price in any Zara or any local boutique around here (a formal dress under $67 is basically a myth!).

So, there's no way we can compare our prices to online shopping, especially when you factor in the customs fees and shipping they tack on.

Jack Gray51 said:You basically took my "logic," twisted it into this weird little bucket, and now your conclusion doesn't even match what I actually said.
Basically, what I was saying is that I find it totally bizarre how people have zero issue dropping $267 on a dress they’ll wear once or twice, yet suddenly act like spending $133 on everyday clothes—stuff you'll wear for at least two years and probably ten times a month—is some huge deal.

Yeah, I honestly don't get it. Especially when we're talking about a city that isn't exactly mid-sized and where having decent, well-made clothes actually matters.

I mean, look—you buy a shirt in NYC for like $30, wash it three times, and the seams warp so bad it looks like trash. I'd much rather go to an upscale spot in the Upper East Side and spend $83 on something I can wear for three years where the stitching actually stays put.

@Peter Gray2: yeah, you're right, you aren't gonna find a high-quality gown for $50. But do you seriously think some pair of jeans from Topshop in NYC for $50 are going to be just as good as a $150 pair from Esprit or Mustang or whatever?

Let's get real here—just because something has a higher price tag doesn't mean it isn't cheap junk. I've wasted so much damn money on jeans from Esprit and S.Oliver only to have them stretch out two sizes between breakfast and lunch. Now, I just pick up stuff at Target for $50 and they don't lose their shape no matter how many times I throw them in the wash. It's not a universal rule, but hey...

Jack Gray51 said:You basically took my "logic," twisted it into this weird little bucket, and now your conclusion doesn't even match what I actually said.
Basically, what I was saying is that I find it totally bizarre how people have zero issue dropping $267 on a dress they’ll wear once or twice, yet suddenly act like spending $133 on everyday clothes—stuff you'll wear for at least two years and probably ten times a month—is some huge deal.

Yeah, I honestly don't get it. Especially when we're talking about a city that isn't exactly mid-sized and where having decent, well-made clothes actually matters.

I mean, look—you buy a shirt in NYC for like $30, wash it three times, and the seams warp so bad it looks like trash. I'd much rather go to an upscale spot in the Upper East Side and spend $83 on something I can wear for three years where the stitching actually stays put.

@Peter Gray2: yeah, you're right, you aren't gonna find a high-quality gown for $50. But do you seriously think some pair of jeans from Topshop in NYC for $50 are going to be just as good as a $150 pair from Esprit or Mustang or whatever?

Look, I'm not Freakette, and I'm not plus size either, but jeans from places like NY & Co., Gap, or similar stores—even the ones priced around $30—along with Tommy Hilfiger, Esprit, S. Oliver, or Amadeus... they all rip between my thighs just as fast because I have muscular legs. It doesn't matter which brand. After two months, I'm basically having to staple them together just to walk. Honestly, I'd rather just go back every couple of months and grab a new pair from NY & Co. or Gap for $67, than drop $267 on something that’s just going to end up shredded between my legs anyway. (Actually, if we're being real, the stuff from Dorothy Perkins or Gap usually holds up better for me).

The only exceptions are Mustang or Tom Tailor, which are great, but they rarely carry the specific cut I need (higher rise, skinny leg).

Sadly, or maybe luckily, price doesn't mean quality anymore.

Kimberly Perez3 said:Between this year and last, I’ve been to 14 weddings. Ten of those were close family stuff where it’s always the same group of people, so obviously, I needed different outfits—and yeah, I got them all from ASOS.

My cousins and friends have asked me a million times where I got my dresses, and on average, I’ve paid about $20 per piece. Just to be clear, I’m far from skinny—I’m not an XXL or anything—but things don't just "fit perfectly" on me, and the hunt is a marathon. Around here, I know my size, I don't hesitate, and I just buy. Even if I do have to get something altered (like that maternity dress I bought once—it was gorgeous and only $20, but it was huge in the stomach), the tailoring ends up costing me $6.75 more, and honestly, you wouldn't find a dress like that for that price in any Zara or any local boutique around here (a formal dress under $67 is basically a myth!).

So, there's no way we can compare our prices to online shopping, especially when you factor in the customs fees and shipping they tack on.

Let's get real here—just because something has a higher price tag doesn't mean it isn't cheap junk. I've wasted so much damn money on jeans from Esprit and S.Oliver only to have them stretch out two sizes between breakfast and lunch. Now, I just pick up stuff at Target for $50 and they don't lose their shape no matter how many times I throw them in the wash. It's not a universal rule, but hey...

I’m right there with you. Personally, I grab my jeans from Tally Weijl because they actually fit me right—low expectations, sure, but they last longer than anything else I've owned (and I've tried Levi's, Guess, Mustang, and LTB). I throw them in the machine, and they don't fall apart. They run about $67. 😳

It feels somewhat absurd of me to even weigh in on this whole discussion about pricing... though I suppose I did pick up a sweater from C&A today for $20 (so, cheers to Jason Moore63 for the heads-up). I spent a good deal of time wondering if it was far too cheap to justify the purchase, but since I don't exactly have $100 lying around, I went ahead and grabbed it anyway.

As for an outfit for a wedding costing $20, I’m afraid that search remains unsuccessful.

Jack Gray51 said:You basically took my "logic," twisted it into this weird little bucket, and now your conclusion doesn't even match what I actually said.
Basically, what I was saying is that I find it totally bizarre how people have zero issue dropping $267 on a dress they’ll wear once or twice, yet suddenly act like spending $133 on everyday clothes—stuff you'll wear for at least two years and probably ten times a month—is some huge deal.

Yeah, I honestly don't get it. Especially when we're talking about a city that isn't exactly mid-sized and where having decent, well-made clothes actually matters.

I mean, look—you buy a shirt in NYC for like $30, wash it three times, and the seams warp so bad it looks like trash. I'd much rather go to an upscale spot in the Upper East Side and spend $83 on something I can wear for three years where the stitching actually stays put.

@Peter Gray2: yeah, you're right, you aren't gonna find a high-quality gown for $50. But do you seriously think some pair of jeans from Topshop in NYC for $50 are going to be just as good as a $150 pair from Esprit or Mustang or whatever?

Look, if you've got powerful legs and your thighs tend to rub together, let's be real—it doesn't matter if the pants cost $150 or $500. Sooner or later, both pairs are going to blow out. Been there, done that.

Well, I figured I’d jump into this conversation too, mostly because I feel like I know this topic inside and out, I guess.

When it comes to the whole price issue, I honestly think everyone is exaggerating a little bit.
I mean, I don't make a huge paycheck myself and I don't go out and buy things all the time, but I definitely never drop those insane amounts of money you guys are talking about.
Every single year, I pick up at least two nice dresses from Old Navy over at the local mall—usually around Christmas when they have those sales—and none of them ever cost more than a reasonable amount.$67>
It's the same story with pants, either from there or maybe somewhere like Gap during one of their big promotions, especially since, like you all mentioned, if you have stronger legs, they just seem to wear out eventually regardless of whose brand they are.
I also find myself shopping at thrift stores quite often, and yeah, I have to dig through the racks just like in any other store, but at least I know I'm not blowing a massive fortune.
As for online shopping, I’m totally all for it.
I actually bought my wedding dress online, along with a hundred other smaller things that weren't such a big deal.

🍿Just wanted to send out a big hello to all of you, Peter Kern59..... KISSES

Hey everyone, I just wanted to jump in here and let you all know that it's actually possible to shop pretty smart, even for us "budget-conscious" folks like me.
$160I was just at Target picking up some stuff, and they have a massive 45% off sale going on—it was everything Dorothy Perkins, two pairs of jeans, a dressy top, and a Pin Up dress, all together.