Where shopping's a plus
Shopping can be a bitch if you’re plus size. And I’m not talking about the skinny sales staff with their whippet-thin figures, 26-inch waistlines and holier-than-thou attitudes. Although they’re part of the crap experience zaftig chicks get when they try to shop outside their size range. It’s the whole fitting experience: when you’re handed a large dress and the struggle in the dressing room reaches epic proportions as you carefully attempt to mash your boobs into a facsimile of a surfboard until you force the unforgiving, it’s-really-a-medium-in-the-real-world-but-they-just-call-it-a-large-just-to-promote-body-dysmorphia frock down your body, you come to realize that, if you want to dress fashionably, you just might have to forego breathing.
What about plus-size labels, you ask? Well, some of them — and I say this in the nicest way possible — seem to be created for the dowdiest woman on the planet. Ruffles and too much ruching aren’t a svelte girl’s friend. Some of these labels look like they were made for your friend’s uptight mother. God forbid you should show some skin, right?
We’ve got the lowdown on more than a few stores that stock sizes of today’s trendiest and youthful garments.
Dorothy Perkins
For their fall/winter lineup, the Brit label has some ladylike silhouettes like ‘50s-inspired skirts that hug the waist and flare out past the hip (a truly flattering style for the pear-shaped), Old Hollywood dresses with a deep-V (which will show off your assets) and teacup sleeves, along with a helping of figure-hugging sweaters and tops that’ll make anyone look like Dita Von Teese. Best of all? This store stocks from sizes four till 20.
Gap
Since American designer Patrick Robinson took over the reins at Gap, the company’s undergone a mini-revolution of sorts. Those black and white portraits of the likes of Clemence Posey, celeb couple Hugh Dancy and Claire Danes in pretty sophisticated ensembles that make up the label’s ad campaign are nothing to sniff at. Robinson’s easy-breezy separates, cozy jackets and cotton dresses in muted hues are every shapely girl’s best friend. Easy to mix and match and, yes, even layer, the Gap carries some pretty figure-flattering finds in large and extra-large sizes that are roomier than normal.
Debenham’s
With their eclectic range, consider diffusion lines by Julian McDonald next to budget-friendly collections by Red Herring, Debenham’s has a lot to offer a girl. From eveningwear (floor-length gowns with forgiving empire waists) to corporate classics (blazers and the little black dress) daywear (cuffed, short-sleeved shirtdresses to floaty, boho frocks), they come in a host of sizes which go up till a grand size 20.
Topshop
Fast fashion’s best friend is Topshop, which churns out runway-inspired looks in record time. Just cause you’re fuller than the average stick-thin insect, to quote Helen Fielding, doesn’t mean you can’t partake of the latest the catwalk has to offer. While I suggest you stay away from the MiuMiu-inspired stuff (those harlequin styles are made for people with no hips), lots of bell skirts, chic black dresses and body-con frocks which range till a size 12 or 14 can be your ticket to the pages of the best-dressed list.
Warehouse
Corporate chic isn’t just for those who shop in the petite section. Warehouse’s selection of tweed suits and separates with their nipped-in waists are perfect for svelte females with a series Roland Mouret hankering. With sizes ranging till size 14, the shop’s suits are made for women with real bodies.
Marks & Spencer
This old favorite may have gained a reputation as your mom’s shop of choice but they’ve got more than a few trend-conscious collections to soothe even the most youthful of customers. Nipped-waist frocks show off the hourglass figure, while warm knit dresses come in forgiving styles (and totally look holiday-ready when paired with tights and platforms).
