This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Yes, many of us would like to wear a size 8 dress – including me. But as I have grown older, I am gradually more able to love the size and shape I actually am. Gone are the days of yo yo dieting or repetitively telling myself I need to lose that elusive half a stone. Like so many of us 50+ women, I’m concentrating on eating more healthily instead and buying the most flattering fashion I can find. So what’s out there for all of us who are plus size (as brands like to call anyone who is larger than a 14)? Well, quite a lot actually. Here is a comprehensive guide to those websites offering stylish clothes in a size-inclusive range, in some cases up to 34…
QUIZ Animal wrap midi £36.99 WE ARE KIN Pleated top and trousers from £70 MANGO VIOLETA Polka dot dress £49.99
QUIZ Alongside wardrobe staples and holiday-ready bargains, the Curve collection has both informal and occasionwear on offer. More info
WE ARE KIN A sustainable label promoting slow fashion. More info
MANGO VIOLETA This collection stays true to the Mango aesthetic and is available up to size 26. Definitely worth a look if you need some trousers, plus there are dresses with very flattering silhouettes. More info
BOMBSHELL For the Love Of Pockets dress £259 CHI CHI LONDON Floral Print Midi £75 RIVER ISLAND Suit £105
BOMBSHELL Probably one of the best brands for curvy women who are not afraid to show off their shape. Katya Wildman, the designer, cleverly incorporates design details that are guaranteed to flatter you. Go to website
CHI CHI LONDON If you’ve looking for occasion wear, there are some seriously pretty dresses for curvy women on this website. More info
RIVER ISLAND a high street fixture for well over 50 years, River Island now has a Plus range that’s available exclusively online and offers inexpensive, trend-led fashion. Visit website
Joanna Hope printed maxi £100 Lascana check swimsuit £58 Finery London Bella Floral dress £45
SIMPLY BE Celebrating curves is central to this brand’s ethos, with contemporary and stylish pieces in a wide range of sizes. Simply Be is a plus-size online treasure trove that stocks a selection of brands. So if you want a supportive bra, swimsuit, leisure or occasion wear, you’ll find it at Simply Be. Also has a handy filter by size section, making it easier to find what you are looking for. The above images are just a tiny selection of the wonderful styles on offer – whatever size you happen to be. Browse website
ERDEM Margot Dress Fonteyn Rose Crepe £995 KAREN MILLEN Ponte Ruffle Dress £41 MARINA RINALDI Poplin dress £126
ERDEM Worth having a look at their inclusive sizing range which includes some stunning pieces as you would expect from this high end brand.
KAREN MILLEN Their curvy clothing includes fashionable prints and contemporary tailoring. Take a look
MARINA RINALDI A pioneer of plus-size fashion since 1980, Marina Rinaldi is a luxury label whose celebrity fans include Melissa McCarthy (currently starring with Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers on Netflix), Patricia Arquette and Ashley Graham. Bright colours, prints and embroideries are signature design elements. Browse website
Here are some other brands you might like to look at. Just click on the brand name to go through to their website.
CURVISSA Launched in 2011, it’s one of the biggest online fashion shops for a plus size audience. This brand aims to offer you a wide choice of clothes that you will feel comfortable and confident wearing.
THE HOUR A brand that aims to flatter and frame fuller figures with versatile looks that can be worn day-to-night. Sustainability is a priority and collections are made with upcycled fabrics that would normally be discarded at the mills. Founded by a former doctor based in London, the label takes precision, proportion and careful sculpting seriously, so that pieces never swamp or restrict.
EVANS Available in UK sizes 14-34, Evans has been on the British high street since 1930. Go to f, the brand offers a wide range of flattering basics, plus-size-friendly jewellery and glamorous evening-wear.
Do you have a favourite size inclusive fashion brand? Why not take a minute to share it with other readers in the comments section below. Thank you.
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ALL PRICES AND SIZES AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF WRITING.