A reader named Lisa wrote in to ask “…how to dress more edge-y when most of your wardrobe is dowdy and you’re a size 16 GOACA. I miss being a size 10 wearing my leather motorcycle jacket. My body will not allow for anything cropped…what to do?” Well for starters, I’d check in with my absolute favorite resource for clothes in extended sizes, Universal Standard. I love how slouchy this tee dress is, and that it gets narrower at the hem, which keeps things neat-looking.
And the slit at the hem of these pants is pretty spiff.
I’m also crazy about this striped ringer tee: the pink details pop nicely.
I like the idea of a slightly dressed-up sweatshirt, and this one is so good with its asymmetrical zipper.
Universal Standard has a ton of good jeans on offer, but this black pair is my favorite.
Another label worth checking out—especially if you have cash to spare—is Maria Rinaldi. I think this sequin pencil skirt is just aces, and would dress it way down with a white tee.
Madewell has started to offer a selection of their pieces in sizes up to 3X, and they also show their clothes on a wider variety of body types, which is pretty cool. This wrap front sweater reminds me of one from A Detacher, which is a favorite (fancy) indie brand of mine.
This sweater coat is so sophisticated in camel.
Here’s the leather jacket you’ve been yearning for, Lisa.
Madewell’s also got a lot of pretty good tops, like this oversized dark denim shirt.
And I like the print on this button-down.
This chambray shirt looks like it’s already been nicely broken in.
And even the edgiest wardrobes could use a nice floral, especially a good dark one.
Lucky Brand skews young, but if you dig around their site, you can find some decent stuff. I’m a fan of this leopard print tee.
This peasant top is ever so slightly Nili Lotan-ish.
A striped cardigan that’d be great for layering once the weather turns chilly.
They also offer a lot of good jeans; my favorite is this boyfriend cut pair.
Another resource where you’ve got to dig to find the goods: Loft. These corduroys look just like the ones I used to wear back in the day.
And I think this faux-suede skirt is just fantastic (here’s a good—albeit short—one in faux leather.
Just a good long-sleeved tee with a shirttail hem.
As far as indie brands go, I like the Atlanta-based line Jibri, and especially their dresses. The print here is nicely sophisticated.
I also like Shegul: their stuff is as stylish as it is easy to wear, and this leopard print skirt is very nearly perfect, and has a cool zipper detail in back.
And if you need something for a fancy event, check out 11Honore, which features goods by big-name designers like Jason Wu, Lela Rose, and Zac Posen. The price point here is high on most items—they do offer a few mid-range labels like Theory, but only a few—and I’m crazy for this Zero+Maria Cornejo skirt.
Universal Standard starts at a 6!
Yes, unfortunately others have discovered this too — the smaller sizes of those great-looking black jeans are sold out. 🙁 Proves that stylish clothes can be made for every woman’s size.
Wow! You really delivered! Great options. I might add that the Violetta line at Mango has some nice pieces at a great price. The only problem with Mango (on line) is their horrible customer service.
Yes! Love this post!
Love this post! I’m borderline – size 10-12 so can shop anywhere but lately, I’m shopping at Universal Standard and Eileen Fisher because I like their aesthetic more than other brands and they know how to drape a woman with larger hips and tush. I’m really excited to shop at Jibri now.
I like Coverstorynyc.com – for a curated collection of plus size brands. Nordstrom can sometimes turn you on to some good brands. And if you haven’t looked at Navabi.us, give them a shot. There is a ton of stuff there – some of which is awfully grandmotherly, but there is good stuff as well. And their delivery & customer service are impeccable. Also give a look at additionelle.com and sikacollection.com
I have tried both Violeta & Madewell & I don’t fit in either brand because I have actual boobs & shoulders & I’m 5’10”. Everything I’ve bought from both websites has had to be returned.
I’ve also found a lot of smaller brands by following plus size women on Instagram.
I am not a larger woman, but I LOVE this post. It’s about time. Go GOACA!
This post wasn’t aimed at me body shape wise, but I want just about everything here!! If these come in my size, my paycheck is shot!
So great to see that many of the mainstream brands and designers are now making fashionable looks for larger woman. I love everything you posted!
Btw Loft recently launched plus sizes
…which is why I mentioned them.
I’ve been lusting after the Madewell leather jacket. They make them so soft and light.
But it’s cropped TOO short for me! I’ve got a longer torso and I like to cover my midriff.
So I never get it. Just 2-3 more inches, Madewell, por favor!
Eileen Fisher. Not all pieces, you have to go collection by collection, but when she hits she hits hard. Once you know what you like, if you don’t have money to burn try eBay for very gently worn pieces for little $. Typically her clothing wears extremely well which means it’s great secondhand!
Eileen Fisher Company Store is how they call their outlet operation. Few stores but much more reasonable prices!
Violetta, Mango’s extended sizes line, has some pretty great leather jackets, and they’re not unreasonably priced.
I checked out Violeta and was amused (sort of) to see that Mango considers a size 10 plus size.
Their clothes are good, though.
You’re right! I like Violeta a lot and totally flaked on them.
I’m Girl of a Certain Size and love this post! Pencil skirts are also part of my work uniform so I’m pleased to see so many here. A few tips for those in the same boat: a lot of plus size pencil skirts need tailoring so that they taper a bit towards the hem – if they shoot straight from the hip down, they can be boxy and dowdy. This is an easy fix and makes all the difference. Also, I find that my pencil skirts look best when I’m wearing something on top that at least somewhat defines my waist. Now I’m off to shop Madewell – I didn’t realize that they had started offering extended sizes.
You might try Eloquii if you like pencil skirts – they have a neoprene one that they make in about 20 colors & patterns.
The Lisa here…thanks for a great post!
Love this post! Thank you! I found out about Universal Standard from you and have bought several pieces that I live and that look great on.
Just catching up from a week away… thanks for the Shegul reminder!