Laura writes:
Hi Grasie! Your fashion posts are one of my favourite at HelloGiggles and I’ve also started haunting your blog. You have inspired me to try and be a little more fashionable, even though I’m on a budget. However, I have a bit of trouble finding styles that fit me because I’m a size 16 and about 5’7″, so a lot of in-style stuff doesn’t look good on me. What advice can you give me so I can be stylish but still wear stuff that’s flattering on my body? Thanks!
Why, thank you, Laura! You are very kind. That is fantastic to hear. 
The problem I find with most brands geared towards women sizes 14 and up is that the clothes are usually dreadful! Super lame and not fashionable at all. Luckily, some brands are getting it right and designing fashion forward digs in sizes 14-22. Two of my favorites are Asos Curve and Forever 21+ Both are affordable and right on trend.
The only trick to dressing a size 16 body is finding clothes that fit well. And finding clothes that fit well can be a challenge for any woman, at any size. We are all built differently and have something we struggle with: too tall, too short, too thin, too curvy, big boobs, small boobs, thick thighs, skinny legs… the list goes on and on.
Here are some styling tips for you: Try to accentuate your curves by wearing clothes that are snug but not too tight or too baggy. Skirts, dresses and tops that cinch at the waist are great options as well. Please oh please, don’t just wear solid black! Have fun with colors, patterns and textures! Black is great, but head to toe black is boring.
Below are some adorable outfits from Asos Curve and Forever 21+ that I love. The crappy part is you can only shop online for them. The cool part is there is nothing more fun than getting packages of clothes in the mail!
Happy Shopping!
- Asos Curve Red Skinny Jeans $60
- Asos Curve Washed Blue Super Sexy Jeans $52
- Forever 21+ Fab Skinny Jeans $13.50
- Forever 21+ Geometric Dress with Belt $25
- Forever 21+ Feather Print Asymmetrical Dress $25
- Asos Curve Slash Neck Lace Dress $78
- Forever 21+ Semi-Sheer Abstract Top $18
- Asos Curve Playsuit with Abstract Print $60
- Forever 21+ French Terry Crest Blazer $25
THANK YOU! We plus-sized girls get no love on fashion blogs. Much appreciated
I wrote into the contributor e-mail about plus-size clothes posts, and I am so happy to see one. I think a more detailed post about how to dress certain types of plus-sized (although that label is quite disrespectful) bodies. Also, notably, F21+ sizes are outrageous! 3X is 16/18. How messed up is that?
I am thrilled to see an article like this on my favorite blog. Even more so, I am thrilled by the positive comments. So often, people jump on the opportunity to rant about plus size girls. I am a proud size 16 who likes to dress like any other twenty-three year old would. When I was younger, I was convinced that I was stuck shopping at Deb, where all the plus size clothes had sayings like “Bootylicious”, “Miss Attitude” and (I kid you not)”Ghetto Princess” splashed across their shiny exteriors. It was a depressing time in my life. Once I discovered Torrid, my wardrobe did a 180. And recently I’ve discovered that stores like Forever 21 and American Eagle have plus sizes online.
Thank you for this wonderful piece!
hi keryn! thanks for the AWESOME comment/insight! i totally agree…that’s my sentiments exactly! no matter what size you are it’s nice to know that they are some options! WOOT! glad you like the piece. xo
I keep hearing good things about Forever21+. I didn’t realize the clothes were only available online, though. Still, it’s nice to have another option!
Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Girl With Curves blog, right? I figured I’d link to it anyway, just in case some other HG fashionistas wanted another blog rec. There can never be too many!
thanks for the link! SOME forever 21 stores do sell the forever 21+ line but you should call ahead to your local store and check first.
http://gussiedup.ca/
is amazing for all you toronto readers…
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely look into both of those stores.
I recently got a catalog from this company (haven’t bought anything yet), but it looks super cute http://www.simplybe.com/
Love this!
But what about if you’re like me an in the awkward inbetween of this and like being tiny? Like, how can you dress an average body to make it look fab?
of course! check out some of my past HG posts here: http://www.hellogiggles.com/grasie-mercedes or visit my personal blog http://www.stylemegrasie.com for more ideas
Love the choices that both F21 and ASOS Curve have to offer. I have some really cute dresses from both. Thanks for posting this Grasie !
As a plus sized (on my bottom half) gal I think the photos in #4 and #7 are REAALLY unflattering and not a good guide for those looking at fashion forward dressing in any size. The horizontal stripes on that area in #4 make her look bigger than she really is to my eye… #7, i just can ‘t fathom doing that to some one… what a horrid top over all. Yes it gives her a waist, but it does not flatter her chest or hips at all. :/ Its really atrocious. Maybe these all looked batter in person, sometimes the camera angle on something can really downplay what you’re trying to show. Anyway, on a more positive note, I find that Lane Bryant also has had some cute things in the past, if you’re not really into some of the “hipsteresque” styles shown above, and its where i get all my pants for the most part.
Thanks for the comment Cori! We all have different fashion taste, this is just an example of mine. I think the girl in look #4 looks amazing and hot! I also think #7 is a lovely top. I would never try to put my own style sense onto someone else. As a stylist and fashion blogger people come to me or read my articles because they have a similar taste or like what I have to offer, I’m just sharing what I find fashionable and hope that others get something out of it.
I can understand your ‘concern’ about #4 (even though I think that girl still looks smokin’) but I really don’t get the huff puff about #7. It’s just a normal, casual top! I also feel that Lane Bryant has a lot of mom clothes, stuff that can be found in most “plus size” lines. BUT they do have great bra’s!
I found out that F21+ was online awhile back and I LOVE it. They always update things every few days and keep it fresh. I am also a BIG fan of ASOS Curve (and ASOS in general!). They are a great brand with TONS of on trend clothes for all sizes, shapes and situations. GREAT POST GRASIE!
thank you!
PS – If you found this article helpful, please “LIKE” this post and share it with your friends on FB & Twitter. Spread the fashion love
Thanks so much!
You’re the best Grasie!
Why thank YOU Caroline
Holy moly!!! shoes in 2 3 and 8!!! you didnt say where we could get the shoes!!! ahhhhh!!!!! lol im a shoe-holic and for the rest of us poor shoe fanatics please please please tell us where to get them!!! and as always the fashion advice was fantastic
thx also any idea how they size? are they on or a little bigger or smaller than other brands?
lol Love it Sonya! I’m shoe obsessed so I feel ya girl! All those shoes can also be found at Asos! Unfortunately I do not know how they are sized compared to other brands and I would almost bet each piece is different.
There are some forever21 stores that have the forever21+ line in store. If you go on the Website (http://www.forever21.com/store/storelocator.asp) Click on the forever21+ line and put in your zip and it will tell any stores in your area. I’m the kind of girl who has to try on clothes. I have been drooling over that black lace dress for the whole summer.
Thanks for the link!
This post was awesome, Grasie! I’d like to add that Old Navy has some really great basics in many sizes and they’re also on the cheap. Sometimes their shirts tend to grow, so I usually buy a size smaller than I think I’ll need because if it’s tight in the fitting room it’ll stretch to a perfect fit in an hour.
Thanks Kristina! YES, Old Navy is great for comfy basics too!
I absolutely adore Torrid as well! There aren’t too many store fronts, but they can be found online too. I love being able to go in and try on clothes that are actually cut to accentuate the right curves, and have enough fabric to cover everything! Some of their stuff can be a little pricey, but it’s really well made, and everything is super cute.
YES Torrid is another great one. They have fantastic accessories too!
THANK YOU! I’m in the same boat. I take inspiration from your articles for sure, but it’s tough to adapt some stuff as a size 16. I had no idea Forever 21 carried stuff in my size! I’m going to have to check that out.
Aww Thank You! I’m glad I could help.