When you are a size 6, you can find what you want, look great in most outfits and spend very little money. When you are size 14, the choices are limited and the fashion is almost non-existent. If the people in our country (and world) are getting larger, why aren’t the majority of designers doing anything about it? Supply and demand is the reason for retail, yet what our culture refers to as “plus size,” size 14 and up, is nothing more than generic clothing for the overweight. Maybe size 8 is just underweight, assuming we are going by the averages – just saying . . .
The go-to designers for those with extra curves has been Lane Bryant, Torrid, etc. But the consensus has been described as underwhelming for those consumers.
“To call us plus size is insulting. Women come in all shapes and sizes; and we shouldn’t be judged by the size of our hips or décolletage. Our society needs to change its mindset. I prefer to be called a beautiful woman, not a BIG beautiful woman. I would be a diva in the 18th Century!” Exclaims one agitated Agenda reader.
Marie Antoinette and her Décolletage
Many women consumers are fashion oriented. Everybody wants to look good for many reasons. The biggest reason is to please their significant other and to please themselves. Nobody wants to have to avoid looking in the mirror. You can have a beautiful face, gorgeous hair, be manicured and pedicured to perfection, but with no outfit to frame it, you have nothing.
“I remember going to a wedding. I was coming from half way around the country to see an old college friend get married. I used to be a size 10, but with marriage and kids, I put on 20 pounds. My friend hadn’t seen me in almost 10 years. I wanted to make a good impression, but was devastated when I couldn’t find anything flattering that didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. I was so frustrated, I almost didn’t attend. Why don’t evening gowns have long flowing sleeves or plunging necklines with A-line silhouettes? Unless I wanted to spend $400 and up, I was out of luck. I managed to find a Ralph Lauren [gown] that didn’t make me look matronly – I am only in my 30s!” – Emily from Spokane, WA.
I want to thank you for posting this article. I am in total agreement. I look around and see so many frustrated women like myself and wonder why hasn’t the fashion industry caught up? I mean really, aren’t they in business to make money? My teenage daughter is a size 14. She is able to find her size at places like Forever 21, but that’s about it. Her father took her into Lane Bryant and she came home sobbing. She was so upset and kept calling herself fat. The reality is, she is not fat and she is not alone. In fact, she is in the majority of youths who are in the “plus size” category. She looks beautiful, just not thin. It’s a shame there isn’t more of a selection of fashionable clothes for teenagers. The fashions that do fit her don’t fit her well. She is forced to wear leggings and dress in layers. Her prom is coming up and I just wish there was a formal that would look good on her that her grandmother won’t also wear! Any suggestions of affordable retailers? I’m in Southern California and am willing to drive up to 50 miles to make my little girl happy. Any help would be much appreciated. Her prom is in 2 weeks.
Hi Fern, I feel your pain and I am so sorry you are having a difficult time finding plus size fashionable clothing for your daughter.Aside from Forever 21, which I think has really helped fill that demographic, here are a few suggestions that I think will make your daughter happy, as well as the belle of the ball.
David’s Bridal Prom Dress
David’s Bridal has a department that specializes in prom dresses.They are figure-flattering, feminine, and formal. (http://www.davidsbridal.com/) I have attached a photo of just one example.This dress retails for $167.00.Very affordable for a prom dress.Other retailers include these department stores: Macy’s, JC Penny and Nordstrom Rack. All have formals for prom. Though they are not exclusively Size 14 and up, they do cater to a larger size. But my favorite is David’s Bridal.Why don’t you go there first and see what they have.You might get lucky on your first try.
As far as every day clothes for your teen, I did a search and found one place that is located in Culver City called Ashley Stewart (http://www.ashleystewart.com/).They have a great selection of trendy clothes. This should really help your daughter fit in.
Other tips to help smooth out any unwanted bulges for lack of a better word, get her Spanx undergarments to make sure she is sleek on her special night. (Most department stores, including Nordstrom Rack carry Spanx. They can also be purchased directly online. I don’t recommend that because your daughter really should try them on first.
Corseting is also another figure enhancing trick. Go to Frederick’s of Hollywood (http://www.fredericks.com/store/support/). They have cinchers and waist trainers.
Really good points made here. I agree when I see certain fashions for plus size, they seem to be catering to regular sizes just made bigger. Don’t they use plus size fit models to size them out? It doesn’t seem like it to me. I’m plus size and I could benefit from some more figure flattering outfits. For instance I need to hide the things I don’t like and accentuate the things I do like. Corsetting has helped me a lot. And I have a great bustline so I’d like to show that off. As far as the arms, please please … I wish they’d make sexier clothes that have long sleeves. Is that really too much to ask?
I want to thank you for posting this article. I am in total agreement. I look around and see so many frustrated women like myself and wonder why hasn’t the fashion industry caught up? I mean really, aren’t they in business to make money? My teenage daughter is a size 14. She is able to find her size at places like Forever 21, but that’s about it. Her father took her into Lane Bryant and she came home sobbing. She was so upset and kept calling herself fat. The reality is, she is not fat and she is not alone. In fact, she is in the majority of youths who are in the “plus size” category. She looks beautiful, just not thin. It’s a shame there isn’t more of a selection of fashionable clothes for teenagers. The fashions that do fit her don’t fit her well. She is forced to wear leggings and dress in layers. Her prom is coming up and I just wish there was a formal that would look good on her that her grandmother won’t also wear! Any suggestions of affordable retailers? I’m in Southern California and am willing to drive up to 50 miles to make my little girl happy. Any help would be much appreciated. Her prom is in 2 weeks.
Hi Fern, I feel your pain and I am so sorry you are having a difficult time finding plus size fashionable clothing for your daughter. Aside from Forever 21, which I think has really helped fill that demographic, here are a few suggestions that I think will make your daughter happy, as well as the belle of the ball.
David’s Bridal Prom Dress
David’s Bridal has a department that specializes in prom dresses. They are figure-flattering, feminine, and formal. (http://www.davidsbridal.com/) I have attached a photo of just one example. This dress retails for $167.00. Very affordable for a prom dress. Other retailers include these department stores: Macy’s, JC Penny and Nordstrom Rack. All have formals for prom. Though they are not exclusively Size 14 and up, they do cater to a larger size. But my favorite is David’s Bridal. Why don’t you go there first and see what they have. You might get lucky on your first try.
As far as every day clothes for your teen, I did a search and found one place that is located in Culver City called Ashley Stewart (http://www.ashleystewart.com/). They have a great selection of trendy clothes. This should really help your daughter fit in.
Other tips to help smooth out any unwanted bulges for lack of a better word, get her Spanx undergarments to make sure she is sleek on her special night. (Most department stores, including Nordstrom Rack carry Spanx. They can also be purchased directly online. I don’t recommend that because your daughter really should try them on first.
Corseting is also another figure enhancing trick. Go to Frederick’s of Hollywood (http://www.fredericks.com/store/support/). They have cinchers and waist trainers.
Good luck Fern and thank you for commenting.
Really good points made here. I agree when I see certain fashions for plus size, they seem to be catering to regular sizes just made bigger. Don’t they use plus size fit models to size them out? It doesn’t seem like it to me. I’m plus size and I could benefit from some more figure flattering outfits. For instance I need to hide the things I don’t like and accentuate the things I do like. Corsetting has helped me a lot. And I have a great bustline so I’d like to show that off. As far as the arms, please please … I wish they’d make sexier clothes that have long sleeves. Is that really too much to ask?
Yeah right sleeves please… I am always looking for them tastefully. Seems scarce even in sizes under 14. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
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