It’s a tough go being plus sized and obsessed with fashion; you always feel like you are on the outside looking in. Apart from a few token models tossed into the mix during fashion weeks, we are not represented visually on the runway or in ad campaigns. If we need a dress for an event, it takes a village, rather than an afternoon trying on flirty frocks and sipping bubbly with staff. But friends, times they are a-changin’. Christian Siriano stocks select garments up to a 22W and Moda Operandi is offering a bevy of size 16 dresses and is eyeing more size inclusivity. Yet, change is slow to take effect. Uncle Karl is still siding with sizeism and let’s face it, most european luxury garments fit on the smaller side. Before big tears roll down your face and leave water marks on the vachetta of your Louis, I have some stealthy ways to keep up with the fashion set. Ready, set, blow your tax refund!
Belts of the Ball
That’s right ladies, belts. Before you say “not likely, their clothes don’t even fit my body!”, I will let you in on a little secret. Many Gucci belts go up to a length of 110cm, which is roughly 43 inches. If you need a little extra room, Spring/Summer 2018 GG belts are made with elasticated fabric. If Gucci isn’t your jam, I have an Hermes hack for you! The fashion reseller site, Vestiaire Collective sells gently used Hermes H belt buckles for around 300 €. There is an online atelier called La Petite Croisette that does made to your dimensions Hermes belt replacements in a gorgeous leather for under $200 USD. Put two and two together, and guess who looks like Yolanda Hadid. Turtleneck optional.
Bags, Bags, Bags
For the most part, plus size retailers are slow on the trigger with of the moment looks, making us wait a few seasons. But one thing that knows no size is an “it” bag. You know the one! Each season a bag is declared the one to have by a stealthy team of designers, marketers, influencers, and advertisers. (My guess for Summer 2018 is the Chanel PVC flap bag that has been seen on Leandra Medine and Eva Chen) Size doesn’t matter with a bag of the moment, just a credit limit.
You need a Brooch, coach!
Coming up for Fall/Winter 2018, one will need a beautiful coat to keep warm and to look on point. Who wouldn’t want a new cashmere Chanel friend? However, anyone over a 14 is shut out. The solution? Buy a high-quality coat in a classic colour and head on down to your nearest Chanel boutique and snap up a bold brooch. Your coat may not be of Karl’s making, but the branding will be. Check and mate. Not one of Gabrielle’s Girls? Look to reseller sites for vintage YSL brooches that are luxe and lovely.
Trench
You won’t look basic in these basics. Invest in quality forever pieces. Thick thighs may save lives, but they will leave you out of luck at Burberry. Thankfully, a trench of comparable quality can be found to fit your fine self. Look to Lands’ End, Marks and Spencer, and London Fog for a comparable coat. Keep an eye out for the small details like the quality of buttons and buckles. If they look cheap, move along. If the fabric is synthetic, run. You want a piece that is made of thick cotton with horn look detailing. Looking for a little tweed jacket? Our friends at Violeta (a Mango owned plus size brand) and Talbots make several per season that scream upper east side but fit over the girls.
Skip to My Shoe
This one is a no-brainer. However, if you have wider feet, beware! If you can’t walk a straight line in them or toes are spilling out the sides, girl, that is not your shoe. Keep in mind that Italian shoes run small (sizing up is a good rule of thumb) and that scale is essential to looking well put together. What does that mean for you? It means look to block heels, wide strapped shoes with dramatic detailing, over teensy embellishments, pin-thin stilettos, and teensy buckles and straps. It also means giving Stuart Weitzman and Salvatore Ferragamo a high five for making on-trend styles in wide widths.
VCA
Bonus Level: Achievement Unlocked. VCA! You know what every posh betch from old money to just won the lottery last week has? A pair of Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra earrings. It’s an emblem of luxury. Coming in at just under 5K before tax, these are clearly an investment piece, yet you will have them forever. Regardless of fluctuating sizes, trends and age, Alhambra earrings will always be wearable. Be it the mother of pearl set or the black onyx stunners, reach for these on the daily and you will be insta put together.
There you have it, my loves. The ultimate plus size luxury cheat sheet. If you have any other work arounds, please leave them in the comments below. It’s teamwork that will keep us looking chic until fashion democracy rules the day!
Inspirational Images
Image courtesy of @iambeauticurve
Image courtesy of @iambeauticurve
Image courtesy of @nicolettemason
Image courtesy of Curve Envy
Image courtesy of Style Plus Curves
Image courtesy of @iambeauticurve
Image courtesy of Van Cleef Arpels
By: Elizabeth Barr, Vancouver, @mostlyimagesofcats
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