When I first started researching plus size influencers and the fashion movement they helped shape, I didn’t realize just how deep the roots go. What began as simple outfit posts and blog entries, blossomed into a cultural shift which still resonates today. And the deeper I dug into the world of plus size fashion bloggers, the more I realized how many of today’s influencer trends were born from these bold, brilliant bloggers who came before.
As someone new to this space, I saw quickly that it wasn’t just about clothes … it was also about visibility, access, and respect. Platforms like The Curvy Fashionista weren’t just blogs. They were lifelines. And at the center of this revolution were plus size fashion bloggers, like Marie Denee, who built a legacy while showing the world that plus size fashion isn’t niche, it’s necessary, and it’s here to stay.
This article is a look back, but also a push forward. It explores how plus size fashion bloggers, influencers, and creatives took on an industry that tried to ignore them and how they’re still reshaping it, one look at a time.
The Rise of the OG Plus Size Fashion Blogger
There was a time when being plus size and loving fashion felt mutually exclusive. Most stores didn’t carry your size, fashion magazines rarely featured bodies over a size 10, and the “rules” for dressing were all about shrinking, hiding, and flattering; never about expressing, experimenting, or celebrating.
But everything changed when plus size women stopped waiting for a seat at the fashion table and built their own. They turned to blogs, started posting their looks, and shared styling tips- not to go viral, but to feel seen. They weren’t influencers yet. They were revolutionaries. And they changed everything.
One of those pioneers? Our EIC and founder, Marie Denee.
In 2008, Marie launched The Curvy Fashionista because she couldn’t find a single resource that centered plus size fashion in a joyful, accessible, and empowering way. So she created one. With every blog post, brand spotlight, and trend round-up, Marie helped build a space for plus size women to see themselves reflected in style stories, not just before-and-after weight loss ads.
Her passion, professionalism, and bold presence caught the attention of major brands. Over the years, she’s partnered with Chevy, Nordstrom, and was one of 12 in Marina Rinaldi’s international “Women Are Back” campaign. She’s been at the forefront of the body-diverse fashion conversation, showing that style isn’t size-bound and neither is influence.
Marie’s work has also been recognized by Refinery29, in their 2022 article “The Advocates Pushing Size-Inclusive Fashion Forward”, naming her one of the leading voices driving real industry change. And it’s not just editorial recognition, Marie has built platforms, launched community spaces, and produced events that uplift plus size designers, models, and entrepreneurs.
From Blog Posts to Brand Power
Marie wasn’t alone. Alongside her were plus size fashion bloggers like Gabi Gregg, Tess Holliday, Nicolette Mason, Tanesha Aswathi of Girl with Curves, and Nadia Aboulhosn, who took their online presence and turned it into brand collaborations, modeling contracts, swimwear collections, and clothing lines. These women weren’t just blogging, they were creating a blueprint for what a size-inclusive future could look like.
Gabi Gregg and Nicolette Mason co-created Premme, a bold and edgy fashion brand specifically for plus size shoppers. Tess Holliday became the first size-22 model signed to a major agency and landed the cover of People.
Nadia Aboulhosn translated her signature edgy looks into collections with Boohoo and Fashion to Figure, among many other collaborations. Tanesha kicked off the blogger collaborations with Lane Bryant and launched her own clothing brand and blazed the plus size Tumblr space. The blogging world morphed into the influencer world, and the change became impossible to ignore.
But Fat-phobia Isn’t Gone, It’s Just Muted
The online empowerment has been vital, however, fat-phobia still lingers in the real world. Fat people are still harassed in public spaces, denied proper healthcare, and stigmatized in dating and fitness communities. Even in fashion retail, plus size employees often share stories of being unable to wear their own store’s clothes, or watching customers walk out because the biggest size is a 14, if that.
There’s also the trend delay. When a trend pops off, say… corset tops or cut-outs, straight-size collections roll them out immediately. Plus size collections often lag behind by an entire season, if they show up at all. The implication is that fat bodies don’t deserve fashion at the speed of style, and that is still a problem.
“Fashion Rules” Are Meant to Be Broken
Growing up, many of us were told not to wear horizontal stripes. No crop tops. Avoid short hemlines. And don’t you dare wear clingy fabrics. But plus size fashion bloggers helped flip that script. These creators wore what they wanted… bright colors, loud prints, bodycon dresses and looked amazing doing it.
Their bravery helped others step into their own confidence. Entire communities were born from these bold choices, and as brands caught up, we began to see the rise of collections from retailers like ASOS Curve, Eloquii, Universal Standard, and Fashion to Figure. These brands created clothes with plus size bodies in mind.
Representation is Better, but NOT Fully Real
Let’s be honest: most “plus size” models in major campaigns are still hourglass-shaped, size 12–14 at most, and almost always fit within a narrow, palatable version of fatness. The fashion industry has opened the door slightly, but the room is far from full. Where are the size 28 models? The short, apple-shaped bodies? The visibly fat, disabled, Black, queer, and older bodies?
Representation still skews toward aspirational, not authenticity. It’s progress, but it’s far from the finish line.
What’s the Point? Why This Still Matters.
This story isn’t just a feel-good reflection on where we’ve been. It’s a declaration of what must come next.
Plus size fashion bloggers didn’t just evolve fashion… they forced change. And influencers today are standing on the shoulders of those pioneers, many of whom are still working, building, and advocating. But the industry still treats fat fashion as niche, trend-based, or optional. It’s time we demanded more than visibility… we want ownership, equity, and consistency.
@torrid ✨ JEANS FOR LIFE ✨ Our jeans do it all—just like you. Meet the girls bringing this campaign to life: @theabbybible @chloe_xandria @mskristine @phaithmontoya ♬ original sound – Torrid
The work isn’t finished. But the map is drawn. And it was sketched out in blog posts, outfit photos, and personal essays from women like Marie Denee, who proved that fashion, like power, doesn’t come in one size.
Your Turn! Who Are Your Favorite Plus Size Influencers?
This movement wasn’t built alone and it doesn’t stop here. We want to hear from you, bestie!
Do you have a favorite plus size influencer, blogger, or content creator who’s been changing the game, inspiring your style, or shaking up the status quo? Whether they’re a micro-influencer serving fierce lewks or an OG legend we all need to follow, we want to know!
Tag them in the comments
Share this post on socials and @ them
Or submit them (or yourself!) to be featured in our Plus Influencer Spotlight Series
Because here at The Curvy Fashionista, we don’t just talk about representation… we celebrate it, amplify it, and make room for more.
Let’s keep building this beautiful, bold, and unapologetic community, one spotlight at a time.
