The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Notification Show More
Aa
  • News
    News
    Looking the the latest plus size fashion and industry news around designers, influencers, and community happenings? Your plus size media publisher has you covered with…
    Show More
    Top News
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    10 years ago
    Big Fig MattressXTCFStyle Expo
    Big Fig Mattress Giveaway!!!
    4 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    10 years ago
    Latest News
    TCTurns15! Celebrate with Us with a City Chic Giveaway!
    2 months ago
    Felicity is back with her 5th Felicity Hayward x Playful Promises Collection!
    2 months ago
    TCFTurns15: We are Giving Away 15 Gift Cards in this Eloquii Giveaway!
    2 months ago
    Meet Keia Bounds, the Costume Designer Behind All THOSE Looks on “Survival of the Thickest”
    2 months ago
  • Style
    Style
    Yes, plus size style options exist and we are here to share the latest style finds, news, updates, and plus size style tips & tricks…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    11 years ago
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    10 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    10 years ago
    Latest News
    Before You Start Shopping for Fall, Check Out These 5 Fall Plus Size Shopping Tips!
    2 weeks ago
    The Nina Sharae Experience is dripping with sexy, plus size swimwear
    2 months ago
    Felicity is back with her 5th Felicity Hayward x Playful Promises Collection!
    2 months ago
    If You’re Still Looking for a Fun Plus Size Bathing Suit, Hilary Macmillan Swimwear Has Got You Covered!
    3 months ago
  • Shopping
    Shopping
    Wondering where to find specific plus size clothing items for that special occasion or need? The best plus size shopping finds are here. We’ve done…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    11 years ago
    Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves!
    10 years ago
    Valentine’s Day Curvy Couture Plus Size Lingerie Giveaway
    A Valentine’s Day Curvy Couture Plus Size Lingerie Giveaway
    10 years ago
    Latest News
    3 Plus Size Apps That Will Up Your Confidence
    3 days ago
    Felicity is back with her 5th Felicity Hayward x Playful Promises Collection!
    2 months ago
    Here’s Where to Find the Perfect Hats for Big Heads Big Hair for the Summer!
    2 months ago
    Steal the Spotlight in one of these 15 Must Have Plus Size Little Black Dresses for the Summer!
    3 months ago
  • Wellness
    Wellness
    Let’s talk about self-care, self-love, body image, and related topics to wellness and life as a plus size person!
    Show More
    Top News
    Torrid's Feature of Tiffany from On The Fatwalk
    The Enabling of Self Loathers and Shame – A Facebook Observation of Torrid
    12 years ago
    Rescue Stress relief
    Finding My Own Rescue Remedy & Taking Better Care of Myself…
    7 years ago
    Meeting my father and his/my family
    Staring into His Eyes for the First Time- Meeting my Father
    10 years ago
    Latest News
    Is Weed Yoga Really Worth It? We Tried it and Found Out!
    3 days ago
    5 Plus Size Pregnancy Myths To Watch Out For When You’re Expecting
    2 weeks ago
    The Labor Day Sales Our Plus Size Editors Are Shopping (And What They’re Looking For)
    4 weeks ago
    Behind the BMI: A History and Why The AMA is Discouraging its Use
    2 months ago
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle
    There is so much more to a plus size fashion lover and we are highlighting the various topics from plus size celebrity fashion and style,…
    Show More
    Top News
    Open Letter Tim Gunn
    An Open Letter: Dear Tim Gunn, Let’s Make It Work
    10 years ago
    2017 MTV Move & TV Awards, chrissy metz, plus size celebrity
    ‘I Wear What I Want, When I Want’: Chrissy Metz Slays In Red at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
    6 years ago
    25 women of color e1615188552216
    25 Women Of Color Who Paved The Way for Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
    3 years ago
    Latest News
    3 Plus Size Apps That Will Up Your Confidence
    3 days ago
    Is Weed Yoga Really Worth It? We Tried it and Found Out!
    3 days ago
    How Coco Chanel Helped Me Stay True to My Plus Size Self in Paris
    2 months ago
    6 Tips for Raising Children (and Yourself) in a Body Positive Environment
    2 months ago
  • Shop TCF
Search TCF
More
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
  • Curvy & Plus Size Fashion Resources
  • About The Curvy Fashionista
  • Advertising
  • Contact
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Reading: Are We Trapped in Our Own Plus-Size Stigmas?
Aa
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop TCF
Search TCF
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • Contact
Sign In Sign In
Follow US
  • Login
  • Community Guidelines
  • Style Star Ambassadors
  • TCFStyle Influencer Network
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
© 2008- 2021 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Features

Are We Trapped in Our Own Plus-Size Stigmas?

Marie Denee
Last updated: 10/29/2019
By Marie Denee 8 Min Read
Share

Chatting with fellow bloggers and readers, I have realized a recurring theme. Many of us curvy women are frustrated, have hit a wall, or are tired of what fashion has to offer us. Now, this still remains true to an extent, but is and has been improving. Yes, we have a long way to go with fat fashion acceptance, but in the meantime, what does a budding and die-hard fashionista do?

In the infamous words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work!”

While many curvy fashionistas have it together with style and fashion, there are a few of you that while trying to make it work, are doing yourself a disservice when it comes to full- frontal fashion. Not meant to offend, but to address common missteps, I felt the need to address certain call outs and concerns shared to me by designers, ambassadors, and fellow fashionistas for the plus size fashionistas.

What exactly is the re-education of the Curvy Fashionista? With the transformational trend of plus size fashion, although still in its infancy, plus size and fashion have married to fulfill the long awaited outcry of full figured fashionistas, yet there is a disconnect!

What do I mean?

There are many designers who cater to the plus size fashionista, yet they are not receiving the support needed to maintain and flourish in order to continue to bring you fashionable fits for your curves!

In no particular order, I bring to you some of the concerns and callouts that we must remember when it comes to plus size fashion:

I can’t find any designers that cater to me 

SRV x FTF at Fashion to Figure
SRV x FTF at Fashion to Figure

Ladies, you know you have made this call out once or twice. If this were said about 10 years ago, I would agree with you. However, we live in an age of information and technology, which affords us the opportunity to find what we need at lightning speed. This does not escape plus size designers and stores.

With the myriad of blogs and online plus-size communities, they assist you with an amazing wealth of information to guide you to the newest and latest of plus size fashion. Yes, it may take a little bit more work than walking into a mall, BUT you will find it! In addition, if you cannot, reach out to the lovely ambassadors, bloggers, models, and friends you know to find the latest gem!

I want to be comfortable 

Ryllace- New Plus Size Premium Casual Brand
Image Via Ryllace

I can understand that before these contemporary designers stepped out to the forefront, the pain and frustration of ill-fitting fashion had been unbearable. But most of these reasons were because all that was available to us were undeniably boring basics and tents and mumus. In unfortunate florals at that! As fashion became more and more forward and accessible, fears and apprehensions rightfully arose.

But what is not known is that fashion CAN be fashionable AND comfortable! Yes! You will learn that with better fabrics, cuts, and fashion, the way the items feel and fit, will be COMFORTABLE!

As you experiment with new designers and styles (which I strongly advise) you will learn that fashion and being comfortable can coexist!

It costs too much! 

For far too long, aspiring plus size fashionistas have been relegated to cheap, outdated, ill- fitting options. Now that designers are mastering amazing cut, I constantly hear outcries from those who have often complained about the lack of fashionable options that these designs now cost too much.

While you can always score an amazing deal, the level of quality that is now available must now be explained or justified away to explain why a natural fabric, reinforced seam, properly fitted, fashion forward, contemporary item costs more.

Jibri Evening Wear Collection 2019
Jibri Evening Wear Collection 2019

What the designers are now offering, which was once not available, is now comparable to the Marc Jacobs, BCBG, French Connection, Theory, and even Diane Von Furstenberg. The contemporary items that you see gracing the covers of Marie Claire, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan, are now offered for YOU.

If you look at the prices of these designers that are in these magazines, you will find that these prices that the new contemporary plus size designers are bringing in are in line and on par with the mainstream designers. With quality items, you will now have a higher premium in order to continue to provide you with amazing fits.

Sizes are never the same!

This call out is the same of your straight sized sisters, believe me! While designers within a specific category adhere to specific guidelines, each designer will have their own interpretation of fit to represent the look and feel of its brand. Some brands, like Marc Jacobs, are contemporary but with a vintage cut. Theory cuts very European, meaning very slim.

Spring Plus Size Style Inspiration with Hilary MacMillan
Image via Nicole Breanne for Hilary MacMillan

The same can be applied to plus size designers. Monif C. designs with her fashions close to the body while Eloquii’s and Lane Bryant’s items graze the body. Qristyl Frazier Designs and Fashion to Figure showcase your sexiness and sophistication. Jibri plays up your shape and style with their innovative silhouettes.

As you begin to educate yourself with the myriad of plus size designers that are available, you will learn which designers work for YOUR curves in particular.

 

While these concerns and call outs are all valid, we must take some ownership in the progress we are making. Albeit slow, but some nonetheless! If we are to see more and more fashions become available, we must support our plus size designers braving it! They are in the grueling fashion world, bringing us amazing frocks for our curvy frames!

What other concerns and frustrations do you have? What fabulous happy stories do you have about designers and shopping trips that changed your perceptions? I would love to hear them and even the lovely stories you have about the gems you find!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

TAGGED: personal style, plus size fashion, plus size style
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
By Marie Denee Founder & Editor in Chief
Follow:
Marie Denee is the founder and Editor in Chief of the digital plus size media platform, The Curvy Fashionista. With over 11 years of prior retail and management experience and her MBA in Marketing, Marie often is sought after for her industry knowledge, marketing expertise, and the ins and outs of plus size fashion.
7 Comments 7 Comments
  • topseekrit says:
    May 28, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    This post is spot on! There are sooo many missed opportunities for the fashionistas, stylists, designers, and image consultants out there to EDUCATE the plus-size woman on what is available to her!

    I hope to touch on this a lot more in the upcoming tele-summit.

    Reply
  • Corinna Makris says:
    May 29, 2009 at 12:36 am

    Well said! I agree completely!

    Reply
  • Who are you Weesha? says:
    May 29, 2009 at 1:51 am

    This article is so true, we should be taking advantage of the fact that we get fab plus sized clothes nowadays and hopefully it will encourage more designers for the future.

    Reply
  • tfunk says:
    May 29, 2009 at 5:39 am

    This is so true, thank you! Another misconception is that curvy women either need to wear clothes that completely hide their bodies OR they “show the girls” wearing really tight, really low cut clothes. The options are out there to get real, beautiful, plus sized clothes that fit perfectly and show off your curves.

    Reply
  • fatshionista says:
    May 29, 2009 at 4:15 pm

    Fabulous post! I also want to note that a lot of smaller plus-size designers/manufacturers really want feedback from their customers (or their would-be customers), so contacting them directly with your opinions is less officious than it may sound. How else are the folks producing these clothes supposed to know what their customers want?

    Reply
  • glittergirl says:
    May 29, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    ALL TRUE!! I feel like you wrote that directly from my mouth. I hear women complaining about what is offered all the time, but those same women refuse to support the designers that do offer fashionable high quality clothing. Studies say that plus size women do not spend money on their clothes and for years I didn’t want to believe it, but when I read the blogs, 9 of 10 entries are about the quest for cheap yet fashionable clothes. I don’t understand how a person can want Marc Jacobs for plus but won’t pay $150 for a dress (when a similiar dress from Marc Jacobs in a size 2 would be $900). I just don’t want to believe that thin women are the only ones who value innovation, quality fabric, flattering fit and trend.

    Great post CurvyFashionista.!

    Reply
  • Garner Style says:
    May 29, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    I just blogged on this…you were a lot nicer in your blog…lol..mine is called “NO Cheapassness” http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

plus size light skinned woman with shoulder length brown hair looking at a phone holding a debit card
Fashion

3 Plus Size Apps That Will Up Your Confidence

You May Also Enjoy

plus size light skinned woman with shoulder length brown hair looking at a phone holding a debit card
Fashion

3 Plus Size Apps That Will Up Your Confidence

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
Nina Sharae in a blue dress and a model in a white plus size swimwear smiling during The Nina Sharae Experience runway show during Miami Swim Week
Plus Size Designers

The Nina Sharae Experience is dripping with sexy, plus size swimwear

dnicole By dnicole
My Plus Size Cryotherapy Experience at True North Cryo
Features

Falling In Love With My Body: Cryo What? My Plus Size Cryotherapy Experience!

Jillian Pfennig By Jillian Pfennig
Chouette Designs Photographed by Wildflower Photography
Accessories

Ethical Plus Size Engagement Rings: Custom Rings with Chouette Designs | LGBT-Owned Jewelry Brand

Brianne By Brianne
“I Lombardi” Parisian Coat & Red Flower Belt - byVINNI
Features

GLAMOROUS Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe || Interview with Suzanne Vinnik, Founder of byVINNIK

Brianne By Brianne
Photo c/o The Plus Bus
Features

All About The Plus Bus || An Interview with Fabulous Founders, Marcy & Jen

Brianne By Brianne
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
  • Get Featured
  • Plus Size Resources
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
Instagram Facebook-f Twitter Pinterest Youtube
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
The Curvy Fashionista Logo
Welcome Back!

Please Sign in to Your Account

Lost your password?