One of the biggest pleasures of my job is I get to work with women of all shapes and sizes. The highstreet can be overwhelming and some times intimidating to navigate. We’re all guilty of writing off a brand based on ‘oh they’re too young for me’, ‘too expensive’ , ‘too girly’, but what if we’re writing them off because we’re too scared the brand wont go up to our size? Sound familiar? Not a very pleasant way to shop, is it? I’m here to guide you through some places to go, what to look for and best buys on the highstreet right now. Some you may know, some may surprise you!
New Look: Sizes 18-32. Best for ‘Edgy’, ‘Girl Next Door with Edge’ and ‘Boho’.
Although not in every store, New Look Curves is stocked widely, and ranges are listed online in Store Finder to help you find your closest. This is the place to head for edgy and cool pieces, with this season’s offering being full of boilersuits, slogan tees, camo jackets and acid wash denim.
New Look also stock a great range of shoes that go up to a size 9 and come in wide fittings.
John Lewis: Please note brands may vary from store to store –
Max Studio: Sizes 18-24. Best for ‘Edgy’.
Hands down my favourite of the curvy ranges, Max Studio have the best range of high-end, good quality pieces ranging from fabulous wide legged culottes to team with blouses, loafers and blazers for chic corporate looks, or with a slogan tee and biker jacket for an edgy daytime vibe.
Kin: Up to size 20* . Best for ‘Parisian’.
Kin is in a nutshell, achingly cool! Beautiful pieces made from good quality fabrics, the vibe is slightly scandi and deconstructed in shape, the prints are fab and the colours muted and neutral. Look especially for their shift style maxis, printed poplin tops and shirted waisted tops.
*Kin is generous in fit, with pieces made with oversized and deconstructed tailoring that often works for sizes up to 24.
Modern Rarity: Up to size 20*. Best for ‘Parisian’.
Another fabulous brand, exclusive to John Lewis, Modern Rarity are great for their tailoring, creating dramatic pieces such as floral print blouses and long line cams and shirts which look fab teamed with a smart trouser or a pair of jeans.
* Modern Rarity is another fab brand that creates beautifully crafted and tailored pieces which can comfortably fit sizes up to 24.
Evans: Sizes 14-32. Best for ‘Girl Next Door’, ‘Girl Next Door with Edge’ and ‘Edgy’.
Evans hides a fabulous little secret in store – and that’s the shoe gallery! As well as stocking some amazing clothing pieces and accessories, if there’s one thing that needs to be on your radar it’s the shoes.
Stocking sizes 4-10 in wide or extra wide fits, the styles are varied, fun and really reasonable! The brand is also great for tailoring, think cigarette trousers and long line blazers, wide strap camies and printed blouses. Team with sandals or a brogue for a stylish autumn look.
Yours: Sizes 16-36. Best for ‘Girl Next Door’ and ‘Girl Next Door with Edge’.
Yours is a store I desperately want to re-merchandise… The layout is cluttered and confusing and as a result the clothes can look uninspiring and unappealing. But look past all this and there are some real gems to be found – great for stylish culottes, animal print midi dresses and tropical florals – a great destination for some key season pieces that will flatter and accentuate your gorgeous curves.
Monsoon: Up to size 22. Best for ‘Boho’.
Monsoon is your one-stop destination for feminine and boho chic styles – full of floaty maxis, linens and funky paisley prints. Look for hanky hems – great for flattering the legs. Sleeves are either cap or wide cami straps – great for covering those bra straps. Monsoon also have a great online curve range, stocking sizes up to 24.
Best of the Online stores
John Lewis I.Scenery: Sizes 18-28.
Amazing for corporate wear with a twist, check out their polkadot suit for a cool and edgy workwear update.
M&S Curve: Sizes 18-32.
I’ll be honest, M&S are in my bad books at the moment. They’ve recently pulled their Curve range from in-store, which, to my mind, is unbelievably frustrating and short sighted. Their current range is a little on the safe side. They’re great for basics: look for tailored trousers, simple shifts and shirts. Put your own stamp on the pieces with oversized necklaces and chunky bracelets from their accessories range.
Mango Violeta: Sizes 14-22.
Best for edgy pieces, think animal print, camo and lace. Current pieces include lace trimmed or coated jeans to team with slogan tees and chunky trainers.
River Island Plus: 18-28.
I love this brand! Think bold and brave pieces, abstract prints, oversized houndstooth and faux leather pleated skirts.
H&M Plus: Sizes L-4XL (16-24).
Edgy, cool and chic – best for wide legged culottes, printed blouses and bardot dresses.
Apricot: sizes 20-26.
In a nutshell, Girl next door! Think pretty floral dresses and kimono style tops to wear with pretty sparkly plimsoles and a denim jacket.
Lindy Bop: Up to Size 26.
The place to go for retro, glam and feminine pieces. Channel your inner Marilyn with their 50’s inspired swing dresses, Rockabilly dresses and funky hair accessories.
And finally…
There are too many amazing brands to go into detail on. I don’t want to be the cause of decreasing bank balances everywhere, so I’ve focused on the ones I think are the best right now! But some others to note are:
Simply Be, ASOS Curve, Flora Day, Elvi, Studio 8 and Dorothy Perkins Curve.
Remember, its all about experimenting. The above is aimed to inspire and encourage trying brands you might have overlooked or written off.
Happy shopping gorgeous ladies xxx
STYLED BY SUSIE - THE BLOG 