I have a love/hate relationship with shopping. Love, because I love clothes that make me look and feel good. Hate, because it’s so fucking hard to find things that fit right. A big part of that is I’m pretty firmly in that “in between” space between straight size and plus size. I’m usually around a size 12, but because women’s clothing sizes make no sense and vary widely from store to store, I own and wear clothing everywhere from size 8 to size 16. I’m too big for Zara, too small ELOQUII.
As a resource for myself, and possibly for some other of you in-between gals, I’ve put together a list of stores — both online and brick-and-mortar — that carry a wide range of both straight and plus sizes. Tell me what I missed in the comments!
Thie adorable dress comes in sizes 0-24; $52 (straight size here, plus size here)
I own so many clothes from ASOS that I’m a little nervous to count them. They carry a wide range of styles in a wide price range, and offer sizes from 00 to 26. They’re British-based, so shipping can take longer than it would with US-based online retailers, but their shipping and returns are completely FREE if you spend over $40 (and I always do).
Ladies size XS to 4X can channel Mad Men’s Joan Holloway in this Sophisticated Situation Dress in Red, $59.99
Modcloth’s vintage-inspired clothes are super cute, as are their adorable body-positive campaigns. They recently introduced an affordable bridal collection and launched their own swimwear line. Like ASOS, Modcloth carries sizes from 00 to 26. Modcloth offers free shipping when you spend over $75, and if you don’t love the clothing, you can exchange it for full store credit with free shipping, or return it with a $5.99 shipping fee.
Will this Plus Size Floral Dress ($27.90 sizes 1X-3X; $24.90 for sizes S-L) survive the day if you wear it to Bonnaroo?
3. Forever21
At Forever21, you get what you pay for — their clothes are badly made and often fall apart. Their plus-size selection is limited and slightly more expensive than their straight-size equivalents. But, fuck it, sometimes I want to just try on clothes in a store, and that’s hard to find if you’re plus-size, or even not-quite-plus-size. Forever21 carries clothes from XS to 3X, and while I’m not promising that your new dress will last through more than three washes, you can at least try it on in person to decide if its cuteness is worth the risk.
Melissa wears the Seven7 Wrap Jumpsuit in Jelly Bean on our cover; $118, sizes S-3X
4. Seven7
BUST’s April/May cover gal Melissa McCarthy’s fashion line carries sizes 4 to 28. Her clothes are cute, colorful and playful — and include that floral jumpsuit she’s wearing on our April/May cover!
This is cute! Ava & Viv Women’s Plus Size Sleeveless Shirtdress, $29.99
5. Target
Target has been paying more attention to plus size shoppers over the past few years. The store launched a plus size line called Ava & Viv last year (to mixed reviews) and expanded its coveted designer collaborations to include plus sizes as well as straight sizes. Target carries clothes from size XS to 4X.
The HM+ Patterned Skirt is sizes L-3X and $24.99, but the similar Patterned Jersey Skirt is sizes XS-XL and $12.99
6. H&M
With its H&M+ section, H&M offers clothes from size XS to 4X. The problem? You’ll probably have to go online to shop it becaIuse most of their in-store locations don’t carry it, and the plus size options are more expensive than the straight size options. Boo. But, I can’t quit those Swedes.
The Sheila dress ($112.51) comes in sizes S-4X: straight size here, plus size here
7. Voodoo Vixen
Taking Betty Draper fashion to the extreme, Voodoo Vixen offers an adorable array of ’50s and ’60s inspired looks from XS to 4X.
The Gloria High Waist Short ($40) is XS-6X and up and comes in many different patterns!
8. SmartGlamour
Previously featured in BUST, SmartGlamour is a custom-made clothing line that offers sizes from XXS to 6X and beyond. They also feature gorgeous models of all shapes, sizes, races, ages and abilities in their stunning campaigns and fashion shows.
What did I miss? Tell me below!
Top photo: Modcloth
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