In my inbox this week are Hank & Hera and their thoughtfully designed sleep and loungewear available in sizes 4 – 34. Yes, you heard that right. It’s a generous size range, and I’ve found them to have plenty of room to move within that range. But I’m getting ahead of myself. In my inbox might be the series, but Hank & Hera isn’t new news to me; I’ve been working with Philippa on their website and emails for a while now. From the start, I had a draft here waiting for me to share the story of this brand with you. What is ‘In My Inbox’ for if not that?
Backstory-wise, I first “met” Pip through her website Sisu and Finn while actively blogging. We worked together on some photos and a post for the blog—in a dress, mind you, that I still wear to this day. You know the one, the navy wrap dress I wore for family photos the other year? And to my brother’s wedding? That dress. But we’ve had poolside adventures together now in some very fine establishments. Once, she took Kel and me on an adventure in Sydney to kill some time before our flights. When internet friends become real-life favourite people, right?
But now, a little more about Hank and Hera from their website:
Hank & Hera was founded by Philippa Giles in 2023 as a frustrated consumer who wanted beautiful garments that did not exist in plus sizes. Through Hank & Hera, Philippa combines an adoration for timeless silhouettes and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all women have access to impeccably crafted garments to design luxurious, natural fibre sleepwear from size XS to 4XL (AU 4 – 34). Her driving force behind the brand is to create garments that evoke a sense of divine beauty and celebrate all women, of all sizes.
Hank & Hera is proudly designed in Australia. Each garment is meticulously crafted and supported by female-founded businesses. By supporting local professionals and embracing female-owned businesses, we contribute to a legacy of quality craftsmanship and empowerment within our community.
In a busy world with so many time pressures, Hank & Hera believes every woman deserves to indulge in luxury as part of the everyday. Our designs cater to individuals who savour life’s finer pleasures, echoing the sophistication and grace of our namesake, Hera, the Queen of the Gods.
Just like the enduring elegance of our muse, Hera, our range is designed to transcend the latest trends, celebrating lasting style through quality fabrics and classic colours. The range is designed to effortlessly transition from traditional sleepwear to chic ensembles suitable for any occasion, embodying a slow fashion ethos that prioritises longevity and versatility. Whether you’re relaxing at home or heading to brunch, Hank & Hera’s range has been designed with versatility in mind, to add value to the customer.
And then, for Christmas 2024, Philippa gifted me this light, cotton beauty, which is perfection and one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve ever received. It’s an Aurora nightgown (size 3XL), and while I’d never consider myself a girly girl, the femme details and classic style are, somehow, so my style. I love it. I only take it off to put it through the wash and start again. But never fear, and I know you were worried about me. I have theArianna in Navyto wear while that happens. I haven’t reviewed this style yet because I haven’t had a fancy bathroom to take photos of (mine still isn’t renovated, sigh). But I’ll get there. With the pictures and the renovation, of course.
But for now, head to the website to check out the entire range. Use code SUGER10 (linked to my affiliate account) for 10% off your order.
A beach baby since before birth, I’m team summer, even if it leaves me a frizzy, sweaty mess more often than not. Thankfully, after a little exploring online, some new to me plus-size brands with big summer energy popped into my feed. Everything you need for a Queensland summer, from swimwear to activewear (or as I like to call them, clothes), as well as lightweight sets and dresses.
What constitutes ‘big summer vibes’? No compromise on style or trendiness, no mention of flattering (gag). Fun, exciting shapes and designs in a range of sizes. As usual, I cut any brands that didn’t offer at least an AU 22. Which is, let’s face it, the bare minimum we should expect these days. But the majority go larger, and so they should. Grab the anti-chafe cream, and let’s dive in.
Speaking of the Queensland Summer, this brand was started right here; we’re practically neighbours. Bright and colourful swimwear, as well as coordinated sets and separates designed with nostalgic prints and designs. If my style has evolved at all over the past few years, this is what it has morphed into. Casual, elevated styles in a neutral palette. That’s not to say they don’t bring the colour, though; they are doing that too!
Workwear? Really, Suger, are you serious? Yes, yes, I am. From the cheeky shorts to the coveralls, this brand grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go. In case you missed it, I’ve gotten into gardening in the past couple of years (it’s a whole thing, don’t ask, haha). It all started with a single raised garden bed, and now I’m making over our entire property with natives and edible plants of all varieties. You can’t really blame me for eyeing off those overalls that look this good on all shapes and sizes. I could be a farmer in those clothes…
On an adventure around the internet, I joined the mailing list and have enjoyed watching the brand unfold ever since. As yet, we have some great options for activewear made closer to home, but the tennis dresses sucked me in. I blame Serena Williams and my short-lived sports superstar ambitions. Oh, and not to mention Clueless and Cruel Intentions. /what kid of 80s baby would I be if I hadn’t wanted to live out my preppy dreams in a tennis dress?
Need itty bitty ‘kinis in your life? Look no further than this recently launched brand. As someone who loves a graphic tee, this is like the graphic tee of swimwear with bright colours and text patterns. So cool. There isn’t a large number of styles available just yet, but that’s a symptom of how early we are getting to the party. Let’s just say that I can’t wait to see what’s next, but for now, this is exactly where you need to be for loud, bold swim pieces.
I’ve chatted with the owner of this brand once or twice on Instagram. But having never worn the range myself, I haven’t included many (if any?) pieces in my plus-size ‘where to buy’ round-ups. But I could resist no longer. There’s something very summery about the light and breezy styles, soft prints and classic designs. There’s a casual comfort to the whole range that calls out for long afternoons in the sunshine, cheese board at the ready. Take a look for yourself; I’m sure you’ll agree.
More hot, hot, hot swimwear action over here! With the added bonus of some of the most fun sunglasses styles I’ve seen in a while. Ochre Lane seems to be another brand that is new’ish with an expanding range. But if your thing is summer neutrals, look no further than the creamy, warm tones of their latest range (plus the orange is a nice touch). Gorgeous! And as a photo-type person, I loved the campaign and social media images for this one; so good. Hard to resist something that calls to me from my Instagram feed as this did.
Are you into the light but bright styles? Can’t seem to get over the smock dress or flippy skirt? Ummm, do I have the brand for you. New to me because I don’t own any of their pieces, but well known to a lot of you, Proud Poppy is a Queensland brand (apparently) that is all about taking a walk on the bright side. IMO. I’ve selected a couple of styles for the photos that are more my personal muted vibe, but if colourful prints and patterns are your things, click the links now and have a good old time!
This new-to-me brand (as in, I hadn’t heard of them before this search) speaks to my new casual, comfortable aesthetic. And wait until you hear this. There are matching mini (kids) versions of the styles! Cuuuute. I’m not sure my nieces will want to go matchy-matchy with me now that they’re all a little older and have their own style, but perhaps one of you can live out that twin life instead. Choose from light summer separates, dresses and recently swimwear and embrace that tonal, never goes out of style, vibe.
This fun addition is a family-run business that, in their own words, creates designs with your ‘peach’ in mind, with silhouettes that are developed to fit and flatter your curves in just the right places. Fashion that makes you feel truly confident, comfortable and amazing in your own skin. Love that! With affordable basics and fun, on-trend pieces for every season, they’re worth a closer look when you’re looking to add toy our wardrobe this summer.
And that wraps things up for this big summer energy post. Don’t forget to check out some of the stores mentioned and share your favourites in the comment. And it’s probably worth mentioning that some of my old favouritesalso offer bright, fun collections this summer. There’s something very summer about fresh summer styles in light, bright colours.
Taking Shape is thrilled to reveal the first-ever First Nations designs by the highly regarded artist Elverina Johnson. A highly respected Gungganji Gurugulu woman from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland, Elverina is one of the Nation’s most recognisable and accomplished artists. Her belief is that arts can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and restore a genuine sense of pride in their culture and communities.
It’s been a little while since we saw the collaboration with Active Truth and (a personal favourite) Bobbi Lockyer (my insta share below) and it’s exciting to see more and more of these opportunities coming to fruition. I’ll never stop saying that we need to keep pushing and need to do more to be more inclusive, diverse and interesting than we’ve been before.
Collaborations are a great way to start, but let’s also support these creators, artists and makers when they do their own thing too. Get behind those teeny-tiny micro brands, IMO, that’s where the gold is.
The Taking Shape email goes on to say that with a shared passion for empowering women, promoting confidence and creating strong supportive communities, Elverina connected with her local Taking Shape in Cairns, a relationship that grew and lead to this beautiful, artistic collection. Enriching the fabrications with Elverina’s bold prints and traditional storytelling invites the wearer to engage with culture and country. Find out more on the Taking Shape website here.
“The traditional and very unique Australian country was my inspiration for these designs. In Yarrambah (FNQ) we are so lucky to have land and sea around us. My designs reflect the blue waters and the mussels of the ocean and the intricate designs of weaving, deep from within the rainforest. There is inspiration all around us, we just have to look” ~ Elverina Johnson
Welcome to my new series In My Inbox where I share updates and news from plus-size brands direct from my inbox. Want to keep me in the loop with your brand? Send me an email or shoot me a DM, I’d love to hear from you. Come across something interesting in your travels as a plus-size shopper? I want to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved the glossy pages of a magazine. Not literally, the glossy pages drive me nuts with fingerprints, but you know what I mean. Whether it was about fashion or home decor, far off adventures or food. A lot of why I wanted to be a writer when I was a child was because of magazines. Later, the ads captured my attention just as much as the stories, and it led me to university for Marketing and Advertising. Not that I ever finished that degree, but that’s another story. Haha.
As my Marie Claire was jammed into the mailbox, partially ripping the cover, again. I muttered to myself that it’s no wonder no one subscribes to magazines anymore. Which is a misdirected criticism of magazines that should be directed at the delivery service, for sure. But it got me thinking, wondering as I do.
Do they? Do you subscribe to magazines anymore?
When I restarted that forgotten Marie Claire subscription, it kick-started something in me. Since then, I added Frankie and Peppermint to my regular deliveries to make a grand total of three. As we get closer to renovating the house, more may be added to that list. But why them and not my former favourites like Vogue? It’s pretty simple. Like many magazine readers, I’m tired of the content that I ingest not being relatable. I wanted something made closer to home with stories that were relevant to me.
And so, month after month, as they arrive at my doorstep, filled with inspiration to write, to take photos and to make stuff, I smile. Because sure, I could go to their website and get a lot of the same vibes. But there is something about having that physical magazine in my hands that I love—especially the creamy, matte paper pages of modern magazines.
Ten points for being able to read with snacks. Haha.
So, I flip through the pages, soaking up the article, photos, and people and their stories. Broadening my perspective through others sharing theirs, learning to see things differently. Which has to be part of growing up and essentially staying in a small town like mine. Growing up was easy enough. But, learning to think critically and develop self-awareness and empathy for others doesn’t always come easily.
Without that widening of my interactions, it would be easy to become closed off, fixed in the ways of the people around me. Magazines (and books, too) have been a way to expand beyond what is in front of me. It could happen to you anywhere, I’m sure. Small towns cop the brunt of the stereotype. But I love my people and town, but that will never mean I have to think the same way as anyone else. That’s why I read all I can, from as many different people as I can, as often as I can. What about you?
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The Queensland floods hit the peppermint magazine offices. Please consider supporting them in this challenging time through visiting their website, sharing their content or subscribing to the magazine; head over here to get started.
Ummm, excuse me, internet, but have you heard about Lizzo’s new show? “Watch Out For The Big Grrrls” is coming, and I’m not sure we’re ready, to be honest. It’s a dance competition for a chance to win a spot on Lizzo’s World Tour.
Now, I don’t know much about dance. My experience ended when I sized out of the ‘girls’ tutus around 9 or 10. But I know that dance hasn’t been kind to women who live in large bodies—deeming us incapable, unable or unworthy in varying degrees. So to see this opportunity for big girls to dance played out in a TV show, celebrating diverse women, bodies and personalities, well, I’m excited to see it.
For me, Lizzo brings plus-size representation to music and entertainment with style and unwavering nerve. But I understand that by existing in her body, she has no choice for the most part in the society we live in. Held aloft for all to see, judge and discuss. That can’t be an easy position to be in at all. So, I appreciate her hanging herself a little further out on that limb for all of us who need representation in media. For those of us who might need a reminder to go after our dreams.
Check out all the details on Lizzo’s Instagram, eeekkk!
And since March 25th is the day after my birthday, I think Watch Out For the Big Gurrrls presented by Lizzo will be an excellent addition to my birthday week celebrations. Don’t you think? Thank goodness I already have Amazon Prime. Haha.
With things around here settling in for the year, it felt like time to get back into the swing blogging-wise. Kelvin opted to have most of January off from the business (doing odd jobs here and there). And I was helping out with the extended school holiday childminding while restarting my work on Fiverr. A slow start, for sure, but I know we aren’t the only ones. But now, I’m feeling the surge of energy that usually comes through late December/early January, and I’m ready to go.
Heck, I’ve even made some promises to get out more this year which I’ve actually been keeping.
This brings me to what does one wear to launch themselves back out into a world (albeit timidly because I’m not down for catching COVID just for the sake of it – no, thank you). As you may know, my usual casual style has been taken up (down?) a few notches since I quit my job to work for myself from home. It’s all simple dresses and bike shorts with oversized tees around here. Sometimes I forget that I even own bras with wires. Not a structured waistband to be found. All in all, it’s pretty chill.
So, dressing up to head out for breakfast, lunch or coffee started to get a little tricky. I had older clothes, plenty of them in fact, but most don’t fit me. The last couple of years, working from home and keeping to myself led to changes in my body. I found myself stuck and falling back on the same few pieces over and over. Which worked for a while, ages really, until I got bored. And I decided it was time to add some new items to my wardrobe that didn’t come from the great selection of cheap and cheerful dresses and nighties at Best & Less.
Enter this tie-dyed wonder from Friday Flamingo.
What can I say, I’m a creature of habit. It’s black and white, right in my wheelhouse. It is casual and made from 100% cotton so it doesn’t smother me in the Queensland summer. Plus the fun sleeves on it not only make it extra comfortable to wear but they add a little something to elevate it from the dozen and one t-shirt dresses I already own (in various states of well-loved wear). This girl knows what she likes. What more is there to say? Add some sneakers or my current obsession, Birkenstocks, and off I do. Which is exactly what I do, you can count on that!
And before I head off can I just say? Whoa, team, Kel and I are a little rusty at this whole outfit photo thing. Not just remembering to get a photo, but how the heck we used to take something that resembled an interesting one. Sigh. So you’ll have to hang in there with us as we get back into the groove of such things. But for now, enjoy the shots of this casual cool tie-dye dress that helps me elevate my everyday style with some killer sleeve action.
Around here, we embrace the bikini body, especially for the fellow long torso friends. But as much love as I have for the bikini, tankini and all their ‘ini friends, sometimes I want something more. I want to be able to move freely, without concern for what I’m wearing and any potential ‘cup runneth over’ moment. So often, that means I’m reaching for a one-piece swimsuit. Something that will give me the coverage to jump, reach and play hard without worrying that your bits and pieces will giggle free. The kind of togs you can wear to the beach to body surf, the pool for aqua aerobics or around small children who love to expose a boob while clinging on for dear life.
The always dependable, granny knickers of the water; a one-piece swimsuit.
The good news is that in opposition to your granny pants, you don’t have to forgo looks for your swimwear performance. Long gone are the days when you only had a black or navy speedo (there’s still one in the mix below, for old times sake, haha) to choose from when it came to plus-size one-piece swimsuits. I started looking for something recently and found dozens and dozens of options.
For this post, I’ve tried to focus on the type of suits that would give you a little more support and coverage for an active moment. But if you want that stomach coverage and are into showing off a little more boob or bum, there are plenty more options from most of these retailers to show some more skin. Speaking of which, I noticed that cutouts are having a moment (still?). The swimwear brands theme seems to be to do what you want, wear what you like and enjoy your summer. Now that’s a message I can get behind!
Here are some plus-size one-piece swimsuits I found that are available online now;
It’s that time, team, shorts season! I mean, as a Queenslander, pretty much every season is shorts season, but you know what I mean. I’ve talked about how to find and wear shorts as a plus-size woman on this blog before. Of course, I have; this blog is a million years old. There have been many, many posts about shorts. Check them out next if you want some tips.
And, I see you out there. But, those of you who can feel your body physically tighten and the little voice in your head start to work itself up, stop! Seriously, stop that. No matter your shape, size or the current situation with your legs, you can and should wear shorts if you want to. No one cares as much about what you’re wearing as you do, so do what you want. And if someone has a problem, tell them to come and talk to me.
So, I thought I’d take a look around and find some shorts and put together a few outfits for you all. There are a couple of casual options, some that you can dress up for summer evenings, and all that in-between shorts goodness. Sound like a plan? Let’s get on with that.
Outfits for Plus-Size Shorts you’ll be wearing this Summer
Sweet Sweet Pastels
Even for someone like me who wears a lot of black, something about the warmer months has me craving colour. It’s pretty hard to resist. So get your colour fix in soft, pastel tones in sweet candy colours. I love to add colour to my shoes, but tops and other accessories are perfect.
And then, when you pair the ice wash, pale blue, denim with these colours, you’re sweet as (that’s for my NZ friends, lol). Lightwash denim is the perfect addition to your wardrobe; it’s just so versatile no matter the time of year. Don’t you think?
Ladies and gentlemen, nostalgia has entered the chat. When it comes to all things seasonal and on-trend, nostalgic items are top of the shopping list for those who identify as Millenials—especially geriatric types (otherwise known as Zennials).
Grab some shorts that all your favourite teen movies queens would’ve been proud of, and wear your childhood with pride. And no, in case you were about to ask, I don’t think you’re ever too old to wear Powerpuff girl socks.
There’s nothing I enjoy more than having people over for some beverages and a BBQ. Seriously, it could be the only socialising I enjoy doing anymore. I know post lockdown it’s all about the picnics, but I’m firmly team backyard BBQ. That said, this outfit would work for either. And for these kinds of events, you want comfortable, easy to wear clothes that look like you made an effort. Enter my dress as a top (discussed at length in this post) over shorts.
And you know me, I would typically default to a sneaker or a slide with this kind of outfit, but I came across these chunky sandals. They not only are in a great neutral tone (elongating for those with similar skin tones), but the chunky heel looks comfortable, stable and adds points for effort. Of course, nothing says I tried more than a heel.
Am I going to work out, or am I just getting coffee? That is the question? My love of activewear as daily clothing started, officially, when I started working for myself full-time. Working from home meant that comfort won across the board—more than style, more than looking the part, all the things. The good news is that these days, there are plenty of others that feel the same way.
I’ve linked to the range at Active Truth which you folks rave about, but I own bike shorts from so many retailers ranging from Best & Less to Hine Collective. Trust me; once you put bike shorts on, they’ll convert you. My favourite part is taking a simple bike short and crop and turning it into an outfit. If you want or need to. Take an oversized tee, some eye-catching sneakers, and you’re good to go. Pull up those socks, lady, and you’ve got style.
Now we’re back in my comfort zone; welcome to monochrome. I love mixing black and white together in an outfit, and adding printed shorts to the look makes it get up and get out the door approved. There will be no tough decisions to make when you go with this look, not to mention how versatile the shoes and tank are when worn separately.
What’s a flippy short, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a soft short, lots of room in the legs for a wide, easy-wearing fit. Perfect for those with larger bums and thighs that need more room. Soft shorts, the summer update to our favourite soft pants, are comfort dressing at its finest, and yet, you still look like you made an effort. Would recommend.
Links:
New Look Floral Flippy Shorts (other prints available)
You know what I mean, right? I can picture it now, the European cities, wine on the terrace, your days spent adventuring nut never breaking a sweat. I may not be able to promise you international travel or decedent adventures, but this look will transport you there all on its own. Effortless style, impossibly chic, perfect for those who are looking to holiday at home.
The higher waist and flat fronted waistband of these shorts make them easy to dress up or down. Add the matching jacket (yes, you heard that correctly) and a heeled sandal and you’re all set for your evening. But during the day, paired with stripes and denim, you’ll be exploring in comfort. Now, excuse me, I’m going to grab a wine and pretend I’m on vacation.
There you go, team, my plus-size summer shorts round up. I hope you were able to take away some inspiration for your summer shorts style! At the very least, you are now feeling more confident to put together items in your wardrobe. So, get those legs out into the world; summer is coming up fast. I can’t wait to see what you come up with, so tag me on Insta, I want to see.
Welcome, fellow large footed friend. If your internet search for women’s shoes for large feet has landed you here, I’m glad you found us. I know that search well. You don’t get to be a 178cm tall woman without big feet. It’s par for the course, as they say. These days, I wear a ladies 11/12 thanks to having a long foot and a wide one as well.
Finding fashionable shoes in the sense that I’m into wearing them that fit and are reasonably comfortable to wear is a whole thing. My love of sneakers and basic slides is probably born from years of uncomfortable work shoes and crazy-ass heels. I’ve had some big feet adventures, let me tell you!
Buying shoes for my large feet.
Luckily, my family travelled to the United States when I was a teenager, where my siblings and I stocked up on the latest and greatest sneakers. Think Reebok Pumps and blue suede Sketchers. It was years before I would need to buy shoes again, and that’s when I realised it was going to be more difficult than it had been overseas.
When I first started working and needed decent work shoes, I would purchase a size 10/10.5 in brands like Joanne Mercer or Diana Ferrari. I’d squish into them and wear them in. for this strategy you have to be sure that you buy leather; the natural give helped. When I started blogging, I discovered Torrid and would buy on-trend heels, flats and shoes that were just fun, via fellow bloggers (second hand or sharing the postage) from there all the time.
Learning the ropes; buying women’s shoes for large feet.
But, don’t you worry my friend, things got a little better. Over the years, I’ve found some great options. I’m always looking for more and will continue to update this post as I find them. After all, finding women’s shoes for large feet that fit has been a struggle for as long as I can remember. So, here are some that I’ve found and happily recommend.
Buying a plus size coat isn’t something I do every year. But, when it comes to my wardrobe, an investment plus size coat is my go-to. I want something I can wear year after year, and I recommend that to you too. So, when you’re looking for a winter coat, take your time, purchase one, and it will last you for years to come. It’s an investment.
And investing in your wardrobe is something that I find women shopping for plus-size clothing avoid. Why? Because they assume/hope/plan to be smaller next year. Sometimes it’s not even that obvious that you’re doing it. But, it’s true; I hear it all the time. But believe me, you can invest in your wardrobe now, at the size you are, just as you are, because you’re worth it. And let’s be honest, does much ever really change?
Years ago I was lucky enough to be gifted, by a friend, not the brand, a grey trench coat that is now in its seventh or eighth year for me. It did go missing for a year or so in the middle (it was at my sister’s house). That coat goes with everything, is warm enough for the coldest days but light enough when worn open, to manage the winter evenings here that aren’t super cold. That’s my hot tip for you when you’re looking for your own plus size coat, look for something you love. Be picky. Buy once. Let’s get started.
I started the hunt for a plus-size jacket because Vanessa, who reads this blog, asked if I’d spotted anything on my travels. And I had, but none that suited her needs or that she hadn’t already seen and put aside. So, on Facebook, I reached out to you guys, and you came through with the links! Just as you always do. I found a few new retailers and brands that are offering some awesome stuff. My favourite part about crowdsourcing this kind of information; we don’t get stuck shopping in the same spots.
Where to Buy a Plus Size Jacket Under $150
This post is about where to buy an affordable plus-size jacket for under $150. In even better news, the majority are under $100. Some of them are available in a variety of colours in the same style. So, if that’s something you’re interested in, hang around. If you’re more interested in purchasing an investment coat or jacket, I’ve got a post featuring those coming in the next day or two. Let’s get started, shall we?
fifteen. Birdsnest Belle Bird Belle Wide Collar Jacket | sixteen. Yarratrail Longline Showerproof Jacket
There you go, team, what did you think? When I look around for these posts, I do my best to select a wide range of styles. That said, I know my own personal style does creep into these lists a little. So, let me know. Have you spotted a plus size jacket in the wild that we should take a look at? Where do you buy your jackets from? Are you more likely to invest in one jacket kind of person, or a buy lots of cheap and cheerful ones?
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*content warning, some conversations in this article about weight and fatphobia may be triggering to some readers
As I scrolled through the street style pictures from Australian Fashion Week and it got me thinking. And no, it wasn’t the lack of plus-size representation. I’ve talked about that before. Every damn year, I’m tired of waiting for this type of inclusion to catch up. What got me thinking was the actual street style fashion and how casual and laidback it was. Planned and executed, obviously, but think ill-fitting/oversized suits, denim and sneakers, flats and basic tees.
I’m team casual style, and loungewear is definitely having a continuing moment. I’ve pinned many outfits to inspire me to get more creative with my own style. But what if I showed up at Fashion Week in a similar style. You know, if they invited fat people ever. Would a similar outfit on my size 24 body be considered stylish and cutting edge, or would it be deemed too casual, not put together enough or sloppy?
Because that’s how people view fat people, right?
God forbid your style, like mine, leans towards minimal, basic items. That’s not good enough. To be considered stylish, a plus-size person in our society, you must appear to be making an effort above and beyond that made by a straight-sized counterpart. Look at the strawberry dress situation with Tess Holliday and the strawberry dress. The linked article sums it up perfectly with this quote.
“I definitely empathize with what Tess has said about her dress experience; fashion is often centered around how affluent, white, cis-gender bodies look in clothing,” says Dallas-based influencer Rosey Blair. “Oversized T-shirts paired with bike shorts are edgy and carefree when depicted on a thin person — but on a fat person would be considered lazy, sloppy, and unintentional.”
HA! Imagine if the person calling for this diversity wasn’t acceptably fat?
Even if you look outside the inner circle of Australian ‘plus-size’ Instagrammers, things can get a little repetitive. There is a certain hyper-feminine look, plenty of body-positive skin on show, sourced from select stores who stop sizing at an AU20/22. Where is the variety? Why is there still one specific look to strive for if you’re a fat woman? Why is it that we have to look a certain way, even when selecting our own personal style?
Even the media coverage of this whole situation deals with more mid-sized women and brands with extended sizing, at best. With my limited research, women who haven’t experienced living in a fat body. A body that is large enough that the media deems it unacceptable to speak. Imagine that? It seems to me these articles and perhaps the sources within them are looking for just the next size or two to be included. To welcome them into the fold and forget the rest.
I think it is because we are still trying to fit into an idea of what we should be. The line in the sand was moved a little, but we’re still not considered, counted or deemed worthy of being part of the conversation. I remember as a teen that clothing stores would size out at a 16, now it’s a size 18/20. It’s not enough, and while the debate continues to be about health and worthiness to be included, you’re missing the point.
But fear not, I’m here to tell you that you can do what you want.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t shop in stores that actually cater to you and what you enjoy wearing. Look to these Fashion Week images for inspiration if that works for you. But put it aside if not. You are allowed to wearing whatever makes you feel stylish, confident and happy. The world will have to catch up. That’s my plan anyway; feel free to hang out here with me. Around here, we do what we want and will always be trying harder to do better for those who feel forgotten, left behind or unworthy.
