Plus-size clothing is much, much more than shift dresses and ponchos. Blogger Katie Sturino of The 12ish [1] has the inside scoop on four lesser-known designers that are showing gorgeous looks!
To state the obvious, it's a bummer there aren't more labels making stylish plus-size clothing.
We all know ladies like to shop, regardless of size. We also know that until more brands take note, there's a lot of plus-size money being left on the table. Not to get all Business 101, but at some point the supply has to start meeting demand, right!? I digress, but my point is that while shopping for us 12ish ladies can feel like slim pickings, it can only get better from here.
In the meantime, that's not to say there aren't plus brands that are killing it current day. Because there are, and thank g for them!
Here's a look at a few of my favorites that fly under the radar. You may not know about (or enough about) these labels, so listen up, because they are setting the plus style bar pretty high!
Mei Smith
First up, Mei Smith [2]. The Candice Huffine go-to [3] is on a mission to satisfy the 12+ woman who "wants to build her wardrobe with minimal, quality pieces, and wishes ultimately to wear the same designer pieces her friends of 'standard sizes' wear." YES PLEASE. Check out their Camel Duster Coat [4] ($300) — it's an instant classic.
Carmakoma
Carmakoma [5] is another favorite, and a great pick when you want to make a statement. The line is carried at Hey Gorgeous and Asos, which makes shopping this foreign label easy peasy. This Striped Faux Fur Jacket [6] ($177, originally $296) is a chic iteration of the season’s must-have outerwear, and this Scalloped Lace Top [7] ($153) has holiday party written all over it.
Universal Standard
As Universal Standard [8] cofounder Alexandra Waldman puts it, "What's out there is lacking a modern sensibility. There are more and more players coming into the field, but they all pander to either curvy girls' uber-sexy boobaliciousness, or a quite conservative 'aunt who dresses nicely in slacks' sensibility." We couldn't agree more! This Gathered Crew [9] ($70) and this V-Top [10] ($110) are begging to be layered under everything.
What are your favorite plus labels? Do you think even better plus shopping lies ahead? I’m dying to know! And don’t forget to shop my picks below . . .
Carmakoma Striped Faux Fur Jacket [11] ($296)
Carmakoma Tie Neck Pleat Detail Blouse [12] ($153)
Carmakoma Olary Short-Sleeve Top [13] ($130, originally $165)
Carmakoma Loveday Coat [14] ($400)
Carmakoma Scalloped Scoop Neck Top In Lace [15] ($153)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Relativo Culottes [16] ($189)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Onidoso Pleated Jersey Skirt [17] ($199)
Carmakoma Plus Clash Oversized Cardigan [18] ($144)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Nespola Jacket [19] ($389)
Carmakoma Modern Kimono Jacket [20] ($100, originally $209)
Carmakoma Plus Calca 3 Leopard-Print Dress [21] ($126)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Avignon Sweater [22] ($169)
Carmakoma Plus Erelina Asymmetrical Sleeved Dress [23] ($108)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Favorire Peplum Top [24] ($179)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Tastiera Jacket [25] ($560)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Dedotto Eco Leather Dress [26] ($245)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Azulene Sweater [27] ($199)
Carmakoma Button Down Pea Coat [28] ($278)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Pinolo Quilted Jacket [29] ($389)
Carmakoma Tailored Slim Leg Pant [30] ($196)
Carmakoma Hudson Top [31] ($90, originally $109)
Persona by Marina Rinaldi Bebop Shirt [32] ($199)
Carmakoma Dunira Fringe Peasant Top [33] ($130, originally $165)
Carmakoma Mono Flower Dress [34] ($216)