Thinking that I am a plus size and should be able to buy plus size clothes

[Beaverfeaver]

So this might sound really strange, but I am quite short 5ft4, and feel like quite a plump person in general.
I have always been larger than what I see as the 'norm', and therefore don't feel that clothes made for the 'norm' suit me or flatter me.
I am a pear shape and a 12/14 on top, and a 14/16 on bottom.
Now this might seem average, but when I go shopping, in stores or online, I generally go to the plus size section as the clothes are more flattering to my figure. But they are not available.
For example- asos.com, their plus size clothes start at size 20, but I love them, and wouldn't even consider wearing the clothes in their normal range.
Same with underwear. Day to day I am happy with the M&S breifs and bras, but when it comes to something sexy I tend to like the plus size underwear as its not all tiny strings etc, but once again not available in my size.

Is there anywhere that does sexy but flattering clothes and underwhere for the slightly less than plus size?

Am I a crazy person, or not the only one here who feels this way?

[DawnOfTheDeementedDead]

Evans and Simply Be start from size 14 - may be worth a look?

[kumquatsareaposhfruit]

It depends on your body shape I guess eg if you are an 'apple' or whatever. Maybe you should consider less the 'plus size' thing and more shops which sell the right clothes for your body shape and age.

I am size 16, 5'1 and 40. I daresay I could find clothes to fit me in Topshop etc but they would look bloody awful. Tell us your age/tastes/body shape and we can suggest shops to you.

You aren't plus sized you know.

[fivegomadindorset]

You are not plus size, I am, you are not.

[worraliberty]

Are you saying you think 'plus sized' clothes should start at a smaller size?

[GuillotinedMaryLacey]

it's like me going into River Island as a size 22 and saying that I like their clothes better so AIBU to think that I should be able to buy them.

[Beaverfeaver]

Well, I have just turned 26.

I am definitly a classic pear shape. I have tiny shoulders, not huge boobs, small waist, but then huge hips and thighs and bum.

At the moment I tend to wear long tops & jumpers to cover the bum area, and have recently purchased my 1st pair of 'skinny' jeans (in a size 16, so not all that skinny really), but with a longer top, it seems to give me a bit of shape/definition, as before I think I was wearing clothes to look like a box.

My perfect style, is edging on the side of punky. I like red and black, and mostly wear jeans.

[worraliberty]

Could you perhaps tone up and change your proportions?

It's always difficult buying 'off the peg' clothes because they're never going to be suitable for all body shapes.

[MilkNoSugarPlease]

Umm...YABU...You are not plus size...a 14 or even 16 isn't plus size

[kumquatsareaposhfruit]

What about those short gathered skirts that are in at the min. I am older than you but I love a punk style and that is how I dressed in my youth. I have the same body shape as you too.

I say black tutu type short frilly skirt, in at the waist and covering the big thighs with a black fitted top, black leggings and biker boots (well it's what I used to live in!)

[cjbartlett]

have ou tired simplybe.co.uk
think it starts at size 12

[knittedbreast]

you sound very sexy beaverfeaver! ;)

[KittyFane]

I read this thinking size 20/22, 24/26 +.
Then I read 12/14 14/16.
WHY would you want to shop in a plus size shop if you don't have to?!
I am plus size and I really wouldn't choose to shop in Evans if I were size12-16!
I think you are struggling to find clothes for your body shape but doesn't everyone?
I go to bloody Evans and find very little that suits me.
They make clothes in my size but the shape is wrong. They seem to be designed for people with massive boobs, thin legs and small shoulders/ back.
I'm fat all over :)

[JodieHarsh]

You are average height and average size

If you can't find clothes you ain't trying hard enough!

[JodieHarsh]

(try being 5 foot 8 with weirdly long legs, a size 14 waist and a size 20 arse. Now that, my friends, is tricky to dress )

[Beaverfeaver]

kumquatsareaposhfruit - that sounds fab! In fact, right at the back of my wardrobe I have a really cool gathered black skirt I got from AllSaints last year. I havent realy worn it much as I feel its a little short, but with leggings and boots I think I could pull that off :D

knittedbreast - why thank you very much :)

[naturalbaby]

i'm really tall and most clothes i like don't fit me. the 'tall' clothes aren't always as nice/trendy/fashionable.

every body size and shape is different and i wouldn't expect to walk into any high street shop and pick something that would fit, no matter what size or shape i am. some shops suit some people, others suit other people.

i'm not sure why you think there is any unreasonableness in this?

[Beaverfeaver]

worraliberty - I think that is what I actually need to do. I am a totally un-toned flabby person.

I keep saying I will do something about it soon, but never seem to.

Me and OH are shocked at how busy our lives are right now, as each evening we don't seem to stop and sit down for dinner until 9pm, and thats without kids!
Hoping this won't last, as I really want to start doing more things in the evening.
At the moment our only exersise is the holidays we go on (we like to hike). But then we also like to eat lots of tastey food and drink lots of tastey ale in the pubs after! whoopsy.

[kumquatsareaposhfruit]

Beaverfever, if the 'shape' of that outfit suits you then extend it. Get dresses which are fitted in at the waist but are full skirted. Try different tights/leggings/boots. Get a bra which boosts your cleavage, get some nice accessories and ROCK ON!! Abig arse/small waist combo body looks good with belts to emphasise your small waist too. 'A' line dresses/tunic tops/pinafores etc should also suit you. Just funk it all up by buying things in black/red/purple and adding all your little punk touches.

(I am turning into a punk gok wan...)

[cantpooinpeace]

This is me - too fat for the thin shops - too thin for the fat shops I'm probably a size 17

[AlpinePony]

OP, I think WWW.torrid.com sounds right up your street.

You're not plus-size, but if you prefer more modest coverage, that's your prerogative.

[kumquatsareaposhfruit]

cantpooinpeace - no it's like I said. Evans etc are too tent like to be flattering. Even bigger women should dress to enhance their shape, not hide it away. It's all about working out what your good bits are and drawing the eyes to your good legs/cleavage etc whilst wearing clothes which 'skim' over the other bits.

I am short, fat and pear-shaped but I am good at choosing the right clothes for my shape and often get compliments.

[Beaverfeaver]

If anyone is plus size 20 then take a look at the 'curve' range from asos - it looks quite cool - www.asos.com/Women/Curve/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=9577

There are some nice winter jackets and dresses

[AlpinePony]

I think the asos range is Fugly personally and unflattering... Skinny jeans/bare arms/shapeless tents. How they combine all 3 of those in one outfit is a fashion breakthrough though.

[JodieHarsh]

I agree with ASOS curve being shiteous. And Evans.

FGS. Have they ever actually SPOKEN to a plus size woman?! Shapeless swathes of cheap chiffon with no support leaving arms bare and jeggings. Er yes, that is exactly what you want when you're a size 22