Plus size chat thread anyone?

[MurderOfGoths]

Been trying to get my confidence back, and trying to learn what clothes suit my figure, so would love to chat to others in the same boat.

Got a shopping trip planned for next week, to restock my wardrobe and give me a bit of a boost. Mostly going to be going for places like Primark and New Look (am a size 18/20 so just about stand a chance in there) and maybe Yours.

Can't afford too much unfortunately and so much plus size fashion is more expensive.

So how is everyone else? Get anything new lately? Looking at getting anything? What are your favourite items/looks right now?

[juneybean]

I got some jeggings from TU that I've been wearing with tunics, it's helped to feel cool in the warmer weather we've been having.

I'm also into jumpers at the minute and TU definitely make you feel thin as their sizing is stupid and I managed to get into a 16 with 44inch boobs!

I prefer empire line clothes despite them making me look pregnant.

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I've bought a fab top by Joe Browns (on their website, but at size 18-20 can also shop in their plus range at simplybe)

Still looking for decent wide leg trousers (in dark but non-black colours) and a longline jersey blazer (to disguise my large arse).

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I've also shopped at la redoute in the past, although need to be careful that you don't but something sweaty and polyester...

[Boutonneux]

Can I make a really polite suggestion? If you have time have a read of some plus sized blogs I discovered these about 12 months ago and it was a revelation to me. My confidence and self worth rocketed, I learned to love and accept myself for what I am, not what I thought I should be and I am now very proud to call myself fat and fabulous (I'm a couple of sizes bigger than you OP)

My wardrobe isn't what you could call particularly exciting by any means but I discovered dresses for the first time in about 15 years and they now pretty much make up about 80% of my clothes. You can't go far wrong in my eyes in a nice frock, with some black leggings, finished off with a biker jacket and a quality handbag. Lose the leggings, add some heels and statement jewellery and you're good to go for an evening look too.

I hope I haven't offended you with the blogs suggestion. My 2 absolute favourites are called Just Me Leah and Pampers and Curves - both fierce, fabulous fatties and well worth a read.

[MummyBtothree]

Ive always found that places like primark and new look might do clothes in some plus sizes but the fabrics arent always suited to flatter us curvy girlies and arent always designed with tums and bums in mind. Yours is lovely for plus size trendy clothing and never fails to put a smile on my face in the changing room....and thats a rareity! x

[birkiekid]

I'm an 18 top and 16 bottom. I bought a nice denim shirt in New Look recently.

I usually wear tunics and leggings. I like White Stuff for tunics but have to wait for the sales for them to be in my budget. I also bought a couple of White Stuff cotton dresses on Ebay last year and they are lovely with Birkenstocks and cropped denim jacket. I find the 18 quite generous in their dresses.

I am contemplating patterned trousers this summer, maybe with a navy t-shirt and my denim shirt. Still not 100% sure I can carry off this look but would like a change from leggings.

I know other people frown on them and trot out the 'ship in full sail' line but I really like jersey maxi dresses and find them flattering if they are a plain, dark colour, (navy, black, grey) good quality jersey and the skirt isn't too voluminous.

[birkiekid]

I also bought this jacket very flattering and I sized down which is always good for the ego.

[CtrlAltDelicious]

Ooh I'm in!

I'm currently about 18-20 after years as a 22/24. Have lost 2 stone and even though that's only a small amount of what I want to lose, I do like that I've got more freedom in buying nice clothes now. Only problem is I have stupid 42G boobs which makes buying nice tops quite difficult. I really like plus size vintage/rockabilly/50's look as well but not sure where sells that kind of style and whether I could incorporate that into smart workwear.

Will be reading this thread and shamelessly stealing everyone's ideas.

[slug]

Can I suggest a bra intervention? I'm an 18/20 and my bra size is 34GG. You are most probably NOT a 42 any more if you ever were in the first place You may find a better bra addresses some of the boo age problem

[slug]

Try Collectif for 50's style dresses in up to a size 20 that can be worn to work

[CtrlAltDelicious]

Wow - love those dresses, slug! Thanks. And interesting about the bra size...there's a very reputable bra lady not far from me so I should go. Actually, I have been pissed off for ages about the fact it always loooks like ive got 4 boobs. :(

[tethersend]

Fantastic flares here- much, much nicer than in the pic.

[ThatIsNachoCheese]

I am watching for tips. This will be my first summer where I am bigger than a size 16 so I have no idea what to wear. I am attempting to lose the weight but want to look fucking amazing while doing it!

[MurderOfGoths]

Boutonneux There are some amazing plus size bloggers out there, Betty Pamper was the first one I read, now I have a huge list to check every morning. It's inspired me to branch my blog out to include plus size fashion too.

[ThatIsNachoCheese]

All I ever wear are leggings and skirts/dresses. I would LOVE some ripped jeans but fear I would look ridiculous. I am only 5, 2 and 16 stone so it is very noticeable on me...

[MurderOfGoths]

MummyBtothree They are definitely stores you have to be picky with, unfortunately they are one of few within my budget that do my size.

birkiekid I think maxi dresses can look amazing, I tend not to bother with them but only because I'm 4ft 10 and they make me look like a child playing dress up! You should give patterned trousers a go, I'm thinking the same. I normally play it quite safe, but then I see women like Margot Meanie and think I need to be bolder.

CtrlAlt Lady V have just launched a plus size range called Lady Voluptuous which is just stunning. Their standard range also goes up to a 26/28, they are beautiful dresses, I've got a couple of them and love them so much.

[Itscurtainsforyou]

Love those jeans tethersend, wish they did them 5" longer

[Lardylassnomore]

Hi I am planning on giving some Nike running trousers to the charity shop in a large size. If anyone wants them on here they are welcome to them. They are too long for me. Pm if you are interested.

[Rinkydinkypink]

Love the idea of this thread. I'm a curvy size 18-22 depending on shape etc.

About to hit 40's, on a budget and frankly I'm a bit lost.

As a sahm wanting to work I live in leggings and whatever I can find to throw over them.

[bellacullen18981]

Love this thread!! Thatis, I'm almost exactly your height and size. I find it very hard to wear nice clothes as I always feel dumpy I think ladies who are taller carry weight so much better. I'd love to be a few inches taller! Also love Betty pamper and body positive blogs, they help me feel more accepting and confident about myself xxxx

[qazxc]

Lurking here as i am stuck in a frumpy rut and in dire need of sprucing up.

[IHavemyownLighthouseyouknow]

Lurking as well, I am a similar size to you OP. I would love to wear leggings or dresses but I have massive knees and calves and I can't bear to have them on show, so I just live in jeans and long skirts in the summer. Sainsburys have some good jeans at the moment (with a bit of stretch) and I shall be stocking up on my usual Next summer linen trousers for £20 as well. Would love to find some nice tops that don't cling to the lumps & bumps though.

[IsItIorAreTheOthersCrazy]

Op can I please suggest Tu (sainsburys clothing)? I'm a size 18 ish and only 5"2 so always found it so hard to find clothes (I used to be bigger). I loved in leggings and tunics / jeans and long jumpers. Then stumbles on a dress while in sainsburys and loved it. The shape really suits me and after getting compliments every time I wore it, I'm now in love with dresses. And it's not too expensive.
Also, inspire in new look (plus size range) is great for work clothes.

I find it hard to shop in a lot of places because the plus sizes either have almost no selection or are expensive, and I don't have the money.

Also, invest in a good pair of shoes / boots, with a small heel if possible. It just helps, I don't know why!

[IsItIorAreTheOthersCrazy]

I will add, I'm lucky in that my legs aren't actually that big but my sisters calves are quite big. She wears dresses with opaque / thick dark tights and you honestly wouldn't notice

[PeachandBlack]

I'm an 18, but have real trouble with most plus size blogs as they don't reflect what I would wear. I really like this one though. She's Spanish but wears a lot of New Look/Dorothy Perkins/H&M.