Plus-size women, I’ve got some bad news for you.
We are not having a good year.
Brands are quietly cutting their plus size offerings.
InStyle magazine is asking, “Why are plus sizes always the first to go?”
The pandemic has been crushing to plus-size fashion, which is equally crushing to plus-size shoppers.
The way I see it, we have two options in this moment: We can focus on the painful feelings that come with not being able to find clothes in our size. Or, we can learn how to be more creative with the way we dress our bodies—at any size.
I think it’s time we get a little more adventurous.
I’m not talking about going skydiving or something all that wild. But remember when I told you, “Don’t Wait on Your Weight”?
Well, I think it’s time for us to explore what it looks like to stop waiting on our weight to play around with fashion. So, let’s start today with one of the most complicated things to shop for ever—denim.
Denim and I have had a long, tumultuous relationship. But, as I’ve fluctuated from a size 28 to a size 18 over the years, I think I’ve learned a lot about how to find the best plus-size denim to fit me as my body changes.
And I have found that the more adventurous I got with my denim choices, the bolder and braver I felt when choosing pieces that just felt like me, at every size.
Today I’m going to show you how I do it and give you a list some stores with the best plus-size denim pieces.
Let’s begin!
Denim Dresses
One of my favorite ways to wear denim is as a dress!
I know that might be surprising, as denim isn’t exactly the most free-flowing fabric. But I have found that denim dresses can be super cute and flattering.
I love the dress I’m wearing in the picture below! I was about a size 22/24 when I wore this. What I like most about a denim shirt dress is that you can wear it without a belt if you’re feeling insecure about your tummy.
If you want to show off your curves, I suggest belting it to show accentuate your waistline. The buttons and collar also give it some structure and sophistication.
I’ve learned that the right accessories can make all the difference with denim, as with most outfits.
High-Waisted Jeans
I consider myself to be an Apple-Glass shape. I have an hourglass figure with apple tendencies.
Basically, from the front I am Jessica Rabbit and when I turn to the side it’s like “awwww how far along are you??”
Because of this, I really love high-waisted jeans with a little bit of stretch. I feel like jeans with a high waist kind of keep my tummy “in place.” And I don’t find myself pulling my pants up constantly.
Some of you have asked how I decided to “start tucking in my shirts.” I don’t feel that I started. I feel like I always tucked my shirts in when I wanted to. There are times I’m not comfortable tucking in my shirt and other times when I am completely fine with a tucked-in look.
For me, it’s just a matter of my tummy confidence on any given day (and aunt flow!). So, I don’t have any particular rules for tucking in your shirt. If it’s something you want to try and you’re unsure—start with a “half tuck” and work your way into a fully tucked-in look (or even a body suit to keep everything smooth).
Some of my favorite ways to dress up my denim skinny jeans have been to add a statement belt or shoe.
You can never go wrong with a classic Gucci leather belt. I wore the jeans above with one when I was a size 20. Something about wearing a beautiful belt made me feel more confident.
Again, I like that it draws your attention to your waist. And I always feel like belts make simple, dark-wash denim look a bit more polished and classy.
RELATED: How to Find a Gucci Belt in Plus Size
I’ve also always loved a good shoe! Pairing denim with nice heels will never go out of style.
In the pic above, I was about a size 26. I liked to wear sleek black pumps with a simple black top to balance out this pair of distressed denim.
Whenever I wear denim jeans with rips or embellishments on them, I try to keep the rest of my outfit more classic and monochrome.
Sometimes, you just have to let the denim shine!
Denim Overalls
And that brings me to one of my more adventurous looks: denim overalls.
Overalls are tricky, I’ll admit it. You have to search for the style that best matches up with the actual shape and length of your torso.
I wore the overalls in the pic above when I was a size 3X. I liked to pair them with a fun shirt underneath to lighten up the look. I also liked to roll up the bottom of the pants, which looks a bit more polished (and let me show off my shoes).
Denim Jumpsuits
This year, at a size 18, I decided to be even more adventurous with my denim.
That’s right, I tried a denim jumpsuit!
This is where being adventurous bit comes in…
I know that trying new things can be hard, scary and expensive. But I’m telling you, the whole experience can be worth it when something works unexpectedly.
Teaching myself that jumpsuits in general were something that would fit and flatter my body was a journey. I had to actively convince myself that I could pull it off. And that took time.
When I was a size 24, I started with plus-size “Canadian Tuxedo” looks …
I was always into the full-denim jumpsuit trend. But I could tell that finding the right denim jumpsuit for me would require some research.
See, right now I’m what I like to call an “inbetween-y.”
Essentially, on the bottom I am a traditional plus-size woman. And on the top, I’m a little bit in between plus-size and standard sizes. That means there are times when I am looking to shop in the standard-size section and then there are other times that I absolutely can’t.
So, considering my inbetween-y shape, shopping for a jumpsuit seems like a strange choice, right?
Don’t worry, I thought so too!
But it was a fashion risk I was willing to take. And I’m glad I did.
I figured that I was probably going to either have to buy the right size for my bottom half and then tailor it to my top half. Or I’d have to find that magical jumpsuit with a lot of stretch that could hug my curves just the way I wanted it to.
And that, dolls, is how I found Frame.
Check out that fit, y’all! <3 Frame Jumpsuit
Frame offers its denim jumpsuit in sizes XXS-XXL. But each size has a ton of stretch. It’s like they’re created more to fit your body shape and hug your curves than to fit a specific top and bottom size.
As an in-between-y, that was music to my ears—but maybe not so much my wallet!
I took a chance on Frame. And the jumpsuit I chose is expensive. But, for me, investing in jumpsuits and denim in general that are good quality and built to last just makes sense. Once I find a pair that I love, I want to keep it for as long as I can.
And I have no problem investing a little more of my money in clothes that actually make me feel good. They help you walk a little taller—I am all about that.
But I will say there are some amazing denim jumpsuits out there at every price range. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites that might just be the perfect fit for your body type.
The Jeans I Own THREE pair of…
First here’s a quick list of the best plus-size denim brands:
- Old Navy (Old Navy carries plus size jeans up to a size 30!!!)
- Dia&Co (sizes 10-28)
- Fashion to Figure (sizes 10-28)
- Note – I recently bought two additional pairs of these jeans because I wear them so much
Now, remember, when it comes down to finding the right denim jumpsuit for you:
- Start out by faking it with a denim top and plus-size jeans for a “Canadian Tuxedo” look
- Look for items that fit your shape more than your size. And if it doesn’t work … return it!
- Don’t be afraid to try something totally new
- And, most importantly, have fun with it!
Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Ready to try a jumpsuit? Click the arrow to check out my picks:
1. Old Navy
Tie-Belt No-Peek Plus-Size Short-Sleeve Jean Jumpsuit; sizes plus 1X – 4X; $47.99
2. Fashion to Figure
Morgan Zip Front Utility Jumpsuit; sizes plus 0-4; $69.96
3. Lane Bryant
Chambray Square-Neck Jumpsuit; sizes 12-28; $89.95
4. Madewell
Denim Relaxed Coverall Jumpsuit in Glenroy Wash; sizes XXS – XXL; $148 $119.50
5. Anthropologie
Pilcro Belted Denim Jumpsuit; sizes standard/plus XS-3X; $158
6. Nordstrom
Janeen Belted Denim Boilersuit; sizes plus 1X-3X; $148
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