Buying plus size upscale women's clothing is easy if you know where to look. Fortunately, designer plus size clothing is becoming more and more of a reality. Over 65% of American women wear a size 14 or above, and designers are starting to respond. This means there are plenty of options for finding upscale clothing that flatters your curvy figure, whether you need to dress to impress for your job or semi-formal events.
Five Designers Offering Upscale Plus Size Fashions
Some designers exclusively offer plus sized designs, or offer a large amount of plus sized items even if they don't create plus sized designs exclusively. Designers with outstanding selections of plus size fashions include:
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher has been designing clothes for women of various sizes since 1984. She designs simple, classic pieces that will support your style for years. Fisher chooses soft, sustainable fabrics that last, dyes them soft, neutral hues and fashions them into timeless, classic pieces that often have a lot of loose draping. These are the types of pieces to invest in, and then pair with more of-the-moment trends. Fisher offers plus sizes 1X-3X and 16W - 24W. Her sweaters range from $218-478. Her tops are $68-348, and her pants are $108-278.
Misook
Misook offers plus size items from 1X-3X, and is a great place to start if you're looking for classic workplace apparel. They have a variety of work pants and skirts in different lengths and fits so you're sure to find whatever you're looking for. They also design work jackets and sleeveless shells which tend to be brighter or printed, making them a great option if you want to make more of a statement. Misook tanks are about $178, pants are about $250, and jackets are about $550.
Rachel Pally
Rachel Pally's White Label line offers plus sizes from 1X to 3X and 14-22. She is known for the luxurious yet comfortable jersey material that most of her clothes are created in. If you have an event to dress up for, this is the designer to consider. She designs fashion-forward pieces to wear to parties and special occasions that are flattering for curvier women, without being too conservative. Pally's line is fully of brightly-colored and patterned pieces, and romantic, hourglass-hugging shapes. Her dresses are about $300, her tops are $163-185, and skirts are $216-242.
Dominique Auxilly
Dominique Auxilly offers high-fashion dresses in sizes up to 3X and 24. If you are going to a black tie event, she may have the dress for you. Auxilly's designs rely heavily on texture, from ruching and twisting the fabric to using fabric that is textured itself, such as lace, leather, and organza. These dresses scream "look at me," so they're not for the customer who doesn't want to be noticed in a crowd. Her dresses are priced anywhere from $225-1,000, depending on the fabric and complexity of the design.
Tadashi Shoji
If Dominique Auxilly is too loud for your tastes, consider Tadashi Shoji for black tie events. His evening gowns and cocktail dresses are much more classic and timeless, with almost every design featuring a fitted waist and A-line skirt. His designs come in sizes up to 24. They are usually neutral shades - black, blush, and gold - or classic red, and are complemented by lace or lace brocade. These dresses range from $328-728.
Five Places to Find Upscale Plus Size Clothes
There are many stores that cater to plus size women in search of upscale apparel.
Addition Elle
Addition Elle is a great resource for plus sized shoppers who want a wide variety of options. They carry everyday basics such as jeans and leggings as well as cocktail dresses and lingerie. Most of their looks are a little bit younger and edgier than you might find elsewhere, but they do have some more conservative pieces as well. Addition Elle offers sizes 12-24 and X-4X. They accept unworn items for return within 30 days of purchase. Addition Elle tops are priced from about $30-75, pants are about $60-80, and dresses are $95-180.
Penningtons
Penningtons is also a one-stop shop for plus sized customers who want trendy looks that are current with the season's fashion. They carry business casual items, jeans, leggings, dressy tops, outerwear, swimsuits and activewear. They carry sizes 14-30 and X-5X. They accept returns for unworn items within 30 days of purchase. Tops run from $26-68, pants are $42-56, dresses are $60-85.
Kiyonna
Kiyonna is a great store for a plus sized woman looking for dressy tops, cocktail dresses, or shapewear. Their tops are flattering and not too-revealing, but still stylish enough that you feel confident wearing them. They have lace dresses that are perfect for evenings out and jersey dresses that you can wear to work or on dates. Kiyonna offers sizes 10-32 and 0X-5X. They accept returns within 30 days. Kiyonna's dresses range from $50-228, tops are about $58-88, and bottoms are $76-120.
Catherines
Consider Catherines if you want more subtle, timeless pieces. This retailer has both everyday and more dressy shirts, sweaters, work pants, and dresses for all occasions. Catherines also has Black Label, their signature collection of more dressy, more luxurious items. You can find sizes 14-36 and 0X-5X at this retailer, and returns are accepted within 90 days of purchase. There is a wide range of prices, with tops from $16-269, bottoms from $14-164, and dresses from $54-194.
Talbots
The Talbots Woman Plus collection is another option for classic, everyday pieces. This collection includes sweaters, blouses, knit tops, and dresses that won't go out of style from year to year so you can be sure you'll get the most out of your investment. Talbots Woman has sizes 12-24 and X-3X. Returns are accepted within 90 days of purchase. Talbots shirts range from $70-110, pants from $80-160, and dresses from $120-220.
Upgrade Your Wardrobe
Upscale clothing for women with fuller figures is easier to find than ever before. With all the options available today, consider investing in some upscale pieces for your wardrobe. Start with these resources to find a range of styles you can count on to look your best time and time again.
