Issue 52. MORE minimalist high-fashion options for larger bodies
Sharing this with you because I'd be doing it anyway...
If you enjoy this piece, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to let me know you want more like this!
I’m drawn to the drama of refined pieces that make a statement through silhouette rather than print.
And also, refined, minimalist garments can be hard to find if you’re shopping for a larger body.
Brands we associate with high-fashion minimalism (i.e. The Row, Toteme, COS, Theory, Tibi) don’t cater to larger bodies. Plus, many of the brands that do cater to larger bodies feature vibrant, colorful styles over “quiet luxury.” I’m almost positive that the reasons behind all of this are fat-phobic, but I’m not here to wax poetic about that.
Shop the round-up on my ShopMy page, some affiliate links are included.
This is the second installment in the series. Check out the first post, here.
What are we looking for?
The types of basics a high-fashion stylists like
, Angie Uh or Allison Bornstein would recommend. Think: high-quality materials, attention-to-detail, great cuts and colors.Nuanced colors, like olive green, rust, purpley-blue, and shades of taupe and camel. Can we find anything that’s not black, white, or primary colors?
Interesting shapes and silhouettes, such as volume, sinching, cut-outs, cool necklines, extra-long sleeves and maxi-lengths.
Below, you’ll find my imperfect round-up of brands offering designer-inspired pieces in a wider range of sizes than offered by most high-end brands.
I can’t guarantee that anything here will fit you or fall within your budget, but I hope this guide can make you feel a little more visible in a world that caters towards smaller-bodies.
Quince
Last year, when I experienced a big size shift, Quince was my go-to brand because of their 365-day return policy, affordable prices, natural fibers, and versatile color offerings. I do find they run slightly large; I wear a L/XL at Quince, while some other brands’ largest sizes don’t even fit me (make it make sense!) I have a few of their linen pieces (I imagine they will drop more for the season, soon) and one sweater. Their cashmere boyfriend cardigan seems to rival Jenni Kayne’s, and comes in a beautiful dusty blue. The fisherman sweater would be so great with crisp linen pants.
Check out Quince’s extended size range.
ABLE
Well-known in the “ethical fashion” circles, I had forgotten Able offered extended sizes! I particularly like this 100% cotton mock-neck top, and could see myself buying this baby-doll top, if I had room in my winter budget. This pinstriped suit (blazer and trouser) look great. While we’re at it, Able is known for their leather products; this wristlet is very cute.
Check out Able’s inclusive size range.
Hill House Home doesn’t exactly fall into the “minimal, Scandi” prompt, given the quantity of floral prints and ruffles. But, there are a few styles that really caught my eye. This shirt-dress is giving Tory Burch, though it’s only offered up to a XXL. However, the same print is available in more sizes in this style. The Cosima dress, with the high-neckline is my personal favorite, though I haven’t yet seen it in a color-way I liked enough to purchase.
Figuring out which pieces came in extended sizes was somewhat confusing since Hill House Home doesn’t have an “extended size” page. But, you can filter by size on the left-hand side.
Aligne
Though the least size-inclusive of the bunch, Aligne is stylistically my favorite, by far. I included this brand in the round-up because I know first-hand that even finding a size 16/18 can be challenging.
I want everything (be still, my heart). There is a 100% chance I will have purchased this denim button-up jacket by the time you’re reading this. This reversible coat would be on my list, if I needed a new coat (I don’t). Plus, how fun is this red dress, and button-front top?
Everything appears to be offered in the same size range, UK 4 - UK 22 (US 0-18), so if you are in that range, there’s likely something for you.
Gap, women’s
I’d be remiss to mention gap, since they’re my go-to place for jeans. I like Gap because I’m able to try-on my size in-store, and they generally fit my proportions well. My favorites are the High-Stride with front pockets (I currently wear a women’s waist 33), and a baggy pair which have since gone out of stock.
I’m tempted by this puff-sleeve blouse to wear with a sweater vest or this denim shell. This 100% cotton zip polo sweater with contrast stitching looks cute, and I like this v-neck cotton sweater.
Similar to Quince, I find the GAP to run somewhat large, or at least there’s a big discrepancy between sizes. I don’t fit a Medium comfortably anymore, but the Medium in this vest fit me better than the Large did (confusion). Gap is also great if you need tall options, like my Mom does!
Gap, men’s
The men’s side has some great denim jacket options (I’ll try this one if the Aligne one doesn’t work out). I really like this olive green linen shirt for layering, this peach sweater and a 100% cotton blue sweater, and everything is offered in a larger size range (up to a 55” chest) than the women’s side.
Is minimal not your style? Way more comprehensive plus-size shopping guide by Jessica Torres here. Sushmita of Ethical Fat Fashion also has a brand guide, behind a paywall.
You’ve made it to the end, thanks for reading!
Quince is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands and I'm so happy you're loving them too!
Another great installment!🥳