Make Space: Our Favorite Body Positive Bloggers on The Changing Industry Standards

The way sustainable, small designers have exploded in the plus-size space has been so exciting. Something I feel strongly about is that the plus-size customer's trust has to be earned. Everything feels so much more personal from a small-business – they're not everyone's brand, they're your brand. And they're not giving us stretchy, black, safe [clothing options]. They're giving us styles that are unique and unconventional. Printfresh is totally one of those brands in my mind. 

My biggest frustration will always be big retailers not going far enough. As someone who's worked in plus-size fashion, sometimes I wish everyone could see through how lame these money-grabs are.

I have seen more companies try to step up and offer extended sizes. Some of the companies just cut the pattern larger to make an extended size but don’t actually accommodate for the real curves of the body that might come with being a plus size woman.

The phrase "be who you needed when you were younger" is a huge motivator. I couldn't fit into any of the trendy stores – Abercrombie, Hollister – when I was a tween and everything about my body was an isolating experience.

I was a Theatre major in college and I had become really disillusioned in the last few years of my degree because of how I was always expected to either shrink myself or make myself a caricature. That's when the body-positive/ fat acceptance space really captured me. And in my last semesters I realized, "Oh, this is how I'm going to do it. This is how I am going to get to be creative, and never shrink myself and give myself what I've always needed."

I was inspired to start my blog and social media when I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. I was frustrated that I was a bit larger and I wanted to wear nice clothes too but no one showed where to get them. I made it my goal to help other women feel and look great no matter their size.

Support each other! Show that all bodies are beautiful. It doesn’t matter what size you are, your body is beautiful too! The more we see all shapes and sizes of bodies, the more we will begin to accept them.

Plus-size athletic wear is a niche I'm really excited about, just because of how unwelcoming the fitness and wellness space can be to fat folks. Girlfriend Collective, even the way Fabletics has worked with so many influencers, I think that's crucial in this space. Universal Standard's size range (00-40) excites me, because it's a brand where straight-size folks can support size-inclusion with their dollars.

My favorite clothing brand at the moment is Eloquii because they have fun, colorful and trendy pieces. They won’t break the bank and you’ll look like a million bucks! I also love Universal Standard because they offer sizes 00-40 which is unheard of.

I got a green velvet slip dress from Anthropologie (unfortunately, now sold out) which I wore on NYE with slippers that I felt particularly glamorous in!

During the holiday season, I got a stunning sequin gown with faux feather cuffs. I definitely felt cute in it!

Nowadays, a high-waisted, wide leg pant, a top and a cozy cardigan is my uniform. In the summer I love the feeling of a floral midi dress, a jean jacket and white sneakers in the city.

I am a dress person through and through! Just add some accessories and you’re done. I would also say wear what fits your body right now. Don’t save things for a special occasion or wait until you lose weight.

Honestly, I am wearing faux fur slippers with everything. I mean EVERYTHING. And I think I'm going to have a hard time not pairing maxi dresses with slippers post pandemic.

I love a great pair of pajamas- from Printfresh, of course! But I also love a nice loungewear set with a hoodie and jogger pants. Keeps me warm but also feeling stylish.