One of the things I have always dreaded while shopping with my straight size friends is the fact that most of the time we cannot shop in the same stores. I was always the only plus size girl in my group, and I still am. Although I had the option to check out the accessories and shoes in these stores, shuffling through just necklaces and earrings got boring after a while.
So are you suggesting that there are options for plus size girls?
Yes, absolutely! Of course you need to do a bit more work than your straight size friends but once you have found stores and shops that work for you finding the right pieces for your body-type becomes so much easier.
Therefore, I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite stores to shop:
Torrid (Sizes 10-30)
I will admit, I am quite bias towards Torrid since I have to be working there as a part-time employee, but everything I am going to tell you about Torrid is absolutely true. Many plus size women feel that Torrid is too expensive to shop at and not worth their time and effort. However, there are ways where you never have to pay full price when purchasing a brand new outfit at Torrid: coupons. Torrid offers coupons to their Torrid Insiders which is a rewards program for regular shoppers. You can sign up to be a Torrid Insider in store or online with no previous purchase necessary. I have seen shoppers save over $100 on their purchases because of these coupons. Also, Torrid's clearance section is always running a sale. Buy 1 Get 2 Free Bottoms - now that's a deal that's hard to pass.
Lovesick (Sizes 10-26)
Lovesick has become known as Torrid's little sister since they are apart of the same company. Lovesick is relatively less expensive than Torrid and aims their fashion towards a younger crowd. Their sizing is very similar to Torrid's and personally, I think all of their stuff is super cute! They are a new franchise, therefore their stores are limited. Hopefully they will expand more soon and fast.
Charlotte Russe
What I love most about Charlotte Russe's plus size section is that they are very true to size. Whenever I order something online in my size, it fits perfectly. Charlotte Russe also has great sales and reasonable prices, not to mention cute and trendy clothes. They are definitely one of my top places to shop.
Also, if you need dresses for sorority meetings or any other types of special occasions, Charlotte sometimes has dresses for only $20!
Old Navy
Old Navy never really attracts the recognition that they deserve. I never gave Old Navy a chance, but now I am beyond glad I did. Old Navy is affordable as well, especially if you are shopping with your Old Navy card. I recently opened up a credit card with Old Navy that you could use outside of the store and still earn points for when you go shopping. Old Navy is also one of those stores where you can find great sales.
As far as style goes, I feel that they have a unique style in their clothes. Their clothes are not like most trendy stores, but they are still just as cute. If you have not already, give Old Navy a chance and I promise you will be surprised by what you find.
Although this article was created to help plus size women only in the fashion world, some of the tips I gave for shopping thrifty can apply to anyone at any size. If you want to buy a lot without spending a lot, coupons are going to be your best friend. Download RetailMeNot. You can access hundreds of coupons for dozens of stores. When shopping in stores, keep an eye out for sales. Sometimes the sales are hidden which is why you need to learn to become very aware of your surroundings. Stores often have BOGO deals that are great for us ladies on a budget. Never pay full price for something if you do not have to.
Hopefully you learned something new from this whether you discovered new places to shop or just how to save a few bucks. With that being said, happy shopping everyone!
