:) man, you're describing everyone in our social circle over 24- and honestly, almost all of us have gone back to wearing skirts. one of us favors something wrapped sarong style over a tube skirt, I'm the tallest of us, and lean towards 6-gore, trumpet, and full circle skirts with the least possible waistband, and we're all fans of full skirts in fairly heavy fabrics cut fairly short- above the knee, with opaque tights.

jewel, scoop, and v-necks are good- cleavage is kind of over done, but collarbones are forever. all of us own the shelf-bra cami's (several of us have the ones with the full underwire built-in) NONE of us own polo shirts, but several of us will wear a spandex power-slip as a long tank top/bottom layer.

and even I will admit that a decent pair of heels help- not kittens, but a good 2" pump or mary jane works wonders.

Two things we all agree on, though- Lane Bryant makes some of the UGLIEST clothes on the planet, and that 'cute' and 'bold' just don't work- little prints, circus tent colors- and most animal prints, honestly. neither does dressing all in black and pretending you don't care.

I second that Lane Bryant has the ugliest cloths on the planet.

I used to wear pluses (lost 57 pounds) and am just 5'-1" I bought a lot of clothes at Avenue. Avenue.com will have a store locator. V-necks are good for us shorties, it elongates the neck vertically. No scoop or ballet necklines. Anything that adds a vertical, like a line of buttons down the front, or vertical stripes, or a zip front. I tend to wear pants because they elongate. No skirts for me. Too many horizontals here and there. And if your weight is in your middle, a skirt creates a big profile, where pants do not. If you have a waist, then it's a different matter, you can cinch in there and show off your waspy waist and curves. Even as a thinner person, I still lack a waist for the most part and have straight hips, no curve to display.

Dresses are a good choice, one long solid piece of fabric is good. Stay away from big florals. Solids are best and the most versatile, you can add punch with a nice scarf.

Tunics are good as long as they aren't too long for your short body.

Catherine's is another good store for plus sizes but they tend to be a bit expensive.

Lane Bryant carries really youthful styles, not suitable for most mature types. Further more I think that if you wear a size 28 you probably should not wear a cotton knit halter top and a mini skirt!

My two cents. Short and round is tough, I know.

My gripe is finding bathrobes! I carry the weight mostly in my thighs, hips and butt. Finding a decent zip up bathrobe is such a chore. They want us to wear unflattering, thick terrycloth or velour wraparounds. When are they going to wise up and figure out if we buy plus sizes we need decent sleepwear too?!!!

I agree that Lane Bryant is not a great choice for clothes, but if you want really hideous take a look at the Roaman's catalog. EEEEEEWWWWWWWW!

I have found that Chico's is very generous in their sizing - many of their clothes fit plus sizes and the styles are extermely versatile. There is always Elisabeth too - that is the Liz Claiborn plus size line and they have Elisabeth Petites for those of us that are vertically challenged.

Good luck!

Alexa

Last week I was at a mall where they had a Talbot's Woman, I've never seen it before. They had women's petites sizes, but they're not cheap!

Clothes for short women like me with with large tummies are almost impossible to find. Especially since I am too small to wear plus sizes. With my figure problems I look best in V or U necks. Pants or skirts should be the same color as the blouse or sweater and should be solid colors. Two colors or one print and one solid break an already short body up into even shorter pieces. As Barnmom mentioned above, a long line of buttons down the front or vertical stripes are also good. I wear dark pantyhose if I am wearing a dark colored suit. And never, ever, wear a belt. Again, it cuts you into two smaller pieces.

Just saw this thread and thought I would jump in. I am 5'6 and usually wear a size 22 or 24. But I am not into what size something is, the most important thing to keep in mind is how it fits you, and fabrics and style will sometimes dictate needing to try the next size up or down. Guess what I am trying to say is that in clothing that is too tight or too loose can both be bad.

Now my rant...... I hate these crummy fabrics that are being shoved at us. Lane Bryant is one of the worst offenders. I guess they figure if something fall apart that we will just buy more...UGH! The "sexy" styles are anything but that on a full figure, IMHO.

compumom, if you find any decent robes, let this bathrobe queen know!!!! I like satin nightshirts and they are getting hard to find, too.

Dress Barn Woman has some nice things if you have one in your area.

Nancy

I'm not a plus size but I know about them. The "Jessica London" mail order catalog has attractive plus size clothing - they have a web site. There's the "Silouettes" catalog. And good ol QVC carries many plus sizes in casual (Denim & Company, Dialogue) lines. I think every plus size woman should own some "Slinky" (HSN) or "CitiKnits (QVC) or "Travelers" (Chicos) clothing because those lines are both forgiving and flattering.

A couple of my friends just started a plus size clothing store online. Now keep in mind they are just starting out, but I have seen some of the clothes in person and they are hot!

Here is a link that might be useful: maximumwoman.com

I shop the plus size side of Fashion Bug almost exclusively as that is just about the only store where I can find cute, stylish clothes that fit. I'm only 5 feet tall but I'm a 16-18 and I find stuff there all the time. And almost all their pants and jeans come in short lengths too so I have really good luck there. I actually got the FB credit card a few months back because I shop there so often and they send me coupons with my statement every month. I actually just got really good coupons in the mail today from them.

Hello Everyone,

You might find sonme comfortable fashion at this place http://shopping.beautifulportal.com/

Good luck!

lux9

I agree that Lane Bryant's styles are pretty bad, but they are currently showing 'silk' polyester pajamas that are wonderful, IMO. Very soft and fluid, and loose and comfy. I have seven pairs in assorted colors! They also have a nice flannel pullover robe in plaid that actually is roomy and has a flattering cut and neckline.

For really pretty robes there is a catalog that begins with a 'B', but I can't recall the name and can't find it online.

For casual wear, I love Silhouettes. I've lost count of the pairs of trousers that I have from them. I'm just under 5'5" and need a petite length.

J.Jill also carries beautiful plus sizes, but they aren't cheap! Their tops tend to be cut short.

You should look at fashions at sunexpression.com. They have a great selection, and I am sure you will find something you like.

Here is a link that might be useful: plus size fashions

Ditto for Silhouettes.

hey i agree with what you say. But how to select my own store from the bunch of stores on the way?

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peter

Size 28 Clothing

I think you should buy clothes specifically made for large sizes. Here in our country we call it American sizes since our body type are smaller than those of the Americans.

Here is a link that might be useful: urban clothing

Hi,
I'm a plus-size gal and I feel like most of you. The majority of what Lane Bryant carries is HIDEOUS and OVER PRICED. I did find a really cool site online that carries up to size 28 in many styles. The site is called Chic Star. Also many of their items are UNDER $50, which is great. Coupon code CHICGIRL will save you 10% off your entire purchase.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chic Star

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Torrid yet! They have been putting out amazing stuff for plus size gals for a long time now, and the best thing about it is it has attitude! That is the store that will give you the most options as far as different looks you can put together.

Here is a link that might be useful: Plus Size Clothing