Best Style Tips for Plus Size

The best style tips for plus-size dressing are all about embracing proper fit, choosing fabrics that flatter, and wearing whatever makes you feel fabulous—because confidence is always your best accessory. As a stylist who's worked with bodies of all shapes and sizes, I can tell you that the old "rules" about what plus-size women should or shouldn't wear are absolute nonsense. What matters is understanding your proportions, investing in quality pieces, and shopping brands that actually cater to your size with proper construction and design—not just scaled-up straight-size patterns.

The Fundamentals: Fit is Everything

I cannot stress this enough: fit trumps everything else. A £20 top that fits perfectly will always look better than a £200 designer piece that doesn't sit right on your body. The problem is that many high street brands still haven't cracked plus-size fit, which is why knowing which retailers truly understand curve construction is crucial.

Look for pieces with darts, princess seams, and proper shaping rather than just elastic waistbands. Marks & Spencer has genuinely improved their plus-size range with thoughtful tailoring that doesn't feel frumpy. Mango offers contemporary styles with European sizing that tends to run generous and includes proper curve-friendly cuts. For denim, ASOS Curve is brilliant—their ASOS Design Curve range offers on-trend styles at accessible prices, and their size range goes up to UK 30.

Proportion Play and Strategic Styling

Creating balance through proportion is styling 101, regardless of size. If you're wearing something voluminous on top, balance it with something more fitted on the bottom, and vice versa. High-waisted trousers paired with tucked-in or cropped tops create a defined waistline and elongate your legs.

Whistles does exceptional tailored trousers that work beautifully for plus sizes, with proper waistband construction that doesn't gap. Cos offers minimalist, architectural pieces that drape beautifully on curves—their structured cotton and linen blends are particularly flattering. For knitwear that skims rather than clings, White Stuff is a go-to with their quality fabrics and relaxed-but-not-baggy fits.

Fabric Matters More Than You Think

This is where I see people go wrong most often. Flimsy, clingy fabrics do nobody any favours. You want fabrics with structure and weight—ponte knits, quality denim with stretch recovery, crisp cotton, and structured jersey. These materials hold their shape, skim your curves, and create a polished silhouette.

Reiss offers premium fabrics with contemporary cuts that work beautifully on plus-size figures, particularly their tailoring and structured dresses. Jigsaw is another premium option with quality fabrics and considered design—their pieces are investment-worthy and last for years.

Brand Recommendations by Category

High Street Heroes: Beyond the brands I've mentioned, H&M Plus has really stepped up with trend-led pieces at great prices. River Island Plus offers fashion-forward styles that don't feel like an afterthought. For activewear that actually performs, Sweaty Betty has extended sizing with proper technical fabrics.

Premium Picks: Me&Em has become a favourite for elevated basics and sophisticated separates that genuinely work on curves—their sizing goes up to UK 24. For special occasions, Phase Eight offers elegant dresses with proper structure and beautiful fabrics.

Luxury & Designer: Max Mara creates timeless pieces with impeccable tailoring that accommodates curves beautifully, particularly their coats and suiting. The investment is significant, but the quality and fit are unparalleled.

Independent Gems: Anna Scholz is a London-based designer who specialises exclusively in plus-size fashion with stunning prints and figure-flattering cuts that celebrate curves. Navabi is a curated online boutique offering designer and contemporary plus-size fashion from brands worldwide—think of it as the Net-a-Porter for curves.

The Details That Make the Difference

Invest in proper undergarments. A well-fitted bra changes everything—get professionally fitted at least once a year. Seamless shapewear (if you want it) creates a smooth base, but it's not mandatory. Wear what makes you comfortable.

Vertical details like longline cardigans, vertical seams, and column dressing create length. Monochromatic looks are incredibly chic and elongating. Don't be afraid of bold prints—just ensure the scale works with your proportions. Smaller to medium prints often photograph better than very large prints, but there are no hard rules.

V-necks, scoop necks, and open necklines are universally flattering. Sleeves with structure (think three-quarter or bracelet length) are more polished than cap sleeves. Midi and maxi lengths are having a moment and look sophisticated on everyone.

Never Let Size Stop You From Style

The most important tip? Wear what you love. Fashion should be joyful, not restrictive. If you love a trend, try it. The biggest mistake I see is people waiting to "be a certain size" before investing in their wardrobe. Your life is happening now—dress for it.

Finding Your Perfect Fit with Tellar.co.uk

One of the biggest frustrations in plus-size shopping is inconsistent sizing across brands. What's a 16 in one shop is an 18 in another, and don't even get me started on "generous" or "small" sizing. This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes genuinely game-changing.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly. Here's how it works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or even your existing brand size. Then use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether it's Cos, Reiss, Mango, or any of the 1,500+ brands in their database. No more gambling with online orders or endless returns.

It's always free, requires no downloads, and works directly in your browser. For someone shopping across multiple brands with varying size charts, this is transformative. Check out their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide for comprehensive advice on measurements and fit.

The Tellar Fashion Hub is also brilliant—a library stacked with free posts from experienced stylists covering every fashion query imaginable. Want to know the best jean trends for 2026? Looking for the ultimate guide to dresses? Or need help with finding the perfect jacket? It's all there—honest, unbiased, independent, and always free.

Shopping for plus-size fashion should be exciting, not exhausting. With the right brands, proper fit, and tools like Tellar to navigate sizing chaos, building a wardrobe you love becomes so much easier. Now go forth and dress brilliantly.