DD age 22 is size 16W-18W. Where to buy clothes?

[Anonymous]

Samantha jo on YouTube not sure what size but she is similar age and dresses quite cute

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thank you all for the suggestions. We appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so, not pushing Talbots. Really. But Talbots is one of the few stores that will always have 16W -18W in stock, in styles that will be appropriate for a third interview. Many of the other more age appropriate, fashionable stores will have very little in that size range actually in stock — and that’s before dealing with body type. Macy’s will have some options, but the chances of finding something well-made and fashion forward when you need it tomorrow are slim. Torrid will have options— but is probably not the greatest choice for interview clothes.

I hope the DD is never in that kind of a pinch. If she is, though, I hope she has a list of options where she can actually try things on if she needs to.

Been there — done that, really missing Lord and Taylor.

Really Really missing Salon Z, but that’s for another thread.

Yes, totally agree. No, it's not super fashionable but it is a retailer where you can walk out the door with polished-looking work clothes in plus sizes. It has definitely saved me on occasion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thank you all for the suggestions. We appreciate it!

I the PP who recommended StitchFix, and I encourage you to try it! A friend at work who shares a similar body type as me turned me on to it, and I’ve been using StitchFix for over two years now. It takes a few tries for them to figure out your fit, but they really know how to fit larger women (and they have the clothes to do it). I have very large breasts, and no other company has been able to fit a blazer on me except StitchFix. I got some really nice work clothes (blouses, pants, jackets, dresses), and now I’m focusing on casual wear. I feel so much more professional now than before!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am so, not pushing Talbots. Really. But Talbots is one of the few stores that will always have 16W -18W in stock, in styles that will be appropriate for a third interview. Many of the other more age appropriate, fashionable stores will have very little in that size range actually in stock — and that’s before dealing with body type. Macy’s will have some options, but the chances of finding something well-made and fashion forward when you need it tomorrow are slim. Torrid will have options— but is probably not the greatest choice for interview clothes.

I hope the DD is never in that kind of a pinch. If she is, though, I hope she has a list of options where she can actually try things on if she needs to.

Been there — done that, really missing Lord and Taylor.

Really Really missing Salon Z, but that’s for another thread.

Yes, totally agree. No, it's not super fashionable but it is a retailer where you can walk out the door with polished-looking work clothes in plus sizes. It has definitely saved me on occasion.

+1. I use Talbots for basics like black work pants, neutral shells/shirts. I devote my fashion instincts and budget to other items to pull an outfit together. Maybe thats a cool top/sweater/layering piece from Anthropologie and nice shoes with a pop of color.

[Anonymous]

Most clothing items at Banana Republic go up to size 20 online. Lots of options for blouses, blazers, etc.

H&M's XXL or XL should fit her. Many of their items run large (especially their coats). H&M also carries a lot of plus sizes on their website.

J Crew offers most of their clothes in all sizes online (misses through plus sizes). Their stores have a smaller size selection though.

Ralph Lauren sells "Woman" sizes on their website. They have some cute shorter skirts that look great for the office. They also have sweaters, blouses, dresses, and pants. These are different (and pricier) from the RL items at stores like Macys.

Mango's website has lots of plus size pieces for young professionals.

Eileen Fisher for pants. The site says that the Friendship Heights store carries size 1x. Some Nordstrom locations carry plus sizes. Their clothes tend to run one size larger than other stores, so an XL may fit. They also have some cropped sweaters she may like.

Calvin Klein dresses and skirts from Macys. Calvin Klein fit-and-flare dresses tend to have a very flattering cut for hourglass or pear shapes.

Ann Klein blouses and blazers from Macys.

Boden for summer dresses. They also have nice skirts. Nordstrom doesn't carry the full size range so you need to shop from the Boden website.

Universal Standard is popular but as a 22 year old, Banana Republic, Mango, H&M, and J Crew seem more appropriate.

Snag Tights make the most comfortable plus size hosiery and tights. I've never tried their clothing but their tights are super comfortable. Their sheer hose is not as comfortable as the tights but still better than any other brand I've tried.

Elomi bras as the best. Nordstrom has some. Others can be purchased online. A great fitting bra makes such a difference.

Kiyonna for wrap dresses. Order directly from the Kiyonna website.

For jeans, look at Madewell, J Crew, and NYDJ. Madewell stores usually carry one style of jeans in every size.

Sezane sweaters go up to XXXL.

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Tommy Hilfiger carries plus sizes. Check Macys and the website. Many of their XL blazers may fit her.

Search YouTube and Instagram for "midsize" to see the latest purchases from women sized 14-18. That will give you some ideas.

Ralph Lauren cotton pajamas (in plus sizes) are my favorite. Macys sells these on their website, as do stores like HerRoom.com and Bare Necessities. You didn't ask about PJs but I thought I'd mention it.

For swimwear, I love Elomi and Swimsuits for All.

For winter coats, look at Ralph Lauren or J Crew. H&M has some stylish coats in the Pike & Rose store right now.

[Anonymous]

I would also check out the plus section at JCPenney for work basics. I think they have a good price point for someone starting out and who may need to buy a bunch of options at one time.

I'm an avid StitchFix customer, so I think signing up to help supplement a mix of casual and business would be great on a monthly basis. But, it sounds like she may need a major store purchase to get her started faster than ramping up with SF.

My strategy is once you find a great pair of pants that fit your body well (hard to find regardless of body size!), buy them in multiple colors!

[Anonymous]

I'll add J.Jill carries sizes through 4X in their regular line, and in stores they have up through 2X, which is almost certainly bigger than your daughter needs. Their style is very much like Eileen Fisher but much more affordable and much less scratchy wool, more comfortable washable things. If you're near Friendship Heights, you can look at Talbots Plus and Eileen Fisher and JJill right next to each other.

[Anonymous]

With ED recovery in the mix, I wonder if you can order a bunch of things and try on at home.

It is a huge amount of effort, but encountering lots of cute things that aren’t available in your size at store after store may be difficult. Also dressing rooms are pretty terrible for everyone.

If you are in a huge hurry and have a tight budget for work clothes, the Talbots outlet in Springfield used to have a lot of in stock options.

I like Talbots suiting because they have the same fabrics colors that cross the regular/ plus size boundary. So I can get a size 12 jacket and size 18 curved pants in the same suit fabric. I am in a conservative field, so I always need navy and black suits.

[Anonymous]

OP here. That’s what I am doing - ordering a lot on line and will do lots of returns. Shopping in person is triggering for her. I was hoping to also I’m person by myself because sometimes the ordering can be slow and she’s only home for a few days. I’m so grateful for everyone’s help. Thank you again.

[Anonymous]

Lane Bryant had good basics in these sizes. Also Macys & Lands End.

[Anonymous]

Swimsuits for all - Ashley graham for swimwear (if that fits in with casual clothing needs). They’re very flattering and have a huge range of size options.

[Anonymous]

Lane Bryant in Rockville skews older with styles but they have everything in stock and the sales ladies are very warm and attentive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. That’s what I am doing - ordering a lot on line and will do lots of returns. Shopping in person is triggering for her. I was hoping to also I’m person by myself because sometimes the ordering can be slow and she’s only home for a few days. I’m so grateful for everyone’s help. Thank you again.

So glad that’s the plan. This is going to sound a little silly, but a few rolling clothes racks and it can feel like a little boutique. If she has a good fashionable friend, they can be a great help too.

My mom did this for me and it was an huge help. She didn’t let me see the sizes of clothes I tried on. She had a friend who was a gifted seamstress come and clip/ pin for alterations. They really helped me realize how crazy clothes sizing really is.

Also a giant “Nope” bag or basket helps make it easier to remove the failures.

ED recovery is tough.

[Anonymous]

StitchFix won’t read as fashionable for a young 20s kid. It’s very “millennial mid-30s mom” vibe. Have her check out Taryn Truly for fit and style inspo.