Plus Size Designers Before...

For many decades, curvier women were prominently left out by clothes designers. They just had to make do with whatever clothing was available on the market or make their own custom clothes with the help of boutiques and individual tailors. Just a few years back, it was very difficult for larger women to find plus size designer outfits.

Plus Size Designers Now...

Today, designers have woken up and have sensed the slumbering potential of the plus size clothing market. Many top brands today are capitalizing on this opportunity and making profits by selling a variety of designer plus size clothes.

 Today there are a few select shops where you can find plus size designer clothes from designers like Marina Rinaldi, Elena Miro and Gayla Bentley.

Designers take pains to accentuate the positive attributes of plus size women and adjust the fit of designer plus size outfits in such a manner that they are comfortable while still being elegant and highly fashionable.

Designer Plus Size Clothing is Expensive?

There are a very few online stores catering exclusively to designer plus size clothes, one of which is La Grande Dame. While their clothes are fairly "cost intensive", you are paying for exquisite design, workmanship and material that will last for a long time.  You aren't likely to see every plus size woman in the office or at an event wearing the same clothes as you, as often happens when you shop at Target or OneStopPlus. 

High quality designer plus size clothes are generally also made to last many seasons, making a seemingly expensive item actually quite price-worthy in terms of Cost Per Wear (CPW).  A dress that may cost you $40 and that you only wear three times is a lot more expensive than a designer piece for $200 that makes you feel great and gets worn 30 times within 2 or 3 years. The cheaper dress would have a CPW of about $13, while the designer dress would have a CPW of about $6.50.

One of our favorite ways to save money is to invest in your basics and buy cheaper "trendy" items that will only be worn one season.  Buy the best quality basics you can afford because these will take you from one season to the next and be true friends for years to come.

Here are a few designers that make high fashion plus size clothing that we feel are high quality and long wearable clothes that we consider great basic pieces. 

This gorgeous Argon Cardi is made of lightweight silk, wool and cashmere and is from Marina Rinaldi's Voyage Line. It looks beautifully pulled together with slacks and a blouse for work and is right on trend and fun with jeans and a fun top. This cardigan has side drawstrings for a fun, ruched look, plus it is infinitely adjustable.

This is the perfect work dress! This ponte knit dress by Melissa Masse is very comfortable, but also takes the place of a pant suit when paired with the matching jacket. The flattering boat neck and 3/4 sleeve ensure a business like, yet fun, suit.

This Acchille Black Overcoat is by Marina Rinaldi and is a fantastic investment piece. Trench coats never go out of style but are a definite must have piece this spring. This overcoat has a classic trench shape with removable belt, making it wearable season after season.

These great wide leg pants from Gayla Bentley are flattering and fun, and go with everything in your wardrobe. Plus, they wash and hang dry like a dream, making them ideal for travel.