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TIPS FOR SHOPPING AS A PLUS WOMAN // + where to shop plus sizes in Atlanta

Ashley Dorough

TOP | HAT | EARRINGS | JEANS | SHOES

Whether you’re local or just visiting, I get asked this question a lot: Where do I go shopping in Atlanta if I am above a size 14?! Below I’ve rounded up the best places to shop in the area. I’ve also listed several brands that I love that unfortunately do not sell in store, but are worth looking around online.

Shopping, especially as a woman above a size 14, can be extremely frustrating. I’m sharing a few of my tips on how to make your shopping experience a little more enjoyable, and hopefully fall back in love with dressing yourself!

TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN-STORE:

  1. Manage your expectations. Don’t go shopping expecting to find a million things that you love, because the truth is… no matter what your body looks like, that isn’t most people’s reality.

  2. Remember that all brands and designers cut their clothing differently. So if a size 16 is too small, but it normally fits… quit taking it so personal! Size up and call it a day. It’s actually not the end of the world and no one cares about that number but you… cut out the tag if it bothers you so much. Buy the size that fits. The most triggering thing ever is when clothing is too tight.

  3. OPTIONS! Gather all the options you see… and if you’re iffy about a size, take both.

  4. If you leave the store without anything, you know what? It just wasn’t your store. And that, my love, is not your problem. It’s theirs.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING ONLINE:

I prefer shopping online because there are soooo many more options out there.

  1. Order. A. Lot. And know you’re going to return most of it. Do not put all of your faith in one pair of pants and a top - you’re setting yourself up to be disappointed if both of those things don’t work.

  2. Do your research - follow bloggers that have similar tastes and body shapes as you, read the reviews online about fit.

  3. Again, remember that if nothing works… it’s not your problem. It’s theirs.

Loft

Locations:

  • Atlantic Station: 260 18th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363, 404-249-9180

  • Perimeter Mall: 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346, (770) 604-3367

  • Mall of Georgia

  • Alpharetta

Eloquii

Location:

  • Lenox Square: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Square Suite 4060, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 220-9370

Anthropologie

Location - the only store that carries the A Plus line is at the Avalon, but they have an amazing selection

  • Avalon: 4180 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (678) 248-5499

Levi’s

Location:

  • Avalon: 8140 Avalon Blvd #8140, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (678) 266-6221

Torrid

You don’t see me talk about this brand often anymore because, honestly I’ve found I’m not very happy with the quality of the items I have gotten from them for the price. However, it is across from the Loft at Perimeter Mall if you want to stop in!

Online-Only:

  • Madewell: While they don’t carry plus size in stores, Madewell’s Extended Sizes page offers a great selection of clothing sizes 16-24. I wear a 35 in their denim and 3x on top.

  • J. Crew and J. Crew Factory - Classic pieces are a must if you want to pull together your wardrobe and get the most bang for your buck. Some of my absolute favorite pieces are from J Crew, but you might not realize it because of how it’s styled. I just really love the quality and uniqueness. Note - always size up. Their tops run small and short.

  • H&M - I am going to do a haul try on here soon - sizing can be tricky, but I love the styles and price point

  • ModCloth: LOVE this brand, and they totally fulfill my vintage vibes I could never find when I was younger because of my size. They’re one of the MOST size inclusive brands out there.

  • ASOS: I love this store for unique pieces and basics! The price point is generally very affordable and their next day shipping is legit.

  • Anthropologie: If you don’t have a store nearby that carries APLUS - the selection online is amazing. They offer free returns for plus sizes too.

  • Universal Standard: They carry sizes 00-40 which is incredible. I have a pair of the denim and I LOVE IT.

  • Good American: I love this denim, and they carry 00-24.

  • AMERICAN EAGLE: I love a lot of their jeans and the AERIE line… I can wear xl-xxl in their tops! Usually a size 20 in denim.

GET THIS LOOK:

JEANS - wearing a size 20 in American Eagle

TOP - wearing 2X

SHOES - use code LTD1377 for 20% off - believe it or not these are super easy booties to slip on and actually extremely comfortable