Growing up in the 90’s the standard of beauty was thin and thinner a look made famous by Kate Moss. Her body type was a blank canvas which was ideal for designers and runways to create their desired look. Though we had other beauties like Cindy Crawfrord, Naomi Campbell and of course Tyra Banks that could be considered curvy, many of their magazine covers were airbrushed portraying unattainable looks for models and the everyday woman. Retail fashion of the ’90s was experiencing much of the same. Popular fashions like Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more had many options for standard sizing but limiting for plus size options or none at all.

Until recently, a standard size run in stores included a size 0-10, sometimes a 12 which really excluded the curvy market. Extended sizes were sold only online and for some retailers, this is still the case. The term “plus size” is an inclusive yet exclusionary term because not all curvy bodies are created equal. Case in point, women with a curvy derriere wearing a size 10-18 pant could wear a size small/medium top. Then there is a body type like mine, I’m bustier on top usually wearing a 18-20/XXL top but I struggle with pants and jeans at a retailers like Lane Bryant and Torrid.

Lane Bryant made its debut in 1904 with designs for curvy women leading to the first retail store in New York and It paved the way for the current curvy brands. I appreciate the brand but in my opinion, Lane Bryant over the years has become stuck in their plus-sized looks except for the collaboration with Beauticurve. It was fresh, stylish, and well fitting. Torrid, the polar opposite of Lane Bryant offers every trend in curvy yet still missing key elements for curvy fashionistas.

As fashion continues to embrace natural beauty and bodies, I want to share with you some of my favourite places to shop for curvy fashions:

J.Crew: I love this brand! Most of you know that I worked for the brand for 10 years and I saw the company go through many design changes but I was so excited when the iconic brand announced that it will be more size-inclusive offering sizes 00-24.

Eloquii has captured the essence of fashion (where I feel other brands have missed the mark). The brand is romantic, sexy, professional, and fashion-forward while being classic and true to size. I appreciate this brand and I’ve added many pieces; I find the brand to be a bit expensive but worth the investment.

Hologen at Norstrom: The brand is perfectly classic and essential pieces for every wardrobe. Their blouses, tanks, and v-necks hit the perfect length without being too revealing especially if you’re busty.

SHEIN: If you know, then you know. The brand offers very bold, trendy, and fashion-forward pieces. The curvy portion of the brand provides endless options at insanely low prices. I do recommend reading the reviews before purchase and Don’t wait too long, pieces sell out quickly.

I occasionally shop at Ann Taylor and Loft but I don’t own many pieces because the brand’s sizing can be inconsistent from season to season and year to year. Also, the news that Loft will be eliminating their plus collection and only carrying up to an 18 is upsetting eliminating a popular option for many.

Curvy fashions continue to grow and many designers have expanded their collections to include plus sizes and offer more variety to all beautiful bodies.