If you want a great selection of plus-size clothing, then you need to shop online. Not only will your selection be greater, but it is a life hack for us who struggle with a chronic illness. Clothes shopping for someone living with a chronic illness is just another daily task most people take for granted.
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I remember the days when shopping was fun and a bonding experience to hang out and spend time with my mom, my sister, and my friends. Shopping no longer brings joy. I have a small reserve of energy each day and I have too many other things I prioritize over keeping myself stylishly dressed.
But, even if I could walk and shop for hours, my selection of stylish plus-size clothes is greatly limited in brick and mortar stores. Online shopping has become my newest girlfriend I seem to hang out with.
Have you heard of Stitch Fix?
Of course you have!
I LOVE the idea of a styling service with a subscription box delivered right to your door! Stitch Fix has been all the rage for the last few years, but for a while, there were no companies that offered this service for plus-size women.
Stitch Fix, for a long time, did not offer a woman’s plus-size option. But when they did, I quickly jumped on the bandwagon.
I was still skeptical that someone whom I have never met in person could do a better job at choosing flattering styles for me than I could myself.
You see, I am plus size but I am also really short. I have a high waistline and not much room between my neck and shoulders–Very compact I am. (That is a Yoda reference by the way.) Not that I look like Yoda, just that is the way he speaks.
Although . . as I am writing this . . . I am realizing that the description at the beginning of this paragraph actually does sound like I am describing Yoda—minus the wrinkles and the green skin of course (although I will be turning 40 soon).
In my opinion, plus-size clothing is mostly designed by people who don’t truly understand the unique needs of a plus-size figure.
Watch this video to see what I thought about my first Stitch Fix Style Box!
PROS: (What I expected from A styling Service)
- Reduce (and possibly eliminate) the time spent clothes shopping
- Receive the advice and expertise of a professional stylist
- Know exactly what styles flatter your figure
- Never again have to worry about wearing clothes that are “out of style”
- Step “outside of your box” and try new things
CONS: (What I Thought about my Stitch Fix Experience)
- The personal style “profile” was too general. I feel that for a stylist to understand my needs and desires the questions used need to be more specific and descriptive. I think that could be why the items sent to me were not anything I would have picked out for myself.
- The different body shape options were too broad and I was confused as to which one best suited me.
- I expected the styles chosen for me would take into account my height–the jeans were not anywhere near petite in length
- Certain popular styles do not flatter all body shapes
- The quality of the clothing was average
Verdict:
To be completely honest, I decided to send everything back. I definitely think I do a better job of selecting clothes that flatter me. I’m also pretty darn good at finding great deals when shopping online. The quality of the clothing in my first Stitch Fix subscription box was the same as what I find at Kohl’s and JcPenney. I was definitely “sticker shocked” when I looked at the invoice.
The good news is that there are more plus-size styling companies offering competitive subscription styling services popping up–Dia & Company, Gwynnie Bee, and more. Dia & Co. is next on my list of services to try. (Updated: A Candid Review of Dia and Company Plus-Size Subscription Box & Styling Service). Something tells me that a company focused only on plus-size women, will provide a more customized “style profile.” I certainly hope that the personal stylists have a better handle on flattering styles for curvy women.
I found this great article from the Huffington Post that gives an overview and rundown of the top “7 Plus-Size Subscription Boxes for Curvy Women.”
P.S. Check out my friend, Jo Ann’s FREE STYLE GUIDE– Her timeless style tips apply to all shapes and sizes and literally never go ‘out of style.” You can find her blogging about fashion and so much more over at, No Guilt Mom.
