Plus-Size Fashion Tips With a Body-Positive Attitude

Inclusive sizing offers even more options for curvy shapes

Lois Joy Johnson,

AARP

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Published April 03, 2025

two women with different articles of clothing

(From left) Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Poplin Midi Wrap Front Dress in Sapphire Gem Blue Broad Stripe; Ava & Viv Women’s Slim Fit 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck T-Shirt in Black Striped in size 1X; LL Bean Women’s Plus Pima Cotton Tee, Elbow Sleeve Boatneck in Dark Twilight Blue; Banana Republic Factory Women’s Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Cropped Pull-On Pant in Flax; Kiyonna Plus Gia Floral Midi Dress in Vibrant Garden Print

AARP (Lands’ End, Target, L.L. Bean, Banana Republic, Nordstrom)

Weight gain happens after 50. Oftentimes more pounds pile on than we expected. Though some women fight it and do everything from diets to Ozempic to regain their former size and shape, more women now acknowledge the slide from their old size to larger sizes and “plus” with a smile — but they worry about new fashion options. A third group simply accepts their new amplified body and buys the same clothes, only in larger sizes. How do I know? I’m a fashion editor, stylist and personal shopper for women over 50. From what I see and hear, many plus-size women have shifted their thinking from “I want to look thinner at any cost” to a healthy and happy “I just want to feel good and look great!” Here’s how you can, too.

different, dresses, shirts and accessories

(From left) L.L. Bean Women’s Plus Pima Cotton Tee, Elbow Sleeve Boatneck in Dark Twilight Blue; KUT from the Kloth Plus Meg Patch Pocket High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans in Optic White Plus.

AARP (L.L. Bean, Nordstrom)

1. Give your body, psyche and wardrobe a daily boost.

If you’re still hanging on to a rack of smaller-sized clothes for “when I lose the weight,” donate them ASAP. Seeing size 28 jeans and a bunch of size 10 dresses every time you open the closet is a downer. No one needs that kind of stress. Add to the gotta-go list: clothes that are so oversized, baggy or shapeless they offer no incentive to feel stylish, glamorous or cool.

Then, start shopping! Even a few new basics in your current size will make getting dressed delightful instead of a drag. You might try some fresh-looking boatneck tees like the L.L. Bean Women’s Plus Pima Cotton Tee, Elbow Sleeve Boatneck in Dark Twilight Blue, Dusty Purple or Raven Blue ($35, llbean.com), a pair of white jeans like Kut from the Cloth Plus Meg Patch Pocket High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans in Optic White Plus ($73, nordstrom.com) and a pastel cotton-gauze shirt like the Torrid Drop Shoulder Button-Down Shirt in Faded Rose, Mountain Spring or Dusk ($30, torrid.com) to get started.

(From left) Ava & Viv Women’s Slim Fit 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck T-Shirt in Black Striped in size 1X; Old Navy Women Long-Sleeve Mariner Loose T-Shirt in On Navy/White.

AARP (Target, Old Navy)

2. Go plus if and where you need it.

Are you a size 16/18, an XL or a 1X or 2X? Is it possible to wear a regular-size top and a plus bottom, or vice versa? Plus-size brands/sites and “size-inclusive” retailers whose sizing choices go from the numerical like 18 to letters like XL and then into plus designations like 1X are thoughtful, but there is some confusion. So let’s clarify things. Every “plus-size” body is different. You might be a true all-over plus-size or need the extra “plus” sizing to accommodate extreme curves.

Some women can wear a regular-size top but need a plus below the waist, and vice versa. Depending on the item and brand, you may even be able to wear an 18, L or XL size without going into plus sizing. This requires some due diligence. Remember, despite how your pounds are distributed, your body does not get taller, and your legs and arms do not get longer with weight gain. So decide on a sleeve, pants/dress/skirt length and style you prefer, as well as a neckline.

Next, consider the fit you like and that of the garment. Is it relaxed? Loose? Oversized? Or fitted? Check the size chart now included on most retail sites. Look at these three similar striped boatneck tees and their measurements and note the differences. The Old Navy Women Long-Sleeve Mariner Loose T-Shirt in On Navy/White ($15, oldnavy.gap.com) is roomy, and both sizes 2X and XXL (there is no 1X) accommodate a size 48 bust and a 42 waist. The J.Crew Women Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt in Stripe-Plus in Ivory Navy ($50, jcrew.com) is a relaxed fit, and size 1X/ XXL/18 works for a 46 bust and a 38 waist. The Ava & Viv Women’s Slim Fit 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck T-Shirt in Black Striped ($20, target.com) is a stretchy spandex blend that skims curves. Its 1X is said to equal a size 18, and accommodates a 47 bust and a 43 waist. It’s about 2 inches roomier than an XXL, which is described as a size 17.

(From left) West K Women’s Plus Jana Short Sleeve Knit Jumpsuit in Golden Yellow; Kiyonna Plus Gia Floral Midi Dress in Vibrant Garden Print; Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Chino Ankle Pants in Lilac Petal.

AARP (Target, Nordstrom, Lands’ End)

3. Get out of your fashion comfort zone.

Being a plus size doesn’t have to mean buying the same old familiar pieces year after year. While there are plenty of ordinary plus-size tees, pants and dresses, there are also trendier ones. Think about making more of a fashion statement that indicates you’re as interested in style as ever — or maybe for the first time in years. For example, the Universal Standard ComfortDenim Maxi Skirt in Western Blue Wash ($90, universalstandard.com) is a soft, shapely denim skirt that works as a jeans alternative (note this brand’s 16 is equal to an XL/1X, their 18 to 2X, and so on); the West K Women’s Plus Jana Short Sleeve Knit Jumpsuit in Golden Yellow or Burnt Orange ($43, target.com) is a stylish alternative to separates; and the Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Chino Ankle Pants in Lilac Petal or Berry Rouge ($39, landsend.com) would look amazing with any black or white top. All say a lot about your confidence level.

Most Popular

(From left) Lane Bryant Long-Sleeve V-Neck Dress in Multi-Floral; Simply Vera Vera Wang Plus Size Tie Front Midi Dress; Karl Lagerfeld Paris Plus Size Geo-Print A-Line Dress in Parfait Pink Multi.

AARP (Lane Bryant, Kohl’s, Macy’s)

4. Wear a colorful print dress to get compliments.

I know what you’re saying: “I’m 5-foot-2, a size 2X, and haven’t worn bright colors or a floral anything in years.” Or, “I thought wearing dark neutrals was my best strategy.” I often hear comments like these, though every woman follows up by asking, “What’s the most flattering print to buy?” There is nothing wrong with wearing solid black or navy, but a steady diet of those dark colors, or even beige or olive green, can be very dull. Many plus-size women find that wearing actual color and prints again (or for the first time!) is easiest with a dress. It’s guaranteed to win a compliment, too.

An all-over print that swirls around and keeps the eye moving and keeps it from landing on specific body spots you’d rather not emphasize. Add in some pink, red, blue or a garden-like swirl of pastels, and you can’t lose. Fit-and-flare styles like the Lane Bryant Long-Sleeve V-Neck Dress in Multi-Floral ($50, lanebryant.com) with balloon sleeves, shirtdresses like the Simply Vera Vera Wang Plus-Size Tie-Front Midi Dress ($60, kohls.com) in a splashy blue floral, and the Karl Lagerfeld Paris Plus-Size Geo Print A-Line Dress in Parfait Pink Multi ($125, macys.com) with a pleated skirt, will turn heads.

(From left) Old Navy Women V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top in Red Floral; Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Poplin Midi Wrap Front Dress in Sapphire Gem Blue Broad Stripe.

AARP (Old Navy, Lands’ End)

5. Define your waist to shape up fast.

Let’s be honest. Many women over 50 are skeptical about belts, believing they highlight a belly bulge. However, there are varying degrees of bulge. Those with a genuinely prominent tummy can skip this tip, but for everyone else, it’s worth considering! Clothing with waist definition can be a gift because it confirms that your bosom, midriff and tummy are separate entities instead of one blocklike unit. It also visually creates a more balanced hourglass effect.

One of the easiest ways to fake a waist comfortably is with a dress or top that has a shirred elastic waist, like the Old Navy Women V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top in Red Floral or Black Floral ($20, oldnavy.gap.com), and Ava & Viv Women’s Flutter Short Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress in Red ($35, target.com). It suggests a waist rather than cinching one, which is excellent for those with a slight indent, a flabby middle or no waist at all. Next up is a dress with a wrap or tie-waist like the Universal Standard Delilah Liquid Jersey Dress in New York Red or Forest Green ($148, universalstandard.com) and the Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Poplin Midi Wrap Front Dress in Sapphire Gem Blue Broad Stripe ($130, landsend.com). Both offer gentle definition but with more flexibility than a belt since there are no notches, and you decide how snug to go.

Banana Republic Factory Women’s Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Cropped Pull-On Pant in Flax.

AARP (Banana Republic)

6. Make untucked tops and loose pull-on pants your thing.

Everyone has days when they just can’t deal with showing their shape, whether plus-size or not. Maybe you feel bloated, have gained too many pounds on vacation, or have gotten lazy about exercise. However, for a growing group of fashion-minded plus-size women over 50, wearing loose, relaxed clothes has become their signature. And if you’re a “belly” person, this is an ideal answer too.

Make tunics like the Chico’s No Iron Linen Tunic in Indigo ($89, chicos.com) and roomy button-downs your replacements for tees. Swap leggings and zippered pants for straight or loose, flat-front pull-ons like Banana Republic Factory Women’s Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Cropped Pull-On Pant in White, Flax or Navy Stripe ($40 each, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com) (the XL is equivalent to a size 16, the XXL is equal to a size 20). And last, add no-waist dresses such as the Universal Standard Odeon Linen Shirtdress in Acai ($188, universalstandard.com) and the Maeve The Bettina Tiered Shirt Dress in Green Stripe- in Plus Size ($148, anthropologie.com) to your updates. They skim right over your front-and-center bulge … and ignore it.

(From left) LC Lauren Conrad Plus Size Flowy Maxi Dress; Agnes Orinda Women’s Plus Size Elastic Waist Boho A-Line Maxi Skirt in Beige.

AARP (Kohl’s, Target)

7. Go for the flow.

Have a yen for boho style that just doesn’t quit? Breezy midis and maxis give generous bodies ease and a romantic aesthetic. If it sounds too trendy for you, take another look. These are grown-up, sophisticated, wearable clothes, not the dramatic hippie-dippie looks and vintage-style tops dripping in ruffles on runways and social media.

Graceful dresses like the LC Lauren Conrad Plus Flowy Maxi Dress ($48, kohls.com) with an empire waist and billowy balloon sleeves, the Torrid A-Line Maxi Challis Dress in Classic Blue ($96, torrid.com) and Lane Bryant Lurex Shimmer Surplice Neck Maxi Dress in Multi Geo ($49, lanebryant.com), and flowy pull-on skirts like the Agnes Orinda Women’s Plus Size Elastic Waist Boho A-Line Maxi Skirt in Caramel or Beige ($37, target.com), will be perfect for the warm weather ahead.

(From left) Patricia Arquette; Lorraine Toussaint; Jennifer Coolidge; Monica Bellucci.

AARP (Getty Images, 4)

8. Make a fashion statement.

Lots of plus women have been hiding their shape and fashion enthusiasm for years. It’s one thing to wear blazers to polish up a tee and jeans, but is it more of a security blanket than a taste for tailoring? It’s also possible to live in a “home and errands” uniform of layered athleisure pieces because you love comfort. But when camouflaging is due to nothing but a lack of confidence in your body and clothes, you need a change.

I urge plus-size clients to get a little gutsier in their choices and ignore all the the do’s and don’ts in their head. You can wear white, metallic leather and sequins or cobalt blue instead of black; a black leather pencil skirt instead of black pants; or even a covered-up dramatic coat or coatdress when you choose. Take a cue from some stylish celebs who know that the only thing that matters is wearing the right underwear — and confidence in your own style.

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Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.