Plus Size Style to Look Out for in 2012

Guest post by Katie Theisinger

Okay, with the holiday season and the sales safely out of the way, it’s time to look forward to what 2012 will bring us, fashion wise. Over the last few years, we’ve finally seen the fashion industry start to come to terms with the idea that larger women don’t want to wear floral tents, thank you very much, and as a result there’s a good deal more happening on the plus-size fashion stage for you to keep your eye out for.

Firstly, celebrated UK plus-size retailer Evans launched evansusa.com in October this year, so if you haven’t checked out their range yet, shame on you. There’s a good mix of basics alongside more eye-catching look-at-me pieces; and they’re claiming to add over a hundred new styles a week. We particularly like the leaf print maxi dress… it’s bright and bold without being too in-your-face, and cut well to flatter the curvier figure.

Meanwhile, Swedish high street retailer H&M has announced that it will be launching a small plus-size range in 2012 – and not before time. Called ‘Inclusive’, the range will feature 20 pieces including party dresses, skirts, tops and lingerie and will be in stores from the start of March this year – although that’s only in Europe: ladies on the other side of the pond will have to look elsewhere for inspiration.

And staying international, 2012 will almost certainly be the year to look out for Aussie plus-size label Damn You Alexis. The Sydney-based fashion house is claiming to put ‘young, fashionable and chic first’ and ‘plus size second’ – and so far it’s gaining a reputation for being stylish, bold and eclectic, and certainly never boring; so look out for a great new influence on the plus-size fashion scene.

The Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk shows have had some interesting highlights, too. For one thing, fashion is staying fun in 2012 for all sizes of women, with bright colours continuing to feature (think teal, tangerine, raspberry and plum), alongside some big prints, both floral and geometric. Add faux fur and 1920s fringing and beading to the mix, and there’s a lot of looks to play with.

All in all, 2012 looks like being a good year for plus-size fashion. There’s something to tempt every taste, whether your preference is coloured skinny jeans or the brilliant wide leg trouser, boyfriend blazers and tuxedos or softer more feminine waterfall knits. Get out there and see what you can find!

Katie Theisinger writes on behalf of Café La Moda, the online style shop, home to all the latest fashion and beauty products to leave you looking and feeling fabulous.