Something we need to discuss.

I'm posting this a little hesitantly because I don't really like to inflict my own personal style on people (No, seriously. I really don't. Unless they ASK... or if they read my blog, ask me about clothing in general, or mention clothing in my presence...) but there's something I'm pretty sick of seeing. Man, I wish plus size retailers would find a new thing to beat me over the head with.

This is an example from Target but this style is every. freakin. where. Basically, that whole print, empire waist, contrast hem, faux "kimono" look. I'm over it. I know I'm not alone, either. And you know what? I blame Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear for this one. The style is technically flattering on those who want to accent their bust and deemphasize other various body parts but COME ON.

This look is tired. TIRED.

To be fair, I'm not seeing as much of this style this season but still, it's over. Done! Because I said so. I think we're ready for a new look for all of the plus size retailers to jump on. This one was easy - empire waist, spotlight on the boobies, skim over the belly. I get it. In fact, I still like it in some incarnations. I'm sick of the crazy print + contrasting hem, mostly.

Overall, I'm just sort of bored in general and want new, fresh, fun styles. I know plus size retailers aren't as adventurous when it comes to trends but man, they sure leech onto a specific look when they realize that people will wear it. I just think they hold onto that look for too long. Let's move it along, people.

Comments

[joan]

I don't even want to say this for the fear that you won't like me, but, I still like the style, because it does work, at least for me. And I'm kind of glad it has stuck around for awhile, because my problem is I find something I like and then it just goes away.

Ok, with that said, I would still like to see something new come on down the pike.

[Courtney]

I'm not a fan of this look and if it's replaced with something new I will celebrate! These kinds of tops totally make me look like I'm pregnant.

[Erin]

I see this look and want to buy every freaking one I can get my hands on. Being a pear with a big butt, it works for me.

So I get as many as I can, for the years the current fad is for apples.

[lasheandra]

I thought I was the only one! I agree that this look is tired. When shopping for new tops, I skip over anything that looks like these. Which is unfortunate since we don't always have much to choose from. There has to be other flattering cuts for plus-size shoppers.

[Brittany]

oh agreed. and you're right not all versions are awful...it's the crazy print w/contrast hem that is just plain lame at this point. come to think of it, i'm not sure i was ever on board. i dare say, it's always looked a bit cheap to me.

[Nikki]

First off, I just discovered your blog and I LOVE it. Thank you for doing what you do.

Secondly, I whole heartedly agree! It'd be fine if those stupid black lines weren't there (like in the photo) and if it was just cut like this, but come ON. At least find a new fabric to use than that slinky stuff that just crawls on my skin. I will also look forward to some new styles!

[Carrie]

I love the empire waist, I am hippy and have a belly, so I feel like it lifts the eyes up instead of focusing on my lower half... having said that, the crazy prints have got to go. They're so tired and I find the material is a bit flimsy. It just kinda clings and hangs. The higher quality fabrics don't do that and fit better.

[Mary-Lynn]

Word. I hate that style. I hate it worse when it's in that shitty crinkly non-breathable fabric and/or comes with a tieback. The tieback is the favourite cop-out device of plus-size retailers. I'm not saying I don't one many of these kinds of tops but I've made a concerted effort in the last two years to avoid them as much as possible.

[dcsurfergirl]

This style is the reason I often wear classic fit jeans and plain black men's T-shirts and my black boots. Plus-size manufacturers and retailers have to do better.

[Heather]

Gawd, I hate this style. It was fine when I was pregnant, but now that I'm not pregnant - I don't want to look pregnant? As an apple shape, it's just a bad look for me.

[jenjen]

That shirt (and the hundreds like it) make me think that designers took the MuMu look and tried to update it instead of going back to the drawing board and creating something fresh.

I just hate the thick triangles encasing my boobs. So not stylish or chic. I'm surprised there are others that look good in this style, but hey, I'm glad someone looks good in them!

[gina]

YES.
the faux kimono needs to die already. The plus size sites and stores were late to the trend to begin with, and seem to be making up for their tardiness by inundating us with these horrible polyFester versions. "Don't worry! You can still buy one!" they seem to be saying. Meanwhile, I can't find a pretty cotton print dress in anything above size 12 for love nor money. Maybe in 2012 someone from LB will get hold of an anthropologie catalogue and attempt to recreate something in that.

With a back tie and wrap top. Because those are so much better than regular, you know, seams and tailoring.

[Kimocean]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I said the same thing about the dresses with those big black bands on a Manolo for the Big Girl blog but I didn't get much support.

I'm soooo tired of this look! I do like the shape of those tops and in a good quality material they can be very flattering but gosh darn it take off the big black band. Please, think of some other way to highlight that part of the body other than a big black line.

[Alicia]

I have never commented before (I am a long time lurker and love your blog!) but I HAVE TO chime in on this. I am so tired of cut! Even in solid colors. It struck me the hardest recently shopping at JC Penny. They have a brand or two that they cut in plus and straight size. The straight size is cute and trendy, while the plus size is it's empire waisted twin. Yuck.

The second trend I am sick of is the striped button down (I am talking to you Lane Bryant!). I cleaned out my closet a while back and did some serious shopping after I realized that I had collected enough of said striped button downs to wear one to work every day for 3 weeks.

All this has made me be a lot more discerning when I shop; even if it means I go home unhappy vs a little happy.

[Sarah]

Colleen, from your mouth to God's ears!!

I am so O.V.E.R. these tops when all I want are some classic lines and solid colors.

[Tamara]

All I can say is Amen!!!!!

[Lucy]

Hallelujah!

I too thought I was the only one. I have big boobs and a huge belly and I always look pregnant in those. It's painful.

[Geminic]

Long time lurker, first time commenter...

First of all, I absolutely adore this blog! I recommend it to my friends of all sizes, and find myself coming back to read older entries again and again when I need advice on what to wear for [insert occasion here].

But back to the entry at hand...AMEN! I hate hate hate this shirt in all of its incarnations. I received one for Christmas that was fairly flattering, but refuse to wear it out of sheer stubbornness. Ew. Ew. Ew.

[Constance]

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE -- especially about the "crazy print" part. Crazy, UGLY print, what's with that?

[S Marie]

I could never really get into it because I have large DDD cup bosoms, so they never really fit me! Plus, yea, they do make you look pregnant.