Tara Jane Style

Don’t get me wrong, being plus sized in our society has never been “easy,” but over the last decade there have been MANY strides towards better representation. Models like Tess Holiday and Ashley Graham have become household names, there has finally been a public outcry of the body shaming icons like Britney Spears have experienced and there are celebrities like Khloe Kardashian that have not only been very vocal about their body journey but have gone on to create clothing lines that ARE inclusive. In addition, there is a plethora of trendy, plus size, online retailers making plus size fashion both attainable and affordable and the cherry on top is that many of the big brand names, brand names that I was foaming at the mouth over as a child, have also expanded their size offerings.

On the flip side, many of these big brands have also been losing profit share over the years so tapping into the plus size market is a no-brainer. Especially when you take into account social media cancel culture and the public outcry for inclusivity and mental health advocacy. To stay relevant, these brands NEEDED to “reinvent themselves” as inclusive…but to say that everything is rainbows and butterflies in the fashion world is a lie.

For many of these brands the idea of “inclusion” means only up to an XXL (US 18) or by offering a “curve” line where only certain designs are available in extended sizing and nine times out of ten those curve lines are only available online.

The message to me seems pretty clear: They will resentfully design us pockets as long as our money lines theirs.

In 2023, the plus size clothing market was valued at $288 billion and is projected to reach over $500 billion by 2033 (source). Curvy women have such an untapped purchasing power and we deserve so much more than the bare minimum.

With the rise of today’s weight loss drugs, drugs that to be completely honest are an answer to many of my own silent, middle of the night tear-streaked prayers, we’ve already started to notice a pivot in online messaging.

Many brands have ceased using plus size models to market their products. Notably, Felicity Howard counted only 31 plus size models out of 3000 during 2023 fashion week. THIRTY ONE out of THREE THOUSAND! We’re also subjected to celebrities like Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member, Heather Gay, who started taking these drugs and is now out there making public statements about body positivity being a lie, and I’ve seen a shift of many of the influencers I, personally, follow go from creating body positive messaging to now focusing on sharing their weight loss or “health journey” content.

The irony, which is not lost on me, is that body positivity means being supportive of all bodies, including these. I do not CARE that these influencers are losing weight. I, unlike many, don’t feel betrayed, because I support EVERYONE in the body they’re in.

Body positivity to me is being POSITIVE about BODIES. Bodies PLURAL. Not just a specific size or type of body. ALL BODIES.

People grow, shrink, and change, and I think that the body you’re in, at whatever size, deserves to be revered for the literal miracles of science it performs everyday.

In 2024, it’s going to be more important than ever to practice self love. To fight for representation of not only your body, but everyone else’s.

“You define beauty for yourself, society doesn’t define your beauty.”

– Lady Gaga

In closing: 2024 isn’t hopeless. Don’t ever forget that beauty isn’t a number and style isn’t a size. No one but you defines your worth.

Tips for practicing self love:

• Be present in your feelings
• Take news and social media breaks when you need to
• Tell people in your life that they’ve offended you when they have
• Write to brands that don’t have your size letting them know you’d love them to carry it
• Practice self love

Later this month I’ll be sharing my favorite places to shop for inclusive fashion so make sure you’re subscribed to be notified!

UPDATE: You can find my 10 favorite plus size brands and 5 runner ups here.

XOXO, Tara