Finally, a Plus-Size Collection We Love

Finally, a plus-size collection that's definitely not an afterthought. Lane Bryant teamed up with designer Isabel Toledo to create a line of dresses and separates, and we could not be more pleasantly surprised by the results. The lookbook reveals some simply stunning pieces.

Isabel Toledo x Lane Bryant is full of lovely designs that any woman would be happy to wear regardless of her size. There are sexy black dresses, a lace bolero, a super cool vest tunic, and a gold-tone embroidered eyelet trench. Curiously missing, however, are the ugly oversized garments that Lane Bryant and similar stores usually carry. Hm, I guess someone has figured out that women size 12 and above don't want to hide their bodies behind shirts the shape of belted shower curtains. The memo's out.

This collection is elegant, featuring clothing that shows off the body instead of attempting to cover it up. There are bodycon silhouettes and close-fitting jackets. Even the loose-fitting wares are sexy and flattering. The designs are mature without being matronly, which is something of a miracle in the world of plus-size fashion, where most designs are hideously juvenile or extremely dated.

Plus-size fashion is frequently not taken seriously by mainstream brands, resulting in the existence of stores like Lane Bryant. While we'd love to see the term "plus-size" totally abolished from the collective vocabulary, it's here to stay for a while. But at least we can see a slow shift towards better quality fashion for these women deemed plus-size by the industry. Toledo's collection is one great example, as is the re-launch of the fashion-forward brand Eloquii, which caters exclusively to women size 14 and up.

Cheers to an evolution in plus-size fashion. Isabel Toledo x Lane Bryant will be available March 17, but for now check out some items from the collection below.

Images: Lane Bryant