Only 10 days ago, teen dream brand rue21 announced the launch of their plus-size line, rue+. And today another trendy, loved-by-twentysomethings-everywhere brand has jumped onto the fuller-figured bandwagon: Missguided. The UK-based retailer specializes in on-trend fashion, much like a Forever21 or Wet Seal would. But they take those trends to whole new levels, and as of now, to whole new sizes.
New Yorkers tend to deem themselves the clothing gods of the world, but I've always been partial to British fashion. High street retailers will still use and re-use those seasonal trends exploding all over the world -- at the moment, they include things like grandpa cardigans, faux fur and co-ord sets -- but they will give them a more relaxed feel. Something about the way the English do clothes has a casualness to it that Americans can't quite nail (which probably says a lot more about cultural differences, to be honest), and Missguided is a perfect example of that fact.
Whether dealing with bodycons, velvet dresses or plaid, Missguided does an amazing job at creating transitional day-to-night wear. In a way, they really get millennials. They know we're used to more relaxed working environments, for instance, where jeans and skater dresses are the norm, but that we are still able to achieve a high level of professionalism and grown-up-ness regardless of that preference. They know that many of us like to feel on-trend, but not in a constricting or linear or boring way. Essentially, Missguided produces the best of both worlds: trendiness and relaxing apparel.
Though I'm personally not one for up-to-the-minute trend-following, I always appreciate when a brand realizes the importance of size inclusivity and, in turn, takes the plunge of expanding their range. The initial, 66 piece collection will be sold in sizes 12-20, at prices ranging from $18-95. So it's a budget-friendly, trend-lover's heaven, basically.
As more and more brands turn to expanding their size ranges, whilst more and more plus-size fashion bloggers gain global recognition and more and more men and women proclaim their fat pride or desires for size acceptance, it's becoming increasingly more necessary for the fashion industry to respond. And luckily, there are a lot of retailers who realize this (granted, there are still plenty that don't. But these things take time).
So what's THE BEST part of this collection, you ask? Well, unlike a lot of brands that decide to incorporate a plus range, but don't give that plus range the same quality and trendiness of its straight-size counterpart, Missguided Plus's line incorporates all the greatest bits of the company's fashion -- from skin-tight dresses to fierce patterns and prints. There's a lot of curve-lovin' going around, and I'm digging it.
Here are some of my favorite items thus far:
Paint Splash Print Crop Top, $29, missguidedus.com; Paint Splash Print Midi Skirt, $38, missguidedus.com
Selfie Slogan Tee, $25, missguidedus.com
Lace Print Tapered Trousers, $45, missguidedus.com
Velvet Wrap Dress Oxblood, $57, missguidedus.com
Bardot Bodysuit, $25, missguidedus.com
Double Zip Collarless Coat, $82, missguidedus.com
Images: Misguided
