Fashion
From Miss Piggy To Mercedes Jones, Here Are 11 Plus Size Characters Whose Wardrobes I Would Love to Raid Right Now
When it comes to media portrayal of plus-size women and men, the fact is that we are rarely depicted positively. On the occasions we are actually featured, we generally fall into one of three categories: the undesirable best friend; the designated "comic relief"; or worse, a headless torso on a fat body — usually in accompaniment to articles on obesity. In the end, this constant negative depiction has a hugely detrimental effect on our body image as individuals.
There seems to be a misconception out there that giving a fat character a positive role is somehow "glorifying obesity," which would obviously be the worst thing ever. But whenever anyone is accused of committing this heinous crime, chances are that what they are actually doing is simply living their lives, without being limited by size or weight.
For me, it's incredibly important to see positive plus-size role models in my everyday life. I want characters who show young people that they can do or be anything that they want regardless of body type. When I was growing up, this was something I felt was truly lacking in the mainstream media. And although I'm glad to say that things appear to be improving (as the characters in this slideshow will prove, as well as the plus-size celebrities out there who are doing awesome things), things could always be better.
But today, I would like to celebrate those plus-size icons who TURN. IT. OUT. So here are 11 of my favorite fictional fatties, with highly covetable wardrobes to boot.
Miss Piggy, "The Muppets"
I don’t think I have ever seen Miss Piggy in an ensemble that could be described as anything less than fabulous. This porcine diva is a style icon; this is not up for debate! There is simply no trend too daring for the fatshionista: furs, sequins, netting, lamé — she’s worn it all.Migg Piggy oozes so much glamour and wonderful sex appeal that it’s hardly surprising that Kermit has never been able to resist her womanly charm.
B. Jones, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason"
She’s a sex goddess with a very bad man between her thighs, and a glorious sheer, black, transparent shirt in her wardrobe (plus a few pairs of big knickers, of course). Bridget can rock ski-wear, bunny outfits and even ugly Christmas sweaters.
Image: Working Title Films
Pam Poovey, "Archer"
Pam is the indisputable queen of twin sets and pearls. Her 50s-inspired style speaks straight to my heart, and if left to my own devices, I could dedicate huge amounts of my time to searching for clothes that emulate her animated garments.
Now if only I could master that perfect, no-hair-out-of-place chignon…
Image: FX Productions
Queenie, "American Horror Story"
Queenie has the cutest collection of tees and tank tops I have ever seen. She loves both pictorial and typographic shirts and her leather gillet is perfection (particularly with 90s trends being back in vogue). And don’t even get me started on her all-black witching ensemble.
Image: Twentieth Century Fox Television
Tracey and Edna Turnblad, "Hairspray"
The Turnblads are probably my most favourite on-screen family of all time. EVER. Tracey is pure body-pos inspiration from head to toe. And don’t underestimate how hard it is to get hair that high! I [almost] dressed as her once for Halloween, but couldn’t even attempt to compete with that beehive.
Edna, on the other hand, starts out a little frumpy. But a visit to the Hefty Hideaway and she is transformed into the most glamorous housewife in Baltimore.
Image: New Line Cinema
Mercedes Jones, "Glee"
Mercedes Jones has an incredible voice, and the wardrobe to match! She is not afraid of strong colors, bold prints, fitted garments or, well, anything. For this, I salute her.
Image: FOX
Ursula, "The Little Mermaid"
OK, so you could argue that Ursula only has one outfit when in her tentacled form. But isn’t it gorgeous?! I mean, the thing I love most about her is her sense of style. Ursula wears a strapless, low-backed, skin-tight, shiny-like-latex dress, and she is easily the sexiest villain in the history of Disney.
Image: Walt Disney Pictures
Pepper Walker, "Cry-Baby"
Pepper Walker may be a teenage delinquent with two small children and Iggy Pop for a stepfather, but her rockabilly look is not to be sniffed at. Pepper is never seen without a bright red lip, winged eyes and a leather jacket. Squares, beware.
Image: Universal Pictures
Fat Amy/Patricia, "Pitch Perfect"
This list would not be complete without Fat Amy (or Fat Patricia). From her gorgeous turquoise pumps paired with that black mini skirt (perfect for mermaid dancing; it’s a lot of floor work) to her head-to-toe pink workout ensemble, she is truly a style icon. Amy/Patricia even looks great in her stuffy Barden Bellas uniform, which is no simple feat. Plus, her hair is always perfectly coiffed.
Image: Brownstone Productions
Roseanne
So, this is kind of a wildcard. Perhaps there aren’t many who would include Roseanne in this line-up, but hear me out! Considering 90s trends are making a comeback, her wardrobe would be an absolute treasure trove of oversized sweaters, plaid shirts and big scrunchies. Dan is a lucky, lucky man.
Image: Paramount Television
