Finding trendy clothes that make you look and feel fabulous when you're over 50 can be tricky at the best of times. Throw being plus size into the mix and it gets so much harder. For years, plus size clothing for over 50s has been limited to select styles and colours that haven't necessarily been made with a larger body in mind. Fast forward to 2023, and while the fashion industry has a long way to go to be completely inclusive, there are now a lot more options available.
What size is plus size?
If you're wondering what is considered plus size in the UK, you may not be surprised to hear that there isn't an industry standard. Some retailers who offer plus size clothing start their ranges from as little as a size 14 whereas others have their starting size as a size 20. The average dress size for women in the UK is a size 16, however, many models are considered as plus sized if they wear a size 12 and over.
What should I wear being over 50 and plus size?
We're all about body positivity here at Yours so we don't believe there are any dos and don'ts to fashion when you're over 50 and plus size. If you see something you like and wearing it makes you feel good then you should absolutely wear it!
With the help of Lands' End, we've got some tips and tricks to help you pick plus size clothing when you're over 50.
Choose good quality basics
Your clothing should be well-cut and made from something other than tissue-thin materials that will only last for one season. Opt for items made from organic cotton, good wool or cashmere that are meant to last for years.
Go for comfort and style
It’s okay to decide that your days of suffering for beauty ideals are over. However, giving in to wearing something you don’t like just for the sake of it being comfortable will only make you feel as though you’ve sacrificed part of your personal style. Take the time to find clothes that feel comfortable to wear and make you feel great too.
Skip trends unless you actually want to try them
You may feel pressure to keep up with fashion trends as you get older, but if you don’t like them – simply ignore them. It can be hard enough to find clothes that look good and fit right in the first place when you’re a mature lady and plus-sized. Plus, there’s no point in investing your time and money in a trend that you’re not sure about, for it to then go out of fashion by next year.
Accentuate the positive
When you're plus size, you often focus more on trying to dress the parts of your body that you don’t like, either to make them appear smaller or draw less attention to them. We say switch the focus and lean into your best features. If you’ve got a part of your body you like, don’t be afraid to flaunt it! Concentrate on what you love, not what you don’t love.
Flattering and fabulous plus size clothing for over 50s
We know that no matter what your age and size, everyone has body hang-ups. It's only natural that for those parts of your body, you'll gravitate towards items of clothing that will flatter them. V-necks and wrap dresses are seen as staples for a plus size wardrobe as they draw the eye to the smallest part of the body - the waist.
A-line skirts and straight leg trousers are also popular choices as they're designed to skim over tummies and thighs. Ideal if you're feeling self-conscious about wearing tighter-fitting bottoms.
If you're looking for clothing inspiration, you've come to the right place. We've picked out some tops, dresses, skirts, jeans and trousers that will make you look and feel great and complement your curvy figure.
In need of some more plus size fashion help? We've got you covered with guides on picking the best bras and swimwear too.
Best midi dress
www.wallis.co.uk
A great option for pear shapes with its ultra-flattering tie waist and v-neckline. It looks equally as good paired with tights and boots during the colder months as it does with bare legs and heels when it starts to get a bit warmer.
Sizes: UK 18-28
Pros
- Pretty print
Cons
- No reviews
Best long tunic
www.seasaltcornwall.com
This easy-to-wear style is sure to become a favourite in your wardrobe. Made from super soft bamboo jersey with 3/4 length sleeves, a scoop neck and a swingy a-line shape, this tunic is perfect for those more casual days when you want to be comfortable yet stylish.
Sizes: UK 8-28
Review: "I just love the Killiow tunic design. I have a fuller figure with large thighs and the length and shape of this top I feel is quite flattering with looser fitting legging underneath. The quality of the material is excellent and wears well. Thank you Seasalt!"
Pros
- Drape of the fabric skims your hips to create a flattering silhouette
- Choice of patterns
Cons
- Not to be washed higher than 30°C
Best mom jeans
www.marksandspencer.com
Remember your mom jeans from the 80s and 90s? They're making a comeback. These ones from M&S sit high on the waist, slim at the hips and softly taper through the leg to compliment your curves. They're available in seven different washes so there's a colour for every outfit.
Sizes: UK 6-24, tall, regular and petite lengths available
Review: "These jeans are perfect for older ladies. They come up to the waist and are extremely comfortable. There is also plenty of room around the thighs."
Pros
- Made using organic cotton
- Can be machine washed and tumble dried
Cons
- Would be nice to have sizes available beyond a size 24
Best fitted coat
www.dorothyperkins.com
Looking for a more fitted coat? This gorgeous khaki option is from Dorothy Perkins. It features a tie belt around the middle to cinch you in at the waist and give you that hourglass figure look.
Sizes: UK 18-28
Pros
- Beautiful colour
- Fantastic price
Cons
- No customer reviews
Best spot wrap top
www.yoursclothing.co.uk
One for when the occasion calls for jeans and a nice top. We're just dotty for the spot print on this top. Made from a soft woven fabric, it has wrap detailing around the bust and has a floaty fit around your tummy.
Sizes: UK 14-36
Pros
- Can be dressed up or down
Cons
- Would be nice to see some customer reviews to read about the fit on others
Best tunic top
www.cottontraders.com
Bring some boho-chic to your wardrobe with this lightweight tunic. The fabric is soft and drapey so it'll sit lovely across your body, plus it has a crinkle texture so it won't need ironing - result!
Sizes: UK 10-26
Review: "Really nice soft feel lightweight top with pretty embroidery. Fits to size"
Pros
- Bust darts and back yoke for a flattering fit
- Choice of pretty prints
Cons
- Some people may not like the look of the crinkled fabric
Best midi wrap dress
www.wallis.co.uk
Got a special occasion coming up in your diary? You'll look and feel fabulous in this burgundy number from Wallis. It'll enhance your body shape with its wrap style and v-neck while the lace and sequin detailing on the sleeves add a fun decorative touch.
Sizes: UK 18-28
Pros
- Perfect for a date night or a winter wedding guest outfit
Cons
- Some may prefer a different colour
Best midaxi skirt
www.marksandspencer.com
Show your wild side with this animal print midaxi skirt. It's designed with an a-line silhouette to create the illusion of a narrower waist and comes with an elasticated waist for your comfort.
Sizes: UK 6-24
Review: "Love the print, the length - I am 5’7” so it’s about mid calf and the wide elasticated waist so you can wear with a belt. Plus it has pockets! Yay 😀 I have worn with a cashmere jumper french tucked in plus longer blazer, also looks great with a blouse and longer leather biker jacket."
Pros
- Floaty fit
Cons
- Some people may not like the bold print
Best linen trousers
www.jdwilliams.co.uk
Elevate your style with these straight leg trousers. They sit high on the waist with a wide waistband and a drawcord for extra comfort. Pair with flats, a tee and a jacket for a laidback look that is perfect for every day.
Sizes: UK 10-32, regular and long lengths available
Review: "Lovely light weight trousers ideal for warm days can be worn for everyday or evening very comfortable."
Pros
- Lightweight material, great for warmer weather
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the material was too thin
Best spot tunic
www.marksandspencer.com
This spotted tunic from White Stuff has a beautifully floaty feel. Designed with three-quarter sleeves and a deep v-neck, it can be worn over jeans or leggings and paired with boots or pumps.
Sizes: UK 6-24
Review: "I bought this tunic for my daughter’s birthday and she loves it . The style and material is fabulous and she finds it very comfortable to wear . I bought her a size 14 which is her size and is just a perfect fit."
Pros
- Relaxed fit
Cons
- Some people may not like the look of the drapey fabric
Plus size clothing for over 50s FAQs
Where can you buy plus size clothing for over 50s?
While it's nice to have some outfits picked out for you to shop, we know that some of you may want to browse the web to find your own choices. To save you the job of finding retailers that make plus size clothing that is fashionable for over 50s, we've rounded up some of our favourite brands you can count on for flattering and fabulous fits.
Some of these brands have specific plus size clothing ranges where as others have a wide range of sizes available as part of their main collections.
Retailers who stock plus size clothing for over 50s
1 of 9Wallis
Wallis' plus size range offers great tailoring and wearable separates, all at a reasonable price point. It comes in sizes 18-28.
2 of 9John Lewis
If you're wanting to treat yourself to something special, John Lewis stocks a whole host of premium brands. The sizes in their dedicated plus size section start at 18 and end at 28.
3 of 9Yours Clothing
Yours Clothing is one of the UK's most loved plus size retailers. Their ranges are made with curvy women in mind, with sizes 14 to 40 available.
4 of 9Very
Want to shop lots of brands at once? Very should be your go-to. It stocks many different retailers including New Look, Yours, FatFace and White Stuff, with sizes 14-40 available. Not to mention, the brand has collaborated with celebs like Judi Love for more inclusive ranges in sizes 14-28.
5 of 9Seasalt Cornwall
Seasalt Cornwall doesn't have a dedicated plus size range as its main collection is very inclusive with sizes 6-28 available to shop. You'll love the brand's quirky style and prints.
6 of 9Monsoon
Monsoon clothes start at a size 8 and go up to a size 24. Think high quality fabrics and classic cuts.
7 of 9Cotton Traders
Cotton Traders have been around since the 70s so they know a thing or two about making clothes for the over 50s. Their range starts at a size 8, with selected styles going up to a size 26.
8 of 9Boden
For those who love vibrant colours and pretty patterns, take a look at Boden. While it doesn't cater to all plus sizes, their range does go up to a size 22 so we think it's worth having a browse if they stock your size.
9 of 9Simply Be
Crafted for sizes 10-32, Simply Be's goal is to create size-inclusive clothing made for all proportions. Not to mention, they also stock brands including Maya Curve, Figleaves, and Monsoon.