Plus Size Outfits I Wore to New York Fashion Week

Attending New York Fashion Week has been a dream of mine ever since I could dress myself. Every year, I’d patiently watch NYFW unfold on social media while promising myself that I would be there “next year.” Well, this was finally my year! I had some shows that I wanted to attend on my schedule, but I ended up being so in love with the vibe and activities at theCURVYcon that I spent most of my time there. If you haven’t heard of theCURVYcon, it is basically the plus size version of NYFW where full-figured women (and men) gather to network, shop, and celebrate themselves. When theCURVYcon came onto the scene five years ago, I dreamt of going and being among a community of women that were just like me. Every time I attend a plus size-focused event, I feel so full and inspired…and theCURVYcon didn’t disappoint.

My trip to New York was very short just because I am traveling a lot this month, but I made the most of it! I had four looks, which were each pretty unique in their own way.

Plus size New York Fashion Week Outfits I wore

DAY ONE
When I was planning out my looks for theCURVYcon, this one was immediately my favorite. I bought this Sergio Tee Dress from Ashley Nell Tipton when I attended The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo and Conference in August. I was just going to pair it with a black mini dress, but I knew I had to turn it up a couple of notches for NYFW. I went with this So Smooth Satin Mini Dress in Neon Pink, and it looked amazing! It even caught the attention of Lydia Hudgens, one of the most prominent New York fashion photographers (IMO), and she photographed it for InStyle Magazine: The Plus-Size Women Who Are Ruling The Street Style Game This Fashion Week. I topped the look off with this adorable black and white striped acrylic clutch. I knew this bag would go with every single one of my planned looks, but would also bring some contrast to each look.
Black Dress: Sergio Tee Dress
Pink Dress: So Smooth Satin Mini Dress
Purse: black and white striped acrylic clutch

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NIGHT ONE
There was a cocktail party at Anthropologie to celebrate the company’s new A+ line. While I initially wanted to wear something that reflected the Anthropologie line, I was feeling really tired and wanted to go for a more laid back look. But of course, I didn’t want to sacrifice style. So I decided to pair this Super Thick T-shirt with these Maggi Cargo Pants from Universal Standard and some black heels. I stood out like a sore thumb as pretty much everyone wore flowy, whimsical dresses. But hey, isn’t that the point of NYFW….to stand out?

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T-Shirt: Super Thick T-shirt
Maggi Cargo Pants: Maggi Cargo Pants
Purse: black and white striped acrylic clutch

DAY TWO
I was so worried about this ASOS DESIGN Curve Tie Waist Jumpsuit in Mono Geo Print being too simple for an event like theCURVYcon and NYFW, but I was so wrong. I ended up pairing this look with the boldest cat eye I have ever drawn, and I wore Pat McGrath’s Faux Paux lilac lipstick on my lips and under my eyes. As soon as I put this look on, I felt as confident as ever. I even got Urban Decay’s approval on my eyeliner via Instagram! It was truly a moment.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City wore these plus size outfits to New York Fashion Week NYFW.

Jumpsuit: ASOS DESIGN Curve Tie Waist Jumpsuit in Mono Geo Print
Purse: black and white striped acrylic clutch

NIGHT TWO
Day two was the hardest when it came to outfit changes because I was living out of my small carry on bag, and I had to check out of my hotel at 10. I had to change into a dress for the homecoming-themed closing cocktail party, and then I had to change before I went to the airport later that night. It was chaos, but I made it work. My final look during theCURVYcon was this gorgeous Shine Like the Night Sequin Dress from Fashion Nova Curve. Because the party was homecoming-themed, a lot of the girls said they were going to wear actual formal dresses. I had a formal sequin dress packed in my carry on, but it ended up being too heavy so I replaced it with this bodycon last minute—and I am so glad I did! This dress felt more true to my style, and I felt amazing in it! Of course, like Cinderella at the ball, I had to rush off into my uber just before the party ended so I could make it to the airport to catch my flight. I planned on changing in the bathroom at the party, but there were long lines, and I didn’t feel like changing into sweatpants and being seen by everyone at the party….so I went to the airport like this. It was a thrill.

Dress: Shine Like the Night Sequin Dress
Purse: black and white striped acrylic clutch

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Plus Size Outfit

Pink Plus Size Romper

When I first saw this romper on my friend Britney, I knew I needed to have it. However, at first glance, I thought it as a dress. “It’s a romper!” Britney told me. And just like that, I was obsessed. I love the bright fuchsia color and the ruffles were darling. But can we just address the fact that I said that I loved “ruffles and fuchsia” together? I feel like this would have never even been in my vocabulary a couple of years ago. Well, at least we know I am evolving…into a girly girl. UGH.

Here’s to me embracing my feminine side more and more instead of sticking to boring color palettes and basic clothing! This Going International Romper is from Chic Soul, which is the cutest plus size boutique ever! I have worn their clothing to Paris, out to brunch, and I have some really cute fall looks that I will be sharing with you very soon. I am also traveling to Napa, California with the brand in a couple of weeks, and I am so excited! But let’s get back to this romper! The bust area was a little loose or just had a really deep, plunging neckline so I had to improvise a bit because my tatas were falling out a bit. I paired the romper with a gorgeous fuchsia lingerie teddy, which worked so well, and I really loved the way it turned out!

I included a lot of fun fuchsia pieces in the shop widget below if you’re feeling some pink envy after reading this post!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 2X, which is my usual size, and it fits pretty well. The romper zips on the side, and while it does have some stretch in it, it can be a tight fit for some with a bigger booty or thighs. The bust area was either really big on me or it’s supposed to have a low dip, which is why I paired it with a lingerie teddy.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City wears a pink plus size romper.

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Life

Your Best Night’s Sleep is Three Days Away

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City reviews the Big Fig Mattress.

If you have been a fan of Natalie in the City for the past three years, you may remember my first ever modeling gig with Big Fig Mattress. I was also one of the first people to try out the original Big Fig Mattress, which I have slept on…up until recently because I got to try out the newest iteration of the mattress, which ships in a compact box within three to five business days for free. The Big Fig Mattress ships from Cleveland, Ohio, which is why it got to me so quickly, but it could take up to five days to reach the West Coast. The original mattress came via white glove delivery, and it took a couple of weeks to arrive, but now, you can get your Big Fig even faster in a compact package!

Faster, Free, and Convenient Delivery
Instead of scheduling a day for the delivery and taking the day off work to ensure it arrived, I placed an order for my new Big Fig, and boom, it arrived in three days (THREE DAYS, PEOPLE!). My package receiving center took the package just like they would with any other and notified me of my shipment. I was able to carry the mattress back up to my apartment—with the help of my boyfriend—as well as the new foundation, which also came in a convenient package. Once I built the box spring—which was super easy, and I am proud to say I did it by myself—I unpackaged the mattress, cut the seal, and watched it unfold into the dreamy bed that I’ve known and loved for the past three years.

I always wondered if a Big Fig Mattress could be rolled up, vacuum sealed, and delivered in a compact box—like other popular mattresses on the market—because of its high quality and durable construction…and apparently Big Fog pondered that same thought. Along with shipping the mattress in a more compact way, Big Fig also wanted to be able to ship the mattress for free and faster with a new three-to-five business day delivery window. After sleeping on the mattress for the past month, I am happy to report that I don’t see any difference between my OG Big Fig and my new mattress. I sleep exactly how I would on my first Big Fig, the biggest contrast was just how convenient and fast the delivery and set up was.

Why I Have the Best Sleep of My Life
If you’re new here, and you’ve never heard me talk about my Big Fig Mattress, let me fill you in: this mattress drastically changed the way I sleep. And by improving my sleep patterns, it improved my life. A well-rested Natalie can set out on her daily goals, achieve them all, and then some. Whereas before I slept on a Big Fig, I was exhausted by 2 p.m., I barely achieved half of my daily goals, and I had no desire to build fun activities into my routine. I also never realized just how much pain I would wake up in while sleeping on my old mattress until I began traveling for work. Any other mattress simply wouldn’t cut it, and that’s just because it wasn’t made for my plus size body. I never wake up with any back or neck pain, and I also sleep soundly throughout the night without tossing, turning, or overheating—and that’s all thanks to the cool features the Big Fig Mattress has built into it. The construction of the mattress is truly what makes it ideal for bigger figures, and its backed by a 20-year warranty and 120-night trial.

I love this mattress so much, that I bought one for my mom for Christmas! While the Big Fig Mattress is made for bigger figures, sleepers who aren’t plus size or big and tall enjoy the Big Fig just as much. Take my boyfriend, who is thin and tall, for example: “I think it’s great that Natalie gets the best sleep, and although I am not plus size, I also find the mattress to be incredibly comfortable and unlike anything I’ve ever slept on. As someone who naturally wakes up early, I could sleep until noon on the Big Fig,” Terry says.

I’m really excited that Big Fig has decided to provide free and fast shipping to everyone who purchases a mattress because now more people will finally be able to get the sleep their bodies need and deserve!

Big Fig Mattress sent me this mattress to review. All opinions are 110% my own!

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Plus Size Outfit

Plus Size Fall Skirts and Cardigans

Okay, I think it is officially time where everyone and their mother is going to start talking about fall. My grocery store officially has Halloween decorations on display and pumpkins for sale in the floral department, and it was like 70 degrees this weekend…so is it fall or nah? Naturally, I spent my entire weekend online shopping for cozy cardigans, ripped jeans, wide calf boots, and everything else I love to wear in the fall. But I am afraid I may be too eager—it’s mid-August after all.

But nonetheless, I got to wear a fall look this weekend, and I am so excited to show it to you! This outfit was created when I found this La Ville Duster Cardigan, and it made me want to create a fall look that could also work for the warmer days. So I paired the cardigan with this Always on the Cargo Mini Skirt and a black crop top. When it gets a bit colder, I will probably top this look off with some over the knee boots, but for now, these open toe black booties were perfect.

I scored this whole look from Fashion Nova Curve! If you love this look, you can get it for 20% off using the code NATINTHECITY at check out!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a 2X in the La Ville Duster Cardigan, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly! This cardigan is very soft and stretchy. I am wearing a 2X in the Always on the Cargo Mini Skirt, which is my usual size, but the skirt fits tight. I was able to zip it up and button it after. few huffs and puffs, and once I wear wearing it, the skirt stretched a bit. The material is not as stretchy as it looks, so I would recommend sizing up if you can!

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City reviews Fashion Nova's fall skirts and cardigans.

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Plus Size Outfit

Plus Size Work Outfit

Since I got this outfit, I have worn it to work at least once a week.

I really love the elevation that the ribbed, satin material brings to the skirt to make it stand out, and the blazer is also an elevated version of your average work jacket. The tie waist and crop fit make this piece extra special, and everyone always wants a closer look. I love when I find pieces like this that make it look like I put a lot of effort into the whole outfit when really I didn’t. It’s just an effortlessly chic look, and I am here for it. I found both the Ribbed Pencil Skirt and Tie Another Day Collarless Blazer from Soncy, a rather new plus size boutique. I was also really pleased with the construction and materials of the clothes, and the skirt comes with a lining, which was nice.

I first wore this outfit to the grand opening of a new eyewear store called Eyeconic, which is now located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. I got tons of compliments!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2 in both the Ribbed Pencil Skirt and Tie Another Day Collarless Blazer, which is my usual size, and they both fit perfectly!

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Plus Size Outfit

Plus Size Boho Chic Outfit

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City reviews Astra Signature's boho chic outfit.

This past weekend was Dream Big Midwest, Chicago’s curvy girl conference! I attended the event, and I also taught a workshop called “From Blogging to Booked,” which was so fun. The day of the conference, I had no idea what I was going to wear. However, I recently received a package from Astra Signature, and I was particularly excited about a crop top and skirt combo I ordered.

I decided to try the Julie Ruffle Lace Bandeau, paired with the Julia Tiered Maxi Skirt from Astra Signature, with the hopes that it would fit me perfectly, and not be too long! Good news: the skirt totally fit the way I wanted it to, but the top missed a few marks. The material was mostly cotton, and didn’t have any stretch, which was fine because the outfit ran true to size. However, once I was sitting in the skirt for a couple of hours, the material did stretch and kept falling down on me. Because I am short, the skirt was very high waisted on me so my tummy didn’t show at all, which made this set look more like a dress than a crop top / skirt combo. It was still a cute look though, and I got so many compliments on it. This dress is giving me boho, hippy, chic vibes, and while that’s not my go-to style, I really enjoy playing in the genre from time to time!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 18 in both the Julie Ruffle Lace Bandeau and Julia Tiered Maxi Skirt, which is my usual size, and the garments fit like a glove, however, they did stretch out as I wore them throughout the day.

Astra Signature sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!

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Plus Size Jumpsuit

Plus Size Floral Jumpsuit

Over the years, my style has really evolved! Coming from sleek, form-fitting, all-black outfits, I am now wearing bright colored floral jumpsuits. And those are three things I would have never thought would be in my wardrobe, but here we are.

I really have to credit Fashion Nova for pushing me outside of my own boundaries. I think this was the first brand that made me really want to take risks with my fashion in terms of trying sexier styles and bright colors. My love for rompers and jumpsuits also started because of this brand. It’s crazy to think that one brand could completely change my mind about certain trends and styles. A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have even looked in the direction of this Barbados Floral Jumpsuit, but it recently caught my eye. I think it’s perfect for a summer music or street festival, and even a night out. I don’t typically like floral prints, but this one has a really cool vibe, and it doesn’t feel too cliche.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Barbados Floral Jumpsuit, which is my usual size, and it fits okay. I will say that it is a little long because I am only 5’2 and the back fit’s pretty loose.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City, review's Fashion Nova's floral jumpsuits.

Fashion Nova sent me this look to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Plus Size Dresses

My Favorite Fashion to Figure Dress

This blog has really pushed me to be more open-minded when it comes to fashion. Seriously, if it weren’t for you all pushing me outside of my style boundaries, and encouraging me to try new styles, I would probably still be wearing all-black outfits and sweating my a** off in jeans all summer.

This may seem like your average striped midi dress, but for me, it would have been an absolute no-go just a couple of years ago. I would have avoided the style because it was too girly, too long, and way too colorful. However, I saw this Christel Striped Ruffle Flounce Dress at Fashion to Figure, and something told me to try it. When I first tried it on, I didn’t love it, but after I tied the waist, it changed everything. I was afraid that this dress would hide my curves because it was so long and not form-fitting, but the tie waist really gave me the opportunity to accentuate my curves as much as I wanted. I enjoyed a day full of twirling and just feeling super cute in this dress. I’m glad a took a shot on it because it opened up new possibilities for me in terms of color schemes and fits.

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2 in the Christel Striped Ruffle Flounce Dress, which is my usual size, and the dress fits perfectly. The dress is naturally a bit roomy, and I think I could have sized down if I wanted to.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City reviews Fashion to Figure's Christel Striped Ruffle Flounce Dress.

Fashion to Figure sent me this look to review! All opinions are my own!

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Plus Size Dresses

Plus Size Satin Robe Outfit

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City reviews Soncy's satin robe kimono duster in lavender.

I always thought that the light purple hue known as lavender was my best friend Katherine’s color. I never even considered that it would be a favorite of mine. I usually don’t wear a lot of color, let alone any shade of purple, but lavender has really caught my eye lately. From the outfit I wore to Her Conference to this one, I am loving what this color does for me!

I have always wanted a satin robe to wear outside of the bedroom ever since Nadia Aboulhosn launched her clothing line a couple of years ago. I’ll never forget, she had this rose gold duster robe that was just beautiful. However, I hesitated on getting it because I feared that I wouldn’t wear it much. And I don’t know if I have totally committed to wearing this satin robe out of the house just yet, but it’s growing on me. I found this entire look at Soncy, a new plus size boutique! This Kimono She Better Don’t Duster caught my attention immediately, and because I had pulled off a complete lavender look a couple of months prior, I decided to take another shot at it. So I ended up finding this I Can See Clearly Now Mesh Dress, which I thought would go perfectly with the kimono!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2 in both the I Can See Clearly Now Mesh Dress and Kimono She Better Don’t Duster, which is my usual size, and they both fit perfectly!

Soncy sent me this look to review. All options are my own!

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Plus Size Swimwear

Cupshe Plus Size Swimwear Haul

On my quest to find the perfect swimsuit for my carefree fat girl summer, I was told to try Cupshe! I was a little apprehensive at first because I have never ordered from the brand, and I didn’t know if sizing was going to be off. I ordered from the brand’s straight size range, which goes up to an XXL, and I also ordered from the designated plus size collection. What do you think? Will it fit?
Watch my Youtube Cupshe plus size swimwear haul below to find out!

L O O K O N E : Snake Print Reversible Bikini (Size: XXL)

L O O K T W O : Beatific Life Solid Bikini Set Green (Size: XXL)

L O O K T H R E E : Relaxation Exercises Solid Bikini Set (Size: XXL)

L O O K F O U R : Sweet Caramel Bikini With Ruffles (Size: XXL)

L O O K F I V E : Fish Scales Printed Plus Size One Piece (Size: 2X)

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Plus Size Dresses

How I Deal with My Body Image

I have fallen for dresses like this before. It’s something about the curve-hugging, see-through sweater material that gets me. And usually, when I see it, it’s on a straight size model. She has no rolls, creases, or hips poking out of the garment, it just falls on her so perfectly. So I order it. I can’t wait to try it on, and then I face the reality of just how different my body is from the model’s. It’s not like I didn’t know that as I came across the dress on her. However, sometimes when I see something online, instead of thinking “I wonder what this will look like on me,” I think,” I will look like her if I order this.” And while I love my body and I feel confident in who I am, I fantasize about having a different body.

The mainstream plus size body we are advertised

I think we all do. That’s why most of your favorite plus size brands use size 8/10 models, and while they may be a little thick and curvy in all of the right places they are not plus size by any means. For a long time, I wondered why brands did this, but it hit me relatively hard when one of my favorite plus size brands started using one of my friends as a model in most of their commercial and print shoots because I had modeled with her before, and I knew that she was a size 8. I had even seen people on set stuff her leggings with body pads to fill her out to fit a size 14. I thought to myself, “Why would a plus size brand use a straight size model?” And I even called them out on it. Their response: “Our clothing sells better when she wears it.” I guess it all made sense. We all look at these airbrushed models with perfectly curved bodies, and we think, “If I order this garment, I am going to look like her in it.” It’s purely aspirational. It doesn’t mean that you hate your body and that you don’t love yourself. It’s just an automatic response to the criticism and brain washing we get from society regarding what our bodies should look like.

Patience is key

So next time you order something, and it doesn’t look the way you thought it would, or it doesn’t make you feel the way you thought it might, give it some time. And more importantly, be patient with yourself.

How I feel about this dress

For me, this dress was a huge disappointment. When I put it on, you could see every roll, dimple, and crease. I quickly tore it off and threw it to the side. A couple of days later, I confronted the real issue: my mindset. I put the dress on, and instead of holding myself up to the unrealistic standards of that model’s airbrushed body, I looked at my own body and said, “Natalie, let’s be real. You have hips, curves, dimples, creases, and rolls, but that is your body, and it’s beautiful. You better let your creases and dimples show. You better learn to love them and give them the appreciation they deserve.” And it took some convincing, but I started to see this dress and my body in a different light. I decided to make myself feel even better by setting up my own little photo shoot in my apartment, and once I saw myself in this dress through the lens, I got a rush of confidence. You can really change your perspective and mindset by treating yourself or making yourself feel special—like I did with this photo shoot.

P.S. You may be looking at these photos thinking “What was she worried about? I think she looks great.” And honestly, that is so telling. We are our own worst critic, and even though we see every flaw and decide to obsess over it, sometimes the people around us see the beauty we can’t see in ourselves. What I am saying is: we are all way too hard on ourselves.

I got this Walk in the Sand Crochet Maxi Dress from Fashion Nova Curve, and I also have a similar dress in a midi fit and orange color called Walk on the Beach from Fashion Nova, which you can check out here: Walk on the Beach. If you love this look, you can get it for 20% off by using the code “NATINTHECITY”!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Walk in the Sand Crochet Maxi Dress, which is my usual size. However, I will say that the dress was very long on me (I am 5’2), but it did fit on my body. I think I may have been able to size down for a tighter fit since it is quite stretchy.

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City reviews crochet dresses for the beach, pool, and summer. beach cover ups

Fashion Nova sent me this look to review. All opinions are my own!

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Plus Size Outfit

Go With the Flow

Today, I rarely ever shy away from anything when it comes to fashion. And that’s saying quite a bit because “no, I can’t wear that,” was all I used to say to a lot of styles and trends. And once I graduated from saying no and trying to cross my own boundaries, I found myself saying no once again in the form of, “That’s not my style.” But when I realized that I couldn’t pin point exactly what my style was, and therefore, I shouldn’t limit myself when it comes to embracing certain trends.

So here I am, wearing things that scare me (just a little), but thrill me beyond words. This Never Apologetic Pant Set set is my latest obsession. I get so excited when I see it hanging up in my closet because it really is the coolest set I have ever seen in my life. I found it on Fashion Nova Curve, and I was immediately drawn to the loose, whimsical fit and the turquoise hues. I anxiously awaited its arrival, as I was a little scared that the 100% polyester fabric wouldn’t fit me as loose as I expected. However, when it arrived, I slipped it on, and it was stunning and just as perfect as I had hoped. I am still trying to figure out what the best top is to wear with this. I naturally went for my KiKi Cropped Top, but I am wondering if the outfit needs a top that is more neutral and fits more like a bra, showing a bit more cleavage. I haven’t decided yet. But for now, I think this cropped tank is fine!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 2X in the Never Apologetic Pant Set, which is my usual size, and everything fits perfectly!

Chicago Plus Size Petite Fashion Blogger Natalie in the City wears a matching kimono and pant set.

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