River Island Plus - Tried And Tested


So if you haven't heard by now River Island has a new plus size range. Praise the UK high street lords, brands seem to be realising that they need to cater for the plus size women. The range starts from a size UK18 up to a 24 (Yes I know it excludes a majority of plus women, even me in some of the pieces) but I couldn't help but get excited and try bits on in the Marble Arch branch.

Like I've mentioned in previous posts, my clothing sizing is all over the shop. I have a tiny waist, huge ass and hips, I'm 5ft 10 (hello no bum coverage in most things) and the difference between my upper body and lower half are roughly 2/3 sizes. I tend to not go by sizes but materials and shape, and I went in picking stuff to try with an open mind. 

I chose these bits in store (they sadly didn't have the entire range) and I for one am impressed. My experience when brands jump into the world of plus size clothing is the lack of knowledge or even care with sizing. Now everything I tried on fitted, and looked in my eyes amazing. It felt so refreshing to try something on and have no problems with it. 

I won' lie the only off putting thing on the day was a mother and daughter who insisted on sitting outside the fitting room, giving devil eyes and shocked reactions that I can only image came with the thoughts of 'omg what is a plus size girl doing in River island shp, left alone trying on in the fitting room.' and also 'omg this fat girl is just coming out showing all her roles and fat topless to look at what her friend is trying on.' I think my total ignorance showed them what I thought of them tbh.

Anyway on to the clothes 

First of all was this printed oversized shirt. I tried this on in a UK22. Now the only problem I had with this outfit was the length. Again this is a common mistake I have with near enough every brand. I have a great ass I know, but even I don't want it poking out from the hem of every dress I wear. and I'm sick of having to put leggings on with every item that does this just so I have some decency. So shout out to all plus size brands, please consider adding length to these sorta things. 
All things considered I did like it with these jeans (non RI) and I definitely loved the print and the hints of yellow. 


River Island Plus Size Range Printed Shirt Dress

River Island Plus Size Range Printed Shirt Dress

Next was this knitted brown tabard topNow I can't pinpoint what drew me to trying this on but once I did I loved it. It's just a simple style but it just made me feel amazing. The splits at the side sat near my waist and did show a little skin at the top of my jeans (again non RI) but I sorta liked that cheeky glimpse of skin. This could be worn in so many ways too, layering, on it's own with jeans, leggings, a skirt. I think it is so versatile and I loved the brown rust colour against my skin and hair colour. This for me is a key item. 

River Island Plus Size Range Brown Knitted Dress

River Island Plus Size Range Brown Knitted Dress

Next was this oversized printed shirt. I thought I was trying on my usual size of 20 and was so shocked at how oversized it was, but on closer inspection of the tag upon leaving the changing room I realised I tried on a 24 :'). In all honesty though I did sorta like how oversized it was. Not just any shirt, this one has cut out details at the back that really set it apart (check out the awkward angle pic below.) The print is lovely and this is just a very casual piece that again I think can pair well with almost anything for any occasion.

River Island Plus Size Range Printed Oversized Shirt

River Island Plus Size Range Printed Oversized Shirt

River Island Plus Size Range Printed Oversized Shirt


Now the last items I chose were total winners in my eyes, and for me are items that when walking around I spotted in the straight sizes as well as the plus. You'll be happy to know I ditched the non RI jeans for this outfit. This strappy black cami top and faux wrap skirt were everything. The cami fit like a dream and didn't squash my lack of breast like camis have done in the past. The faux wrap skirt was made out of the softest suede like material in the nicest beige colour. It didn't cling and it just simply hugged my figure. I had no shape wear on and felt no need to, nor did I have my chub rub shorts on, but they would definitely be needed coz I can't deal with the pain. This with heels, a clutch and tossled hair and you are good to go. This by far was probably the outfit that just made me go 'OMG, finally I can walk into a high street store and purchase something that looks and makes me feel amazing.' (YAY no more waiting for the postie haha.)


River Island Plus Size Range Black Cami Top

River Island Plus Size Range Black Cami Top And Faux Wrap Skirt

River Island Plus Size Range Black Cami Top And Faux Wrap Skirt

RI are constantly adding to the range (roughly once a week that i can tell) so I am so excited to see what else comes out. I'm definitely waiting for and eyeing up a lace dress I've saw on a few other bloggers.

Have you tried the range? What are your thoughts?

Love
Michaela


3 comments

  1. The last outfit looks absolutely amazing on you! I loooove that skirt!

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  2. I am soooo tempted to by the black oversized shirt its ideal for any occasion! They need to stock the plus size range in more stores though!!
    Janay Andre x

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