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News.com.au
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
‘Waited my whole life': Sad reason woman broke down in tears while shopping
A young woman in tears has exposed just how far Australia has to come with size-inclusively in 2025. Kate Elizabeth, 27, amassed over 300,000 views on social media by sobbing as she explained why she was overcome by emotion while shopping at the retail chain City Chic. The store stocks sizes from 14 to 16, and the average Australian woman wears between a size 14 and 16. 'I've waited my whole life to feel seen in a store,' she wrote. 'Plus-size people are stylish. We're trendy. We deserve spaces that reflect that. Not tucked away corners – real, beautiful stores that feel like us.' Ms Elizabeth wears a size 18-20. Speaking to she explained that the moment was overwhelming because she has struggled to find clothes in store since she was a teenager. The 27-year-old said she's always had a 'pretty negative' experience when it comes to shopping. 'Especially when I was younger. There's been some improvement, but it's still a fight just to feel included,' she said. She explained that walking into stores and finding nothing above a size 16 is hurtful and often feels 'defeating'. 'I've heard 'we don't have the budget' too many times – it's not about budget, it's about choice,' she said. 'Some brands are trying, which is great, but sizing is often off. A size 16 is the average woman in Australia, yet extended sizing is still treated like a niche.' Ms Elizabeth argued that it simply isn't fair to people who don't fit into standard sizing to be forced to shop online. 'I'm a tactile shopper! I love building outfits and feeling confident in the moment, not just hoping what I ordered online fits,' she said. She's also unimpressed with brands that offer extended sizing online but don't stock those sizes in store. 'Keeping extended sizing online-only still feels like a quiet exclusion,' she said. 'I just think it's important to talk about how isolating it can feel when plus-size people aren't seen in-store. It's not just about having the sizes — it's about making us feel welcome, too.' Ms Elizabeth's viral TikTok comes after Brittney Saunders, who owns the size-inclusive fashion label Fayt, has called out other Aussie brands for not extending their sizes. Ms Saunders, 31, appeared on the new fashion-focused podcast Style-ish, and explained that her brand, Fayt, starts from a size six and finishes at a size 26 because it makes good business sense. 'I don't understand when brands say they don't sell and that is why we don't do them. It is like, yes, they do.' she said. Originally, her brand launched with sizes six to 14 on offer, but she extended her size range because she could see the demand was there. 'I added a 16, and an 18, and then I thought maybe I could do a 20? And it was just a climb through every size until I got to where I am today,' she said. Ms Saunders said she was inspired to keep extending her sizes because they were 'selling' and customers appreciated it. The process of becoming a size-inclusive brand has also made her realise that 'bigger brands' that don't offer extended sizes really don't have an excuse not to. 'I would say, come on guys. I often look at them and think, if I can do it, just me and you're this hundreds of million dollar company, and you don't. Like, what are you doing?' she argued. Ms Saunders said that, as someone who has done the maths and worked out a profitable way to offer sizes up to 26, she believes that brands that aren't size-inclusive are sadly not interested. 'They don't want to. I can't think of any reason other than they don't want to. It can be done,' she said.
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Travel + Leisure
23-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Plus-size Travel Writer, and These Are the Dresses I'll Be Wearing All Summer Long
Every stylish person's summer travel wardrobe could use a fresh infusion of fun, comfortable dresses. As a plus-size travel writer, I'm always keeping an eye out for dresses that fit my must-have criteria. I need a summer dress to be easy to wear and curve-friendly, as well as wrinkle-resistant (or worth the time to steam), and effortlessly cute. Most importantly, I need to feel good wearing it. That means it needs to have the right fit and feel great against my skin. These plus-size summer dresses check all those boxes. Whether you're looking for one-and-done travel outfits, something to wear for a special event, or a fresh find to spruce up your closet, these picks are the ones I'll be reaching for all season long. $100 $60 at This blue floral midi dress is a recent favorite of mine. It's available in both regular and petite plus sizes (a win if you're shorter like me), and I especially love the soft, stretchy smocked bodice that makes it so easy to wear on long flights or full travel days. The sweetheart neckline and flutter sleeves add to the charm—those sleeves especially make this one feel extra summery. Need it fast? Over at Amazon, you can score a similar style for $42 and have it at your doorstep in two days. Quince's tiered maxi dress in Vermilion Red is simple in the best way and always makes me feel bold when I'm on the go. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, it's breathable and airy, with a gathered waist that offers shape while still keeping things relaxed. The deep pockets are incredibly useful for stashing travel essentials, and the V-neck and short sleeves look great in every photo. Planning active adventures this summer? This high-neck mini dress is a game-changer. Available in sizes up to 3XL, it includes built-in mid-thigh Booty Boost shorts that help prevent chafing (a big deal for me!). I usually wear separate shorts under dresses, so having them built in is a huge plus. It's made from a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric and comes in five fun colors—including tulip pink and deep azure blue—that are perfect for summer. This brightly-hued dress is pure joy to wear. The V-neck and roomy sleeves give it an easy silhouette, and the black rainbow stripe version is just one of many playful prints available. I love that it's wrinkle-resistant; it comes out of my suitcase ready to wear. For a casual travel day, this one's a staple. The Torrid Challis Maxi Dress always helps me feel put-together with zero effort. The bold print and contrasting pattern detail at the hem make it feel more elevated than your average maxi. The V-neck and flutter sleeves are lovely, and the elastic waist helps it stay in place while still feeling breezy. Just a note: there's not much stretch in the fabric, so I recommend sizing up for extra room, or opting for this stretchier option from Amazon that has a similar look to it. When I want to feel comfy while still putting on a fun, playful look, I reach for this colorfully printed stretchy cotton dress. It has a relaxed, lounge-friendly fit that still works great out and about. The smocked bodice and flowy skirt give it polish, and the stretchy cotton fabric comes in clutch while traveling in the summer. $90 $54 at My ultimate 'resort vibes' dress, the beaded knot detail at the halter neck adds texture, and the easy jersey fabric is soft and flowy without clinging. The Black Leaves and Brown Palms prints both scream summer vacation in the best way, but if you're craving brighter colors, this playful alternative is a must. A true mood booster in a dress, this beachy piece is made out of a soft, stretchy fabric. It's one of those all-day-wear pieces that doesn't need a break-in period. It has side pockets, a relaxed fit, and comes in cheery prints like Black Lemon and Yellow Flower. My go-to when temps climb, this linen dress has such a crisp and clean look that I love. It's breathable, versatile, and made from European linen with thoughtful details like shell-style buttons and subtle pleats. I love wearing it as a beach cover-up. Looking for something a little extra? This scallop-trim mini dress has frilly details that make it fun to pair with elevated accessories for a nice dinner, or sneakers and a denim jacket for everyday wear. It's wrinkle-resistant, making it perfect for packing. I love the midi length, but this ankle-grazing option is great if you prefer more coverage. $100 $45 at Easy to throw on and go, I always feel great about myself when I wear this chic and classic style. The soft, smocked waistband adds comfort without squeezing, and I love the V-neck and shirred shoulders. It also has—you guessed it—pockets. It's available in both regular and petite plus, which is a big deal for us shorter folks, and while I love the cute green and pink shades it comes in, people who love their florals will definitely have to check out this Amazon lookalike. Spanx's Oprah-loved AirEssentials line just got a summer upgrade. The AirEssentials Maxi Dress puts the ultra-light, four-way stretch fabric on display (psst: did you know it's actually designed to actually feel cool to the touch?). It's buttery soft and flowy, with side slits that let you move easily. I love the fennel green, but the striped version also has a nautical summer vibe. Don't be surprised if you find it so comfy, you end up wearing it on a flight. A swingy, tiered silhouette meets a cheerful pattern in this short-sleeve dress, making it one of my summer MVPs. The empire waistline is soft and stretchy, and the flutter sleeves complete the playful vibe it gives off. It also resists wrinkles, so it's a reliable throw-on-and-go option. This is my splurge pick—and one I always feel amazing in. The cobalt-on-ivory design is eye-catching, and the relaxed fit, loose sleeves, and wrinkle-resistant linen-viscose blend make this Marie Oliver dress perfect for destination weddings or dressy events during your travels. Shopping on a budget? You can get the same stunning print inspiration from this Ruffle Trim Linen Blend Shift Dress from Caslon, $100, or opt for this summery tank style from London Times that's on sale for 55 percent off and just $53. $90 $54 at Short, sweet, and full of personality, this soft knit dress has flutter sleeves, a surplice neckline, and princess seams for a comfortable feel and tailored look. It pulls on easily and has pockets to keep your passport and phone within reach on travel days. The Blue Bandana and Atlantic Deep prints are both summer-ready showstoppers, but this under-$30 option from Amazon comes in a plethora of solid colorways, all with a ribbed texture for some added visual interest. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
11-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Plus-size Travel Writer, and These Are the 10 Budget-friendly Clothes I Pack on Every Trip—From $9
Having the right travel outfit is essential; no matter what type of trip you're taking or where your destination is, it's important to pack a wardrobe that's comfortable, fun to wear, suitable for the weather, and flattering to enhance your confidence. After much trial and error as a plus-size travel writer who is often on the go, I discovered some great pieces from Amazon's fashion hub that are just right for traveling in the spring and summer. From a striped summer dress to pull-on travel pants, these are the versatile travel plus-size clothing essentials I find myself packing again and again. No matter where your summer travels are going to take you, you can't go wrong with these must-have pieces. These eye-catching pants are flowy and dressy. With an elastic high waist and drawstring, they always fit just right, and they have a loose, wide-leg design. Pair them with a crop top to create a summery, casual style. Alternatively, wear them with a solid, black button-down shirt for a business lunch or dinner. And, perhaps best of all, they have pockets to hold your essentials to go hands-free at the airport. With its lace, scooped neck, this striking tank top is casual with pizzazz. I love its loose, flattering fit and breathable, soft fabric; it's perfect to wear traveling on a hot summer day. If you love to layer, it makes a great bottom layer under a cardigan or jean jacket if it's on the chillier side. This shirt is elegant and will elevate any look, pairing well with shorts, jeans, or capri pants. I love matching sets because they work as one outfit or can be mixed and matched. This matching set is available in neutrals like black, khaki, and apricot, plus bold colors like hot pink and royal blue to suit any style. It's extremely comfortable with its lightweight material and four-way stretch. The short-sleeve, crewneck top is loose, and the pull-on pants are comfortable and have pockets. It's great to wear on flights, but it's so comfortable you might want to also wear the set as pajamas. A jean jacket is just right for the summer. You never know when temperatures might dip, especially at night, and this denim jacket can offer just enough warmth to keep you comfortable on cooler evenings. It has a collared neckline and a button-up front, plus decorative front pockets and fully functional side pockets. In addition to the traditional denim hue, this jacket also comes in fun colors like pink and purple. It can make a fashion statement in other ways: I decorate mine with pins that have different messages and images on them. Sometimes a comfy jumper is the best choice for a day of sightseeing or just relaxing at the hotel (one of my favorite travel activities). This overall-style jumpsuit looks cute and is flattering to all. Because it's made of polyester, it doesn't wrinkle easily, so you can just throw it in your suitcase and take it out when you arrive without worrying about ironing. I love that it comes with so many different color options and patterns to suit any style. There's a great sale on this Hanes shirt that's one of my favorite tops to wear when flying. Although I enjoy dressing up and wearing sparkles casually, I want to keep things simple and optimally comfortable when I'm flying. Made of 100 percent cotton and available in five simple colors, it's a comfortable, casual shirt I can wear anywhere. This shirt pairs well with leggings or jeans on travel days, or you can dress it up with a blazer or a skirt. Whether I'm going on a short or long trip, a comfortable pair of jeans always makes its way into my suitcase. These Levi jeans have been top on my list lately—they have stretch for comfort and are easy to pack without getting wrinkled. They fit so well that I feel more confident when I wear them. And at just $25, they're a total steal; grab them in another huge like sage green or a darker blue wash. I try to always have a wrap with me when I fly, especially if I'm wearing short sleeves. For me, a shawl is an essential part of layering during the warmer months of the year because it's so easy to take on and off. This wrap resists wrinkles, so sometimes I just throw it in my backpack if I'm on a flight and realize I don't need it. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including pastels and darker colors. I especially love the shawl's flexible design: wear it open or pulled closed. If you're looking for chic, casual tops for the summer, consider this bold, blue shirt. I love that it has fun touches like a ruffled V-neck and gathered sleeves, and it has a soft fabric that feels good against the skin. Plus, it's perfect for warm-weather travel because it's lightweight, and it doesn't wrinkle easily, so it can save you time on ironing. These lightweight cargo joggers are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for travel days. The elastic waist and adjustable drawcord are convenient features if your weight fluctuates like mine does. They have two side zipper pockets and a right-hip zipper pocket for safely storing valuables like your phone or wallet. The UPF 50+ and water-resistant fabric also make them the perfect hiking pants or for lounging on the beach when you don't plan to swim. Here's a comfortable dress that's stylish and always seems to inspire joy when I wear it. I love the classic A-line style with a V-neck and loose, short sleeves. I recommend sizing up because it seems to run small, and the fabric doesn't have a lot of stretch. It is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, too, so I love that I can easily pack it, and it will be ready to wear when I get to my destination. It's a great dress for resorts, in particular, where it can be worn to a nice dinner yet also by the pool during the day. Ready to have the summer of peace, love, and understanding? This fun, floral peace sign shirt gives off those vibes. I love the peace sign design and matching stripes at the bottom of the long sleeves. The pullover shirt is lightweight and soft, but it can keep you warm on cold flights. If you like layering but don't want anything too heavy, this is a great option to wear over sleeveless summer tops. This colorful, striped dress just screams 'summer fun' to me. It has a feminine style with its frilly sleeves and high waist, plus a lightweight, slightly stretchy design. The wrinkle-resistant material is key so it easily unfolds to offer a ready-to-wear, pulled-together look. Depending on how you style it, it could be dressed up for date night or worn casually with a pair of sneakers. When traveling to beach destinations and other spots where you'll be spending lots of time in the sun, protective clothing is a must. I love that this rash guard shirt looks like a regular shirt I can wear anywhere, but it also functions as a swimsuit top. It is made of a stretchy, wrinkle-resistant material, and it's comfortable to wear with its four-way stretch. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. More importantly, the shirt offers UPF 50+ protection, so it helps protect you from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays every time you wear it. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
