When the age of the supermodel took hold in the 90s, we were inundated with anecdotes about Fashion People who only ate baby food to stay skinny. Then there were quotes from models such as Kate Moss like the notorious, ruinous: "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."
This quote was the declaration heard around the world, a damaging mindset propped up as discipline, then endlessly moralized about and aestheticized. That was the era of "heroine chic" — the dangerously romanticized idealization of casual drug use and subsequent thinness. And while much of that culture has shifted, fashion has remained exclusive to larger bodies.
For anyone above a sample size, high fashion has always been exclusive territory. For anyone above a straight size, even regular shopping is a headache when most stores don't stock plus sizes.
As the fashion landscape grows more dictated by influencers and social media — see: the 2021 Met Gala guest list for further, chilling proof — Fashion People have become far more diverse. They're finally free to express themselves without traditional industry gatekeepers.
This reality is in stark contrast to the industry's claims about "diversifying." The industry itself has not reflected the changing culture norms and the demands for more inclusive sizing. In some ways, the past few years have made representation worse.
According to The Fashion Spot's Diversity Report: "New York had 48 plus-size model appearances accounting for just under 4 percent of total castings. It is a marked increase from the measly six for Fall 2021. (For reference, the highest season on record was Spring 2020 with 68.)"
This dire percentage confirms what we already know: mainstream fashion is not built for plus-size bodies. And instead of continuing to glorify the exclusive landscape, many fashion lovers are looking elsewhere to find brands that actually value diversity.
Dia & Co is one such brand.
As a platform for celebrating big bodies, Dia & Co exclusively stocks plus-size clothing in all styles that make you feel confident and fierce. Don't settle for that teeny, drab collection most brands tout as their plus-size offerings. Discover a platform where you're not an outlier, but somewhere that welcomes and celebrates you.
As you curate your fall wardrobe to readjust to life post-vaccine, turn to Dia & Co for inclusive clothes which don't sacrifice style for sizing.
Karla Knit Wrap Midi Dress ($69)
This everyday dress is one of Dia & Co's best sellers — and for good reason. This minimal, everyday staple is that effortlessly chic piece often so difficult to find in plus-sizes (if you know, you know).
The ubiquitous "take your look from day to night" of the magazine era actually applies here. Dress it down with sneakers for a casual look for office-return season (or for more Zoom calls, if you want to spice it up a little) and dress it up with heels for a night on the town.
One thing's for sure, you'll feel confident and stylish no matter how you wear it.
Sharon Plaid Fleece Utility Jacket ($69)
One of the most versatile pieces of the season is the Shaket: the humble blend between shirt and jacket. The Sharon Plaid Fleece Utility Jacket's menswear-inspired silhouette is flattering and fun. The collection draws from blocky shapes and straight lines found in men's tailoring and proves that androgyny doesn't have to mean skinny.
The plaid print makes it the go-to top for fall. Button it up for a statement piece or throw it on over a t-shirt for a quintessential autumn look.
Madewell Jeans ($75)
Most quality denim brands don't even venture into plus sizes, and many alternatives lack the quality to hold up over time. What does a girl have to do for stylish, sturdy denim in plus sizes?
The answer: shop the new Madewell collection at Dia & Co. Madewell jeans have become a new classic: an affordable, stylish collection of well-made denim that comes in plus sizes.
No matter where you stand on the skinny jeans vs. mom jean feud, Madewell has denim that will make you feel good in your own body in every style imaginable.
Bella Floral-Print Satin Robe ($74.50)
Indulge in the luxury you deserve in the Bella Floral-Print Satin Robe. Nurture your romantic side and treat yourself to this satin robe— why not? It's Libra Season, which means love and self-care galore.
This versatile piece is flattering and fun, making it suitable for nights spent alone as well as nights on the town.
Dia & Co proves that plus size fashion doesn't have to be unimaginative or tacky. By celebrating plus size bodies, Dia & Co challenges the mainstream to be more inclusive and serve bigger bodies or get left behind.
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Best Dressed at the Disappointing Met Gala 2021 — Popdust
Report: Diversity Rebounds Across the Board at New York Fashion Week Spring 2022 — The Fashion Spot
