Growing up fat, plus-size, or “bigger-bodied” was traumatic for most of us. And while our parents tried hard to shield us from the ridicule and unwanted stares, there was so much they could do at the mall where finding a dress or top that could fit seemed like a fantasy.
Let’s not even get started on the traumatic try-ons in the dressing room or the cold whispers from attendants who didn’t try to hide their disapproval. The 90s and 00s were just some of the darkest ages for any sexy-succulent girl (hey Mo’Nique) who loved fashion.
But, thanks to outspoken body-positivity advocates like Lizzo, Tess Holliday, and hundreds of plus-size fashion influencers on Instagram and TikTok today, this body-shaming and non-inclusive trend is slowly coming to an end. And while we might not be where we’d want to be yet (it’s still hard to find the perfect prom dress as a high school senior), we do love the progress the fashion industry has been making to ensure inclusivity in this space.
So, in an effort to applaud this progress and help you find some incredible fashion inspo, we decided to list down some of our favorite plus-size Black women fashion influencers on the gram. These women have taken the fashion industry by storm and made it their mission to amplify underrepresented voices and smaller plus-size fashion brands.
Any way you slice it, these fashion Queens will provide you with so much inspiration (both closet and life-wise) and might be the IG follow you’ve been searching for all your social media life!
@fromheadtocurve
Ashley Morgan, aka @headtocurve, is the Empress of throwing eclectic fashion pieces together to create super stunning and Vogue cover-worthy looks.
Plus, with such an infectious vibe, she truly embodies confidence and acts as the perfect role model for any plus-size queen looking for fashion inspo or a space to celebrate her curves and beauty.
Oh, and if black is your go-to color (some of us love to stick to what we know), Ashley is the influencer to follow. Just check out this black dress paired with a bold red lip. Freakin’ gorge!
Shop her unique collections here.
@thekatrinanichole
We are about to send a petition to the fashion police requesting permission to raid Ms. Katrina Nichole’s closet because whaattt? This fashionista owns some of the cutest things ever and can make even the trashiest of trash bags look sexy.
And if you’re looking for inspiration to love your curves one sexy bikini at a time, Katrina is the chic to follow. Did we mention she’s also a fitness buff and owns one of the most addictive podcasts? Yup. Check her out @biggirlsgonewildpod and shop some of her stunning pieces here.
@essiegolden
Unapologetic attitude? Check. Infectious laugh? Check. Stunning fashion pieces? Check and check.
Essie has an energy that rubs off on you, and it’s reflected in her fancy-schmancy style. She’s also the founder of @golden-confidence, a space where she highlights other women and helps babes struggling with body image and self-ridicule embrace body positivity.
She’s every plus-size fashion-obsessed girl’s dream!
@mskristine
You might already know this, babe, but if you don’t, Smash, That. Button. RN. With over 500k followers and with a fashion house in her books @kinbykristine, you know you can rely on her to give you major fashion inspo.
From world-stopping red carpet looks to simple jeans x boots winter steals and badass leather fits, Kristine is the true definition of a bad bih!
If you’re looking for a shopping buddy or personal fashion assistant Kristine, please recruit us!
@iambeauticurve
IOO, Rochelle Johnson is the Queen of making simple, plus-size fits look sooo chic. Scroll through her well-curated IG feed, and you’ll instantly see why you need to add her to your #curvygirlsfashion mood board ASAP.
Besides her flawless fits, you’ll love fall in love with photos of her photogenic family and probably get yourself a piece from her apparel collection.
@musingsofacurvylady
Thamarr is the definition of fabulous, bubbly, and effervescent. And, as the Creative Directress of #MusingsofaCurvyLady & #HotGirlChasteSummer, this Florida-based babe is a body positivity advocate and fights to create the visibility and inclusion that has been lacking in the fashion zeitgeist.
She’s also an avid supporter of women supporting other women and continues to create a supportive plus-size community that allows women struggling with their body shape find love, acceptance, and some cool asf fashion pieces.
You can get some of her indulgent pieces here.
