Plus-Size: The Mall Brand Behind My Fall Refresh

The chill of autumn has crept into the air, leaves are beginning to turn golden, and my closet is calling out for a seasonal refresh. The excitement of a wardrobe overhaul is something many of us relish, but as a plus-size woman, shopping for fashion can often feel more like a battle than a thrill. From navigating the limited in-store options to facing the dreaded inconsistency in sizing, finding stylish, comfortable, and flattering pieces in my size has always been a challenge. However, this fall, I’ve discovered an unexpected savior that has completely transformed my seasonal wardrobe refresh: a mall brand I had never considered before.

Yes, I’m talking about a brand that you’d typically associate with the skinny mannequin draped in size 4 jeans, with store walls lined with impossibly tiny clothes I’d once ignored. I never thought they’d have something for me, a size 20 woman with curves, but this brand has not only embraced inclusivity but nailed it. And so, this is the story of how one surprising mall brand became my go-to for my fall wardrobe refresh—and why more plus-size women need to pay attention to this shopping revolution.

The Struggle of Plus-Size Shopping

First, let me set the stage. Shopping for plus-size fashion hasn’t always been easy. For years, many mainstream retailers offered little to nothing for women above a size 14. Plus-size women were often relegated to small, dimly lit corners of department stores or, worse yet, forced to shop online without the ability to try anything on.

Even when retailers began to recognize the potential of catering to plus-size shoppers, the execution was lackluster. We were often offered shapeless, oversized garments with no thought to trends or style. It felt like clothing brands were more interested in hiding us away rather than celebrating our bodies.

This created a cycle of frustration. Shopping trips would end in disappointment or me begrudgingly purchasing something basic just because it was available in my size. I’ve spent hours scrolling through online retailers with limited options, hoping to find pieces that didn’t make me look older than my age or frumpier than I felt. It’s an experience all too familiar to many women in the plus-size community.

I’ve always envied women who could just pop into a store, grab something off the rack, and know that it would probably fit. So, imagine my surprise when a casual visit to the mall completely changed my perception of what plus-size fashion could be.

The Unexpected Discovery

It all started with an impromptu mall trip with friends. We were in a familiar shopping center, and while my friends darted in and out of their favorite stores, I reluctantly tagged along, expecting to be a spectator more than a shopper.

That’s when we walked by Abercrombie a store I had never considered as a shopping option. From the outside, it looked like every other trendy mall brand—packed with displays of stylish clothes, bold fall prints, and faux leather jackets. But, honestly, I hadn’t given this brand much thought before because I assumed it wasn’t for me. Yet something caught my eye that day. A display in the window showcased a plus-size mannequin dressed in a chic, on-trend fall outfit. I stopped dead in my tracks.

Could it be that this mall brand was actually catering to plus-size women like me? Intrigued, I stepped inside with cautious optimism.

Inclusivity at Its Best

The first thing I noticed was that Abercrombien’t just offering a token plus-size section tucked away in the back. Instead, their sizes were fully integrated into the store layout. The same clothes that were available in a size 4 were available in sizes up to 24, and they weren’t hidden away or treated as an afterthought. This was a refreshing experience, and immediately, I felt a sense of belonging I rarely experience in traditional mall stores.

Brands that embrace size inclusivity should do more than just extend their sizing. They need to understand the bodies they’re designing for, and Abercrombie seemed to get it. From the minute I stepped into the dressing room, I was shocked at how well the clothes fit. I tried on pieces I wouldn’t have normally considered, like trendy wrap dresses, structured blazers, and leather skirts—items I thought were exclusively designed for women with straight-sized figures. Yet, the fit was impeccable. The clothes accentuated my curves in all the right places, offering a flattering silhouette that made me feel both comfortable and confident.

A Fall Wardrobe Transformation

Fall is my favorite season for fashion. The textures, the layering, the deep, rich colors—it’s the perfect time to experiment with your style. But for years, my fall wardrobe had been a bit dull. It was often a mix of oversized sweaters and leggings, a reliable uniform but far from exciting.

This year, however, my fall wardrobe looks completely different, thanks to Abercrombie They’ve nailed fall fashion for plus-size women, offering everything from cozy knits to statement outerwear, all in sizes that actually fit.

Sweaters That Flatter, Not Hide

We all know the comfort of a good sweater when the temperatures drop. But for many years, sweaters in plus sizes often came in unflattering, shapeless designs that felt more like sacks than stylish pieces. At Abercrombie, I found a whole range of sweaters that catered to both comfort and fashion. The collection featured everything from oversized cable knits to form-fitting turtlenecks in rich autumnal tones like burgundy, mustard, and forest green.

One standout piece was a cropped knit sweater in a warm caramel shade. Paired with high-waisted jeans, it gave me the perfect fall look that I never thought I could pull off. The sweater wasn’t designed to hide my body but to complement it, creating a look that was stylish and polished yet cozy.

Jackets and Coats That Wow

Fall is the season of jackets, and Abercrombie didn’t disappoint in that department either. From trendy faux leather moto jackets to tailored wool coats, their outerwear selection was impressive, and everything was available in my size.

I fell in love with a plaid wool coat that felt equal parts classic and contemporary. It was tailored in a way that hugged my curves but left enough room to layer underneath without feeling bulky. The attention to detail—like the structured shoulders and flattering waistline—was something I rarely experienced in plus-size outerwear. Finally, I had a coat that wasn’t just functional but fashionable, a piece I looked forward to wearing every time I stepped outside.

Pants and Skirts That Fit Like a Dream

Finding pants or skirts that fit properly is one of the biggest challenges for plus-size women. Often, pants are either too tight in the waist or too loose in the hips, making it a constant struggle to find a pair that fits just right. abercrombie seems to have cracked the code, especially when it comes to high-waisted pants, which I usually avoid for fear of ill-fitting waistbands.

But this season, I took a chance on a pair of high-waisted wide-leg trousers in a deep olive color, and to my surprise, they fit perfectly. The waistband sat comfortably without digging in, and the trousers flared out in a way that was both flattering and trendy.

As for skirts, I couldn’t resist a faux leather pencil skirt that has become the star of my fall wardrobe. It hugs my hips but gives me enough room to move comfortably, making it the perfect statement piece for both casual and dressier occasions.

Dresses That Embrace My Shape

Dresses have always been a love-hate relationship for me. I love the idea of them, but finding a dress that flatters my shape without feeling like a tent has been difficult in the past. This fall, I found myself gravitating toward Abercrombie wrap dresses. These dresses were designed with my curves in mind, cinching at the waist and flowing beautifully over my hips.

One standout piece was a floral print midi dress with long sleeves and a tie at the waist. It’s become my go-to for everything from brunch with friends to date nights. It’s the perfect mix of style and comfort, and I never feel like I have to compromise one for the other.

Why This Brand Stands Out

So what makes Abercrombie different from all the other brands that claim to be size-inclusive? For one, they’ve fully embraced the idea that plus-size women want the same stylish options as everyone else. They aren’t offering watered-down versions of their straight-size clothes or relegating us to a separate plus-size section. Instead, they’ve integrated plus sizes into their entire line, making it clear that fashion is for everyone, regardless of size.

They’ve also paid attention to the details that matter. Fit is everything, especially for plus-size women. Too often, brands will extend their sizes but fail to consider how clothes fit on larger bodies. abercrombie has clearly put thought into designing pieces that are flattering for all body types, not just smaller frames.

Their designs don’t hide the body but celebrate it. From the fit to the fabric, everything is created with the plus-size shopper in mind, and it shows. As a result, I’ve built a fall wardrobe that not only looks great but makes me feel confident and excited about getting dressed every morning.

The Plus-Size Fashion Revolution

This experience has been a revelation. For years, I’ve been conditioned to think that finding stylish clothes in my size was a pipe dream. But brands like Abercrombie are changing the game, proving that size inclusivity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a movement toward creating fashion that is truly for everyone.

As a plus-size woman, this fall wardrobe refresh feels like a long-overdue celebration of my body and my style. I’ve never felt more confident stepping into the season, knowing that I have a closet full of clothes that fit me well and make me feel amazing.

So, to all my fellow plus-size women out there who’ve been frustrated with shopping, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and give brands like Abercrombie a chance. You might just be surprised by what you find. Because everyone deserves to feel fabulous, no matter their size. And this fall, I certainly do.

FAQ