'All the brands I shop as a mid-size stylist (and the ones I definitely don't).'

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There's a specific kind of exhaustion that comes from shopping in a body the fashion industry claims to include – but rarely does well.

I started Wear The Damn Dress after years of feeling like my wardrobe failures were personal shortcomings.

As a stylist, I watched women apologise for their bodies in fitting rooms, soften their expectations, and convince themselves they were "hard to dress". The truth is, most of us aren't hard to dress, we've just been offered limited, poorly considered options for too long.

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Over time, I became far more intentional about where I shop.

Not just for myself, but because every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of industry we want to exist. Allyship in fashion isn't optional anymore.

These are the brands I rely on, and will be shopping again this summer...

Bohemian Traders.

Bohemian Traders understands that style doesn't disappear once you move beyond straight sizing.

Their approach to shape and print is unapologetic and they do not shy away from bold silhouettes and styles that turn heads.

Rather than shrinking silhouettes or muting designs for larger bodies, Bohemian Traders embrace volume, movement and the art of standing out — which is exactly what makes their pieces work so well across sizes.

They're my go to for statement, colourful pieces that will stand the test of time in my closet.

Gingham Scarf Dress, $380.

Image: Bohemian Traders.

Breathable, drapey, and ideal for summer days when comfort matters as much as style.

Organza Oversized Shirt, $260.

Image: Bohemian Traders.

Luxe fabric, luxe design, luxe looks with this sheer-looking shirt, perfect for layering under or over your favourite pieces.

Lullaby Club.

Lullaby Club cannot be beaten for clothing that feels relaxed, intentional and deeply wearable.

From the ultimate co-ord sets to dresses and accessories everything is maternity and nursing friendly and honestly just beautiful to wear.

Their designs prioritise ease — not just physically, but mentally.

These are pieces that let me prioritise comfort without compromising my style. The size range is considered, and the silhouettes allow bodies to exist without correction.

Zimi Top, $79.95.

Image: Lullaby Club.

A relaxed silhouette made from breezy cotton, lined for comfort and adjustable straps to tailor your fit.

You can pair this piece with your shots, lounge pants, jeans or your favourite skirt; you name it, it's ready to wear!

Lacy Skirt, $99.95.

Image: Lullaby Club.

The easiest fabric you'll ever wear. No ironing, no steaming, no crushing, no problems. This is a go-to travel piece if you're heading off on holidays over the summer.

De Gail.

DE GAIL is one of the most exciting size-inclusive brands in Australia right now, precisely because they don't treat inclusivity as a side note.

Providing tailored pieces for a market often saturated with oversized looks, DeGail is my go-to for the trendy pieces my friends are buying in mainstream stores.

Their pieces are designed from the ground up for sizes 14–24, which means the proportions, fabric choices and construction actually work on different bodies.

DE GAIL doesn't just sell clothes, they have actively engaged their customers from the beginning and their designs based on lived experience.

Emilia Halter Dress, $159.

Image: De Gail.

Combining careful shape and tailoring, this dress is the one you can take from bunch to cocktails and everything in between.

Geo Scarf, $29.

Image: De Gail.

Scarves are THE go-to accessory this season and DE GAIL are making sure us curvy gals can take part.

This scarf is designed to comfortably tie around your waist, drape around your shoulders or wear as a top.

Fayt The Label.

Fayt is one of the most reliable brands I recommend to mid-size and plus-size clients for denim and core wardrobe staples.

They understand curves and every piece is made in size 6-26. Read. That. Again.

Fayt denim stretches where it needs to, the waistlines sit where they should, and the cuts are designed to move with the body rather than restrict it.

Greer Denim Shorts, $89.

Image: Fayt The Label.

The right amount of stretch and the perfect length.

If you have been looking for a classic pair of denim shorts you will wear again and again, look no more.

Ivie Top, $64.

Image: Fayt The Label.

Polished enough for work, relaxed enough for weekends. This is the ultimate go to top, whatever the occasion.

City Chic.

City Chic have undergone a revival and their game has lifted!

They remain one of the few mainstream Australian brands where extended sizing is not an experiment — it's the business model.

The range on offer caters for almost all my styling needs. They offer occasionwear, tailoring, trending styles and staples in sizes that are accessible (read: they have stores where you can try on), and designed with larger bodies in mind.

Lani Lace Shirt, $109.95.

Image: City Chic.

Combining current trends of lace and chocolate in sizes with a relaxed fit for your summer styling.

Pinstripe Double Breasted Blazer, $159.95.

Image: City Chic.

Considered tailoring for curvy bodies, this is purposely cut for a fuller bust and hip, without feeling boxy or stiff.

The brands I don't shop.

I don't shop at brands that stop at a size 16.

I don't shop at brands that technically offer a size 18 but only in a handful of styles.

And I don't shop at brands that treat extended sizing as a half-baked effort rather than a long-term commitment.

Inclusion that only exists in marketing campaigns isn't inclusion — it's convenience.

Allyship in fashion means purchasing from the brands that are investing in proper fit models, catering to sizes 18+, producing adequate stock, pricing fairly across sizes, and representing bigger bodies without apology or editing them into palatability.

And here's the uncomfortable truth: brands don't change because they're asked nicely. They change when sales data forces them to.

Consumers drive that change every time they choose where to spend their money. Supporting brands that are genuinely doing the work — and consciously opting out of those that aren't — is one of the most powerful acts of resistance we have.

Fashion doesn't need more "body positivity" slogans. It needs accountability.

Amy Abrahams is the creator and stylist behind @wearthedamndress and founder of plus-size fashion show, Revel the Runway.

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Feature image: Supplied.