'I went searching for the perfect size-inclusive spring outfits. Here's what I found.'

Pack your coats away, we're officially done with the cold! I know, it's a bold claim given I live in Melbourne, but I'm optimistic.

For some, changing seasons is an exciting time - it’s an opportunity to update your wardrobe and be more fun and adventurous with your outfits. 

For others, the warmer weather brings anxiety.

Anxiety about the prospect of clothes not fitting like they used to, anxiety because it’s difficult to find clothes that are 'on trend' in plus sizes and anxiety because the heat makes a lot of outfits uncomfortable. 

Before you keep reading, watch this try-on haul. Post continues below.

I went on a mission to find cute plus-size options for spring and summer that would also soothe some of that anxiety.

Basically, I went looking for accessible fashion. 

The criteria: the brands must stock up to at least a size 24, the designs need to be easy to get on and off (i.e. no hidden zippers or tiny buttons) and the pieces can't break the bank.

Now, I don’t want to toot my own horn, but Australia has some fantastic smaller brands that are also size inclusive, so I found some amazing looks.

As always, I’ve ditched the number on the tag and relied on the size guide on the website to help me choose what’s right for me. But in case you’re wondering, I'm usually a size 24-ish.

Also, I’ve rated the cost of these looks using dollar signs - ranging from $ for cheap, to $$$ for exy items.

Orange Sherbet.

Starting things off with a bang, Orange Sherbet is a Queensland-based brand that stocks up to a size 24. 

They use models of various sizes on their website and have a great mix of neutral tones and vibrant colours - including ones that I haven’t really seen anywhere else.

The plisse set. Image: Supplied.

One of this year’s most popular looks has been the plisse set, and I was so excited when I saw Orange Sherbet had my size in three different colours. 

They’re fun, flirty and the top has a wide neck, so it’s easy to pull on and off. The pants are also super stretchy around the waist and leave a lot of room to breathe and move. 

The second outfit. Image: Supplied.

This outfit is the epitome if dopamine dress for me. 

The printed pants and orange top are serving retro in the best way - I love a wide leg and will definitely figure out how to incorporate these pants into my work wardrobe because the fit is phenomenal. 

The top is a little tight around the bust, so a word of caution to my big busted babes.

Cost: $$

Size: 24

Fit: Generous.

FAYT.

FAYT is a new brand to me but it already has a special place in my heart, because its founder, Brittney Saunders, is a Newcastle gal which is my hometown. 

FAYT stock up to a size 24 and do a mix of designs that suit both work and cocktails.

I tried a couple of items from their FAYT x Brittney range and loved the fit and colour - while Orange Sherbet slays bright colours, FAYT are killing the pastel game. 

All of the items I tried on were stretchy and comfortable but still very supportive, which is a hard balance to get right. And that balance is so important when considering accessible fashion - you want to be able to take your outfit off with little to no effort. 

The FAYT fit. Image: Supplied.

I know this silhouette might not be for everyone - the skirt will cling to your belly - but I want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. 

There is nothing wrong with having a belly and you don’t need to hide it. 

Cost: $$

Size: 24

Fit: Perfect.

We Are Golden Hour.

We Are Golden Hour won my heart with their super flirty and romantic designs. Based in Melbourne, the brand goes up to a size 28.

I was able to pull all of the dresses off over my head with ease and they had no hidden fastenings, etc. 

We Are Golden Hour dress. Image: Supplied.

Their website also filled my fat heart with joy because they employ models in a variety of shapes and sizes, including models with visible bellies (which a lot of brands just won’t do). Representation matters!

The off-the-shoulder dress below is my favourite. It’s soft, very romantic and made me feel pretty and feminine, which was a lovely way to feel. 

The off-the-shoulder dress. Image: Supplied.

This dress (and a lot of We Are Golden Hour’s other designs) are also great for people who might not be as confident and comfortable with their belly because the flowy skirts provide a little bit of coverage. 

Cost: $$

Size: 24-26

Fit: True to size. 

You + All.

Adding some more budget-friendly options to the mix, You + All sell up to a size 24, with a mix of boho and yo-pro (young professional) options. 

They have maxi skirts, mini skirts, paisley prints and block patterns - there’s a little something for everyone. 

Of the two looks below, the satin maxi skirt was my favourite. It went on easily, the material felt really soft and it had great movement to it. 

The blue skirt, on the other hand, was a bit tight around my belly and was a little harder to get on which didn't make me feel the best about myself. Maybe size up.

The satin skirt. Image: Supplied.

And the blue skirt. Image: Supplied.

Cost: $

Size: 24

Fit: The blue skirt ran small but everything else was true to size. 

Golden The Label.

Let’s hear it for brands who make clothes for sizes 28 and above! 

Golden The Label makes size inclusive basics and more, including the cutest pair of pink overalls I’ve ever seen, and linen - their linen range was what I really wanted to try. 

Linen really had a moment last year and that will continue on into this spring. 

But last year I really struggled to find any linen items in my size, let alone designs that didn’t make me feel like I was trying to wear pyjamas out of the house.

The first set I tried. Image: Supplied.

The second. Image: Supplied.

My review of both sets that I tried are the same - the fabric is amazing quality, the tops fit like a dream but the bottoms were a little snug. 

So, as a person who likes their linen to be flowy, I would size up. 

Cost: $$

Size: 24

Fit: Tops are very generous. Pants run small, size up. 

I don’t know about you, but I am genuinely excited to step out into the spring sunshine and get some sun on my body (safely!) I’m also excited to add that pop of colour back into my life with these new clothes.

I hope this road test has given you some new season fashion inspo - I love seeing so many new size-inclusive brands pop up to give us big babes some options.

And remember, brands not stocking larger sizes says more about their worth as a business than it does about the worth of your body. 

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Feature image: Supplied/@laceyjadechristie