Not so long ago there was only one shop on the high street anywhere near me that I could buy plus size clothes in and that was Evans. Times have now changed and I'm now a very lucky girl as my closest city Leicester has a great selection of plus size clothing stores and shops with decent plus size sections!
To help out any ladies (and gents) that were wondering where in Leicester they can head to get some great clothes in plus sizes I thought I'd put together a little directory to let you know where to head and the kind of things you can find in each shop!
First up we have Simply Be which is located in the excellent Highcross Shopping Centre right in the middle of the city. There's no doubt you'll have heard of Simply Be before, they're currently at the forefront of offering on trend styles in plus sizes and we're oh so lucky to have a store in Leicester! It's a great shop, laid out beautifully and with the best changing rooms around (check out the magic mirror!) the stock rotates regularly and they always have new in items in stock so the chances are if you've seen it online it will be in store. The staff are always lovely and they have some killer sales too - you can even get your shoe or bra size measured properly! You can read my review of the Highcross store here.
If you're happy to take a ten minute drive out of town (with free
parking) I'd also recommend heading to Yours Clothing which is based in
Fletcher Mall in Beaumont Leys. It's a good size store and is bright and
full of lots of lovely clothes. The ladies that work there are always
real sweeties and as well as clothes and shoes you'll also find a nice
little lingerie and shapewear section. The stock rotation is good and
there are always some of the new in pieces in stock!
Next up we have New Look and their Inspire range which is currently located on the 1st floor of their Highcross store (the one in the town centre doesn't stock plus sizes) and is pretty good. Unfortunately it doesn't stock that many brand pieces but it has a good range of basics and usually has some of the more on trend new in styles too, plus there are great reductions when they have a sale. While you're there don't forget to check out the wide fit shoes and the big jewellery and accessories section!
It was a bit sad a few years ago when the Evans store which had been based in the town centre for years closed down, but this year it re-opened in the Highcross with a brand new, airy and bright store. It stocks what Evans are known for, good quality basic pieces with some more interesting and unusual pieces too plus some fabulous brands - they stock some Scarlett & Jo pieces and some Live Unlimited. There's also shoes, lingerie, tights and jewellery and the changing rooms are a decent size and nice and bright.
A store that you may not yet be familiar with as it's quite new to the UK is taking shape, an Australian company that offers really high quality pieces from several brands. When you first step in you would be forgiven for thinking it's for older ladies, but when you have a proper look there are some real gems! They have great sales every now and again and also sell a wonderful range of jewellery and fitness wear plus some gorgeous gift items like scented candles, cute sleep masks, hand creams, pretty storage cases and more. It's a little more on the pricey side but like I say, the clothes are really high quality with really clever design features that fit bigger bodies just perfectly. The shop is based nearer to the train station on Horsefair Street which is a minute's walk from the Highcross and you can read my store review here.
You'll find a decent size Dorothy Perkins on Gallowtree Gate which is one of the main streets in the town centre. It stocks items up to a size 22 so although it's not that great with it's sizing offers it has some nice reasonably priced pieces plus shoes and accessories.
If you're on the hunt for something formal then don't forget to try Debenhams in the Highcross who have several brands that extend to plus sizes. They also stock some great lingerie that goes up to large cup sizes and nice accessories to add a little extra fanciness to your outfit. There's also the beauty and fragrance hall and a nice little MAC store so you can treat yourself to a new lippy too!
Well I hope my little roundup was useful to some of you, I think we're really lucky to have such a great range of stores in Leicester. I'd love to do a shopping meet up sometime soon, do let me know if you'd be interested!
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