The best dressed plus-size models on Instagram
Despite the efforts of the Body Positive and Body Neutrality movements, the fashion industry is still heavily struggling regarding plus and mid-size representation. Plus size model and author Felicity Hayward’s size inclusivity report highlights the ever-decreasing numbers of curve and plus-size looks shown during the latest Fashion Month of February 2024.
In this bleak landscape, the good news is that gorgeous and super-chic plus-size models have been steadily gaining popularity on social media. From 2023’s Model of the Year to “the model who made Instagram apologise”, here are the seven plus-size creators you need to know.
1. Paloma Elsesser
The American 31-year-old was discovered on Instagram by none other than Pat McGrath, and she’s been on a roll ever since: last December 4th, she was awarded Model of the Year at the 2023 Fashion Awards. Her style is edgy with a feminine twist.
Moncler
Moncler Centro Oval Sunglasses, Unisex, Black, Size: 50
$430.00
Moncler
I-SEA
Oval Wire Sunglasses Silver
$38.00
Anthropologie
Valentino
Unisex VLS-133A59 59mm Sunglasses
$189.99
Rue La La
I-SEA
Slim Oval Sporty Sunglasses Black
$48.00
Anthropologie
With her signature curly mane, New Yorker Diana Veras has amassed over 190k followers on Instagram. She has starred in advertising campaigns by the likes of Nike, HEAVN by Marc Jacobs, and SKIMS, and has walked for brands like Ashish and Sami Mirò Vintage. Her style is romantic dresses and casual crop tops.
-20%
Ganni
striped smocked mini dress - women - Recycled Polyester/Polyamide/Elastane - 36 - Brown
$342.00
$427.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Ganni
poplin tie string mini dress - women - Organic Cotton - 32 - White
$153.00
$255.00
FARFETCH
Beulah
Sheer Flare Top Brown
$85.00
Rue La La
Atlanta, Georgia native Precious Lee is another plus-size model making waves in the industry, and one of the few plus-size models of colour to work along with longstanding fashion houses. In 2020, she and colleagues Jill Kortleve and Alva Claire became the first curve models to walk for Versace during their Spring 2021 collection. Her style is bold and sexy.
Simone Pérèle
Karma Short-Sleeve Scalloped Lace Bodysuit Black
$130.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-31%
Free People
Bodysuits Black
$58.00
$84.00
Yoox.com
Curve model, influencer, and body positivity advocate Felicity Hayward began her modelling career in 2012 and has since gained recognition as one of the first plus-size models in the UK to advocate for size inclusivity. She has appeared in Vogue, Glamour, Schon!, and Numero, among other publications. When she’s not writing inclusivity reports, Felicity devotes her time to the body-positive digital campaign #SelfLoveBringsBeauty. Her style is colourful, full of bright hues and bold prints.
-55%
Blanca Vita
wrap-style satin-effect dress - women - Polyester - 40 - Blue
$335.00
$741.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Loveappella
Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Midi Dress in Dark Purple at Nordstrom, Size Large
$47.60
$68.00
Nordstrom
-30%
Loveappella
Floral Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Midi Dress in Blue Multi at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$47.60
$68.00
Nordstrom
LA-based Brielle Anyea is a model, activist, and entrepreneur. In her decade-long career, she has used her voice to push for change and diversity within the industry. Her efforts culminated in 2019 when she founded her inclusive swimwear brand Misses Brie. Her style is bold and exudes confidence.
Vince
Crinkled-satin maxi dress - Blue - XL
$425.00
The Outnet
AllSaints
Alexia V-Neck Drawstring Midi Slip Dress Black
$199.00
AllSaints
Rag & Bone
Larissa satin maxi slip diress - Yellow - US 6
$495.00
The Outnet
Mexico-born and raised Jocelyn Corona debuted in the fashion industry with a bang by walking the Chromat Fall/Winter 2015 show after just six months in the business. She defied conventional notions of beauty in 2015 when she starred in Simply Be’s “Everybody is a Beach Body” campaign. Her style is very Mob Wife, sultry but refined.
-35%
-14%
Nero Giardini
45mm lace-up leather combat boots - women - Leather/Rubber/Fabric/Leather - 36 - Black
$222.00
$258.00
FARFETCH
Born and based in South London, model and activist Nyome Nicholas-Williams found herself at the center of a controversy that led Instagram to change its censorship rules, disproportionately affecting women of colour. Nyome is an activist for Mental Health, Body Positivity and Self Care. Her signature shaved head adds a touch of rebelliousness to her minimal but bold style.
Monica Vinader
Gold Kate Young Gemstone Ring Black Onyx
€275.00
Monica Vinader
Monica Vinader
Gold MV Siren Cocktail Round Ring Aquamarine
€425.00
Monica Vinader
Phillip Gavriel
Silver Citrine Cocktail Ring
$59.99
Rue La La
-30%
Monica Vinader
Rose Gold Nura Cocktail Ring Turquoise Blue
€486.50
€695.00
Monica Vinader
