Fashion

17 Fabulous Looks From The 2016 Curvy Con

by Alysse Dalessandro

New York City's Metropolitan West recently became a two-day stomping ground for one of the country's fastest growing plus size fashion events, The Curvy Con. Plus size bloggers Chastity Garner Valentine of GarnerStyle and CeCe Olisa of Plus Size Princess founded the convention in 2015; and even though it's only in its second year, the event boasts an impressive attendee list including legendary names like Gabi Gregg, Nicolette Mason, and Jes Baker.

Although I was glued to social media from afar during last year's shindig, I had the pleasure of attending the 2016 Curvy Con, and it was clear to me that everyone arrived not only ready to shop, but also dressed for every photo opportunity. Bloggers and plus size fashion enthusiasts traveled from all over the United States and Canada to be at the event.

One of the things that struck me most about being in a room with this many stylish plus size women was just how beautifully varied everyone's ensemble was. From sequin sheath dresses and lace bodycons to bomber jackets and denim jumpsuits, I saw individuals breaking all the pre-conceived notions that some still maintain regarding the way fat women are supposed to dress.

All around me, there were humans taking risks and embracing their own personal style. Though there were far too many good looks to recap them all, here are 17 standouts that caught my eye.

1. @fashiononacurve

This white lace dress on blogger Valerie Eguavoen of Fashion On A Curve is one that stopped me in my tracks. From the fit to the cut of the lace, it's fashion-forward elegance. When I went in search of the designer, I learned that Eguavoen made it herself! Impressive is an understatement.

2. @tashacobbs

Grammy-award winning Gospel singer Tasha Cobbs kept it cute and casual with this white vest, flatform Oxfords, and an "I Ain't Sorry" bodysuit by stylist/shop owner Shun Melson.

3. @plussizebeausion

Blogger Chardline Chanel-Faiteau of Plus Size Beausion wowed in head-to-toe ELOQUII, showing everyone why this brand's booth at The Curvy Con stayed packed with shoppers.

4. @ashley_nell_tipton

Project Runway winner and Brand Ambassador for JCPenney Boutique+, Ashley Nell Tipton wore a graphic tee, blush pleated skirt, and gray vest from the Boutique+ collection, all of which are available to purchase up to a size 5X. SCORE!

5. @iambeauticurve

I had been eyeing the Kia Dress from Demestiks New York online for a while now, so to see it in person on blogger Rochelle Johnson of Beauticurve was a huge treat.

6. @ashleighchubbybunny

Ashleigh Nicole Tribble sported a Rebdolls floral romper with bell sleeves in totally badass fashion.

7. @outofthecorner

Stylist and blogger Shaina of Corner Rich definitely caught my eye in this white blouse and vintage patterned pants.

8. @whosthatgirldana

I have a thing for jumpsuits, and blogger Dana Martinez proved that adding a pop of color goes a long when it comes to the little black onesie.

9. @materialsathand

This Jeremy Scott basketball purse rocked by creative consultant Nova Styles made me gasp out loud. Plus, the bomber jacket mixed with the elegant maxi made for an elevated street-wear look.

10. @stylepluscurves

Chicago-based blogger Amber of Style Plus Curves made me fall in love with this denim jumpsuit from ELOQUII.

11. @grownandcurvywoman

Jibri is one designer that constantly stays on my wish-list. Seeing this bat sleeve slouch dress in person on blogger Grown And Curvy Woman was truly dreamy.

12. @sometimesglam

Plus size blogger and YouTuber Crystal Coons of Sometimes Glam stunned in this floral CityChic maxi dress. Bonus points for the fact that it matched her hair.

13. @sherrieshepherd

Actor Sherri Shepherd styled this brocade zip-up cocktail dress with hot pink shoes for an all-around stunning look.

14. @chauncea

Brand strategist and social influencer Chauncéa gave me Janelle Monáe vibes in these sequin Society+ leggings and a custom bowtie from BowFRESH.

15. @studiomucci

Fatshionista and shop owner Amina Mucciolo of Studio Mucci always serves as a shining example of how to wear a lot of color and never fade into the background. Pairing this rainbow sequin shift dress from SimplyBe with a rainbow bag and glitter tennis shoes was an act of brilliance. What matches better with rainbow than more rainbows?

16. @sabrinastyled

I love a short short and Sabrina Servance of Lifetime's Big Women Big Love rocked these high-waisted denim shorts flawlessly.

17. @garnerstyle & @ceceolisa

The women behind The Curvy Con found a way to run the entire event and still stop the show in their looks at the same time. The duo wore GwynnieBee for "theCURVYcon x GwynnieBee" party and looked stunning doing it.

From cute and casual to elegant and electrifying, there are a lot of words I could use to describe all of the plus size fashions I observed at this year's Curvy Con. Contrary to what some may choose to believe, plus size babes needn't dress to hide. In fact, these looks show that it's pretty impossible for style-loving fatshionistas to ever fade into the crowd.

Images: Courtesy Thaddeus Rombauer/The Curvy Con (4)