I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker colour…
That’s a hilarious nod to Fall Out Boy, I promise. But hello friends! How are we all doing this weekend? I really can’t get my head back into the game with regularly posting on here; I wonder where I found the time before my hiatus. Between a full time job and staring at a kitten (yes, I’m still obsessed with my cat) I just can’t find the time these days… But let’s talk about some plus size alternative retro courtesy of Belle Poque!
This item was gifted in return for a review and images. Opinions are my own, I’m not paid to say anything in particular. Some links may be affiliate links, it just means I might get a few quid if you buy through my links. You can read more in my disclaimer.
Plus size alternative retro? What even is that?
My style has changed dramatically since the before-covid times. I’m sure a lot of us have a similar experience — either we’re all in love with loungewear, we finally started dressing how we always wanted, or our bodies and attitudes to clothing changed. Mine’s a bit of the former, a bit of the latter. I want to look like a comfy goth mum with a vintage twist, is that so much to ask? I’m calling it alternative retro because it’s a bit grown-up-emo, a sprinkling of 50’s and 60’s styling and more than a few band shirts thrown in.
Belle Poque – 40’s – 70s Vintage and Stylish Clothing
So Belle Poque was a place I’d never think to buy from, honestly. Whenever I’d see adverts or caught a glimpse on socials, I’d only ever see thin people in their clothes. So it was a complete surprise to me that they reached out to me; and even more so that they go up to a 2XL! The Belle Poque 2XL is said to be a UK 24-26, which is much more generous that most 2XLs on the market, so I had to give it a go!
So considering I sat on the outer cusp of their sizing, I thought I’d try out a few of their items! This is the first outfit of two, and because I wear nothing but black these days, both this top and the skirt would be awesome for wardrobe-building basics.
Ribbed Knitted Sweater
This is a great in-between-seasons knit, super soft and stretchy without being see-through. Because of the size chart, I decided to err on the side of caution and take the 2XL, but honestly I wish I’d sized down as it runs large. I do love how elegant it is, though! The shoulder pleating really makes it, and I do love a square neckline on me. I think this will look amazing with midi pencil skirts and slightly longer flared skirts to up the elegance factor.
Buttons Flared A-Line Skirt
Again, I took the 2XL in this skirt, and although the fit isn’t the worst, it’s not the best, either. I’ve mentioned before on the blog that I find skirts like this difficult to fit on my body, thanks to my hip-to-waist-ratio. As always, the waist is a bit loose and the hips/tum a bit tight. Do I personally mind? Absolutely not. And I’d say that as long as your hips don’t throw you massively off the size chart, you’ll be golden. There’s enough stretch in the bengaline fabric to accommodate tums comfortably, but it doesn’t look quite like it does on the models on the website. It’s a great little workhorse of a skirt regardless, and I’ve worn it a bunch of times since it arrived. Suits band shirts and vans just as well as boots and knitwear!
What’s your thoughts on Belle Poque?
Have you bought from them before? Maybe you’re like me and didn’t know they did larger sizing? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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