Fashion Designers See Signs: Curves Ahead

Full-figured women and girls once had fewer fashion options than their size-0 counterparts, but that’s changing as more designers cater to shoppers who want to flaunt their curves, the New York Times reports. Options for the plus-size fashionista range from pink leggings to—gasp!—horizontal stripes. “Some of those girls feel like they have the brio to pull off a fitted look,” says one boutique owner.

Fast-fashion chains from Topshop to Target are following the lead of hip boutique labels, offering “trendy and fashionable plus-size clothing,” says a Forever 21 exec. “When you’re fat you stand out anyway,” says another boutique owner. “It’s really important to go all the way and do something fun or even outrageous with your clothes.” (More fashion stories.)