Modern Boho Babe Looks in Plus Size from Belle and Broome
I’m always on the lookout for what’s new and next in plus size fashion, so when I met the founder of Belle and Broome after a panel I spoke on at the PS BKLYN Pop Up last fall, I was excited to hear about new boho-focused shop specifically for plus. Though there has been progress in the plus market overall in the last few years, there are still many market gaps, specifically around certain aesthetics. I can’t tell you how many times I have had women lament to me that they can’t find any stylish middle ground between fast fashion clubwear and matronly high end plus, so I am particularly happy to see a new place with a modern boho style in plus sizes.
I’ve been keeping an eye on their social ever since I first heard of them, and I’ve built up a running wishlist of Belle and Broome pieces I wanted to try, so I was very excited to get a chance to partner to test out their clothing for you babes.
When selecting Belle and Broome pieces to review, I tried to go for a variety of pieces in different fabrics and cuts so I could really give you in-depth feedback about the fit and quality. I’ve also worn all of the pieces in this post in my real life over the course of the last few weeks so I can speak to the wear quality.
One of the first dresses that caught my eye was this gorgeous emerald green maxi dress. It is a lightweight woven material (aka no stretch), but it laid nicely on my body and had a lot of great flowy movement. I ordered a 2x based on the size chart, and it fit true to the measurements stated there.
Pro Tip: ALWAYS check the size chart when ordering online – it only takes a minute and is so worth that tiny time commitment! (Belle and Broome offers free, no-hassle returns, but by checking the size chart, I haven’t needed to use it for anything I’ve ordered yet)
Of course I had to take advantage of the scenic Vermont country roads to shoot this dress while I was there, but I also gave it a more thorough and typical wear once I got back to NYC. Each time, I appreciated the thoughtful details on this piece, like the eyelet trim on the neckline and above the flounce hem. The overall look is really lovely, with the rich, on-trend hue and figure-highlighting fit. Paired with a block heel sandal, this could go to brunch or to an outdoor wedding with ease. I plan on transitioning this dress into fall by pairing it with snakeskin boots and a wide brim hat – one of my go-to styling combos right now!
I was also drawn to the strong boho vibes of this printed swing dress. The fabric on this one is even more lightweight, but doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap as some thinner wovens can tend to. It also feels wonderfully soft against the skin, and didn’t cling or stick to me at all, even worn during a ridiculously humid heatwave day in the city. Because of the free form, flowy silhouette of this piece, I went with a 1x, and the fit was exactly what I was looking for. I’d definitely say size down in this one if you are unsure, as it is voluminous by nature.
With its darker multi-color palette, this dress is very easy to accessorize, as both black and warm-hued shoes and bags work just as well. I paired it with cognac slide sandals for a day in the city, but it could easily be dressed up with a simple double strap heel, and taken into cooler months with knee-high boots.
Last but definitely not least is Belle and Broome’s recent entry into the plus swimwear market. They created a couple of fun custom prints for their recent Welcome to the Jungle collection, and this flora and fauna print is so very me. I also knew I could really put their swim quality to the test with this one, because white bathing suits can EASILY go awry if the quality isn’t there. From the moment I pulled it out of the box, I was impressed with how soft the fabric felt, but I knew from experience that none of that matters if it can hold up in water.
So immediately after shooting these pics, I hopped in the pool and took a two-plus hour swim (I’m basically a mermaid, after all). When I finally emerged, my fingers were fully pruned and I had mascara running down my face, but this Belle and Broome suit still looked pristine. Even after soaking for hours, the fabric remained completely opaque, and the print was just as bright and vibrant as when I first saw it.
The fit of the suit is also true to size based on the specific Belle and Broome swim size chart. I ordered a 2x and it was spot on. The suit is fully lined, but there isn’t an added shelf bra or underwire. This makes it VERY comfortable, but I have to admit I was a bit skeptical that such a soft fabric would provide enough support for me to feel secure. I was happy to discover that throughout all my splashing and dancing in the water, I never felt in danger of a wardrobe malfunction. I also really love the low back on this one – it hugs my body nicely without digging in, so I felt really comfortable with this cut. I’m heading to the Fat Girls Traveling body positive Fat Camp tomorrow, and I definitely plan on wearing this again to one of the many pool parties this weekend!
All in all, I am impressed with Belle and Broome’s fit and the styles offered. All three of these pieces are the type of modern boho styles that are still too rare in plus, and the quality was there for the price point. I also love that it is a woman-run company, and that they aim to give back by donating a portion of all sales to women’s charities.
I was able to get an exclusive discount code for my reader babes, so check out Belle and Broome and use code CURVILY10 for 10% off any full price items!