This is a comprehensive list of the best Chicago plus size shopping spots. If you’re looking for an immediate, in-person shopping experience in the city of Chicago, start your search here. Here’s all of the stores that I frequent in the city when searching for cute, fashionable, plus size clothes. Have I missed one? Email me at stylepluscurves@gmail.com to get a new shop or boutique on this list!
Ashley Stewart {Westside and Southside}
I love Ashley Stewart, and they have amazing sales. If you are looking for colorful, on-trend plus size separates, this is absolutely worth checking out. Depending on the season, they also have a lot of great dresses! There are two locations in Chicago, one on the southside and one on the westside near Humboldt Park. www.ashleystewart.com
Bloomingdale’s {Michigan Avenue}
Bloomies has a fab plus size section, although it does trend a little older and more conservative–which is not a bad thing! Not everyone can run around in club clothes! Shop higher-end labels such as B/A/S/L/E/R and LaFayette 148, and bask in the attention of the personal shoppers here. These ladies know there stuff! Let them help you! The store is located downtown on Michigan Ave, in the 900 N Michigan Shops. www.bloomingdales.com
Burlington {State Street}
Burlington Coat Factory has a surprisingly huge plus size section in the location on State Street. There are racks of dresses and tops to rake through and you can find some amazing on-trend pieces. They are not always the highest-quality and some have some sizing issues, but the prices are low enough that you don’t care if something’s a little off! www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com
Eloquii {Michigan Avenue – Shops at NorthBridge}
Eloquii is in Chicago, y’all! The store is an absolute paradise, located in the Shops at NorthBridge, right on Michigan Ave! It’s well-stocked and includes their full size range. And the dressing rooms are large and well lit – so rare, right?! The staff is amazing and is there to assist you with sizes and styling advice – and you can tell they actually care about you and how you feel in your clothes. If you’re in Chicago, this is a MUST STOP for you! Of course you can shop online at eloquii.com, but it’s nothing compared with the in-store experience! Visit Eloquii in Chicago here.
Forever 21 {Michigan Avenue – CLOSED}
The Forever 21 on Michigan Avenue in Chicago has closed – which is devastating, since it was a shopping staple of mine. There is still a Forever 21 on State Street. The store caters to a younger demographic, with trendy, cheap, fast fashion…and it’s my go-to place for plus size belts, bathing suits, skinny jeans and fun, trendy tops. www.forever21.com
Lane Bryant {Fullerton/Ashland)
This store is a staple in every plus size gal’s shopping trip. I’m absolutely devastated that my favorite location on Wabash Ave (just off State Street) has closed. Now, I go to the location at Riverpoint Mall off of Fullerton, but they don’t have as great of a selection. But beggars can’t be choosers, so I’m happy there’s any locations close to me! Lane Bryant is literally KILLIN’ IT lately. Every new collaboration brings a fresh attitude and fabulous designs and fabrics. And let’s not forget Cacique – it’s the ONLY place I buy my underwear and bras, and I also love their pajamas! www.lanebryant.com
Lost Girls Vintage / LuvSick Plus {Wicker Park/Ukie Village}
If you love vintage clothes, you’re going to spend ALL your money at Lost Girls Vintage! LuvSick Plus is a separate company that specializes in plus size vintage and has its own section inside Lost Girls. The space is incredible and you are SURE to find something unique and special.
lostgirls.com
Macy’s {State Street and Michigan Avenue}
The plus size section at Macy’s on State is huge! Labels such as INC and American Rag keep the section fresh and trendy, while Alfani, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors offer up some great work dresses and suits! If I need a formal dress for an event, I almost always end up buying it here. Also, Macy’s has awesome sales all the time, so you can score some amazing deals. There are two locations downtown, but the one at Water Tower place doesn’t have as great of a selection as the one on State. www.macys.com
Nordstrom {Michigan Avenue – Shops at NorthBridge}
Nordstrom has an amazing plus size section! Full of great labels like Vince Camuto, NYDJ, Calvin Klein, and now City Chic…you’ll always find something lovely or super cool that you just MUST buy. However, things can get pricey and you might have to make some hard choices of what to put back. I absolutely adore shopping here, so it’s a must for Chicago plus size shopping. It’s located inside the Shops at NorthBridge on Michigan Ave. www.nordstrom.com
Nordstrom Rack {State Street – NO PLUS SECTION}
Nordstrom Rack has discontinued their plus size section in the store on State Street. www.nordstromrack.com
Torrid {State Street – CLOSED}
The Torrid on State Street in downtown Chicago has unfortunately closed. www.torrid.com
TJ Maxx {State Street}
This place is worth a look–although in the last year or so, their plus size section has shrunk to the point of nonexistence. I haven’t bought anything except shoes and bags here for a while now. But, sometimes you’ll get lucky, so if you’re on State Street, go ahead and pop in. www.tjmaxx.com
Where to Shop Online for Plus Size Clothes
Not in Chicago? No problem! These are some of my favorite online retailers for plus size clothes!