I'm just on the border between XL and plus size. I am 5'6 and weight 200-205 right now. I can wear a size XL/16 at Old Navy, some size XL stuff at Kohls, and size 14 at Lane Bryant.

I am not sure where to go from here. What other regular stores besides Old Navy and Kohls might I be able to shop in? I'm going to the mall today with a friend!

I've been able to get cute stuff at JCP. I like the little boutiques at the mall, a lot of them are starting to carry xl. even forever 21 has SOME stuff (although you really have to look for it if you are looking through the regular section.

I could always wear a size 14/16 at Gap when I couldn't wear it anywhere else (not counting Old Navy). I found there sizes to be more generous.

I'm a bargain hunter... I would suggest Goodwill and other thrift stores. I know of a few "plus-size only" consignment shops in my area. Maybe Google to see if there is anything around you?

Other than that, try larger departments stores. Bonton, Sears, JCP, etc. should all carry nice-looking plus-size clothing. If you have a Dots, Burlington, Gabriel Brothers, Ross or TJ Maxx around you, definitely check those stores as well for highly discounted designer styles.

I shop at the goodwill.

But torrid has super cute stuff.

Target! Target is attatched to my sad little mall, so its a favorite! I went there today in search for a sweet new waterbottle.... Wasn't interested in the selection but I love their skirts!

i second dots or if you have a pay half or RAINBOW store around you

second to that im a huge walmart shopper i like the online selections better though .

oh and big k if you guys have that

Hey Underwater. Since you are going to the mall, I second JCPenny's and the other department stores. They can be great because they carry not just a variety of sizes, but also a lot of different brands. The fit on clothes vary so widely, that having them all at one place can be helpful. Have fun!

Torrid!

I've been in your situation before... and i kinda still am since i live in Japan and Japanese shops cater to pretty much the equivalent of a size 2 :/ and i'm like a size 10/12. I shop at H&M a lot, since it's pretty much the only shop here that has "western sizes".

i'll give you a trick though. at the size you are, don't even attempt to shop for pants. shop for tops, skirts and dresses. those things are more likely to come in bigger, looser sizes, even in "skinny people shops"

good luck!!

I love Marshall 's and Burlington coat factory

I'm 5'5" and a half and just a little over your weight, and I highly recommend JCPenney. I buy all of my work trousers there (Worthingtons size 16) and have come across some cute tops. Their prices are much more palatable to me than some other department stores, especially since I am not looking for "investment" but "transition" pieces of clothing. I can't bring myself to buy much clothing while losing weight, but my work pants were about to fall off of me.

Target, Rainbow, American Eagle. I rarely shop but I for sure know those stores carry my size and have clothes I would actually wear.

Also, I agree JCPenny is awesome.

In terms of the mall, I'll agree with JC Penney...their St. John's Bay jeans tend to run big. I could still fit into 8s and 10s for those when I was firmly in 12s for a lot of other brands. Since it's juniors, I don't think the Arizona brand clothes go quite up to 16 (I think they stop at 13/15), but they also tend to have rather forgiving sizes. I've also had awesome luck finding things on sale there...I got a formal dress for a wedding once for $9, marked down from $70.

Outside the mall, Goodwill is good, Marshall's is nice if you're looking for new stuff, and I don't know if you have it, but I've had really good luck at Rue21. That tends to have a younger, more casual vibe, so it's probably not the best place to shop for, say, work...but they have a lot of cute tops, and the one near where I live in the US usually has the back third or so of the store roped off for massive clearance. (I swear, I'm only a little bit cheap )

maurices, maurices, maurices!! i love that store they have the absolute cutest stuff, some of its expensive but if you hit the clearance rounder during thier 75% off sale you can get shirts and stuff for like 4 and 5 a piece, also the customer service is amazing(at least where i live)