Inside The Dressing Room Target Plus Size Summer Try On | Try-On Haul 2023

Recently, I went to Target and found some really cute clothing pieces. As I stood in the dressing room, I thought about how I would love to share these gems with my readers. That’s when I got the idea for what I’m hoping will be a regular series on this blog. I went to stores that I love and stores I’ve never tried, and take you along for the ride. I’ll show you the different clothing pieces and how they fit on my plus size apple shaped body. For reference, I’m a size 16/18 in pants, xl-xxl in shirts and dresses. So, if you have a similar body, hopefully this try-on will help you envision what it might look like on your beautiful body. Let’s get into it.

 

Item 1: Women's Sleeveless Linen Dress - A New Day $20.00

 
 

This striped linen dress is roomy and lightweight—perfect for the summer sun. This dress is giving major costal vibes. I can just see myself wearing this at a casual beach party. As for the fit of the dress, this is a size XXL, and it’s quite roomy. If anything, it’s a little too roomy. I love the thin spaghetti straps and subtle color of this dress. This is a classic piece that can work season after season in your spring and summer closet.

If I were going to style this dress, I would go with a white belt to bring in the natural waist. From there I would add a sandal something like an espadrille to give you a little height. If we’re really going for those costal grandma vibes, maybe throw in a wide knit white cardigan. It’s giving sophisticated lady with the beautiful white kitchen that looks out at the beach. I absolutely love it!

Overall, this dress was very comfortable. I can see this being a great option for day-to-day wear during the summer. Its classic color and design makes this dress a perfect addition to a minimalist wardrobe. At $20.00, it’s quite an affordable and lovely piece to add to your wardrobe.

 
 

Item 2: Women's Sleeveless Ballet Dress - A New Day $28.00

 
 

The first thing I thought when I saw the ballet aesthetic trend was that it was kind of odd. I can see the fun side of dressing like a ballerina, but I didn't see myself partaking in this trend. It’s just not my style. That was until I tried on this dress. I didn’t expect to like this dress at all, but thought I’d give it a try just to see how it looked. I was so shocked at how much I loved this dress. This sleeveless ballet dress gives the look of a leotard and tutu, but with all the sophistication of a mature A-line dress.

I love the shape and the movement of this dress, and the pale taupe color just looks so soft and feminine. Also, it has pockets—really deep ones. I love this dress! I’m wearing it in an XL. Unfortunately, this dress only goes to an XL in store and online. However, the dress fits nicely, and the bodice wasn’t too tight on the chest. So, if you’re about my size, you can probably do an XL and have it fit just fine.

This dress was so much fun to try on and twirl around in. I’ve never had dreams of being a ballerina, but I can see the appeal of the style aesthetic. If I were going to get this dress, I would keep it simple and just pair it with some nude for me strappy heeled sandals. I have a pair that lace up the leg and will fit the tone of the dress. This is such a beautiful and simple dress that can be worn day to day or dressed up for a special occasions. This is a perfect summer dress that can fit you through so many day or night events.

 
 

 
 

Item 3: Women's Sleeveless Dress - A New Day $38.00

 
 

If you’re looking for a fun dress with a retro feel, then this is the one for you. I like this dress and wished that it came in more designs and colors. The options were either a solid black or this green hibiscus print. Since we’re looking at summer options, this green and white version was the one I chose. I’m wearing this dress in an XXL. It’s very fitted in the bust. The description says it has a corset style waist, but it didn't feel tight or constraining.

This midi dress has a sweetheart neckline and a crisscross detail in the back. It’s made of cotton, so it’s incredibly lightweight and comfortable. Also, it has pockets—deep ones. I noticed that if Target puts pockets on a dress, they're gonna give you real ones you can actually use. Someone at corporate must be listening to the ladies’ pleas.

This dress gives me major 50s vibes. This is a wonderful dress for a pool party or a garden party, but can also be excellent for day-to-day. If you’re looking for something fun, creative, and absolutely adorable, you should check out this dress.

 
 

 

Item 4: Women's Sleeveless Ruched Side Cut Out Dress - A New Day $32.00

 
 

If you know anything about me, I’m not a white dress kind of woman. It’s like the Carrie Bradshaw quote, “There are women who can wear all white and not spill. I’m not that woman. However, this dress makes me want to try to become that woman, or maybe just buy some oxy-clean and take my chances.

All that aside, this white midi dress is made of lightweight material and is very flowy and breezy, which is perfect for summer. This dress also has very tasteful side cutouts that give a bit of sexiness to an otherwise minimal dress. Plus, it has pockets like the others. Like I said, Target is listening to our cries for pockets.

I’m wearing an XXL in this dress. It wasn’t tight and fit nicely around the tummy. They say this is a midi dress, but it came to my ankles. I’m 5’7 so if you’re shorter than me, you might want to keep that in mind.

Overall, I loved this dress and would have quickly bought it if the store had any other color than white. When I looked online, the only other colors were red and black. I’m not a big fan of red and I have enough black dresses, so I passed on this one. However, if you are a woman that can wear white and not spill, or you just live dangerously, this dress is a great pick for the summer.

 
 

 

Item 5: Women's Puff Short Sleeve Ruched A-Line Dress - A New Day™ Black Flora $38.00

 
 

I’ve been moving into this new phase in my style journey, where I want to incorporate more color. This dress is exactly what I love. It’s black and sophisticated but still fun and creative with its print and color. It’s such an interesting piece that has a very classic, old school vibe. I think that’s why I like it. It’s classic, but still super interesting.

This dress fits perfectly over my curves and is a modest option in comparison to the other three dresses. I’m wearing an XXL in this dress. It fits true to size. I love that the cut of the dress curves in at the natural waist and bust. This dress just gives me curves and looks so yummy on my body. Unlike the other dresses, It doesn’t read as trendy or seasonal, so you can find a place to wear it throughout the year.

This is a fantastic dress that will work well in your wardrobe. There is so much styling potential when it comes to this very eclectic dress. It’s certainly one you’re going to want to add to your collection.

 
 

Item 6: Women's Puff Elbow Sleeve Eyelet Shirt - A New Day $25.00

 
 

Next, we’re moving into tops. There are only two of them, and they’re both cute and perfect for the summer. Let’s get into the first one.

This puff sleeve eyelet shirt is such a darling and whimsical blouse. I can see myself pairing it with jeans and skirts for adorable and airy outfit combos. The thing I love about this top is that it’s a blouse I’m sure I can get a lot of use out of throughout the year. This top is also great for my body shape. The peplum design of this top as well as the sweetheart neckline is perfect for apple shaped bodies. It’s flattering on the tummy and cinches in at the waist. While the sweetheart neckline draws attention up and away from the midsection. So, if you’re an apple shaped girl like me, this shirt is a great option.

I’m wearing an XXL in this top. If I could, I would go up to a 1x or 2x to give myself just a little more room. Overall, it’s a beautiful and romantic style top that can work in so many ways throughout your wardrobe.

 
 

Item 7: Women's Peplum Tank Top - Universal Thread $20.00

 
 

I’m so in love with this top, which is very shocking because I’m not usually a peplum top kind of girl. However, even I can’t deny that when a peplum top is done right, it really makes your body shine. This is one of those tops.

This peplum top has ruffling along the neckline, which gives it such a sweet and feminine look. The tie closures are just another whimsical detail on a very romantic style top. I’m wearing a size XXL in this top. It fits true to size—if anything—it was loose at the bust. However, it’s nothing that adjusting the tie straps can’t fix. The top also comes in a beautiful blush pink color, which is also just as stunning. Whether you get it in pink or in white, this is an amazing summer top for all my apple shaped ladies.


Item 8: Women's Linen Short Sleeve Collared Button-Down Shirt - Ava & Viv $25.00 & Women's High-Rise Linen Pull-On Shorts - Ava & Viv $17.00

 
 

Next is this short set. I wasn’t loving this set in the dressing room. Honestly, I felt it looked like pajamas. However, I saw a Reel where a lady had a similar set and she styled it with the top unbuttoned and a white crop underneath. So styling it that way could make it look a little better. The pieces are sold separately and look a lot better when they’re apart. I think buying both of them gives you lots of options for different outfits and ways to wear each piece.

This two-piece set is from the plus size section. I’m wearing a 1x and it’s very roomy. If I could size down, I think I would like it more. This set has potential. I love that you can make great outfits with each piece or create a wonderful look with it as a set. If you’re looking for an easy outfit to beat the heat, this is the look for you.

 
 

Item 9: Women's High-Rise Wide Leg Linen Pull-On Pants - A New Day $25.00

 
 

Even though I’m exploring color, I'm still very much in love with neutrals. The fact that these linen pants are wide leg and in beige makes me so happy. These linen pants are super comfortable. Much like the two-piece set, it reminds me of pajamas. However, I think it’s mostly because they’re super comfortable. These are perfect for casual toss on and go outfits for the summer.

I’m wearing them in a size XXL in these, but going up to a 1x or 2x would fit better on the tummy. I like these pants and will probably get some to add to my summer capsule wardrobe.


Item 10: Women's High-Rise Linen Tailored Shorts - A New Day $22.00

 
 

We can’t have a summer try-on haul without a pair of linen shorts. I’m at a point where I’m more into linen shorts than denim. These tailored linen shorts not only help you cool off but also look so classic and pulled together. At my Target, they only had this green color. Then online they had a blue and two neutral colors. I’d much rather have the neutral colored shorts to have more styling options. So I didn't pick these up, even though I love them.

I’m wearing a size seventeen here. I’m not sure why Target numbered them with even sizes until they even numbers until they got to what should be an eighteen. However, the size seventeen fits much like an eighteen. Personally, I like to go with a size twenty when it comes to Target pants. They always run small in certain areas, so I like to size up for a better fit.

These pants are a great addition to my summer wardrobe. I love that they’re great for a casual or dressy look. The length is just right and these shorts look so classy. These were a great find that will give you a budget friendly tailored look.

 
 

Target has some amazing plus size options for the summer. There are so many pieces that I’m putting in my cart to add to my summer wardrobe capsule. I cannot wait to create some amazing looks. Let me know if there are any other stores you’d like to see me try next.

Stay Bright- Live True- and be Vividly You

Courtney