I’m plus-size and I did a Target try-on haul – the dresses were a ‘win’ but the bikinis flopped
A PLUS-SIZE woman said she had a lot of luck shopping for dresses at Target.
Leah Ryder is a plus-size fashion influencer who knows how to find chic fits that don’t break the bank.
Posting to her TikTok (@leah_ryder), she began by trying on a purple print mini dress that she instantly fell in love with.
“Starting off strong. I like this one a lot,” she said.
The dress was flowy but had a matching belt that cinched her waist, making her look young and flirty.
“I think it would also be cute with a different belt but it definitely doesn’t look bad with the matching one.”
Next, she changed into a white, eyelet sundress that was perfect for a luncheon with the girls.
Although hesitant at first, she was pleased to find that the size XL fit her well and was easy to throw on for any occasion.
The only problem? “It is a little bit sheer. I have blue underwear on and I think you could actually tell.”
Although she said the material doesn’t feel cheap, she recommends wearing nude underwear just in case it is see-through.
The next dress she tried on was a pink, spaghetti strap one ($25).
Although it’s the dress that she was most excited about, when she tried it on, she was disappointed.
“I’ve seen this floating around TikTok. I know it’s super viral right now, but I just think the material is very clingy, and not in the way I like.”
Because she usually likes fitted dresses, she was surprised that this one was a fail.
“It’s a combination of the color, the material, the fit. It’s not doing it for me.”
After having some luck with the Target dresses, she moved onto Target swimwear.
Holding up a zebra print bikini top, she said it didn’t go as planned.
“This one did not fit me at all, and I actually even sized up in it.
“I’m normally a 16 up top and I got a size 18 just to be safe, but there is hardly any stretch so it’s really tight.”
The second top she tried on was much better.
It had a V-neckline and appeared to be a thick, stretchy material that held up her boobs nicely.
“I’d probably pair it with a plain, high-waisted bottom because I don’t like the bottoms that it came with – they’re way too low-rise for my liking.
“But I love the fabric of this top because it feels very supportive.”
Unfortunately, that was the only “win” she had when it came to bikinis.
Holding up two more tops, she said neither of them worked.
“I’m just going to keep it very real. Honestly, the swim for me in this try-on was a flop.”
Still, she encouraged her followers to stay positive.
“What we’re not going to do is beat ourselves up about it or make ourselves feel bad. It’s just a swimsuit.”
Viewers appreciated her haul and her advice.
“I love your reminder to not hate on ourselves. Sometimes I can really let it defeat me,” one person wrote.
“I’m glad you showed the viral dress. We are built similar,” added another.
“Love the first dress on you,” a third chimed in.