One look at plus-size blogger Margie Ashcroft's website, Margie Plus, and you'll know the New York-based writer, stylist, and singer isn't one to shy away from anything. In fact, with her changing technicolor hair, penchant for loud colors and patterns (and wearing them all at the same time), and thrift store finds (seriously, this woman knows how to score some treasures), it's clear that what other people refer to as fashion "risks" are what Ashcroft simply considers getting dressed.
But style isn't merely about how one pairs certain items with others, or accessorizes in a way that has people saying "wow," it has to deal with confidence, body positivity, and recognizing that personal style is something everyone can embrace, regardless of size, race, or gender. And Ashcroft is a champion of that. As she says ahead, she may be plus-size, but that doesn't mean she's not going to wear crop tops, or denim shorts, or every miniskirt under the rainbow. Wearing whatever you want? That's a style philosophy we can get behind.
Special thanks toUrban Jungle.
Let's talk about your personal style.
"My signature look is mix of vintage finds, and it has a major street style edge and attitude behind it. I love to show my curves and can't live without miniskirts, denim cut-off shorts with a crop top."
Lane Bryant Modernist Suit Jacket, $79.95, available at Lane Bryant; Lane Bryant Modernist Ankle Pant, $59.95, available at Lane Bryant; Sole Diva Cross Over Platforms, $57.50, available at Simply Be; Vintage top from Urban Jungle.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
It seems like you love loud clothing. When did you first develop (and feel comfortable with) your aesthetic?
"I have always had a fashion-minded voice and used clothing as a way to express myself. I remember showing up to the first day of fifth grade with a pixie haircut and a bold, '70s-printed outfit from the local thrift store. Obviously, not much has changed."
Lane Bryant Modernist Suit Jacket, $79.95, available at Lane Bryant; Lane Bryan t Modernist Ankle Pant, $59.95, available at Lane Bryant; Vintage top from Urban Jungle.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
Do you have a go-to formula for mixing and matching so many different colors and patterns?
"When it comes to prints, I say there are no rules. To me, mixing and matching different patterns is all about taking risks and going outside your comfort zone. The best outfit combinations I put together usually come from traditionally taboo print-mixing."
We Love Colors Tank Leotard, $22, available at We Love Colors; Nylon Socks, $4, available at We Love Colors; Hear Me Now Heeled Sandals, $77, available at ASOS; Vintage hat from L Train Vintage; Vintage coat and shorts from Urban Jungle.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
Haven't considered rocking highlighter yellow? This trifecta of the shade will definitely change your mind.
We Love Colors Tank Leotard, $22, available at We Love Colors; Vintage hat from L Train Vintage; Vintage coat and shorts from Urban Jungle.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
Where do you tend to buy your clothes?
"Since physical locations of fashionable plus-size clothing stores do not really exist, I am a huge fan of online shopping. Besides online, my favorite hobby is thrifting. My fiancé and I are major vintage lovers and often share our vintage outerwear finds. In this shoot, I'm actually at one of my favorite affordable vintage store in New York called Urban Jungle. For $20, you can literally walk out with a new outfit. And if you live in the New York City area, I highly recommend looking into L Train Vintage."
Forever 21 Velvet Sequin Dress, $37.90, available at Forever 21; Vintage turtleneck from Urban Jungle; Vintage boots from L Train Vintage.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
You mention a lack of stylish clothing for plus-size women. What is the most challenging (and most rewarding) thing when it comes to defining your personal style, as a curvy woman?
"I think the biggest challenge with finding your personal style and being curvy is realizing that the oppressive fashion rules we have been told all of our lives do not actually apply to us. If you feel like wearing a miniskirt, wear a miniskirt. If you want to pair an orange turtleneck with a sequin turquoise minidress, wear it and rock it with confidence. Instead of focusing on how to make yourself look thinner, try to focus on finding what styles you like, regardless of size."
Forever 21 Velvet Sequin Dress, $37.90, available at Forever 21; Vintage turtleneck from Urban Jungle.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
Name three fashion “rules” you’ve heard and why they’re bullshit.
"1. Don’t mix prints: I am happy to say that some of my most credited outfit styling is from going outside the box and matching opposite top and bottom prints.
"2. Plus size women should avoid bodycon dresses: As plus-size women, our curves are our biggest asset and our bodies should be celebrated. Throwing on a bodycon dress is the best way to show them off.
"3. Crop tops are only for flat stomachs: Crop tops are for everyone, mic drop."
Boohoo Belted Jacket, $35, available at Boohoo; Simply Be High Neck Jersey Crop, $49.49, available at Simply Be; Vintage skirt from Urban Jungle; Eloquii Simone Lace Up Bootie, $110.90, available at Eloquii.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
Are there any weird styling hacks you sweat by?
"My styling secrets and tips usually all revolve around the ability to transform an outfit with a pair of scissors, safety pins, and some basic sewing skills with a hand needle. My signature D.I.Y. go-to is taking a fit and flare dress and cutting the top and bottom to create two separate pieces. You hem the top and waist with a hand needle, and safety pin for fit.
"So often I find cute skirts or tops I wish were shorter or altered differently. I want people to realize how endless the fashion possibilities one item of clothing has with a few D.I.Y. skills.
"Oh, and a curvy girl tip: I get my signature high-waist denim cut-offs by thrifting a pair of extended-size men’s jeans and cutting off and fraying the denim with a cheese grater at home."
Boohoo Belted Jacket, $35, available at Boohoo; Simply Be High Neck Jersey Crop, $49.49, available at Simply Be; Vintage skirt from Urban Jungle.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
What is one piece of advice you would give to women who want to dress a certain way, but feel like they can’t because of their body type?
"I strongly believe that when it comes to fashion, there are no rules. Confidence is key, ladies. When I rock a look and have confidence in myself is when I look the best. I cannot tell women enough how freeing it is to love yourself and your body, flaws included. Our so-called 'flaws' are what make us beautiful and unique."
Eloquii Printed Collared Top, $62.90, available at Eloquii; Eloquii Printed Sadie Shorts, $69.90, available at Eloquii; Vintage jacket from L Train Vintage; We Love Colors Nylon Socks, $4, We Love Colors; Simply Be Sole Diva Block Heel Sandal, $57.50, available at Simply Be.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
Crop top: Can't stop, won't stop.
Eloquii Printed Collared Top, $62.90, available at Eloquii; Eloquii Printed Sadie Shorts, $69.90, available at Eloquii; Vintage jacket from L Train Vintage.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
American. Woman.
Vintage Betsey Johnson shoes.
Photographed by Lauren Perlstein.
What’s one thing you wish the fashion world would recognize about plus-size women? Why do you think it’s taken so long for the industry to feel more inclusive (in all aspects)?
"I wish that the fashion world would recognize that plus-size women are sexy, and want to dress accordingly. So often am I in a store, and every hemline I find falls below-the-knee and is meant to cover up the body, rather than celebrate it. Thankfully, online fast fashion brands like ASOS and Simply Be are stepping up to the plate, creating more fashion-forward and affordable styles in extended sizes.
"I think that it's taken brands so long to be inclusive because, with the help of social media and blogging, women as a community have more of a voice then ever. It's only when we keep pushing these boundaries for inclusivity and voice our opinions that we will start to see more results. The plus-size industry has a long way to go, but I am excited by how far we have come, and the progress that is still to be made."
Eloquii Studio Off The Shoulder Dress, $110.90, available at Eloquii; Vintage top from Urban Jungle; Vintage Betsey Johnson shoes.
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