Spring “dresses” … up to size 24

Spring dress season has officially arrived, but it’s bringing mixed feelings for many women. In fact, most of us – 67 per cent in the UK – wear a size 18 or larger, but the pretty dresses in shop windows are still a size 16 or smaller.

After two decades in which fashion has worked so hard to be more inclusive, it’s funny that so many are still left out.

I’m 43 and have worn a size 18 my whole life. I’ve built a career in fashion as a writer and model, yet I’ve rarely seen myself reflecting on the latest trends. Dressing myself and advising curvy celebrities what to wear on the red carpet was a challenge. Shopping in stores that stock stylish clothes that I love is nearly impossible.

“Oh, you’re a size 18 – you can find your ‘own’ size online but I’m afraid here we only carry up to a 16.” Tell a shop assistant you’re looking at 22 and he’ll have to sideways.

But this spring, a fresh breeze blew. More and more high street brands are expanding their size range. All of the spring dresses, above, are available up to a size 20, and sometimes a size 24. Boden gave us a maxi in a bold print that can be dressed up or belted.

My favorite is from LK Bennett, and it’s part of her first-ever collection that goes up to a size 20. She dares to assume tight straps and a well-fitted bodice. Rixo, at the forefront of expanded sizes, once again delivers swoon-worthy prints. The eighth stage offers occasional wear.

Best of all, these dresses are part of each brand’s flagship collection. They didn’t create “special” plus-size looks, assuming that any curvaceous woman would want to tent or wear stretchy, figure-hugging pieces so immodest in public.

And not only did they expand the dress by a size eight. Instead, clever styling technology helps ensure these dresses fit well on any size.

The only drawback? This seismic fashion news didn’t get the publicity it deserved.

Brands are shy about their plus-size offerings. So I’m going to shout to them: Finally, this spring, the majority of British women can shop for a pretty dress without an iota of worry.