Style doesn’t have a size! Ashley Nell Tipton, the season 14 winner of Project Runway, refuses to let industry standards and expectations affect the way that she slays — and she wants the same for you too. The designer, 24, is partnering with JCPenney to create a collection for Boutique+, the brand’s first clothing line for curvy girls. The San Diego native, who’s based in her hometown, will curate a few looks for the Boutique, the store’s in-house destination for extended sizes.
“It’s a fun space for women to shop affordable looks,” Tipton told Us Weekly. And it also happens to house some seasonally stylish pieces for the summer. But before adding anything and everything to your shopping cart, Tipton suggests two ways to find the best styles for you. “Go into the shop and try stuff on to get an idea of what works,” she said. “And look at different bloggers. Find what you like.”
Want to stand out this summer? Scroll down for Tipton’s picks!
Jacket
“I know summer’s coming, but I never want to leave my lightweight jackets behind. They’re always a great add-on. I’m getting comfortable to where I don’t have to put my sleeves on. I can just put them on top of my blouse.”
Midiskirt
“This fabric is thin enough for the summer. And you can easily throw a graphic tee on top.”
Crop Top
“It’s cropped all the way for the summer! You can even tie your shirt up. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing. I definitely embrace the trend.”
Minidress
“I definitely go shorter for the summer. I don’t have a problem showing my legs! I feel like, sometimes, plus-size women get scared to show skin … but summer is the time that we can enjoy doing that.”
Metallic Accessories
“Rose gold is my new favorite color. I wish I could have it everywhere! I would just throw this on over anything.”