Clothes shopping for plus-size 20-something

I would say Nordstrom. For in-shopping experience.

I was surprised, but this year I found a ton of wardrobe basics at Target.  Sometimes the stores have xxl.  I order 1x on line and have it delivered to my home. Returns to target are easy. 

If you go with solid base colors, you can build the foundation and get the special pieces to pull it all together.

Also, I found some BR Factory in XXl esp. Blazers.

J Crew, but you’ll need to order online. Have not found much xxl and larger in stores.
 

Anthropologie isn't cheap but has a great range of super cute and trendy plus size dresses, tops, work & more casual pants. Not sure if they have them in-store, but do a search on plus size on their site and you'll find lots of options.

Anthropologie offers plus sizes and would definitely be age appropriate. Styles range from casual to formal. I do not know how well they stock plus sizes in the store vs online but it might be worth checking them out. I would try the Walnut Creek location since it’s a lot bigger than the Berkeley store. They also offer complimentary styling/personal shopper services that I believe you schedule in advance. It might be worth calling to discuss your needs and scheduling an appointment. 

Harper Greer in Lafayette! They are super helpful, have wonderful clothes for plus size, lots of "not ugly" poly flowered old fat lady clothes!

I’d recommend “In Full Swing” 5937 College Ave, Oakland. They carry very nice clothing and are really helpful.  It is on the pricey side because of the quality of the clothing. But for a few nicer casual items and some dress-up clothing, I think it would be worth exploring. 

FYI Old Navy also has great selection of business casual, eg their Pixie pants, in a great size range. (But I often shop ON online for the full size range.)

For higher end, the Nordstrom personal shopper service is terrific! It’s free too. You tell them your size, price range, needs, likes, etc. The shopper will have a huge selection of fashionable clothes ready for you to try at your appointment. They also do alterations (some free). It’s a great way to start a new wardrobe! 

Thred Up is an app/online store that sells gently used clothes of all sizes.  You can search by brand for high quality items and return items that don’t fit.  Happy hunting!

In Full Swing - in Rockridge right by BART

https://infullswing.com/

Macy's has quite a nice selection in some stores of 'plus' size clothes for all occasions, Nordstrom may as well.

Hi! I'm not sure of your budget or this person's style, but I think Wray is a great brand that has lovely and very fashion-forward designs in a huge array of sizes (may be worth to wait for a sale if the prices are out of your range, I don't think I've ever bought anything there full price). I particularly like their jeans since they often have thoughtful additions like elasticated waistbands in the back, and they also just show their clothes on a variety of sizes which is so helpful. Another option could be Universal Standard for more classic pieces. 

Believe it or not, I have had great success with JCPenney, both online and in person. Not designer, but for example the Liz Claiborne line can be good. 

Some Macy’s have an extensive plus size section. The one at Strobridge Mall in Pleasanton does. J.Jill is also at that mall and while many of the clothes there may feel too old for your daughter, some might work. 

Depending on where in that size range, Uniqulo. Mine also does most of their shopping at Old Navy. We've had some luck with pants from BetaBrand (online). Also Universal Standard (mostly online.)

"In Full Swing" on College Ave for in person shopping. Sometimes Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack. 

As a plus size person myself, quality clothes are the way to go, they have good tailoring that emphasizes the right curves.

Check out Full Swing on College Ave. Oakland, Ca a few blocks away from Market Hall.

https://infullswing.com/collections/all 

The intersection of in-person, high-quality, and "not old lady clothes" is a challenging combination, unfortunately!  You can usually get at least two out of those three at Torrid, Target, Kohls, JC Penney, Macys, Nordstrom, Talbots.  I highly recommend eShakti for fit and style options, especially for more formal occasions, but it is online only.  My (plus sized and tall) 20yo tends to wear basic tops, leggings, and jeans from places like Kohls, mixed with more unique pieces that fit her style from online vendors and craft fairs.  And some of her favorite skirts are ones I've made for her, so don't discount that option if either of you sews or is interested in learning.

Nooworks!

A fabulous local women-owned business that sells high quality sustainable clothing in sizes up to 5XL. 
They feature colorful prints as well as solid colors that could work for more formal occasions. They have a store in San Francisco if your daughter wants to shop in person.

I have a mix of ideas for you for in-person shopping. Macy's in-house brands are good. Bar III is younger / trendier. Inc is stylish professional clothes. Haven't been lately, but the location in the Sunvalley Mall in Concord has had a large plus department. Nordstrom Rack in Emeryville usually has several racks with plus-sized clothing and some good finds. Lesley Evers on College Ave is fun and creative. Their largest size (2X) is about a 20-22. I also recommend bras that actually fit and are comfortable. Fantasie and elomi brands are great. You can find those at Revelation in Fit on Piedmont Ave or at Nordstrom. 

Not in-person, but she may also want to try clothes box deliveries from Stitch Fix and/or Dia. Dia is only plus sizes. The benefit of these over regular online purchasing is that your credit card is only charged after you try something on and decide to keep it. You do need to return unwanted items fairly quickly. But, overall, it's fun, and I've gotten some good work clothes at the price point that I choose.

Good luck and have fun!