Catherine’s Plus Sizes

I wear sweats and scrubs pretty much all the time but was called out of town for a family funeral on short notice and had nothing, I do mean nothing, appropriate to wear. The staff was incredibly helpful and kind and helped me find a dress that was lovely, appropriate, and affordable. Very nice people. Highly recommend.

As you can tell by my photo, I’m a big girl. It’s no big secret.
In Nashville and the surrounding area, it can be tough to find a clothing store that suits your particular style regardless of your size — but especially if your racks all have two digits in the numbers.
While there are multiple locations of Catherine’s in the area, I prefer this one. I live in Franklin, and drive all the way to Green Hills (and if you know much about we Williamson-​countians, that’s a big deal) to shop here.
Many other plus size stores cater to the very young who enjoy lycra in all their clothing so that every bulge and pooch is obvious. Not so much here. Other stores carry items that quite simply SHOULD NOT BE MADE in plus sizes… too short shorts, dresses accentuating cleavage way too much, skirts too short, and those teeny tiny capped sleeves on «short sleeve» shirts. I’m sorry, if you are larger than a size 14, you don’t need any of that stuff.
If you are looking for professional wear, and comfortable khakis for business casual, and even some semi-​formal wear — especially if you are age 40 and up — this is where you need to be.
One tip that you must adhere to is realize at the beginning of the fashion season, you don’t necessarily feel like shopping for that coming season’s clothing — but you better. Because big girls don’t have any problem spending money here, and if you wait — you’ll be sorry. Either go early, or go really late and catch whatever is left at 70% off — because it does get that cheap eventually.
And please note, there will be a lot that is not your taste. They cater to many demographics, and what I consider a too-​loud sequined crazy pattern… the lady next to me probably loves. What I consider to be «mu-​mu» like, my mother-​in-​law would love. You’ll figure out which lines you like, and you’ll try on some bad stuff in the process.
It’s not perfect, but when you’re in a bind because suddenly the adopted dress code uniform for an event is a certain color blouse and pants, it’s where I head.