In an era where brands are constantly rolling back extended sizes (or silently discontinuing plus sizes altogether), it's a much-needed beacon of hope when a new brand shows up—especially one that's trend-focused and actually made to fit plus-size bodies. So, when I heard the creative director of Eloquii was designing for a second label, my interest was piqued.
I went to a preview event last month to learn more, and it turns out that “new” is not entirely accurate: June & Vie is not actually brand-new, but rather a relaunch of a long time in-house label by the plus-focused company Full Beauty Brands. (In addition to Eloquii, it also owns Cuup, Dia & Co, and Swimsuits for All.) For all intents and purposes, though, it's a completely new offering, as creative director Yesenia Torres has taken it from basic catalog to fashion-forward.
Talking to Torres, I learned that June & Vie's new direction came about after looking at the plus-size market and realizing what was missing in “the elevated romantic space.” I also found out that this relaunch is for both true plus-size shoppers (up to a 32W) and that sometimes hard-to-find, in-between size range (now often referred to as “mid-size”), with sizes starting at 10 but cut for curvy proportions. And, if you are familiar with Eloquii’s sizing, you will have a head start when it comes to shopping June & Vie: Torres told me the sizing and fit is modeled after the popular retailer's (which I often recommend because of how well it lays on plus bodies).
June & Vie isn’t just another Eloquii, though. The brand is meant to be a more contemporary offering, in both price point and selection, with smaller, less frequent drops. I decided to test out a few looks from the new collection to see how they wore, and I'm generally impressed with the fit and quality. Read on for specific feedback and favorites (including the best faux fur coat I’ve tried in ages).
The Everyday Winter Uniform
This faux-fur coat was the first piece I fell in love with at the June & Vie press preview. I walked in as an influencer friend was trying it on, and I immediately knew I wanted it for myself. That need just amped up as multiple attendees—a range of sizes and body types—tried it on, and it looked amazing on everyone. By the time I headed out with a group of friends, we were affectionately referring to it as the “sisterhood of the traveling fur coat".
When I got my own in the mail, I expected I’d wear it occasionally, as a statement piece. I had no idea it would become one of my winter go-tos. It's incredibly warm (to the point where I often have to take it off and drape it on my shoulders on the subway so I don’t overheat), and immensely soft and fluffy. It's also much more versatile than I expected: It looks just as great with jeans and a tee as it does with a fancy dress. I’ve even worn it with a full-on evening gown, and it complemented it beautifully.
I got the 18/20 in this (going by my usual Eloquii size, per Torres), and it fit perfectly. It closes comfortably with the hidden hook-and-eye closures, and also looks really chic worn open. The quality is excellent for the price point, with no shedding at all—even after heavy rotation in my wardrobe.
I paired it with June & Vie denim (more on that below), shearling platform loafer mules, and a top from the brand that fits its new bohemian direction perfectly. I love a good poet-sleeve, especially with jeans, so this cream blouse was a natural pick. I liked the look as a whole, but this was the only piece I had a fit issue with: It wasn’t as voluminous as I’d like through the bust, and the length was a bit too short to tuck into some bottoms. It did work with these high rise jeans, but I’d size up if I was shopping this style again for more wiggle room.
When I saw that June & Vie’s jeans come in different body fits, I got even more excited about the brand. Denim is something where the proper fit can make a world of difference, and one cut will not fit all body shapes the same way. Having denim cut specifically to address the fit needs of different body types has always been a plus in my book, but not many brands that do so go above a size 24W. June & Vie, though, goes up to a 32W, filling a gap for many extended plus-size shoppers.
I tested both of June & Vie’s special denim fits in the same style, the High-Rise Jeans in Vintage Medium Wash. The June fit is made for a straighter figure with less of a difference between waist and hip sizes (referred to as a “rectangle body shape” on the June & Vie site). The Curvie fit, on the other hand, has more of a difference between those, for a “full figured shape,” per the brand.
As someone with a technically hourglass shape and a belly, I wasn’t sure which style would be right for me. I’m generally drawn to curvy-fit jeans, but I’ve definitely found some brands seem to be assuming that a smaller waist also means a flat stomach—which is not always the case.
I tried the June first in my usual denim size (20), and while it looked good from the front and were comfortable, there was a noticeable gap at the waist in the back. But when I put the Curvie on, I knew immediately that this was the fit for me: perfect on both my waist and hips, and not pinching or squishing my belly at all. The wide leg, combined with the waist definition, made for a great silhouette. The plus-size fit expertise of Torres and her team really showed up here, and I will definitely be recommending these jeans to anyone looking for cuts for straighter or curvier figures in plus sizes.
The Printed Midi Dress
This was another piece my eyes were drawn to as soon as I walked into the preview, on the strength of the beautiful marble print alone. The deep teal, amber, cream, and black color palette is stunning, and kind of makes me want to redecorate my apartment.
I’m not usually a high-neck dress person, though, and this is a non-stretch material, so I wasn’t sure if this one was going to work on me—the lush print made it worth a try, though. I’m glad I did, because this turned out to be an absolute hit. I wore it to a daytime event for Kimchi Chic Beauty, and got countless compliments on both the dress and the coat, including from the queen Kim Chi herself!
I got the 18/20 in this as well, and the fit is great: enough ease through the bust (none of the dreaded flattening or bust-bisecting), nips in nicely at the natural waist, and buttons up comfortably. Paired with the faux fur coat and my beloved riding boots from Duo, this was an easy wear-all-day look that felt cool and elevated without being too precious. I can see this dress being a staple in my wardrobe for years to come.
The Lace Dress
I absolutely love the romantic dark lace that has been trending lately, so when I saw this cool cape-sleeve tiered dress, I knew I had to try it out.
For my first wear, I decided to style it for daytime with metallic western boots and a well-worn oversized Givenchy tote. The trapeze silhouette meant it was flowy enough to go from a beauty breakfast to a coworking space to running errands all day afterwards. This was another compliment magnet of an outfit, —it even got me stopped in the West Village for one of those on the street Tiktok interviews. (Something I usually would not do, but the young men doing it were very polite, and I felt cute and put-together. It felt like the stars aligned for me to say yes!)
In my usual size 18/20, the cut of this dress was flowy without being overwhelming or adding bulk. I also appreciate the thoughtful details, like the smart way the voluminous cape sleeves are attached at the neckline, so you can wear them either as a cape or a classic sleeve, depending on the level of coverage and look you're going for. (It also makes it easier to navigate coat sleeves for these colder months.)
My only note for this one is that if you're going to wear it as a daytime dress, make sure you still treat it like the delicate eveningwear piece it was designed to be: I think I might have been a little too rough with mine as I schlepped bags around the city in it, because, at the end of the day, I discovered a rip in the lace overlay. Oops.
