Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney.
When it comes to shopping for swimwear, most plus-size fashionistas have to look online to search for a style we’d like. Then we have to wait for it to arrive in order to try it on. And if it doesn’t fit, it can take weeks to exchange it for a better fit. But JCPenney is eliminating that back and forth by introducing Boutique+’s first swimwear collection online and in store! It was a standout moment for Jessica Milagros, the first plus-size Latina model to land a national campaign with JCPenney (and for Ashley Nell Tipton’s debut collection, no less) and the designer of the collection, who was excited about the chance for shoppers to get that instant gratification.
“We have a good number of brands coming out with [plus-size lines] but everything is online,” Milagros told me in the midst of the brand’s pool party celebrating the launch of the line at the Parker Hotel Thursday night where guests splashed in the indoor pool in select styles from the collection. “This is the launch of their very first swim collection that they’re available in store. And that’s a big thing because not every plus-size body is the same! We might be the same 18, size 20, but I carry it differently than other people. “
Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney.
That’s what Milagros kept in mind as she crafted the over 20-piece collection with a range of mix and match pieces for whatever style suits the shoppers’ aesthetic, bringing a balance of sexy and conservative. The results include trendy tankinis, chic one-pieces, and bold bikinis in vibrant prints and even a few pieces of what Milagros called “little black swim” — with even more fresh styles hitting stores next month!
“Not every woman has the same type of style when it comes to swim,” she explained. “I feel like I wanted the collection to kind of come to the middle of what was lacking, so it’s not a super cohesive collection — it’s very spread out to cater to every different type of woman.”
Aside from the fashion-forward look of these pieces, the model made it a priority to make every strap adjustable, every swim bottom came up high enough to cinch in waists, and every inch of power mesh used was strong enough to support without ripping or snagging. By working closely with the design team, Milagros ensured that no matter their body type, shoppers could find a silhouette that flatters their figure and make them comfortable and confident.
“I know that when a swimsuit fits well, they feel amazing and confident in themselves because it fits and not because of their size or anything. They just feel like they’re supported and ready to conquer!” Milagros said, who noted that owning your differences is what makes you special and that every body deserves to show off their style.
And the pieces are not solely meant to be worn poolside or at the beach. Milagros encouraged the plus-size set to incorporate the splashy pieces into their wardrobes, suggesting they rock their swimsuit with a button-down shirt and jeans an as easy everyday ensemble. “It’s all about accessorizing your swim with a sarong, a cute coverup, hats, jewelry — the bigger the earring, the better,” she explained. “Accessorize it with a good shoe! I think that swim can be so fun, and a lot of people don’t understand that they can make it an outfit.”
Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney.
Another amazing accessory for your swimwear, according to the mega model: highlighter. Milagros loves Fenty‘s and Becca‘s brand of shimmer and says that there’s nothing quite like the glow of a good bronzing oil to make every inch of skin you decide to show look incredible. “I like to highlight all over the body,” she said. “Highlight, to me, is meant for all over the body: on your legs, your arms.”
But no matter how your style your swim, Milagros ensures there will be much more to work with as the line moves forward. Though she admits she’s a bit indecisive on the direction, she hopes to incorporate strappier pieces as well as monokinis that create the look of a bold bikini in a rainbow of hues and prints. But one thing at the top of her agenda is more sporty swimwear, pointing out a black and white crop top bikini featuring small cutouts in the top that’s expected to part of the April arrivals as an example. “Something that keeps the girls in check, something that plus-size women can wear and play volleyball, you can go out and wear it while running on the beach,” she explained. “We are active in our swimwear too just like any other girl.”
The Boutique+ Swim collection is available right now in store and online at JCPenney with more styles hitting shelves in April!