As the air turns crisp and fall’s golden hues settle in, Hilary MacMillan’s latest collection invites us on a style journey straight back to the 1970s. The designer, renowned for her size-inclusive, contemporary aesthetic, infuses her Fall 2024 line with the nostalgic essence of bohemian beauty and bold retro vibes. For those who crave size-inclusive pieces with both personality and finesse, Hilary MacMillan’s fall collection, available in XS through 4X, makes a striking case for statement-making style.
Four years ago, Hilary MacMillan caught our attention with the addition of plus sizes into her contemporary fall collection. Since then, the brand has been consistent with their inclusion of plus sizes, with each collection and collaboration!
For Hilary MacMillan, size inclusivity isn’t just a marketing move; it’s an essential part of her brand’s identity. In a market where plus size options are often limited, her collections stand out. Since launching extended sizes, Hilary MacMillan has become a go-to for women looking for on-trend, high-quality pieces up to a 4X. “Now with 10 collections available in XS-4X under our belt, sizes from 1X-4X account for 50% of our direct-to-consumer business, with our most popular size being a 2X,” she shares.
These numbers aren’t just impressive; they’re a testament to the brand’s growing influence among plus size community who’ve long been underserved. Shoppers know that when they buy Hilary MacMillan, they’re getting pieces that cater to their curves without compromising on style. The brand’s commitment is more than words; it’s backed by tangible growth and an enthusiastic, loyal customer base that you can see and feel in and throughout their branding.
Hilary MacMillan FW24: A 70s-Inspired Fashion Dream
“Step into the essence of the 1970s, where nostalgia merges with bold, vibrant design,” MacMillan describes, painting a vivid image of what’s to come. The collection channels the easygoing energy of the boho era, but with a modern twist. Earthy tones mingle with cozy textures and flowing silhouettes that seem to transport us to an era defined by self-expression and liberation.
Imagine retro plaid prints in rich colors, designed to celebrate individuality, with sequins added in to bring that extra touch of disco glam. “Each piece invites you to embrace the timeless allure of vintage style with a modern twist,” MacMillan says.
Her approach makes these vintage-inspired pieces both versatile and dynamic, giving a plus size shopper the opportunity to lean into ‘70s cool with contemporary confidence.
The addition of subtle sequins, inspired by the nightlife of disco days, captures the whimsy of the era while keeping the pieces wearable for everyday styling or a night out. Whether it’s a casual day at the office or a night dancing under the stars, this collection has it all.
Plus Size Fashion in Canada: Where It’s Headed
The Canadian fashion landscape has seen a rise in demand for plus size fashion, especially among online shoppers. But MacMillan notes a significant gap in the physical retail space. “Our wholesale business for larger sizes isn’t very big; we have certain retailers that take sizes above an XL, but it is definitely much smaller and accounts for only about 10% of our wholesale business,” she explains.
This disconnect between consumer demand and availability is a familiar frustration for us plus size shoppers, who often struggle to find brands that cater to us in stores.
This data underscores the limitations faced by us larger-bodied shoppers when we seek in-person shopping options. For many, the reality remains that finding stylish, well-made plus size fashion still takes an extensive online search or a leap of faith without a dressing room experience.
The Missing Pieces: Options and Retail Support
So, what’s still missing in the plus size space? For MacMillan, the answer is simple: options. “People want to develop their personal style and try a variety of styles, fits, and price points,” she shares. But for larger bodies, this journey of ours, through self-expression can often be hindered by limited choices, a lack of support, or care from major retailers.
“We find that there aren’t a lot of businesses like ours that carry the sizes we do,” she says. Major retailers often shy away from offering size diversity, creating a void that brands like Hilary MacMillan are working hard to fill. Unfortunately, this lack of options forces many plus size shoppers to unfortunately settle for items that may lack the personality, quality, or price point they’re looking for.
MacMillan’s call to action for the fashion industry is clear: more businesses should rally together to make size inclusivity a priority, bringing strength in numbers to a space that desperately needs it. “It can be easier to find ‘cheap and cheerful’ in extended sizing,” she notes, “but anything that is higher-priced or has a POV can be harder to find.”
Hilary MacMillan’s Fall 2024 collection is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a powerful statement about the future of inclusive fashion. With every new release, MacMillan proves that bold, beautiful design isn’t limited by size. Her pieces encourage every woman, no matter her size, to “embrace the timeless allure of vintage style with a modern twist.”
If you’re looking to bring some bohemian glamour into your fall wardrobe, look no further. Hilary MacMillan’s collection is a reminder that true style has no size limit—and that everyone deserves fashion that celebrates their unique style.
