First Look: Chocolat SS16

Last week I popped over to High Society’s Auckland headquarters to meet the team (including amazing designer and fellow Gisborne gal Sheryl May) and check out the new season looks for Chocolat, their plus size range. You might have seen me wearing Chocolat before, but I think that this season’s collection “High Spirits” is better than ever so I thought I’d give you a wee peek at some of my favourites. These would definitely be investment pieces for me because they’re great quality high fashion pieces, and I know I’d get a lot of wear out of them.

A bit of a low down before we kick off … Chocolat comes in sizes 10-24 and is “cut to celebrate the curve” – meaning that their pieces show off your gorgeous curves rather than trying to hide them. Their clothes are luxurious and made from fabrics that both look and feel gorgeous, which fits right in with their ethos of wanting women to dress in a way that makes them look and feel like the fabulous ladies they are. Chocolat launched in 2003, and over recent years the brand has developed a more contemporary style, including fashion forward pieces that we previously haven’t seen in New Zealand plus size fashion like cropped tops! Here are some of my favourites from their spring/summer 2016 collection.

One of my favourite prints from this season is the Miami Skies – it’s available on a number of different pieces (including a stunning kaftan that I think would be perfect to take you from beach to BBQ), but my top pick is this double layer tank. I think it would be super easy to dress up or down, and sums up my motto for dressing this summer: simple yet stylish.

I absolutely adore the cut of this dress. It’s called Bombshell and it’s easy to see why – this is frock that will flaunt your figure and it’s perfect for a vintage inspired look. The crop jacket is the ideal finishing touch and to be honest this whole outfit makes me want to take a stroll along the waterfront with a gelato in hand. Hello summer!

I really like the more subtle nautical influences with the navy and white in this collection – from the grid pants (which would be perfect with a plain white tee) to the matching cropped grid jacket that can be worn with the trousers if you’re feeling matchy matchy or with tailored navy trousers and a white blouse to change up your workwear wardrobe.

Chocolat have really nailed it with their prints this season, and my favourite is this Singapore fan print. My favourite piece from the whole collection is the Singapore crop top, which will be winging it’s way to my wardrobe soon. Keep an eye out to see how I style it!

I’m sure you’ve noticed that crop tops are becoming more and more popular, and I’m really excited that a high end New Zealand designer is making them for plus size women. There are so many different ways to wear crops – layered over tanks and button up shirts is just the beginning.

My final favourites of the collection are something a little softer – a sweet summer frock and coat. I’d wear that dress while enjoying a picnic with friends or drinking tea in the garden (because summery Meagan does those things), but that coat … oh my gosh, what I wouldn’t do with that coat. I’d wear it with lingerie about the house; I’d wear it with a simple tank and skinny jeans to dress it down; I’d wear it with my favourite maxi dress… you get the picture – it would be a very regular feature in my wardrobe!

Want to get your hands on some new season Chocolat goodness? Find your nearest stockist here.

Do any of these pieces catch your eye?
Let me know your favourite below!