Size 18 Rixo Try On

ad/pr product: saffron dress

Photography by Xanthe Berkeley

I am sure you’ve come across Rixo before, it’s a London based, mid range brand founded by Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey almost a decade ago. I always remember when they sent my magazine at the time, Betty, the press release and I was like WOAH these are some pretty dresses. Back then I could at least happily fit into a size 14, if not afford it, but they’ve always been on my watch list. Over the years they have gone from strength to strength, with three stores in London (one of which is bridal), they have expanded their collections from knitwear to PJs and even shoes.

Sadly as the years have gone by, whilst I am grateful for my bank balance increasing their size range hadn’t. Until now. Rixo have just introduced a size 18 and 20, and I have heard there's more sizes on their way in the future. Whilst not entirely inclusive in terms of sizing, it is so encouraging to see designers at this level go beyond a size 16.

Olivia Rubin was one on the first to do so, and I hope more people follow suit. Also as a side note, if any buyers are reading this, if a brand sells these sizes please include them within your buy, and promote them accordingly, this is a group effort to ensure that these sizes are known about far and wide.

Anyway, before I turn this into a rant about the fashion industry and how exclusive it can be, let’s talk about Rixo and the fit of these pieces. I went into store pre Christmas to try on *that* sequin Harlequin skirt, and a 16 zipped up which surprised me, although it wasn't super comfortable, so I would say I’m a 17 in Rixo which tbh is the size I am, depending on the brand of course. When the new season pieces came out, I won’t lie, I lost control a tiny bit and bought three. Their new denim collection is SO good, and the fabric is so soft. I went for this Agatha waistcoat and Maxine skirt. It’s been on my wardrobe list to invest in more separates for a while and whilst I don’t like to make rash purchase decisions I knew these two would work really well in my wardrobe for years to come. So didn’t think about them too long before buying.

The next thing I bought, I tried not too, I promise and for almost a month I was like "nope, don’t need another dress." But Ellen was like a vintage dress I knew I could never find in my size, a bit Laura Ashley, meets June Carter Cash. Anyway, I tried it on IRL, rather than purchase it online like the other two pieces and when I did, well it was all over. I tripped, handed over my debit card and the rest is history. I’ve worn it so much, as it’s really long and you can easily pop some long johns underneath, I can’t wait to wear it in the spring time with some sandals.

One thing that I think has been instrumental to Rixo’s success, is that the clothes don’t wear you. They are very much pop them on, don’t think about them for the rest of the day and collect compliments everywhere you go. It’s a really unique thing for a brand to be able to do, lots try and fail and this is why expanding their sizing is so important as that’s such a great feeling for your clothes to give you. When the brand sent me the Saffron printed dress, I knew people would compliment it, but let me tell you I was not prepared for the volume of comments, in the best way possible. It’s a really light fabric, folds up really small in your suitcase if you are travelling and it’s a wonderful style. Of course all of their design signature is inspired by the 60s and 70s, so for my personal style it really is a match made in heaven. Alongside the midi lengths I have chosen, complete with sleeves, they also have super midis with spaghetti or halter neck tops. 

Take a look at their latest pieces here, and sign up to the mailing list to get a discount on your first order. Do you have any Rixo in your wardrobe? Let me know in the comments.