The coloured trousers and spaghetti tops purchased years ago still have their tags on: the certain sign of unfulfilled wishes, under-confidence and body shame. But today 29-year-old fashion blogger Rhea Day, still plus size, is confident and creative, and a far cry from her conscious, younger self who hid herself in oversized clothes.

“The unworn items in my closet remind me of a time when smart clothes were off-limits for plus women. Malls and clothes stores would cater only to a few sizes. But over the years I realised that all body sizes are beautiful and it's up to you to look good in what you wear,” says Rhea, who is also studying chartered accountancy.

Her Instagram handle #dressingtheplussizeway is her way of connecting with other plus-sizers, whom she advises on everything, from the off-shoulder dress to adding a belt to an Anarkali or a colourful scarf for better effect.

And when a dress does not fit, get it stitched, she advises. Rhea’s enthusiastic posts are meant to give women the confidence they lack. “We need to know how to wear our confidence first,” she says.

But some scars remain.

“I remember being teased in the school bus, at malls, at my previous office and even on the road. A few made flippant comments while others threw hurtful insults, such as a group of boys did on the road right in front of my parents. My peers were always there to bolster my confidence but I did feel low and unwanted at times,” says Rhea.

The lockdown was a time for introspection. “Friends had been asking me to start a blog but it was the lockdown and the despondency all around that prompted me to share my journey,” she says.

No garment is off-limits for the plus woman. “I love short skirts and sleeveless tops. However, I used to be so conscious of my legs that I would cover them up. Now I don’t bother. I have learnt to wear any outfit, the right way. If I can’t buy it, I get it made,” says the girl who loves her blues.