Tackling the anxiety of finding a plus size prom dress

Ruby-May Walker, a 15-year-old girl from Wrexham, is preparing for her school prom, an event that many students eagerly anticipate. However, Ruby-May's excitement was mixed with anxiety because she is a plus size girl. As her friends began discussing their prom plans, Ruby-May felt a sense of dread about finding a dress that would fit her. She worried that there wouldn’t be enough options available for girls like her. Ruby-May expressed her feelings, saying, 'I was excited about the prom but nervous about finding a dress. ' She often thought about how she would look compared to her friends, which made her feel even more anxious. Fortunately, her outlook changed when she discovered a shop that specializes in prom dresses for plus size girls. This shop allowed her to try on a variety of dresses, and she felt a surge of confidence. Ruby-May described the experience as 'amazing,' and it helped her feel more positive about the upcoming event. The shop, named Ffansi Ffrogs, was opened by Wendy Thompson and her daughter Robyn Unsworth. They recognized that many plus size girls were not receiving the same opportunities as others when it came to finding the perfect prom dress. Wendy explained, 'We felt like we weren't giving plus size girls the same experience. ' In the past, girls often had to choose from only a few dresses, which limited their options and made them feel excluded. Now, with their shop, they offer a complete range of dresses in sizes 18 to 30, ensuring that every girl can find something that makes her feel beautiful. Wendy emphasized, 'Every dress is available to them to try,' and she wants girls to feel empowered when they look in the mirror. Robyn, who is 17, understands the pressure that comes with prom. She mentioned that many girls want to look their best because there will be many eyes on them, and everyone will be taking photos. Robyn shared a touching story about a girl who came into the shop feeling shy and reluctant to try on dresses. However, when she finally stepped out in her first dress, her face lit up with joy, and she exclaimed, 'I look beautiful. ' This moment made Robyn realize how important it is to help girls feel confident and beautiful. Michaela Gingell, a plus size body positivity influencer, also shared her thoughts on the changes in the fashion industry. She recalled her own prom experience in 2007 when she struggled to find a dress that fit her. Michaela had to have her dress specially made, which was a challenging experience. She expressed her feelings, saying, 'It hurt that I couldn’t go prom dress shopping like my friends. ' Michaela is thrilled that shops like Ffansi Ffrogs are now available, providing plus size girls with the opportunity to enjoy the prom experience without feeling left out. Ruby-May is still deciding on her dream dress, but she feels empowered and excited about the prom. She encourages other plus size girls to embrace the experience and not be afraid to try on different styles. Ruby-May said, 'This is your one chance to go to your prom,' and she can't wait to look amazing and have a wonderful time celebrating with her friends.