Jordan Sondler, an author and illustrator based in Brooklyn, creates stunning pet portraits and comics that reflect significant life experiences, such as standing up for oneself or coping with the loss of a parent. When discussing her dream outfit, she mentioned, “Simple and cozy yet makes a statement. And definitely no zippers.” In this piece, Jordan presents five different looks…
Dress: Wray, similar. Clutch: Gentle Thrills. Sneakers: New Balance. Earrings: Laura Lombardi.
“My passion for fashion originated with my mother. As kids, she dressed my sister and me in bows, twirly skirts, patterned denim, and coordinated ensembles. Very much a ‘90s Northeast vibe, and they’re styles I would gladly wear again today.”
“I’ve been plus-sized for quite a while — since age 15 — and there was a time in my teenage years and early adulthood when I avoided dressing nicely. I recall my mom taking me to Lane Bryant, and I felt so embarrassed because I associated it with being for older people. Plus, I wore a size 11 shoe and had to shop for loafers at Nordstrom, which was so humiliating. In college, I thrifted items that were often too big or too small. I ended up wearing whatever unexciting clothing fit me.”
Dress: Wray. Barrette: Chunks, similar.
“My personal style began to evolve seven years ago when smaller brands — like Wray — started to provide inclusive sizing. I learned about Wray from Aidy Bryant, who praised their fun clothes. As a loyal customer, I truly hope they succeed. Many businesses today are reverting back to limited sizes, and it’s quite concerning.”
Barrette: Chunks, similar. Earrings: “These diamond studs were a gift from my dad to my mom; they are among the last things I have from him.” Lipstick: Chanel in Immobile.
“For hairstyling, I love something I can do in 60 seconds. I’m all about a high ponytail with a fun clip or scrunchie. For makeup, I simply apply lipstick and an eyebrow pencil. I used to use more products, but during quarantine, I stopped doing things I didn’t enjoy — like wearing heels, applying makeup, and putting on bike shorts.”
Bodysuit: Samantha Pleet. Jeans: Eloquii. Heels: Paloma Wool.
“Seven years ago, I was in a relationship, and at that point, I was at my smallest as an adult. I was intentionally trying to lose weight because I believed I was expected to achieve society’s ideal body. Once we parted ways, I realized how much I despised my body. That became the turning point in learning to accept my body and embracing body neutrality. My world opened up when I began forming friendships with plus-sized individuals at events hosted by Emma Zack; following plus-sized influencers like Jessica Torres, Marielle Elizabeth TerHart, and Virgie Tovar; and reading literature by plus-sized authors, such as Body Talk.
Top: Berriez, “a vintage store owned by my friend Emma, specializing in extended sizes.” Jeans: Wray. Sneakers: New Balance. Bag: vintage Fendi from Gift of Garb.
“I remember having lunch with an acquaintance who referred to themselves as ‘fat’ and then called me ‘fat’ too. It was a shocking moment because I had always felt that the term ‘fat’ was used against me, but they meant it in a neutral way. The book You Have The Right To Remain Fat helped me navigate a lot of feelings. I’m currently the largest I’ve ever been, and the contrast between how I perceive myself now compared to the past is remarkable.”
Bandana: Gentle Thrills.
“This is Ramona, a rescue dog I adopted seven years ago. She’s just like me — incredibly stubborn! — so raising her feels like a personal challenge. She exhibits a lot of my own behaviors, like resisting when we walk in an unwanted direction. Each time I get frustrated with her, I realize I’m also confronting my own issues. But I adore her. She thrives on being greeted on the street. If she steps outside and there are no people or dogs around, she’ll whine.”
Dress: Osei-Duro. Socks: Girlfriend Collective. Shoes: Dr. Martens. Bag: Susan Alexandra. Dog bandana: Gentle Thrills. Leash: Mr. Friendly.
“I began posting ‘I am fat and happy’ on my dating profile, which alleviated the stress of worrying whether someone would misjudge my size and feel deceived. I am attractive, witty, accomplished, and intriguing, eliminating any uncertainty future dates might have about who they would be meeting. I’m actively dating!”
Dress: Osei—Duro. Socks: Girlfriend Collective. Shoes: Dr. Martens. Bag: Susan Alexandra. Dog bandana: Gentle Thrills. Leash: Mr. Friendly.
“I lost my father to alcoholism when I was 15, and throughout the pandemic, my friends Anna Toonk, Bridget Badore, and I started to address our grief regarding our dads. Eventually, we thought, ‘Why not gather people to discuss this?’ This idea led to the foundation of the Dead Parent Club, an online group filled with individuals I’ve never met: those who lost parents to addiction, those who were caregivers, and those whose parents passed away suddenly. We convene online once a month to converse about aspects linked to losing a parent, like navigating strained family dynamics and establishing death-anniversary rituals. I never imagined that I would appreciate a grief group, but it has significantly impacted me. I’m grateful for the plethora of resources available — including the Instagram account Option B and Anderson Cooper’s podcast All There Is — for individuals who have lost parents and seek connection.”
Thank you immensely, Jordan — we cherish you.
P.S. More individuals share their weekly outfit inspirations, including a mother of five who has perfected layering techniques and an artist expressing their love for eclectic tights.
(Photos by Yumi Matsuo for Cup of Jo.)
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