The colorful summer dress that finally feels made for my shape.

On the rainbow-stripe midi that skims right over the middle and hips, sits just right at a fuller figure, and turns heads — a dress cut for real curves, from XL to 5XL. Why a small South Carolina family made it this way, and why they're clearing it now.

By Sandra Thompson · Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Posted September 2026 · 6 min read

I am 63 years old and a fuller-figured woman, and for years the pretty summer dresses were never really made for me. The colorful ones came cut for slim young things, and stopped at a size that pretended women like me did not want them. What was left in my size was dark, shapeless and dull — as if a bit of color were something I had lost the right to.

What I wanted was simple, and I did not think it existed. One joyful summer dress, in real color, that was actually cut for my shape — that skimmed over my middle and hips instead of clinging, sat right at the bust, and let me feel graceful rather than hidden.

Then a woman in my church group here in Mount Pleasant wore the most beautiful rainbow-striped dress to a summer lunch, curves and all, looking bright and happy and completely herself. I finally asked her about it. She laughed and told me to read the Clarke family's letter first.

The Clarke family runs a small boutique here in South Carolina, family-run since 1986 — three generations, mother to daughter. The dress is called the Arielle, and their letter walks through the handful of things they refused to compromise on. I am going to let their words carry it, because they say it better than I could.

1A rainbow stripe that turns heads

We built the Arielle around a joyful rainbow stripe — purple, teal, coral and soft pink — happy and pretty, and the long vertical lines are quietly lengthening. It is the kind of dress that has people smiling and asking where you found it.

2An empire waist that skims the middle

We set a fitted empire waist just under the bust and let the full skirt fall soft and loose from there, so it skims right over the tummy and hips instead of clinging. Forgiving exactly where you want it, and graceful with every step.

3A soft, flattering V neckline

We finished it with a soft V at the neck — open and easy, never high or tight — that lengthens the neckline and draws the eye up to your face. Flattering, and comfortable to wear all through a warm day.

4A pretty flutter sleeve

We gave it a soft flutter sleeve with a little ruffle at the edge — light and cool for warm days, and a pretty, feminine touch at the shoulder. Easy and breezy, with a softness that flatters the arm.

5A graceful midi length, light and easy

We cut it to a graceful midi length that falls to mid-calf — covered and elegant, never fussy — in a soft, lightweight fabric that slips on in a second and moves with you. Just pull it on and feel lovely all day.

6Cut for a fuller figure, XL to 5XL

We make the Arielle from XL all the way to 5XL and cut it generously for a fuller figure, with room where you need it. It is meant to fit the woman — not make the woman fit the dress.

The Arielle, against the summer dresses you've been buying

Why they're clearing it now

They priced the Arielle at $149.95 when it launched, and it sold at that price all season. But for America's 250th, the Clarke family wanted to give something back to the women who have kept their doors open since 1986 — so every one is going out at less than half of that.

I ordered mine that evening. It arrived a few days later in a kraft-paper parcel with a short handwritten note from the family. I have reached for it more than anything else in my closet since.

I do not usually write things like this. But for years I believed color was something a fuller-figured woman my age had lost the right to — and this one joyful dress, cut for my shape, handed it right back. If that sounds like you, I hope you find your size before it clears.

— Sandra Thompson · Mount Pleasant, SC

This is a personal account from a Clarke Family customer. Sandra was not paid to write it. · The Clarke Family · Family Fashion · South Carolina, since 1986 · Free UPS shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee.