I’m plus size and went searching for ‘secret sizes’ at Free People – here’s what I found that fit

, one of the shops criticized for the brand's lack of larger sizes until she heard other plus-size creators mention "secret sizes" there.

"It's interesting because Free People actually doesn't carry plus sizes," she explained to her followers. According to the brand's size charts, the clothes max out at a size 16 and don't run larger than that.

"I'm typically a size 16 across the board," Dayton said, "so it will be interesting to see what the fit is going to be like."

Dayton sought out the largest size in each item that caught her interest, and from the first ensemble she tried on, she declared she was "shook."

The first outfit Dayton assembled included a meshy top, $58, and loose pink pants, $138, both in a size large.

She was skeptical that either would fit. "After putting them on, I was like 'wait, this is actually my perfect size,'" Dayton admitted.

The printed top was stretchy and comfortable, with flattering ruching at the sleeves and breathable fabric that Dayton wouldn't need to worry about sweating in.

And the pants, which Dayton expected to fit like a size 12, were actually a perfect fit.

"They were kind of great," she said, turning in the mirror to show off the bohemian silhouette. "I even had a little bit of extra room in the waist."

Next, she paired a distressed band t-shirt ($78) in a size medium with a pair of overalls ($98) in a size large.

The comfortable tee felt like "true vintage," Dayton said, and it had a loose, oversize fit despite the listed size.

"I could've sized down to a small," she added. "I loved the holes and the detail and the graphic."

She was impressed with the overalls, too, which were perfectly cropped and fitted for her body.

"These honestly fit like a glove," said the thrilled fashionista. "I was so impressed. I would not change a thing about them."

Things took a turn for the bizarre when Dayton picked out a pretty sundress.

"Next we have this gem of a dress," she said, holding up the bright, patterned swath of fabric.

The $128 had a clear marker on the label: size small. But Dayton tried it on, and the dress was so loose on her frame, she couldn't believe it.

"When I put this on and it was too big for me, I was literally in shock," she said, twirling in the baggy dress.

It gave her hope that Free People might be open to extending their size ranges for plus-sized buyers.

"Someone who is at least an XXL to XXXL could wear this," Dayton added.

For her last outfit, Dayton grabbed a bodycon dress in a size large, which she described as "cottagecore goes to the club."

Despite not having much experience with bodycon dresses, Dayton loved the look of the dress, with its cute front cutout and unique color scheme.

"It definitely wasn't too small," she said, showing off coverage in the back. "The stretch was there, the fit was there." The body-hugging dress still left room for her to move.

"Of anything that I tried on this day, it's most likely that this is what I'd wear in real life," Dayton mused.

During her shopping trip, there were some items that absolutely didn't fit Dayton. One pair of size 31 jeans wouldn't zip, and a printed dress in a size large couldn't pass over her chest.

Another sundress in a size large was long enough for Dayton, but the stretchy top didn't provide adequate support or coverage.

She also passed over a denim skort and a pair of pants, each in a size 12, that didn't pass muster.

Overall, Dayton said, plus-size shoppers should give Free People a try if they're willing to hunt for the "secret sizes," and encourage the brand to extend the size range.

"It further goes to show that Free People can, and kind of does, make plus sizes," Dayton said in summary.

"They just need to expand it in all their items."