Chesca Discount Code

Chesca Direct: Dressing the Curve, Cutting the Price (Slightly)

Fashion, like most industries lately, has spent the past decade trying to convince us it’s changed. That it’s no longer the exclusive domain of sample sizes and six-foot models with hollow cheekbones and mysterious surnames. Chesca Direct - a UK-based brand positioning itself as a destination for plus-size occasionwear - presents one of the more earnest attempts at this shift. It’s not radical. The prices won’t make you rethink capitalism. But the clothes? They’re...solid. Sometimes even surprisingly good. And occasionally on sale.

Founded in 2002 by designer Jacqui Stafford, Chesca was born out of frustration - she wanted clothes that felt elegant without forcing women over a size 14 to pretend they didn’t exist. Over 20 years later, the site continues to focus on flattering tailoring, forgiving fabrics, and a quiet sense of confidence. Think mother-of-the-bride meets arts lecturer on sabbatical. It’s not trying to be edgy; it's trying to make sure the lining doesn’t ride up by 11 a.m.

The Sale Rack, with Caveats

At the moment, Chesca Direct is running a selection of time-limited promotions (several expire April 8th), including £30 off a few of their tiered maxi skirts and puff-sleeve blouses. The pieces themselves read like wardrobe staples for a certain clientele - floaty chiffon, a fondness for dusty florals, and a palette that leans heavily into "garden wedding at the edge of a National Trust property."

Take the Black/Multi Bohemian Print 100% Silk Dress, down from £345 to £175. It’s a rare case where the discount feels substantial, though the cut and print might be more successful at concealing a full English breakfast than highlighting anyone's personal style. "Chesca pieces are built for longevity, not for trend cycles," says Helena Watts, a London-based fashion consultant. "That’s admirable, though it means some styles can feel dated even when they’re brand new."

The Red/Multi Art Floral Shirt at £145 isn’t exactly affordable, but it does benefit from Chesca’s upgraded jersey and a button-down that actually accommodates a roomy bra. There’s a confidence in that design - though £145 still feels optimistic for a polyester blend, even one with ‘premium’ aspirations.

Cuts That Work, Sizing That Listens

On paper, Chesca’s dedication to extended sizing (up to size 26 in many items, with some labelled as "one size" that actually mean XL upwards) is commendable. More importantly, the brand actually cuts for curves, rather than scaling up a straight-size block. The empire waists, pleated skirts, and layered tunics all feel intentionally designed rather than reluctantly adapted.

"It’s refreshing to see a brand where the plus-size options aren’t an afterthought. But let’s be honest - some of the pieces do lean into the ‘art gallery volunteer’ aesthetic a little heavily," says stylist and body-pos advocate Mira Lok.

She’s not wrong. The Cream/Multi Floral Puff Sleeve Blouse, while technically flattering, has a whiff of Jane Austen cosplay if paired with the matching skirt. But separated and grounded with a modern trouser and actual shoes (not espadrilles from 2009), it works.

Codes and First-Timer Offers

As is now standard in e-commerce, Chesca offers 10% off your first online order with email sign-up. There are scattered seasonal coupon codes - none particularly aggressive. Think £30 off here, a few flash reductions there. Students and NHS workers, often overlooked by luxury-adjacent fashion, aren’t courted with specific discounts. It’s a missed opportunity, though perhaps a deliberate choice.

The Quiet Value Proposition

Chesca is not about fast fashion thrills or viral TikTok finds. It’s about buying a dress now that you’ll still wear in five years - largely because it still fits, and never tried to follow a trend to begin with. Prices hover in the £145–£345 range for most items, and although not everything justifies that tag, many pieces do hold their own in terms of fabric quality and finish.

The site’s "Ethos" states that "each woman’s style is uniquely hers," which is comforting if vague. Their best pieces - the ponte jackets (£175) and premium jersey dresses (£195) - are where craft meets comfort. Their worst? Likely one of the aggressively whimsical silk dresses that seem to dare you to say no to a high tea invitation.

The Verdict

Chesca Direct is what happens when a brand knows its customer intimately - and isn't trying to be everything to everyone. The prices aren’t wildly generous, even during the sale, but the sizing is inclusive, the cuts are considered, and the occasional 100% silk item genuinely earns its price tag (especially when halved). The buzzwords of sustainability and social responsibility are less prominent than on newer labels, but their clothing does have a built-in longevity that’s hard to argue with.

As for the botanical print puff-sleeve blouses? You will, at some point, look in the mirror and think "I have become my aunt." That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

WIRED Score: 7/10. Sensible cuts, occasional steals, and gloriously consistent sizing - for a price that assumes you’re not panic-buying before payday.

What you need to know