Choosing the right, figure flattering plus size dress for a special occasion is simple. Most department stores carry special occasion dresses to fit the full range of body types, and specialty boutiques also have great offerings. To find the best dress for you, keep these tips in mind. 

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Make sure the dress fits. A dress may look amazing on the rack, but it will not be flattering if it is an improper fit – a too tight dress will show bulges while one that is too large can look sloppy.
Pick the occasion

The style of dress will necessarily depend on the type of special occasion. In general, the more formal the event, the less revealing the dress can be. Vice versa, the less formal the event, the larger a statement, be it with color or cuts, you can make.

Decide which body part you want to emphasize

Everybody has favorite body parts, and the right dress should emphasize them. Try three quarter length sleeves to highlight your wrists. Bring the focus to stunning legs by choosing a dress that stops right above the knee. For the upper body, V necks will emphasize the collarbone and elongate the neckline.

Choose a Silhouette

There are many figure flattering silhouettes for curvy women. Consider the look you are going for. A-line styles work for most figures, smoothing over the lower belly and creating a nice leg-line. Empire waists, which hit right below the bust, will draw eyes to the waist, the slimmest point of a woman’s body. Halter dresses will bring the focus to the upper portion of a woman’s body. No matter the cut of the dress, the dress should have some type of structure as shapeless dresses are usually unflattering.

Fabric

Look for fabrics such as silk or satin that can be draped around the body. Draped fabric can camouflage trouble areas, so this can be a very flattering look for curvier women. A stiffer, more structured fabric like cotton can work well when the dress has a full skirt.

Color

Black is slimming and classic, but do not shy away from bold colors. Patterns can look great as well, but avoid large prints that cover the whole dress.

Consider the foundation (under)garments

Well fitting undergarments are necessary to bring out the full potential of the dress. Pay attention to the styling in the back of the dress as showing a stray bra strap never looks good. If you choose a strapless dress for your special occasion, you will need a strapless bra. Women with large busts should be careful with backless styles because they will not allow for a bra with much support. Snug fitting dresses may call for a body suit or a girdle to smooth any bulges beneath the dress – and this holds true even for slimmer women.

Spring is coming, and all the major clothing designers are getting ready to unveil their new lines. Plus size fashion is no exception, but every full-figured woman knows that dressing a curvy figure presents its own unique set of challenges. This is particularly true of the Spring season, when clothing designers often use lightweight or baggy materials that aren’t as flattering on full figures as they are on their slender counterparts.

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Spring 2013 fashion is all about the easy breeze vacation look. From vibrant ocean blues to bold yet feminine floral prints, color is key this season. Plus size designers have taken this cue from Parisian runways and shoppers can expect to see bold printed dresses, skirts and flowers in stores. Fortunately, wrap dresses are very in this season. A lovely wrap dress is a staple for any plus size Spring wardrobe because the cut creates a figure-flattering silhouette that emphasizes feminine curves. Throw on a simple wrap dress with a light floral print or stripes with a pair of sunglasses and a light sweater for a look that’s effortlessly chic.

Another major trend in full-figured fashion is the reemergence of the turtleneck. From lightweight sweaters to elegant maxi dresses, the turtleneck is in for the Spring season. Pair a pastel turtleneck with white Capri pants for a retro take on this new trend, or dress the look up for dinner with a sleek maxi dress and a statement belt. Silhouette is the focus of the season, which has really given plus size designers the chance to create pieces that accentuate womanly figures.

If you want to try one of Spring’s bolder trends, look no further than big, bold stripes. Skinny stripes are out, but

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substantial stripes an inch wide or more are in. This trend is great for fuller figures because thin stripes can tend to be overwhelming. Bolder, broader stripes lend a good sense of balance to any outfit and are simultaneously sophisticated and casual. Designers often pair big stripes with a nautical theme, so expect to see a lot of fitted shirts and jackets with sailor-inspired blue-and-white or red-and-white stripes.

The common theme in all full-figured trends for this season is femininity. Designers are finally starting to embrace the beauty of curvaceous women, so plus size shoppers have plenty of options this season when choosing clothes that not only fit their curvy figures but accentuate them as well.substantial stripes an inch wide or more are in. This trend is great for fuller figures because thin stripes can tend to be overwhelming. Bolder, broader stripes lend a good sense of balance to any outfit and are simultaneously sophisticated and casual. Designers often pair big stripes with a nautical theme, so expect to see a lot of fitted shirts and jackets with sailor-inspired blue-and-white or red-and-white stripes.

Plus size clothing can come in many different colors and styles, but you want to make sure that you choose a color that looks right on you. There are some colors that look good on everyone and others colors that may be bad ideas. You want to choose colors that you feel comfortable wearing and that will highlight your best features.

1199194201-tFor example, you can choose colors that match your eyes. If you have beautiful green eyes, find a green top or dress that is close to your eye color. The same goes if you have sparkling blue eyes or any other color for that matter. If you have a cute brunette hair color, you may want to find a shirt or jacket that matches it. You want to draw attention to your favorite features and color is the best way to do that.

There are some colors that will make you look thinner. These colors are good choices for plus size clothing. Black is a classic slimming color and one of the most popular choices. It can help you to look leaner as soon as you put it on. Dark blue is another good color choice along with deep purple or burgundy. A dark green or brown can help with the illusion of looking thinner too. Colors like white or khaki look good underneath a jacket or shirt when you want to create a layered look.

How you wear your color is as important as the color itself. You want to make sure that you buy clothing that fits you properly. Large over-sized clothing can be comfortable to wear, but may add pounds to your look. Clothes that fit to tight can show off your flaws and may not be the best look for you.

An outfit that is all one color can help you to look taller and leaner. A black dress with black shoes is a thinning option. A black casual shirt with black jeans and black boots can be a nice outfit that helps you look like you have lost a few pounds. The same thing goes for black dress pants and a black button down shirt with black heels. You can switch out the black for another dark color and see the same results.

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If you are not a big fan of wearing one set color, you can mix and match similar tones and get the same effect. You may also want to wear one color from your head to your toes when it comes to clothing and then add a bold colorful piece of jewelry around your neckline or a scarf. You can have fun creating neat styles that will help you to look your best.
Although dark colors are the most common choices for plus sized clothing, you can have fun dressing up any outfit with splashes of color to show off your personality and sense of style. The important thing is to find clothing that fits well and a color that looks good on you. If you are not sure what color to choose, black is a tried and true color that you can always rely on.When it comes to color choices for plus sized clothing, sometimes color combinations can look amazing too. You may enjoy wearing shirts with bright vertical stripes. Graphic printed shirts in any color can help you to look good too. You can choose bold and bright colors like pink and yellow when it comes to patterns and designs in clothing. Choose big patterns that will help to draw attention away from your problem areas.

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In the past, finding stylish plus-sized outfits used to involve trudging to the back of a department store to sift through a few scant racks of polyester pants with elastic waistbands and sloppy mono-colored blouses. Thankfully, clothing makers have now realized that the average American woman is a size 14, with over half of all women wearing plus-sized clothing. This means that retailers now carry a wide range of stylish tops, skirts and suits in sizes 14+; here are 10 tips for choosing the right ones for you:

1) Know Your Measurements

Sizes can vary between manufacturers, so it’s important to choose clothes based on your actual measurements rather than just the size listed on the tag.

2) Invest In Undergarments

Regardless of whether you are a size 14 or a 28, wearing the right undergarments will enhance the look and feel of your clothing. Ensure that your bras fit properly, completely encapsulating your breasts, while your underwear should be comfortable without being too tight – this helps pants and skirts flow over your curves without any awkward panty lines.

3) Tight Isn’t Flattering

Clothing that is too tight doesn’t look good on anyone, no matter their age, size or stature. Leave the spandex in the gym and look for items that are stylish without being overly snug.

4) Don’t Be Afraid of Colors!

Many women make the mistake of always wearing dark-colored clothing, believing that because black is slimming, they need to wear black all the time. Choose outfits that are colorful and match your skin tone, hair color and personal taste.

5) Shop Online

Let’s face it, few things are more frustrating than spending hours looking through store racks, trying to find the right size, color or style. When you shopping online for plus-sized outfits, you can browse for as long as you like from the comfort of your own home, often spending less than you would for similar items at a specialty boutique or department store.

6) Accessorize

Dress up a simple shirt or plain jacket with accessories like costume jewelry, scarves and shawls. Just remember to maintain the correct proportions; adding a tiny brooch to a large coat can look out of place, so try to find pieces that match the scale of your outfit.

7) Avoid The Urge To Hide

Many plus-sized women gravitate towards oversized sweaters and baggy blouses, thinking that wearing oversized clothing will help hide their body. The fact is that ill-fitting, sloppy clothing often makes the wearer look insecure and sloppy; stop wearing your boyfriend’s shirt and embrace your curves!

8) Shop For Your Height

When shopping for plus-sized outfits, look for items that suit your height. Petite women tend to look great in cropped jackets and blouses, while long, flowing shirts and coats are flattering on taller women.

9) Show Some Cleavage

Don’t be afraid to reveal some skin by choosing blouses and dresses that have v-necks; this will help focus attention on your face and make your neck appear longer.

10) Lose The Elastic

In the past, buying plus-sized skirts and pants meant one thing – elastic waistbands, a.k.a. “buffet pants.” Modern designers have realized that while they are comfortable, elastic waistbands only serve to enhance the appearance of the dreaded “muffin top.” If you feel like you need some flexibility in your waistband, look for styles that have an elastic insert rather than a completely elastic waist.

By following these 10 simple tips, you can shop for your next plus-sized outfit with confidence – happy shopping!