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.
FitMake 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.











