Plus size dresses come in almost as many sizes and shapes as plus size women, so why feel that you are stuck with just one style? The truth is that no matter what your size, you can find dresses that flatter your shape and bring out the very best you have to offer.
When most people consider plus size fashion, they think of boxy jackets, shapeless kaftans and monochromatic color schemes. But these tried and true “tricks” for dressing a large size woman don’t really work. Think about it…if there is not just one body shape, how can there be one dress style which fits everyone? The answer is, there can’t!
The first step in finding dresses that fit well and flatter you is to determine exactly which body type you are. Be aware of your shape and, most importantly, your most attractive features, and choose styles which enhance them. Plus size dresses come in everything from A-line to wrap to two piece and even strapless. Any of these can work as long as you choose a style which fits with your body type.
Even if you are heavy you may still have a slim waist. In this case, consider styles which cinch in at the waist, like a wrap dress, which can give you a fantastic hourglass shape. If your legs are your best asset, try a shorter length skirt to enhance them. Like most of the fashion world, plus size fashion is all about finding what works for you and helping you put your best face forward.
And plus size dresses do not have to be stuck in a color rut! We all know that wearing black can be slimming, but that doesn’t mean you have to wrap yourself in nothing but. Larger women can pull off prints as long as the style of the dress is flattering and the print isn’t overpowering. And color can be your friend. Pairing up a basic like black with a punch of red or blue can actually give you a more dramatic and modern look.
The important thing to remember when choosing a dress is that plus size fashion should be about emphasizing, not hiding. Forget the baggy muumuus and tent-like shapes and don’t be afraid to show your curves. Accentuate a full bust, shapely legs or slim waist. If your eyes are your best feature, draw the attention up to them with colors that bring them out and make them sparkle.
You can also play down problem areas by choosing plus size dresses which de-emphasize them. If you have a thick middle, consider an empire waist, which brings the waistline just below the bust and is looser. Also, an A-line, which is more fitted at the top and gently slopes outward as it goes down, can be another way to draw attention away from a heavy midsection while emphasizing a full bust and/or long legs.
The thing to remember is that just because you may be larger in size does not mean you can’t find clothes that fit. Being plus size no longer means having to hide. You can be proud of your curves and with the right figure flattering dress you can show the world that there is more of you to love!
xoxo-Robyn