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plus size dresses

If you get an invitation that seems to warrant looking at evening dresses, then first find out how formal the event is going to be. If it is something like a cocktail party, then a short dress, such as the basic “little black dress” will be fine. However, if it is considered a black-tie affair, then you will most likely want to consider purchasing a more formal gown.

Once you have found out how formal the event is going to be you will be able to start considering the different styles and colors of dresses that are available. Of course, not every style or color works with all body types so you need to keep that in mind. Not all choices have to keep with the traditional designs of formal dresses either, if that style is not good for you. Cocktail dresses are considered by some to be the easiest to find as there seems to be a little more leeway than with formal events. Meaning, it is ok to wear something bright and vibrant or short and flirty.

Remember that the term evening dresses does not necessarily mean formal and cocktail dresses are a good example of being perfect for evening, yet not formal. And, just because the phrase is “little black dress” do not think that it is relegated to strictly black. Many of these dresses are designed to grab attention and having a little blue or red dress is going to fit the bill, if not better, than the black dress. Try on some that are more vibrant in color and possibly a more daring style than you are used to and you may just find your perfect dress.

For simplicity, nothing beats a sheath dress as they are flattering with clean lines that keep the dress from overwhelming your figure. The sheath dress can be dressed down or up into a more formal gown look if necessary. If you are looking for something a little sexier, then consider a halter dress as they come in several different designs. They are great if you feel that you need to draw unwanted attention away from the legs or hips as they draw attention to the upper half of the body, including the face, shoulders and bust.

Not every body looks good in a one piece dress and having a hard to fit body can be frustrating when shopping for evening dresses. If this sounds like you, then consider choosing separates, which may be a perfect way for you to put together an outfit. This is especially useful for those that need a different option than plus size dresses, as you can wear something like a beautifully beaded top with a flattering short or long skirt.

accessories

There’s probably one thing that all plus-size women and their wardrobes have in common.  Should I let you guess?  Yep, you’re right, it’s the predominance of black clothing.  It’s funny.  Somewhere along the way, we all seem to have bought into the idea that black is SLIMMING – and into the further idea that we needed to be “slimmed” by our clothing.  An annoying concept for those of us who LIKE our curves.  (And who see the irony in skinny women “enhancing” curves after starving to be slender.)  Why can’t we all just get along???  LOL.

But I didn’t start this article to write all that.  I started this article to talk about my favorite topic: the plus size little black dress.  There is one thing that we ALL need in our wardrobe, and that’s the perfect little black dress.  Why?  Because that one garment can take you from your daytime doldrums to your night-time fantasies within seconds – and almost as simply as if your fairy godmother showed up with a pair of glass slippers and a pumpkin carriage!

First of all, make sure that you HAVE a few little black dresses on hand, and make sure they’re stylish and in good condition.  Sometimes we wear them so often, that they’ve simply lost their pizzazz.  If you need one or two new ones, be BOLD and go for a shorter hem or a lower neckline.  After all, you can always toss on a great long, dramatic silk scarf (tied at the back of your neck) to create a more appropriate look for the office.  When you leave for the day, tie that same scarf sideways around your waste to add an attention-getting extra to your ensemble.  

What else can you do to pump up the volume?  Here’s 8 more tips to get the ball rolling.

1.    Stockings.  Remember that a simple little black dress can carry a bigger accessory statement.  Go for fishnet pantyhose!  … or at least consider a few polka dots or a classy seam up the back.  

2.    Shoes.  Okay, this is your chance to give yourself a REAL lift.  The great thing about a black basic is that you can add almost ANY signature color to your accessories.  Just make sure that you create a symphony of color – and not chaos.  If your shoes are red, your scarf should feature the same shade too.  You get the picture.

3.    Think about a hat.  Same reason.  A basic black outfit can carry those amazing extras that a print or plaid might not.  Just keep the chapeau to the same level of classiness.

4.    Go for the gusto with ONE big signature piece of jewelry, instead of an ensemble.

5.    Follow 7th Avenue’s latest craze and add a vibrant, colored trench over your little black dress!

6.    Add a zipper!  If you’ve seen anything in the media about fashion recently, you’ve probably noticed that exterior, exposed zippers are jazzing it up all over the place.  Want to make a strong statement with little effort?  Use double-sided tape to put a long faux zipper up the back of your dress – or hey – up the FRONT would be amazing!  (Just remember, it will only get you through the night!)  Remember to actually SEW the zipper in place if you love the look!

7.    Got an old dress that you’re ready to replace?  Add a few inches of lace at the bottom and at the neckline and save it for your next special occasion.  Lace might be too dressy for the office, but it is always a go at weddings and christenings.  

8.    Finally, #8 (which is actually #10, if you’ve been keeping count!).  It’s all in the bag!  Okay, I try NOT to talk about bags in every accessory column – just because it’s so obvious, but for the perfect little black dress, we simply CAN’T overlook the bag.  In this case, you don’t need to spend a TON of money either.  Hit the local thrift store and look for the most amazing little handbag you can find – or the boldest.  Remember, the great thing about the basic plus size little black dress is that it can make a BIG statement with just a LITTLE effort.

There’s probably one thing that all plus-size women and their wardrobes have in common.  Should I let you guess?  Yep, you’re right, it’s the predominance of black clothing.  It’s funny.  Somewhere along the way, we all seem to have bought into the idea that black is SLIMMING – and into the further idea that we needed to be “slimmed” by our clothing.  An annoying concept for those of us who LIKE our curves.  (And who see the irony in skinny women “enhancing” curves after starving to be slender.)  Why can’t we all just get along???  LOL.

But I didn’t start this article to write all that.  I started this article to talk about my favorite topic: the plus size little black dress.  There is one thing that we ALL need in our wardrobe, and that’s the perfect little black dress.  Why?  Because that one garment can take you from your daytime doldrums to your night-time fantasies within seconds – and almost as simply as if your fairy godmother showed up with a pair of glass slippers and a pumpkin carriage!

First of all, make sure that you HAVE a few little black dresses on hand, and make sure they’re stylish and in good condition.  Sometimes we wear them so often, that they’ve simply lost their pizzazz.  If you need one or two new ones, be BOLD and go for a shorter hem or a lower neckline.  After all, you can always toss on a great long, dramatic silk scarf (tied at the back of your neck) to create a more appropriate look for the office.  When you leave for the day, tie that same scarf sideways around your waste to add an attention-getting extra to your ensemble.  

What else can you do to pump up the volume?  Here’s 8 more tips to get the ball rolling.

1.    Stockings.  Remember that a simple little black dress can carry a bigger accessory statement.  Go for fishnet pantyhose!  … or at least consider a few polka dots or a classy seam up the back.  

2.    Shoes.  Okay, this is your chance to give yourself a REAL lift.A perk in having a basic black dress is that you can add accessories of any color.  Just make sure that you create a symphony of color – and not chaos.  If your shoes are red, your scarf should feature the same shade too.  You get the picture.

3.    Think about a hat.  Same reason.  A basic black outfit can carry those amazing extras that a print or plaid might not.  Just keep the chapeau to the same level of classiness.

4.    Go for the gusto with ONE big signature piece of jewelry, instead of an ensemble.

5.    Follow 7th Avenue’s latest craze and add a vibrant, colored trench over your little black dress!

6.    Add a zipper!  If you’ve seen anything in the media about fashion recently, you’ve probably noticed that exterior, exposed zippers are jazzing it up all over the place.  Want to make a strong statement with little effort?  Use double-sided tape to put a long faux zipper up the back of your dress – or hey – up the FRONT would be amazing!  (Just remember, it will only get you through the night!)  Remember to actually SEW the zipper in place if you love the look!

7.    Got an old dress that you’re ready to replace?  Add a few inches of lace at the bottom and at the neckline and save it for your next special occasion.  Lace might be too dressy for the office, but it is always a go at weddings and christenings.  

8.    Finally, #8 (which is actually #10, if you’ve been keeping count!).  It’s all in the bag!  Okay, I try NOT to talk about bags in every accessory column – just because it’s so obvious, but for the perfect little black dress, we simply CAN’T overlook the bag.  In this case, you don’t need to spend a TON of money either.  Hit the local thrift store and look for the most amazing little handbag you can find – or the boldest.  Remember, the great thing about the basic plus size little black dress is that it can make a BIG statement with just a LITTLE effort.

plus size clothes

There are key pieces that every Plus Size woman needs to have in her wardrobe and I cannot live without. Since it is the beginning of spring, I thought it would be good to get every woman started on the right path in creating their new “spring-fabulous” wardrobe. These wardrobe essentials will help you create a variety of looks that are classy, figure-flattering, and timeless.

1. Foundation garments: Starting with the proper undergarments is key to having a “Spring-Fabulous” wardrobe. I feel that what you wear under clothes can definitely make or break your outfit. Every Plus Size woman must be sure to have proper fitting bras, panties, shapers, etc. to help smooth out your curves and complete the look you are trying to achieve. I do not leave home without these and particularly love the hide and sleek cami by SPANX.

2. Sexy Wrap dress: This is a definite must have dress style for every Plus Size woman. Why it’s so amazing is because the diagonal part of the wrap works like magic to show off a narrow waist and fakes one for the wider waisted women. The wrap dress is a classic and is super sexy whether in a print or solid, pair it with a sexy pair of open toed heels and you are “Spring-Fabulous.”

3. A-line skirt: A Plus Size woman cannot go wrong with A-line! This skirt style is especially great for women who have either a tummy issue or a hip/thigh issue but works well for most figures. When finding the right length in an A-line skirt you want to stay away from styles that hit you mid-calf, it’s better to just hit at or below the knee where the leg is the thinnest and shows off the curve of the calf. Try and pick an A-line with a pretty floral pattern that is perfect for spring.

4. Classic button-front shirt: A classic shirt you will reach for again and again. You can’t go wrong with this style whether if it’s for work, a casual day out and about, or a night out on the town. Long sleeve, short-sleeve, three-quarter sleeve, whatever sleeve, pair it up with a fitted vest or under a light weight sorbet colored cardigan and you are “Spring-Fabulous.”

5. Jeans: Whether they are cropped or not, no wardrobe is complete without a great pair of plus size jeans! They can be dressed up or down. Wide-leg trouser style jeans are especially great for the more pear-shaped woman and the “Skinny” jean styles are great fit for the apple-shaped plus size woman. For spring, try out a pair of distressed “Boyfriend Style” jeans for a more casual laid-back look. Whatever style you choose be sure to save the lighter washes for more casual daytime looks and the darker washes for the dressier night out look.

6. Trench coat: This is a perfect spring staple! A Trench coat gives an outfit a complete, more polished look. Pick one in a bright spring color or basic khaki. Find one that fits close to your body or that has a tie at the waist for a more figure flattering look. Three-quarter length styles are the most flattering, but be sure to stay away from the styles that have oversized lapels that can be extremely overpowering.

7. Flat sandals: The foot-friendly flat sandal is a true essential for a “Spring-Fabulous” wardrobe. In addition to embellished, fringed, patent, metallic, and snakeskin print flat sandals the “gladiator” look is particularly stylish and is worn great with jeans, Bohemian style tops, skirts, and dresses.

8. Romantic blouse: This blouse should have a romantic feel to it with a lightweight, soft, flowy fabric in a light pastel solid or print. Find a style that has some lace or ruffle detail to make it “Spring-Fabulous.” If the blouse is loose enough perhaps try belting it to define your waistline. Pair this blouse with jeans and your flat sandals and you are set.

9. Deep V-neck top: Deep V-necklines are a staple in plus size women fashions. Wearing a deep v-neck makes the body look longer and leaner and is extremely flattering for a plus size figure. If a deep V-neck is not for you pair it with a lightweight coordinating color cami for a great layered look with a pair of jeans.

10. Hobo bag: Comfortable hobo style bags in colors such as black, white, beige, metallic, blue, green, orange, and violet are extremely hot this season. Make an impression and carry something bold and bright.

Danielle Line, Guest Writer, Plus Size Model for www.swakdesigns.com