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How Do I Choose the Best plus Size Dresses?

By Christina Edwards
Updated Feb 27, 2024
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When buying plus size clothing, many experts recommend choosing dark colors, since they are more flattering. Additionally, the right style and material in plus size dresses can also make the garments flattering. Many experts also recommend that women with large frames highlight their positive attributes. It is also usually necessary to try on several dresses before you make a final purchase.

Generally, dark plus size dresses are considered to be more flattering than bright-colored dresses. Black, dark gray, brown, and navy blue are considered to be the best. If you are looking to add some color to your outfit, try choosing deep, rich colors, like burgundy or emerald green.

Plus size women are also advised to keep the length of a dress in mind before choosing. Plus size dresses that are too short are generally not very flattering. On the other hand, if you are slightly overweight, a long dress can make you appear even larger. Many experts typically recommend plus size dresses that show roughly half of the legs. For many women, this means knee-length dresses.

Along with the color and style of a plus size dress, you may also want to consider what type of material, or fabric, from which it is made. Typically, heavy fabrics, like cotton or wool, are considered to be more forgiving. Clinging or thin fabrics, on the other hand, can bring attention to certain problem areas. They may also be more transparent than heavier fabrics.

No matter what size a woman is, chances are she has some great physical features that she would like to show off. This is usually encouraged. Finding plus size dresses that will accentuate these features is a good piece of advice.

If you have excellent legs, for instance, finding a short dress may be your answer. On the other hand, if you have an attractive bust line or neck, experts recommend showing off this area with a low neckline. A v-neck plus size dress would be appropriate in this case. If you are lucky enough to have an hourglass figure with a small waistline, a dress with a wide belt can help show off this area.

Finally, these rules are not set in stone. If you feel comfortable in a certain plus size dress and it flatters your shape, by all means choose that one, even if it goes against these rules. Keep in mind that you should try on each dress before you make your decision, to ensure that it's flattering as well as comfortable.

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Discussion Comments

By lluviaporos — On May 27, 2012

If you're looking for cute plus size dresses, I would try wrap around dresses. They tend to have much more versatility than almost any other kind of dress.

I find it can be difficult to get a dress that really fits to my form in a flattering way. Even using a belt isn't much use as they tend to make me look wider.

But, a wrap dress will fit to you no matter where your unique curves are. You can just pull it a bit tighter in the right places.

And they are usually made from lovely material that will drape beautifully. Or you can make your own dress, as they are fairly simple if you get the right kind of pattern.

By indigomoth — On May 27, 2012

@irontoenail - There are creams that you can get to stop chafing as well. I've also heard that talcum powder can help.

Personally, I think it's all about the color. Red plus sized dresses are the only ones that I feel like I can pull off. Black blends into the walls too much and anything else tends to make me look even wider.

The only exception to that is vertical stripes. If you can find a dress where the cut has been done properly so that the stripes look good, you'll have a real treasure. Just make sure they are pin stripes as I find that anything else looks a bit too obvious.

By irontoenail — On May 26, 2012

It really is nice when you find a comfortable dress that looks good on you. I had a really good one last year and I hardly ever took it off.

The only problem I find is that when you are a bit larger, it's difficult to wear dresses because your thighs tend to chafe a bit.

I solved that with a thin pair of cotton shorts, since they didn't show up under the dress.

Actually they looked even better than wearing normal underwear, since the hem of the shorts was below the point where the dress became looser around my legs and didn't show up and the waist of the shorts was under the belt of the dress.

Much more comfortable than a thong and looked better under the clothes.

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