Finding a flattering dress for a special occasion, whether it’s a prom, a wedding, or a party, doesn’t have to be a nightmare anymore.  Plus size women are probably all familiar with the sensation of going shopping for that perfect outfit, only to find that it’s not available in our size.  Fortunately, the fashion world is catching up, and there’s a lot more to buy than a floral print sack or a loose black dress.  However, to find a flattering dress for your special occasion, it’s still important to pay attention to your body type.

Plus size women generally come in one of three basic shapes: apple, hourglass, or pear.  Apple shaped women carry their weight mostly around their abdomen, and have little different between waist and bust measurements.  Pear shaped women carry most of their weight in the hips and thighs, and hourglass shapes distribute the weight about evenly between the bust and hips, and have a larger difference between their bust and waist measurements.  Wearing a dress suited to a type that you’re not could mean that it’s too tight in one place, and way too loose in another.

Remember to go with the size that fits your measurements, and not the number you think you should wear.  Manufacturers make clothing so differently that the size number means almost nothing anymore.  Consider structured undergarments to smooth out the line of your body under your gown.  This will prevent lumps that distort the line of the dress.

Bigger women have been told for years that we have to wear black, so as to look smaller.  Black suits some of us just fine, but others have been yearning to wear color, and if you’re the only one in the crowd wearing black, you’ll stand out even more!  Get rid of those all black outfits and wear color if you want to.  There’s no need to go to special events looking like someone’s governess.  Just remember to balance your colors and give them a critical look in the mirror as you put your outfit together.

Make sure that you try on all prospective outfits before buying them.  Try to wear the shoes and undergarments you’ll have on when you wear a dress.  That way, you’ll know that the hemline will be where you expect it to be, and you won’t have any nasty surprises.  Wearing a different bra can completely change the shape of a dress.

Last but not least, don’t rule out a trip to the seamstress.  If you find an otherwise flattering outfit that’s just a little long, or needs to be taken in a little, your local alterations shop can often make it fit the bill.  Fashions are designed for a body that doesn’t exist.  Remember to take the initiative to make them fit yours.

About the Author

Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Visit us for plus size deals on a Plus Size Wedding Dress at http://plus-size.discountsonline.com