Women, what is one of our biggest issues? Finding full-figured clothing that will truly flatter our lovely curves. There are hundreds of styles, colors, and brands to choose from, but if it doesn't flatter our bodies, we will not feel our best. You can almost forget your local department stores. What you will mostly find there is unflattering frocks that-let's face it-our grandmothers would wear. Let's take a look at some of the essential pieces in our closets & discuss which would be best for us:

Tops: Black is slimming, but sometimes we want color, prints, or trendy styles. Yes, we can have those too! Empire Waist tops put emphasis on the smallest part of our waists, creating more of an hour-glass shape. Look for a fun print or solid color. Sexy camis, tanks, or halters can make the most out of our figures; it can create a sexy cleavage on a smaller bust & create a longer, thinner waistline on larger busts. Halter tops also deemphasize wider shoulders. Wraps are one way to keep your girlish figure when the women all around you are losing theirs to big, wide tops. A wrap top can hide any small flaw around your waist that you might want to conceal. Go for a nicely-fitted straight top--not big & boxy!

Dresses: Don't choose a boxy style. Nothing can accentuate curves better than a great-fitting dress. A-line & empire waists are the most flattering.

Skirts: The A-line is probably the most forgiving of all styles. It flares out gently in the same places we flare out naturally. Plus-size figures are also nicely complimented by a flared skirt if you need to balance out a larger shoulder, chest, or stomach area. They are also great in flattering a larger hip. Get a slight flare or ruffled bottom, steer clear of frumpy.

Jeans & Pants: The Boot Cut is the least clingy. Get a slightly embellished style for fun. The straight leg is especially flattering when worn with a longer, embellished top. Make sure they have some stretch. Capris pants are perfect for summer or spring. Stay away from longer,baggy styles;they are completely unflattering to our figures. The curve of your leg provides the shape & the charm needed to carry off cropped pants, or your legs will look shapeless.

I can't emphasize enough that fitted & fun, fabulous styles and colors are not the enemy. Forget boxy and drab; begin a new, confident phase in your life. And, remember, nothing is more flattering to a woman of any size than a confident attitude.