A Guide To Buying Plus Size Prom Dresses

Often the main factor in choosing a prom dress is the price, so you start by looking for cheap plus size prom dresses. Now this is fine, but it is extremely important that the dress fits correctly, and although the dress may have been bought on sale, it doesn't have to look like it cost any less than designer plus size evening wear. Inexpensive prom dresses don't have to look cheap! To get the best prices, it is a good idea to search for your dress well before Prom Season begins.

Before you go shopping either in a store or online make sure that you measure yourself properly. Use a cloth tape to measure your bust, whilst wearing a well fitted bra, around it's fullest, also measure your waist, which is about an inch above your navel, and your hips across their widest part. Write down these measurements.

Now take a look at yourself in the mirror. What body shape do you have?

* Balance out narrow shoulders with a wrap or shrug and choose prom dresses with horizontal, broadening necklines

* Take the emphasis away from your tummy and a horizontal girth by choosing an A line or princess silhouette dress. The princess line prom dresses shown here are from PlusSizeBridal.com

* Accentuate your shapely legs by choosing a dress with a hem which is higher at the front that at the back, or has a handkerchief style hemline.

* Draw the attention away from your tummy and hips and to the face, shoulder, and neck areas instead. Do this by wearing a piece of interesting jewelry, either a pendant, necklace or earrings.

* Choose a dress which will emphasize the middle of your body and waist area, perhaps with a sash or belt.

* A dress which is a lighter colour at the top of the body and is dark at the bottom, will help to elongate your body shape.

* Make your upper body appear wider by adding a wrap or shrug. Go for broad horizontal necklines.

* Draw peoples eyes up to the shoulders, face, neck and arms by using jewelry and accessories.

The dress shown here from Sealed with a Kiss Designs is perfect as it accentuates the waist, whilst the antique style faux diamond brooch, draws attention to the upper body.

* Create the illusion of a smaller, more defined waistline by choosing a dress which has a fitted bodice, or has a sash, belt or something similar around the waist.

* To give the impression that you have feminine curves hiding away, choose an empire line dress, drawing attention to your upper body and allowing the fabric to flow down over your waist and hips. The empire line dress illustrated here is from Sealed with a Kiss Designs

* To add emphasis to thighs, hips and shapely legs, team a fitted bodice top with a skirt that has godet inserts.

* Wear some body shaping underwear, this will immediately help to flatten your tummy.
Like this
SPANX Hide & Sleek Black Strapless Cami




* An empire line dress will draw attention to you upper body and skim over your tummy.

* An A line style dress will also be flattering if you choose one that has a fitted bodice or boning, which will create curves and emphasize your waist.

Most importantly wear something that you feel comfortable in, if you don't like to show too much flesh, then go for a modest prom dress with sheer sleeves, or short sleeves.

Perhaps you don't want to wear a full length prom dress, instead look for plus size cocktail dresses, use 1950s style dresses as your inspiration. Like this
Spruce Green And Black Satin Halter Dress

Add a shrug or shawl to complete the look.

If you would prefer something more alternative then gothic style is a huge trend for 2007. For this look choose vintage style prom dresses which feature brocade,
3/4 Sleeved Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress
From: Kiyonna Klothing
or perhaps a layer of black lace over jewel tone satins, red, deep blue, green or purple.

I hope this guide has given you some ideas of what to look for in choosing the correct dress to suit you. And I hope you find some perfect plus size prom dresses that will make your Prom Night as special as you want it to be.

For more information and style hints and tips go to Plus Size Prom Dresses

Click on the images below to take you to online retailers that have a fabulous range of plus size evening wear.