Plus Size Clothing

If you are a full-figured gal looking to dress up for some time out on the town, know that you have many choices of plus size formal wear available. It all depends on the event, time of day and what you are most comfortable wearing.

Types of Plus Size Formal Wear
Formal wear comes in a variety of styles from designer evening to cocktail dresses to elegant suits. Each serves a specific purpose and fits plus size women differently. Before you start shopping for your new outfit, you need think about the event where you will be wearing it. Some questions to keep in mind include:
*Is the event during the day or evening?
*Will you be doing a lot of dancing?
*Will you be posing for pictures?
*What will the weather be like?
*Do you plan on wearing it again?

Once you have answers to these, you can begin your quest for the perfect formal outfit. One style of formal wear isn't better than another, but sometimes it is more appropriate to wear one over the other when given the choice. For instance, as a mother of a bride or groom, a women's plus size evening gown is a smarter choice to wear during an evening reception. However, a chic cocktail dress fits the bill a little better if you are attending a black tie dinner. If you are looking for a plus size prom dress, almost any style of formal wear can be worn.

Evening Gowns
The most popular of formal wear, evening gowns or ball gowns come in many designs, some that are flattering on plus size women, while others aren't. They can be worn at formal dinners, weddings, cocktail parties or even the opera.

Your best bet for plus size formal gowns are those that are not clingy or form-fitting. Some sleeveless styles will work, such as a tank top or halter-style. Stay away from dresses with thin, spaghetti straps or those that are strapless. Remember, the goal is to emphasize your positive features and downplay your flaws. Some great styles of plus size evening gowns are:
*Empire
*Princess cut
*A-line

Also, look for dresses with V-necks or scoop necks if you want to emphasize your chest, or off-the-shoulder if you want to de-emphasize it. As for sleeves, plus size evening gowns with long or three-quarter sleeves are the most flattering, as well as those with sheer or lace sleeves.

Cocktail Dresses
If you don't already own a little black dress, now would be a good time to get one. These dresses can be worn at almost any formal event that takes place after sunset and need very few accessories to dress it up. However, if you are looking for one to wear during an afternoon affair, remember to:
*Choose a color you know if flattering, but stay away from paisleys and heavily flowered prints,
*Find a dress that has contrasting patterns
*Stay away from plus size dresses that are too short, even if you have great legs. Remember, this is a formal affair.
*Not wear white or ivory or anything with vertical stripes
*Choose a dress without large belts, bows or flowers, as this will draw the attention from your assets.
*Look for pastels, layers of chiffon or a dress with a small print, such as polka dots, checks or flowers

When looking for a style, keep the same things in mind that you would if you were purchasing an evening gown. Keep the cut of the dress simple, as well the accessories you will use.

Formal Suits
Although not always the first choice for a fancy affair, a formal suit is perfect for many daytime or nighttime affairs, including church, dinners and weddings. Formal suits come in a variety of styles and colors and you should wear the one that makes you most comfortable. Many are made of matching pieces including:
*Jacket (any length)
*Skirt (knee-length or longer)
*Blouse or other top (short or long-sleeved)
*Camisole
*Pants
*Scarf
*Vest

When choosing a suit with a skirt, make sure the skirt is knee-length at best, and choose one that is most flattering to your shape, such as an A-line. The same goes with pants. Straight-legged pants or those with a slight fare elongate the body and look better on a plus-sized woman.

Where to find Plus Size Formal Wear
Plus size formal wear can be found at many locations since designers now cater to full-figured women as well as the average-size lady. Some great shops to get ideas from include:
* Igigi has a variety of cocktail dresses and evening gowns.
*Anna Brooks a good selection of special occasion gowns including wedding attire, holiday gowns and mother of the groom and mother of the bride dresses.
* Sydney's Closet specializes in formal attire including cocktail dresses and bridal attire. There is also selection pantsuits available.
* Catherines sells some beautiful dress occasion attire including dresses, skirts and pantsuits.

Tips When Shopping for Plus Size Formal Wear
* When shopping for plus size formal clothing, make sure you allow yourself enough time to find the right style. Start looking at least a month ahead of time to allow for fittings if necessary. If you are shopping online, be sure to inquire about delivery times.
* Bring along a good friend or family member who will be honest with you about how the outfit fits.
*Make sure you accessorize properly. Most evening wear doesn't require a lot of fancy jewelry or accessories.
*Make sure your shoes are comfortable. Don't expect to dance the night away at a wedding or other reception wearing a pair of stiletto heels.
*If you aren't sure what color shoes to wear with your outfit, in most cases, black will do.
*If you are looking for a prom dress in a plus size, a cocktail or evening gown will work wonders!

Appropriate for a bridesmaid, prom or other dressy occasion, this style of sheath can be an attractive formal option.

Plus size suits are versatile items that every woman should own. You can wear your suit for business or pleasure and present a classic, sophisticated image unique to your sense of style.

Choosing Your Suit
Fortunately for the woman of size, plus size clothing manufacturers offer a variety of suits for various occasions. There are pant suits for the plus size lady who loves slacks and dress suits perfect for more formal events. Suits are available in virtually every color as well.

Business Suits
For the professional, wearing
plus size business suits helps establish a strong, competent impression. It's important to make sure your suit fits you well and is appropriate for the setting. In the workplace, basic suits always work, but basic doesn't mean boring. You can showcase your signature style by smart accessorizing in your jewelry and shoe choices. Blazers should match the pants or skirt, but the entire look doesn't necessarily have to be monochrome. A tweed jacket will look smart with slacks in a coordinating color. Remember that skirts should fall no higher than knee length to put forth your best business face.

Dressy Suits
When selecting a suit for a fancy or formal occasion, you have more freedom in what to wear. It's a good idea to choose your women's plus size suits in colors and styles that flatter you. If rose is a color that really makes you glow, then buy an elegant suit in that shade. Also, these occasions call for dressier shoes and accessories than you'd wear to the office, so don't hesitate to wear your favorite shiny pieces to enhance your entire ensemble.

Dressy suits are also appropriate for church. While some women still embrace a more traditional stance and always wear dresses and skirts to church services, other women in modern times are choosing comfort over tradition and love sporting beautiful plus size church pant suits on occasion. If you feel your church accepts this attire, then by all means strut your stuff in an elegant pant suit.

Dressing the Part
When choosing a suit, keep in mind which styles flatter you over others. Women with hourglass shapes look great in blazers and tops which emphasize the waist. Women who are more apple-shaped or pear-shaped shouldn't wear form-fitting jackets; swing jackets are a better option.

Pants that are straight leg tend to favor plus size women more than flared legs because you don't want to wear anything too voluminous or roomy. While it may seem contradictory, wearing clothing that skims your curves is much more flattering than being overwhelmed by tent-like attire.

Plus size evening suits will differ from suits for day in the type and amount of embellishments. When dressing for evening, don't be bashful. This is the perfect time to wear your suits made of silky materials and adorned with a touch of sequins or other fancy detailing.

Where to Buy Plus Size Suits
The plus size clothing retail market has expanded to offer women of size the same affordable, trendy fashions that the average size consumer has enjoyed for years. This is a smart marketing move when you consider that the median size for women today is a 12. Whether you shop in person or online, these are places to look into for a plus size suit that will fit and flatter you:
* Avenue
* Catherines
* JCPenney
* Roaman's
* Rosalee Womensize Appparel

Other Tips
* Make sure you wear clothes you feel comfortable and confident in. Black is slimming, but who wants to wear black all the time? Wear colors that bring out your natural beauty without constantly worrying about hiding extra pounds.
* Wear the right undergarments to ensure a smooth silhouette. If this requires the help of special shape wear, look in the lingerie section of your favorite store, whether it's a basic department store or plus size retailer.
* Accessorize the right way. Plain pumps are fine for the office, but not for dressier events. Choose shoes and handbags made especially to complement evening wear for the best look. Likewise, shiny satin shoes aren't for the professional environment.
You can look stylish and sophisticated whether you're wearing your suit to work, church or evening event by following simple tips. Most of all, wear what makes the most of your figure and distinctive sense of fashion.