Sunday, December 21, 2008

Plus Size Woman's Guide to Evening Dresses

It's fast approaching the holidays when glamorous parties and special events take place. You already have a number of social events marked on your calendar. Now you need to begin looking for different styles of evening dresses for the different events. Being a plus size you might think your choices are limited.

No longer does the plus size evening gown have to be a blousy, dowdy dress. There are many options available for you to choose a sophisticated, sexy or glamorous evening dress. So how do you go about finding a style that is right for you?

Do you need a ball gown or a chic evening dress? Or do you need a flirty cocktail dress? Lets look at the options available:

Cocktail dresses. Cocktail evening dresses can be as short as just above the knee to ankle skimming. Probably the most flattering length to show of well-shaped legs is a length that hits around the knee. The styles influenced by the 1950's have beading, lace and A-line or straight skirts. They are very popular and look especially well on plus size women. For a modern take on the sleeveless dress top it with a decorative cardigan or bolero jacket. It's stylish yet classic. Add an open toe pump to complete the look.

If you've been invited to an after work party and need a festive outfit, look for a tailored suit. This can carry you from the office to the party with ease. Black is big this year and a black wool crepe pants suit is a perfect outfit to go from day to evening. The tailored jacket with a slim lapel and nipped in waist looks great on the full figure. Leaving the jacket unbuttoned to show off a silk blouse or sexy, soft camisole will ease your worries. Look for straight leg pants that are tailored. Wear them with a great high heel or flat embellished with embroidery

For a black tie affair you'll want a floor length evening dress. For the plus size woman you should look for clean lines without lots of ruffles and bows. All those excess embellishments add weight and can make your look drab. To make your plain gown jazzy add expensive jewelry or a beautiful silk wrap. Wear strappy sandals or satin flats for extra comfort.

Look for colors and styles that will flatter your shape. Avoid clingy fabrics and bright, neon colors. Darker or more muted colors will help camouflage any flaws you don't want to advertise. Soft floaty fabrics like georgette or silk charmeuse and shimmery fabrics like satin and silk dupioni in light to medium weights are a good choice. Avoid velvets and other heavy fabrics that add weight.

Designer touches look good on full size evening dresses. Dresses that include boning in the bodice and horsehair braid in the hem can add body and structure to the gown. Try to avoid gowns with a lot of beading and sequins for a full sized gown. Some small touches on the gown are fine, such as a row of sequins or beads along the neckline.

No matter what plans you have for the holiday season's social events, you can find many varieties of evening dresses to make you feel sophisticated and beautiful. There are more choices than ever for full figured women!

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