How to pick plus size cocktail dresses

Being a woman doesn’t get any better than treating yourself to a night out on the town. To enjoy it properly and put your best foot forward you will want to pickup the perfect plus size cocktail dress. As well known as it is that black is flattering on any figure designers seem to think that full figured dresses need to come in ridiculous styles and gaudy prints. No one wants to look like they are wearing a dress made of drapes like the Von Trapp family.

Styles of cocktail dresses

It’s almost always easy to tell what is in style. Just pop into your local department store or open a trendy magazine. I find that these methods always show me what is hot and in style at the moment. However, they do not provide me with any inspiration for ways to make those styles flatter my body. Let’s face it sometimes they are downright ugly. Instead of opting for what might be the most fashionable thing this season, which might be hard to find in the right fit, I focus on classic styles that I know are flattering to my fuller figure. I prefer classic cuts with lots of structure. Dresses that emphasize my natural waist or those with an empire waistline tend to hide my troublesome midsection. As for length, find a style that doesn’t make you look short and hits you at a slim part of your leg.

Another idea to consider when you are picking out your new cocktail dress is that less can be more. If you want a shorter dress try to find one with more coverage up top, a discrete neckline or small sleeve. If the neckline is plunging make sure that the dress is a bit longer. You want to leave your admirers wanting more. This adds a very distinct element of class and sophistication to your outfit.

To stay trendy and current in classic form flattering styles go for trendy fabrics in this season’s most fashionable colors. Every season magazines run new lines from designers and all have an idea about what the color of the season will be. Pick up a few magazines and look at dress shapes and colors. Try to get the same effect out of dresses that you know will look amazing on you...(continued below) 

Plus size retailers

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to step into a department store and find the sizing you want while avoiding the moo moo’s grandma might have worn in the 80s. For younger women plus sized stores like Torrid and Lane Bryant will offer fashion forward styles in a great range of women’s sizes. There are a huge number of online retailers for plus size women. I am always a bit scared to order something online and not have it fit. I have found that once you find a style that you know works with your body shape online ordering can be the best way to get something unique to wear to that holiday party. These retailers usually have very reasonable return policies. They are also a good way to get something you loved in a store at a discounted price.

Once you’ve found the dress

I know this is a topic that most women are scared of, but I want to address the issue of shape wear. I love shape wear. Sometimes it gives me just that boost of confidence that I need. It can make a dress that looked really good look spectacular. Another important benefit is that it prevents chafing. Dancing at clubs or wedding receptions should be a highlight of the evening but if you are suffering from legs that are chaffing then you need to invest in some new undergarments. It is very easy to try on a few different styles and find some shape wear that fits your needs and is also comfortable and cool. Shape wear isn’t going to work for everyone but in my experience it makes me feel so much more confident and comfortable to know that everything is in its proper place and I can dance the night away. If you don’t want to wear shape wear sometimes a pair of bicycling shorts can help with the chafing issue, but it depends on the style of the dress you are wearing.