Dressing Well in Plus Size Clothing

Everyone loves to look great. When you look great, you feel great and you absolutely exude confidence and beauty. There are many styles available for plus size women's clothing but it's important to avoid those purchasing disasters that don't leave you looking your best. To do that, there are several fundamentals that need understanding.

You might be thinking, 'I can't look good until I lose some weight' or change this or that, but you're wrong. If you plan to lose weight, fine, but that doesn't mean you can't dress will and look fabulous in plus size clothing in the meantime. It's all about how you present your body shape.

There are four basic body shapes with women.

Apple: This is generally where shoulders and hips are narrower than the middle bits of bust and tummy.

Pear: Shoulders, bust and waist in proportion then larger at the hips and tops of the thighs.

Block: Just what it says. Straight up and down, sides, front, back; very little actual shape to work with.

Hourglass: No explanation required. Bust and hips are set off by a smaller waist.

You know that the human eye can be tricked into seeing things a certain way. Plus size clothing can work the same sort of magic on how you present yourself. Here are some of the best tricks to try.

1) V neck clothing. This emphasises the neck, shoulders and the lovely cleavage drawing the eye upwards, framing the face. It's very flattering for most body shapes, even if you have little cleavage to show. It's all about drawing the eye to where you want it to go.

2) The Princess waist line. This is where the top draws a line underneath the breastline, creating a false waist. This is the narrowest part on many women's bodies and the false waist can be very successful here. The remaining fabric then falls in folds to the hips (at least) and de-emphasises the tummy and hips. This is one of the most successful items in plus size clothing styles.

3) You don't have to wear black. Some people wear nothing but and this can make you look (and feel) sombre, dowdy and uninspired. Sometimes a splash of exotic colour can be just the thing to lift you and your outfit from frumpy to fabulous.

4) Belts. Belts can create a waistline where one doesn't actually exist. Again, it's an optical illusion that works. Try different widths and styles to make them work for you.

5) Wide leg trousers. If you are wearing pants, try something with a wider leg. It will de-emphasize the widening line up to your hips.

6) A-line skirts. An a-line skirt can create the illusion of >b?an hourglass figure on most of the other body shapes listed. Many women avoid skirts like the plague, but they can be very successful in creating a look you'd be happy with in plus sizes.

7) Stylish jackets. Good cut, nice fabric, classic styling can lift an ordinary outfit into something really special that makes you feel wonderful. Search for a style that suits you and stick with it.

Some general DON'Ts also apply to dressing particular body shapes. Use your own judgement on the following:

1) Frills, loud patterns (like checks!) and horizontal stripes are generally out.

2) Avoid clingy fabrics. Well fitting clothes are the intention, not something that shows every lump and bump.

3) Just because you can where your daughters clothes, doesn't mean you should. Age appropriate dress is always more elegant than the alternative. That doesn't mean dressing like your mother either!

As with all things fashion, not all the rules will work equally for all people. It's about trying different things and making an honest appraisal of how you look and feel in the clothing. If you are not confident in your own opinion, take a girlfriend, or monitor the style of someone you admire that has a similar body shape to yours.

A few well chosen pieces that make you feel fabulous will tell the world that you love yourself and are a confident person. That brings its own rewards.

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