Plus Size Dresses
Posted: September 8, 2011 at 1:42 amWhat makes a dress flattering to the curvy plus size figure?
With so many beautiful plus size dresses available today, the question becomes not “can I look beautiful” but “which dress will help me look the most beautiful?” There are some features of certain plus size dresses that make them particularly flattering and comfortable to wear. The next time you’re in the market for a great new dress for any occasion, be sure that it has at least some of these flattering features:
1. Just the right sleeve: Having a ¾ or elbow length sleeve that’s either billowy or fitted will give your plus size cocktail dress a tailored look and will instantly add a level of sophistication. These longer sleeve lengths also give you great coverage if you are like me, a little self conscious about your arms.
Having arms partially covered at the top and partially exposed from the elbow or wrist to the hand is elongating and thinning.
2. A skirt that’s just above the knee: This “sweet spot” for skirt length highlights your legs where they look their best. A hemline that falls just above the top of the knee gives length to legs by highlighting the smallest point right above the knee and by giving the skirt a very naturally flattering a-line shape as it falls from the waist.
3. Skimming light fabrics such as lightweight knits and chiffons: These fabrics don’t cling, but they do skim. Skimming is ideal in a plus size dress. Lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or a summer knit offer enough weight to rest against your curves but enough flow to move and drape perfectly.
4. Well-Tailored: The closer you can get to your exact measurements when you order, the better. Also in the “well-tailored” category falls the issue of lines and texture. Dresses should have well sewn side and detail seams and formal dresses should have a bit of added embellishment, such as pleats or wraps.
5. High or empire waist: higher waisted dresses highlight the skinniest part of your torso and drape beautifully over the curve of your hips. These are the best for flaunting your womanly hourglass figure and if you don’t have an hourglass figure, this style will give you one. Bonus: Empire waisted dresses flatter the bust by aesthetically separating it from the rest of the torso.
