Plus size dresses

There's no garment as feminine and as sexy as a nice dress. A few plus size dresses are a must in any plus size woman's wardrobe, because it's the best way to show off your sexy curves and because, by choosing the right color and shape, it can also be the best way to desguise the features of your body you're not especially happy about.

★ When shopping for a plus size dress, pay attention to color.

The mantra that says black is slimming is not a myth: black does make your figure appear narrower and, by not reflecting light, helps disguise any areas you might want to play down. So you shouldn't underestimate the power of black in a plus size woman's wardrobe. But that doesn't mean you should abuse it. You don't want your wardrobe to be monochromatic, because you want it to reflect your multicolored personality. So, even knowing that black is always an option, let's think about other good colors for your plus size dress.

Remember that it's a good idea for plus size women to dress in one color from head to toe, because that elongates the body line. Keep in mind that dark colors like navy blue, purple, heavy green, brown, etc. will have a similiar effect to that of black - slimming your silhouette. That doesn't mean you can't wear brighter colors or patters, but if you do you'll have to pay even closer attention to how the dress fits you.

★ When shopping for a plus size dress, choosing the right shape is key.

That means that, first of all, you have to take a good look at your body today - and not hold on to ideas of what your body looked like 5 years ago or even last summer - and understand what are your best features, the ones you want to show off, and the ones you'd rather play down and disguise. But you have to disguise them cleverly, not just by throwing on a tent-like dress that covers your whole body up and makes you look like you're twice your size - and shapeless, which is a real shame considering that plus size women usually have fabulous curves. If you have a large bust, a well fitted plus size bra is essential.

So that's it. Don't forget these tips the next time you go shopping for a plus size dress!