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Essential Guide to Shopping for Plus Size Cocktail Dresses

by Joyce Amerson

While the little black dress ranks high on the list of plus size cocktail dresses, you can look ravishing in other colors and styles. There's no need to fret or worry about finding cocktail an awesome dress in your size, because like.com will always have you covered. Wear your dress with pride; after all, part of one's fashion sense is determined by their attitude. From brazen to demure, and all other styles in between, you can undoubtedly find a dress that will make you the life of the cocktail party.

Remember Your Shape:

A major mistake that many consumers make when shopping is failing to remember their body's shape. Certain clothing items may look darling on runway models, actresses, and musicians. However, these individuals are paying top dollar for stylists, make up artists, are air brushed, and the majority of them are not plus sized. You can also wear the latest styles and trends, but it is important to know what styles fit your body shape.

Pear shaped women: carry their weight on bottom rather than on top. Occasionally, there is a one or two size difference between the bottom and top half of their body

Apple shaped women: carry their weight around the midsection of their body. These women are generally more robust on top, have flatter rear ends, and sport thinner legs.

Hour glass shaped women: carry equal amounts of weight on bottom and top. These women are considered to be curvaceous.

Box (or rectangular) shaped women: do not have noticeable curves on top or bottom. This body shape is straight up and down.

Dressing for Your Shape:

The term 'plus sized' is viewed in such a negative connotation and it can be difficult to find figure flattering up to date dresses for your body. Unfortunately, many people believe that anyone that wears anything above a size 8 is considered extra large and plus sized. This is false. Plus sized women do NOT have to spend their life in mumu dresses, culottes, sweats, and over sized clothing. Be proud of your shape. As you shop for your plus size cocktail dresses remember these brand names: Kiyonna, Rachel Pally, Eileen Fischer, Donna Rico, Maggie London, and Adriana Papell. These designers make dresses that accent curves, elongate legs, and bring life to otherwise drab body parts.

Pear Shape: Seek dresses that emphasize the top portion of the body. Refrain from mini dresses, mini skirts, and clothing that is simply too tight. Pear shaped women can wear strapless, one strap, or spaghetti strap dresses. Opt for dresses with form fitting bodices and free flowing or a-line skirts.

Apple Shape: Many apple shaped women have concerns about making sure their clothing doesn't make them look buff. Avoid the buff look by opting for fabrics that skim your shape. Refrain from materials or dresses that are too tight for your body. Opt for flowing prints. Another excellent tip is to dress in monochromatic colors, and avoid a myriad of colors. Dressing monochromatically makes your body appear longer rather than wider. Apple shaped women can show case their glam legs, and should select dresses that are tastefully above the knee.

Hour glass Shape: This body type generally has fuller breasts, hips, and thighs. Be sure to invest in a bra that fits you well, and uplifts your breasts. This is the 21st century and no woman should leave the house with sagging or cone shaped breasts. Draw attention to the waist with belts, sashes, and scarves. Wrap dresses look absolutely amazing on hour glass shapes. The wrap dress showcases the hips, breasts, by wrapping tightly around the slim waist. The v-cut neckline on wrap dresses will allow women with hour glass shapes to tastefully showcase their breasts, and wear beautiful jewelry.

Box Shape: Color is your friend. Select dresses with bright colors on top and a basic color on bottom. Bright colors on top can add an allusion of curves. Search for dresses with darts at the waist to bring your waist to life. Make sure your clothing is tailored. Refrain from frumpy shapeless dresses.

Know your body and your body's shape. With this knowledge you will be able to effectively search through numerous plus size cocktail dresses and find the perfect dress for your body.

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