It is often assumed that plus size is a body shape, but not all plus size women are the same and just like so called 'regular' sized people plus size can be split into the 4 main body shapes. This means that choosing a dress is not just a case of grabbing something off of the plus size rack, but rather finding the right style for your shape in a larger size. Let's take a look at some of the best plus size dresses for each body shape.
The Classic Hourglass Figure
The hourglass figure is the most coveted body shape among women off all sizes. Think Marilyn Monroe style curves with a well defined waist. The hourglass figure needs a dress that will emphasize that waistline so belted dresses, wrap styles and fitted waistlines are ideal. This stunning belted wrap dress from Asos Curve is a perfect example of a great dress to show off an hourglass figure.
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→ Buy the ASOS CURVE Wrap Dress With Belt, $32.24 (was $54.30), at us.asos.com.
When It All Goes Pear Shaped
If you are blessed with a hip measurement that is substantially larger than your bust measurement, or are what is often referred to as bottom heavy, then you are most likely to be a pear shape. They key here is to draw attention to your bust by adding the illusion of width with the help of ruffles or draping at the neckline. This will enhance your upper body and create the illusion of a more hourglass figure. The detailing and draping around the neckline of this pretty orange dress make it ideal for pears.
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→ Buy the Apparel Showroom Orange Contrast Hem Plus Size Dress, $11.00, at apparelshowroom.com.
Dressing For The Apple Body Shape
Apples have a rounder body shape and often find that their waist measurement is larger than their hips and bust. The ideal dresses for apples will minimize the torso with empire waists so that there is plenty of loose fabric to drape over the tummy. Some good examples of dresses for apple shapes include this green lace maxi dress and this beautiful embroidered knit dress.
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→ Buy the Johnny Was Embroidered Knit Dress, $190.00, at saks.com.
Dealing With A Rectangle Body Shape
Rectangles perhaps face the biggest challenge since they have few curves to speak of. The goal when choosing a dress to flatter the rectangle body shape is creating the illusion of curves. Again, empire waistlines can be perfect for creating a waistline where there is not much of one to be seen, but the most effective way to create a curvier shape is to opt for a dress which give additional width to the bust and hips. This layered floral dress can achieve the illusion of a curvier shape.
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→ Buy the Apparel Showrom Purple Floral Dress, $8.50, at apparelshowroom.com.
The most important thing when choosing any clothing and in particular dresses, is to dress for your shape and not your size. The same rules apply whether you wear a size 4 or a size 24. It is all about the body shape.
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George Papas is passionate about fashion and enjoys writing about clothes and shopping. George is a regular contributing writer for ApparelShowroom.com suppliers of wholesale women clothing and accessories.
