Buying Plus Size Clothing - a Shopper's Guide

There once was a time when plus size clothing was all muumuus and big floral prints, but those days are gone. Plus size women now have more choices than ever, in everything from the classics to hot and trendy youth fashions. All these choices make it important to know how to buy clothes that look good on you.

Buying Plus Size Clothing - Dark Colors Are Your Friend

It's often been said that black is slimming, and it's definitely true. Darker colors hide and minimize shadows caused by bumps and curves, which causes them to be less noticeable and makes you look thinner and firmer. Lighter colors and shiny materials draw attention to imperfections, so it's best to avoid them.

Buying Plus Size Clothing - Make Sure It Fits

I can't stress enough the importance of proper fit in plus size clothing. Clothing that is too tight clings too much and draws attention to rolls, while baggy clothing has the effect of making you look larger than you are. Try on clothes and check from all angles, making sure that the clothing skims over your figure without clinging tightly. Make sure nothing is gapping or pulling in front or behind.

Buying Plus Size Clothing - Test Patterns

It's common knowledge that horizontal stripes will make you look wider, but wide vertical stripes aren't always the most becoming pattern either. Try small floral designs, micro polka dots and pin stripes. Solid colors dressed up with patterned accessories like scarves or stockings are also very becoming.

Buying Plus Size Clothing - Whatever Suits You

When buying a plus size suit, make sure jacket sleeves aren't so long that the jacket looks oversized. Smaller, narrow lapels work best, especially on a large bust - and lapels should lay flat when you move your arms around. Make sure there's ample fit across the shoulders, and that the jacket tapers to the waist. However, you don't want to flare too much at the hips, this will only accentuate a large bottom.

Buying Plus Size Clothing - Forever in Blue Jeans

When buying jeans, make sure that the waist is not too tight - you don't want the 'muffin top' roll hanging over the waistband. Find a cut that comes to your natural waist without pulling up in the crotch. Look for jeans that aren't too tight through the thighs - you want a leg that goes nearly straight up and down, either to a boot cut or a slight flare. Buying jeans a little long and wearing them with a slight heel (1" - 2" ) can do wonders for lengthening your look and making you look slimmer.

You'll find that there is a lot of very flattering plus size clothing out there, and if you follow these tips to buying plus size clothing you'll soon be knocking them dead with your stunning style.