Plus-Size Cocktail Dress Advice from Nancy LeWinter, Fashion Industry Veteran

Most women enjoy dressing up at least once in a while. Spring and summer are prime seasons for donning cocktail dresses. Ladies like to look their best at weddings, class reunions and parties. Plus-sized women have many more choices these days as cocktail dresses have come a long way from the body-hiding days. Nancy LeWinter tells me that there are as many dress style options for plus-size women as for their thinner counterparts.

Nancy is the editorial director of OneStopPlus.com, the world's first and only plus-size web mall. She does all of the styling for their photo shoots. Nancy was previously the publisher of Mode magazine along with being a former employee at Vogue magazine. She believes it's a real fashion party these days for plus-size ladies.

Nancy has two 'rules' for buying evening plus-size attire. First, buy a style that flatters what you love about your body-not just hides what you don't like. Second, stay true to your style...it's an important purchase and you want it to last. Nancy shares her cocktail dress recommendations for different plus-size body types.

You love your upper body and tend to be a little conservative...
Go for a one-shoulder, sleek-lined cocktail dress in black or navy. Since the style is dramatic, keeping the color simple will maintain the classic appeal. If you're a 'make an entrance' kind of girl, try the new teal or purple colors. The tiered look is great. It's very flattering on top and creates illusion on the bottom. It's also a flirty and feminine dress style for plus-size women.
One-Shoulder Asymmetric Dress
Off-Shoulder Plus-Size Dress
Caycee Tiered Dress

You love your JLo body...
The newer jersey material in evening dresses gives great 'curve appeal'. Nancy loves color in the evening because it makes a lady stand out while still looking very classy. It's all about balancing, and the goal is to make your body look in proportion.
Jersey Drape-Neck Dress
Sapphire Ruffle-Front Dress
Cap-Sleeve Empire Waist Jersey Dress

You're petite...
Maintain one long line in your cocktail dress. The color should be consistent from top to bottom. The new dresses with short jackets and the empire dresses are exceptionally attractive on petite women. (And finally there are fabulous heels that will be comfortable all night long.) Don't be afraid to show some skin, especially with a v-neck that elongates the torso.
Empire Waist Buckle-Front Draped Dress
Banded Hem Dress
Katherine Georgette Dress

You're tall...
Take a lesson from Michele and break some rules. Flowing dresses give a beautiful, feminine line to taller plus-size women. In lieu of dresses, pants with elongated jackets are also a wonderful option. Wear a bare tank underneath. You can carry off some serious-sized jewelry which is a big trend in evening wear.
Beaded Goddess Dress
Pintuck Plus-Size Dress
Plus-Size Tall Pantsuit with 10 Button Design

See also: Which Cocktail Dress Suits Your Body Shape?