Silhouettes Plus Size Fall Fashion Preview 2008

Silhouettes obviously noticed that plus sized women prefer longer tops to disguise problematic tummy areas. Unfortunately, their plus size fall fashion line answers that preference with a deluge of shapeless tunics and oversized sweaters. This is vexing, since most plus size clothing designers have long abandoned this approach in favor of fitted baby-dolls and empire waistlines.

But no. For this autumn, Silhouettes boldly goes where no one asked them to and offers a pleated cardigan that falls to the knees--bag lady style. Forgetting the dictate of their own name, Silhouettes even welcomes the untimely return of the 80's stirrup pant. Who needs an hour glass shape, when you can have the silhouette of a candied apple on a stick?

Luckily, there are a few gems in the upcoming Silhouettes plus size fall collection though. A pair of blue couture trouser jeans will be a versatile find for cooler weather. Wear it with a tee and hoodie for a casual look. Combine it with a glittering tank top and heels for a night on the town. You have myriad options.

Even better than the trouser jeans, Silhouette's plus size fall fashion line features the most adorable and practical pajama set seen in years. The border-print PJ set is a cotton knit, which means that it'll be both warm and have the stretch of a sweater. Best of all, the top has such a sophisticated print that it can double as a blouse in a pinch and save you room in your suitcase on a holiday trip.

As always, Silhouette's shoe collection remains strong and fashion-forward. The patterned button skimmer in red or black would make a snazzy accent to the plus size wardrobe. And you can't go wrong with any of their tall wide calf boots. Pair them with tights and a dress and you've got a perfect plus size outfit for crisp weather.

Speaking of dresses, Silhouette's fall line offers some lessons in what not to wear. From freakish tent dresses to futuristic sweater gowns (complete with silver boots to match), Silhouettes stumbles into the new season with disastrous results. Luckily, you can still snap up some of their end-of-summer four-season plus size dresses, like the timeless button front shirt dress which is on sale for under $30.

Silhouettes always had a drapey plus size aesthetic, and that's not always a bad thing. Their focus on comfortable fabrics has been a godsend to plus size fashion divas. Unfortunately, insofar as their new fall offerings represent the collection they'll be unrolling, it's a sad disappointment to those women who have come to expect more.