Tips for Choosing Flattering Plus Size Clothes

"Big Girls like to be cute too." These where the words of Gabourey Sidibe as she spoke about changes she inspired for her character in the move 'Precious'. With that said, there are plenty of flattering plus size fashions available if you know how to wear them. Whether you choose to mail order your plus size clothes from Spiegel, visit trendy stores like Woman-Within, Avenue, or Lane Bryant, or go discount shopping at Ross, TJ Maxx, or Burlington Coat Factory, it isn't so much what you wear, but how you wear it.

Color is important when choosing plus size fashions. Sure, black clothes give you a slimmer appearance, but they also make you invisible. You will get many more compliments in bold colors so don't be afraid of color. Likewise you shouldn't run from prints either. Just don't cover your entire body in prints. Stick to one bold or printed item per ensemble.

The most flattering plus size fashions must have a sense of structure. While stretch Lycra and loose fitting pieces feel comfortable and are easy to wear, they also show a multitude of sins. These items cling to over sized stomachs, and show all the dimples in your behind. Instead choose more structured items that create a strong shape instead of clinging to your problem areas. Look for jackets, vests, and slacks in cotton, linen, and denim with a modest amount of stretch Lycra for comfort.

The correct fit makes or breaks the outfit. You will never see a well dressed man in a suit that was not sized to his body. While smaller women can find clothes that fit her frame, a larger woman never fits one standard size. As Stacy and Clint from 'What Not To Wear' always advise their clients, you need to purchase clothing to fit the largest part of your body, and then have it tailored to fit everything else. For example, If you are thick in the thighs, but small in the waste, don't try to squeeze your thighs into a pair of slacks just because they fit your waist. Purchase the pants that are comfortable on your legs, and have the waist taken in. The same goes for buying dresses and tops. If you have a large bust make sure your item fits your chest comfortably and have the shoulders and waist cut down to size.

Be sure to minimize any problem areas. If you have followed the rules listed above, chances are you don't have many problem areas left. Still, the correct undergarments, more specifically spanks or girdles, will minimize bulges and wrinkles and help your clothes fit better. Be careful about buying undergarments that squeeze too tight though as they can cause even more bulging at the waist, legs, and armholes. Purchase a size that smooths you out, not a size that sucks you in.

Finally, dress for your best assets, otherwise known as, 'if you have it, flaunt it'. This may mean finding the right cut blouses to show off your decollete. This may mean showing off a little leg. This may mean bearing your arms. Examine your body in the mirror, and for once, decide what looks good and not what looks bad. Then dress to show it off.