Plus Size Dresses

I know, it’s still cold for most of the western hemisphere, but it’s never too early to start thinking about spring and summer!  I’ve written an article about plus size shorts before, but only from a material standpoint, not from any of the (arguably) more important aspects.  So let’s talk.

The problem for me always comes down to the cut of the shorts which dictates how the fabric hangs and of course the length.  If an article of clothing isn’t comfortable it will somehow find its way to the back of my closet and I won’t wear it.  The same goes for if I don’t feel good while wearing it.  I find this behavior to be so true that I no longer buy clothes unless I’m head over heals in love with them.  Any doubts and they go back on the rack or in the box to be mailed back to the company I purchased them online from.

So where am I going with this?  Plus size shorts should be comfortable and look good - and surprisingly to some these such shorts do exist.  Start by taking a look at your favorite online retailer.  You can get a lay-of-the-land type overview and see what looks good and what doesn’t.  I don’t waste my time shopping for plus size shorts anyplace that doesn’t have models showing their clothes.  It’s way too hard to picture what they look like unless you see someone wearing them.

Find some material and designs that you think look good on someone else, and then expand from there.  At that point it’s fairly trivial to move on to some of the online stores that don’t have models and find similar designs to the one that you like.

Then buy, buy, buy.  If you’ve been a long time reader you know my policy - buy it, try it, and return it if you’re not head over heels.  Don’t fall into the trap of keeping something that you “might” like.  There’s too many fabulous plus size designer lines out there to waste money on something you think is ho-hum.

Think about it - for all the outfits you have laying around that you never wear and in the back of your mind KNEW you probably wouldn’t wear when you bought them, you could have some great, expensive, designer outfits instead.  Even at a 1 to 5 ratio you’d be so much further ahead fashion-wise than you are now.

Until next time!

I’ve been doing a LOT of shopping for plus size dresses online lately.  I have to be honest, I spend a lot of time shopping online for great plus size fashions and I love the heck out it.  It’s pretty close to instant gratification, if only I could find a way to virtually try them on and not have to wait for shipping.

I’ve mentioned it before, I think, but I buy a lot of clothing online and send a lot of it back once I get it.  You have to be organized to make sure you don’t end up with a bunch of clothes you won’t wear, but I think it’s perfectly OK to buy, try, and return if it’s not quite what you had in mind.

Here’s a few of my recent favorites that you have to take a look at.

From our friends over at Igigi, we have these two divine selections:

This is a great number that has a more casual feel to it, but could still be worn to the office or a fun night out to dinner and a show.  It has an empire waist, which I love, but still maintains a tailored bottom and emphasizes your curves and does a real number on your legs as well.  The 3/4 length sleeves give it a slightly more professional, or career look.  Perfect for a big meeting or presentation.

Next, we have this gem, again from Igigi:

This is definitely a more casual, cocktail dress that you’d wear to a party or out on a date with your one-and-only (tell him he’s your one-and-only no matter what..! =] ).  The bateau neckline goes wide but still hands on the shoulders.  It’s the closest thing to strapless that you’ll get that still has sleeves.  Again, it has an empire waist and a flared skirt.  The detail on the sleeves is the icing on the cake.  I love it!

Head on over to Sydney’s Closet to have a look at this number:

Wow!  They claim it’s an A-Line, but I don’t necessarily agree with that.  It’s also listed under plus size bridesmaid dresses which it certainly could be, but it might upstage the actual wedding gown itself so be careful!  It’s strapless, which some gals tend to shy away from (I love them), but it’s clean and cut well enough that this could be a great break-through dress to expand your fashion comfort zone.