Plus Size Dresses

New plus size designer are finding more and more fashion-savvy women demanding the same treatment as every other fashion consumer in the marketplace. The fashion world is finally realizing the plus size clothes don’t need to have loud colors, tacky patterns, and outdated cuts. The plus size designer market has evolved.

There are 35 million women in America who are size 14 or higher. These women spend in excess of $20 billion a year on their clothing every year, and have gotten the attention of some of the hottest fashion houses in the industry. And why not? They account for 25% of the TOTAL fashion market.

What does this all boil down to? Size should not dictate fashion.

Still, the further one gets from highly populated areas, the more difficult it is to find stores with plus size designer clothes as part of their regular inventory. This is where the internet comes in – it has leveled the playing field and given specialty shops the world over access to the market segment they want to target. And more frequently, plus size clothes are being listed right next to the other sizes in online stores. No special clicking required. Why make people feel different if everything we know tells us they’re not?

Another problem that women of every size run into is the lack of standard sizes in the fashion industry. To overcome this, shoppers need to pay attention to measurements AND sizes. One or the other generally won’t get you the answer that you need, especially if buying from overseas. Generally, women’s sizes have a more forgiving cut than miss sizes, so keep that in mind.

Until the fashion industry makes nice with all their sworn enemies and standardizes their sizes, make sure you take a look at the measurements on everything you buy. If you have questions, ask before you buy. It could save you a trip to the post office.

How to look your best:

• One-piece dresses are more streamlined than separates. Stretch fabrics and well-placed darns can make the fit just right. If you do separates, remember to accent your best features with a bright color or print.
• Show your arms. It’s very sexy to show a little skin. If you’re a little nervous with the idea, wear a colorful, sheer shawl around your shoulders.
• Don’t cover yourself all the way up. Pick your best asset and flaunt it! Wear V-necks for your chest or shorter skirts to accent your legs.
• Wear a tailored camisole under a loose blouse or a tapered pair of pants under a long jacket. Frumpy screams “I don’t care”.

Wherever you shop, plus size designer clothes are no longer relegated to the back, basement, or side room. They’re no longer the fabrics that no one else wants, and they’re no longer shapeless, mind numbing designs. Get out and see for yourself.