If Torrid ever changes its name, I vote for Uber-Trendy. If you’re a teenager and you absolutely would not be caught dead in Lane Bryant or Old Navy then no need to fear, Torrid is here (I know, that sounded horribly corny). The denim selections would make a plus size fashionista fake a stroke just to be offered something free.

Luxe Black Skinny Jean

Tie Wrap Dress

Torrid launched in 2001 to cater to the needs of urban plus size women. Its successive lines have been inspired by fashion icons, runway shows, music and pop cultures. The company carries plus size casual wear, plus size sportswear, plus size cute lingerie and various other accessories. If you’re on the extremes of the scales (too tall or too petite) your retail therapy session may unfortunately not be as satisfying as mine.

Sizes: 12 – 28

Average Cost:  $24 – $150

Online:  Torrid.com

Outlets: Check Torrid Store Locator

Customer Service Reviews: 4

LANE BRYANT

Any plus size woman knows that once you getting into the working lane, well let’s just say, Torrid won’t suit your needs. Which is where Lane Bryant comes in. Conceptualised in the early 1900s, Lane Bryant prides itself in its strong plus size career wear line and stylish wear for plus size 40 something women.

Classic Pinstripe Trouser

Crochet Trim Blouse

The clothes may be a bit high priced but they make up for it with the absolutely amazing quality and style. Their stores pride themselves on helpful and professional customer service so there aren’t too many lines to wait at.

Sizes: 14 – 28

Average Cost:  $19 – $100

Online:  Lane Bryant.com

Outlets: Check Lane Bryant Store Locator

Customer Service Reviews: 4

SEALED WITH A KISS (SWAK) DESIGNS

SWAK   is definitely the middle ground between Lane Bryant and Torrid. The clothes are trendy but not completely off the wall. A few months ago I was firmly convinced that shops charge us plus size women more on clothes because of the extra fabric they use but SWAK swung this theory on its head. I was pleasantly surprised that you can actually find a full outfit for less than $300 – I mean jeans, shirt and shoes.

Anastacia Maxi Dress

Open Cardigan

SWAK has been in existence since 2006 when its founder Brad Capo set out to meet the needs of many plus size women who want flattering yet practical clothes. The trendy plus size designs can often transition from work to play in a second.  They sell direct to customers through their website and ship wholesale to boutiques nationally and internationally. SWAK stores in Roseville and Tahoe are famed for their ever changing merchandise so you can be certain that you won’t be walking around your town and find your shirt’s doppelganger.

Sizes: 14 – 36

Average Cost: $20 – $95

Online:  Swak Designs.com

Outlets: Check for a boutiques carrying SWAK designs close to you at Swak Retail Stores

Customer Service Reviews: Rating: 3.5

I’ll admit it right now, I only discovered sexy plus size lingerie recently so I’m not an expert or anything. But one of my friends recently acquired her Doctorate in Lingeragy from the School of Strippers because of her ridiculously large collection of lingerie rivaled only by a playboy bunny. I talked to the good Doctor to find out her opinion on plus size lingerie – obviously she has an addiction problem but I wanted to hear it for myself.

When did you start wearing lingerie?

It was a cold summer night -

The short version

God you’re such a stick in the mud (she rolls her eyes). You know Johnny, from high school. (of course I remember Johnny, she’d claimed he was the one for close to a year) well we tried to…you know – in his car. Anyway just as I’m pulling off my blouse, fingers trembling and all, he stares at the revealed opening and suddenly bursts into laughter. Of course I was horrified that he’d come up with some strange laughing virus and I was gonna catch it. Finally he wheezed out ‘S. What the hell are you wearing?” We never did do it but I learnt a valuable lesson that day.

Not to get in the car with boys?

No. Women in good underwear get what they want

 Okay (I shake my head in resignation- there are too many flaws in that argument for me to bother) Dr. S do you think a plus size woman can wear lingerie?

You tell me. How do I look in these? (she dramatically opens her pink robe to reveal a bustier and thong combo)

They actually look really good. What’s your secret

Three things babe. If it bites into my waist too small. If it splits the boobs into two, too small. If I can’t take it off by myself, screw that.

BABY DOLL & G-STRING SET

Dr. S’s Choice: Lacy Flirty Baby Doll

This sleeveless concoction will send hearts into palpitations (hopefully not yours) with its sheer skirts that falls seductively over the upper thigh. The stretch lace bodice provides some bust support ensuring that your body is put at its most flattering. It comes with a matching g-string but if you feel too much is showing, you can pair it with bikini panties.

Find it: Exotic Lingerie Direct; Plus Size Fantasies

Price: $21.50 – 26.50

Customer Reviews: 4.5

CHEMISE

Dr. S’s Choice: Daring Statement Chemise

This is the ideal outfit for the body conscious as it hides most of the body while still managing to giving enticing views. The lace details and bows add a romantic and flirty feel to the satin that covers the front. The flattering empire waistline features a built in underwire bra that provides support for the bust. To conceal bumps and rolls on the thighs combine with thigh highs.

Find it: Plus Size Plum

Price: $50

Customer Reviews: 5

TEDDY

Dr. S’s Choice: Sexy Halter Mesh Teddy

This delicious one piece is made of sheer fabric that frames the curves in a soft but seductive way. The plunging neckline hints at naughty intentions but the booty short bottoms are saying ‘Wait just a minute’ till you see the bareback…yummy.

Find it: All Plus Size Lingerie

Price: $25

Customer Reviews: 5

BUSTIER

Dr. S’s Choice: Some Like it Hot Bustier Set

Drive them wild with this siren’s call that is just as hot as it looks. This midriff cinching, bust lifting bustier is ideal for women who don’t want their tummy out. It features removable garters with bow details. If you really want to add to that red pepper, accessorize with high heels and a necklace, and watch the house burn down.

Find it: Figuresque; Yandy

Price: $31.95 – $ 42.95

Customer Reviews: 5

BOYSHORTS WITH GARTER BELT

Dr. S’s Choice: Hips & Curves Boyshorts with Garters

It may look tame but the intentions are nothing like that. This simple but seductive black piece traverses the bedroom and can be worn underneath your favorite suit. The boy shorts and the ruffled demi-bra provide good support for the things that go bump in the day. The garters are detachable so you can go to the office without worrying that someone might notice that you plan to dance tonight.

Find it: Hips & Curves; Amazon.com

Price: $14.95

Customer Reviews: 4.5

Way 1: plus size ladies should not pair their skinny jeans with loafers. Already the leg of the jean narrows towards your curves making you seem even curvier, you do not need your shoes making you appear chunky. Loafers or flats will do that to you. Instead try pairing your plus size skinny jeans with heels or flat riding boots.

Way 2: No plus size woman should be caught wearing skinny jeans and a top that barely reaches the waist and is attached to the skin like a leech. Having a top that is too short or too tight is adding unnecessary emphasis to your midriff and bottom. A good top for your plus size skinny jean is something voluminous to balance out the tightness that is at the bottom. Consider trying out dress tops or empire shirts (my favorite)

Way 3: I’m sorry to say this but no lightwash skinny jeans for you. Dark wash jeans camouflage heavy thighs and make you look much slimmer. You can choose plus size skinny jeans in navy, blue, indigo and black.

Way 4: Keep off the details. You do not need glittering back pockets, heavy stitching around the thighs or any other sign of bling. In fact the only shiny strange metallic object you may have on your skinny jean is your belt. It will draw the eye away from your thighs to your tummy. For the rest; just count them as another score for your attic.

More and more stores are stocking all types of plus size skinny jeans making the sort-after product very easy to find and at a price that won’t send your pockets screaming for the hills. From straight leg skinny jeans, cigarette skinnies, cropped plus size skinny jeans and the original skinny jean, plus size ladies are just spoilt for choice.

ORIGINAL SKINNY JEAN

This is the jean that got us here in the first place. You plus size ladies just could not resist this hip hugging, thigh clinching masterpiece. Being the snuggest of the skinny jean family, the original skinny jean is considered the pant equivalent of the pencil skirt. And you know how we girls love our pencils. Its leg narrows as you near the ankle. For plus size women with issues with their midriff consider getting one that is high waist rather than low riding. Make sure you select the right size or it will bunch up awkwardly around the ankles.

Featured: Dereon Ferocious Doll Skinny Jeans (Plus)

Find it: Dr Jays; Quality One House

Price: $47

Customer Reviews: 4.5

STRAIGHT LEG SKINNY JEAN

I just can’t resist this one. The moment I discovered the straight leg skinny jean, I knew I was staring at my life partner right there – the boyfriend was standing right there so I couldn’t say it out loud. If you have wide ankles like mine, you do not need the original skinny jean clinging to it and showing the world just what you wish your mama hadn’t given you. Like its name suggests, instead of tapering off at the ankle, the leg stays the same from the knee making its ankles wide enough.

Featured: Broadway Straight Leg Jean

Find it: Avenue; OneStopPlus.com

Price: $48

Customer Reviews:  5

CIGARETTE SKINNY JEAN

I know all you Diva types are just salivating over this one. The upper echelons of the fashion world have appropriated the cigarette skinny jean ever since it was conceptualized. I like to call it the in betweener (between the original and the straight leg skinny jean). Instead of tapering at the ankle or widening from the knee, this leg opens up from mid-calf to the ankle, making it appropriate for women who are heavier on the bottom.

Featured: Penelope Black Skinny Jeans

Find it: Swak Designs;  Sonsi – Lane Bryant

Price: $35 – $51

Customer Reviews: 4.5

CROPPED SKINNY JEANS

The cropped skinny jeans is a welcome addition to the world of plus size skinny jeans. Take full advantage of it for those casual days when you know you have to look good but just don’t know how. Like other cropped pants, the leg ends just below the calf. One of the few exceptions, you can pull off this piece with your beloved flats. But if you’re feeling a bit dressier, try them with those sexy kitten heels at the back of your wardrobe or pumps. It plays well to the exception of flats as this piece can be pulled off with flat shoes or your kitten heels.

Writer’s Choice: Boom Boom Jeans

Find it: Torrid

Price: $44.50

Customer Reviews: 5

Around here, we know that as a Plus Size Bride you need to make sure that whatever wedding gown you’re going to choose is the right style for your body shape. We understand that we’re not supermodels but that won’t prevent us from trying to look like one.

Whatever wedding gown you choose should not be too loose. If you’ve ever thought of puffy balloon sleeves, now is not the time to pop them out of your wedding arsenal. As a plus size bride avoid shiny fabrics as they only make you look bulkier. In short, keep it simple and elegant.

DUCHESS SATIN GOWN

This beautiful satin gown, a part of the Julietta by Morileecollection, is held up by an elaborate shoulder strap that is both beautiful and utilitarian. There will be no dropping dresses at this wedding. Its floor length A-line silhouette is topped (or is it bottomed?) by a lovely full chapel train. I especially loved the draping over the bodice that hides any unsightly bulges.

Duchess Satin Gown

Online: Morilee.com

Outlet: Morilee Retailers Locator

Colours: White, Ivory

Price: $650 – $830

SAPPHIRE PLUS SIZE DRESS

Sapphire Plus Size Wedding Dress

Alfredo Angelo’s Fall 2010 Plus Size Wedding Dress Collection features this lovely yet so simple charmeuse floor length gown.  The empire waistline, decorated with rhinestones,  starts from right under the bust to flow softly up to the floor draping over the body.

Online: House of Brides,  Best Bridal Prices

Outlet: House of Brides

Colours: Ivory, White with the beads coming in cherry, white,

Price: $ 400 – $1000

SATIN HALTER WEDDING DRESS

Satin Halter Wedding Dress

This halter neck wedding dress from Signature Plus Size Wedding Dress is best for the bride who loves her clothes intricate, showy and made to bling. The bodice is accented with embroidery patterns. The front of the skirt also has a beaded insert.

Online: Wedding Dresses Discounted

Outlet: Bridal World

Colours: Ivory/Silver, White/Silver

Price: $200 – $750

EVE AFTER WEDDING GOWN

Ever After Wedding Gown

This floral lace gown is for the romantic bride with a touch of whimsy. It differentiates itself from typical wedding gown by its shorter hem that allows you to show the cute shoes bought for your special day.

Online: IGIGI.com

Outlets: IGIGI Store Locator

Colours: White

Price: $525

Sexy is not just the dress you’re wearing. It’s the attitude you wear it with, the confidence that oozes from within. As you choose your sexy plus size dress make sure it is something you’re comfortable with. Make sure it’s something that flatters your best asset and conceals the bumps. Hide rolls on the thighs by emphasising your great shoulders with a floor length strapless wonder. Conceal those less than toned arms by unleashing your gorgeous legs in a sleeved baby doll dress. Sexiness may all be in the head, but a sexy plus size dress could make those thought come much faster.  Wear a sexy plus size dress today.

BABY DOLL DRESS

Who’s Wearing It: Toccara Jones

Find a Match: Ruched Baby Doll Dress by Fashion to Figure

Prices: $ 30

Tocarra, a contestant of ANTM cycle 3, has a reputation of not being afraid to flaunt all her mama gave her. If you feel your personality is too large to constrict then try this mischievous baby doll dress from Fashion to Figure. Make this an elegant day dress or pop out the sexy at night by pairing it with sexy fishnet stockings. Just don’t drink in this dress because this dress is way too short to be taking shots.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Who’s Wearing It: Kirstie Alley

Find A Match: Tiered Dress by Avenue

Price: $68

Kirstie Alley, an Emmy Award winning actress knows too well the issues associated with being plus size but even through her weight loss journey she knew that you had to be sexy at any size. Like her, you can choose to wrap up your sexy curves in this little black dress from Avenue. It’s v-neck will flatter your cleavage, the sleeves will hide problematic upper arms and the ruffles conceal midriff and thigh issues. The perfect dress you say? We agree.

CLEAVAGE BARING

Who’s Wearing It: Queen Latifah

Find A Match: Rebecca Gown by IGIGI

Prices: $225

Everyone wants what we’ve got. The one advantage to being plus sized is that we’ll never need breast enhancement so why not flaunt it as Queen Latifah did. She mesmerised her audience at the 35^th Annual People’s Choice award with this purple piece. You can do it too with IGIGI’s Rebecca. In addition to its cleavage flattering properties, the Rebecca gown has ¾ sleeves for the arm conscious. The waist cinching bronze belt gives even the straightest a faux hourglass figure. And just to add on to its body skimming heat, it comes with a high slit. Tell me you don’t want this dress…

METALLIC DRESS

Who’s Wearing It: Trisha Yearwood

Find A Match: Mesh Metallic Print Dress by Deb

Price: $30 – $41

A country singer in metallic hued leather? Well bring out the guitar and let Trisha Yearwood singer belt out something for us. Her body skimming dress just gleams under the lights making plus size seem like it should be the new black. Do it like her with Deb’s Mesh metallic dress that has mesh and sequin details that will make sure you’re sparkling. The dress is an elastic pull on and thus quite comfortable as it clasps onto your curves. If you go to a party wearing this piece make sure you don’t sit down. Everyone has got to pay attention as you bring out a bit of sparkle.

Factories had formed a secret club to prevent the production of leggings for women with legs healthier than a grasshopper’s and skinny middle-aged men with no girlfriends were blogging left right and center that plus size women should not wear leggings. I refuse to assume there was a woman among them – which woman would want to deny her sisters this comfortable, versatile and cheap opportunity.

When worn right, leggings will flatter your lower body, shield you from cold weather and go with almost anything you wear. So what does it mean to wear legging right. For one – not as trousers. Already you are amply blessed in the lower body, you do not need to advertise it with a waist length mickey mouse shirt and purple leggings.

Plus size women are super-heroines, we can do everything. Except wear leggings with prints. Oh OMG! I just had a horrible vision of me walking down to the beach with flip flops and floral leggings. Someone just give me a towel to cover up this travesty. I do not need the extra bulk on my thighs. A solid color will do for me – thank you very much. Choose the type that is most appropriate for your height,  invest in flowy tops and dresses along with ballet flats, boots and heels then let the leggings do the walking.

CAPRI LEGGINGS

Writer’s Choice: Torrid Capri Leggings

Capri leggings are the newest fashion item in towns. The quality and fit of these ones was incredible. Put it on with a pair of sneakers and you’re ready to run a marathon. Squeeze on some flats and make that trip to the market. The girls want another night out, slip it on under your super short dress with your new wedge heels. The Torrid Capri is ready for anything.

The only caveat for wearing these capris, is that they don’t work very well for petite plus size women. This is because you’ll probably end up highlighting the calf and make short legs look rather wide.

Find it: Torrid, Amazon.com

Price: $20

Customer Reviews: 4

ANKLE LENGTH LEGGINGS

Writer’s Choice: UK Style Classic Shirred

This shirred legging has a slim leg that tapers off to the ankle. It is incredibly stretchy a meaning that they’ll be no pulling, tugging and the dreaded rip as you try to pull them on. The fabric is thick enough that it hugs the curves without exposing the cellulite or other nooks. This is a legging that will flatter all heights. When paired with heels and a voluminous top the combination is stunning.

Find it: Sears

Price: $22

Customer Reviews: 5

STIRRUP LEGGINGS

Writer’s Choice: Cotton Stirrup Leggings

Stirrup leggings have just come back into fashion and its time to explore your adventurous style while they last. Apart from black, this versatile legging from Only Leggings comes in brown and olive. When worn with boots, stirrup leggings are especially convenient as they don’t pull up leaving cloth folds along your leg. For an easy day, wear with ballet flats.

Find it: Only Leggings

Price: $28

Customer Reviews: 4

FOOTED LEGGINGS

Writer’s Choice: Black Diamond Tights

Of course I had to do this! Who can forget the almighty fishnet leggings. Technically they’re tights but then again, leggings are just tights without feet. These leggings from Torrid have a tight mesh that allows them to shift from office hosiery under the knee length skirt to the rocking party underneath your baby doll dress. The diamond lace seam is absolutely fabulous and should be put in the hosiery wall of fame for its detail and elaborateness.

Find it: Torrid, Amazon.com

Price:  $15

Customer Reviews: 5

JEGGINGS.

Writer’s Choice: Seven7 Skinny Jeggings

Personally I think jeggings should just get a page of their own. These leggings that are styles to look like snug jeans topped the list for most popular fashion items of 2010.  Now you can get the comfort of your leggings without compromising your love of jeans. Just don’t get used to them you may end up discarding real denim for life. These ones by Seven7 look so real, I had to touch them to make sure somebody wasn’t trying to squeeze denim past my hawk’s eye. They’re real leggings. They are available in washed out blue or dark wash.

Find it: Macy’s

Price: $79

Customer Reviews: 4

When choosing plus size nightwear make sure that it fits properly and that it is made from quality fabric. When selecting size don’t be tempted to choose a size bigger than you. Just because you’re sleeping doesn’t mean that wearing larger clothes won’t make you look bulkier. Summer plus size nightwear is made from nylon, cotton or silk while winter plus size nightwear may come in jersey, knit, flannel or fleece.

As a plus size woman, you know that solid colors are what often flatter us. If you do choose to go with patterns, choose small patterns that look solid from a distance like checkered boxes or keep the polka dots, cartoon and geometric shapes for only the areas you want to emphasize. Some say that that because plus size nightwear will spend most of its time in bed, don’t spend too much money on it…me and your boyfriend beg to disagree.

Some do not sleep in the nude. Comfortable, weather appropriate, not too expensive as its going to spend all its time in the bed…on second thoughts that’s probably a good reason to spend money on it says the man.  Fit appropriately, good color choice (solid or print, but keep the print to the area you want to emphasize, quality of fabric (nylon, cotton, jersey knit and flannel, silk fleece(winter)). Its not all about comfort choose something attractive that you wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen in. design (floral, cartoons, geometric shapes. Balance between style and comfort

NIGHTSHIRT

Writer’s Choice: Henley Sleep Shirt

The night shirt is for the moving sleeper. You’re the girl who’ll start the night in the middle of the bed but by morning you’re lying spread-eagled with your head hanging off the bed. You do not need any extra fabric to tangle you up or constricting waistbands. Try the Henley sleep shirt from Avenue that comes in solid red, fuschia or black. The soft fabric will keep you sleeping like a baby at an affordable price.

Find it: Avenue

Price:$15 – $20

Customer Review: 5

PEIGNOIR

Writer’s Choice: Amoureuse Long Tricot & Lace Peignoir Set

You’ve always fancied that you could make it really well on the cast of The Real Housewives. You know you’re stylish and every cloth choice of yours is made to express you’re relaxed yet seductive personality. Try this plus size peignoir set from Roamans. The peignoir has a stretch lace bodice that flatters plus size curves. The v-neck offers an enticing glimpse of your siren side. Available in purple, black, red and lilac.

Find it: Roamans;

Price: $70 – $80

Customer Review: 5

PAJAMAS

Writer’s Choice: Adonna Sateen Boxer Set

Big girls have sleepovers too and this plus size pajama set is just what you need for a night of ‘try some new make-up’. Shown is the Pink polka dot version but I especially loved the beach glass flower set. The buttoned shirt and boxer set is comfortable and can be machine washed. So try this pajama and let the pillow fights begin.

Find it: JC Penney

Price: $25

Customer Review: 4.5

CAMI & SHORTS SET

Writer’s Choice: Addition-Elle Cami and Boxer Set

You want to be comfortable, but you want to be enticing too. This plus size camisole and shorts set, available in black, sea foam, turquoise and salmon) is ideal for you. The empire cut v-neck camisole has a support shelf bra insert that will keep the girls up to snuff. The edges of the shorts and top are edged with lace to add a feminine and romantic mood.

Find it: Addition-Elle

Price: $40

Customer Review: 4

CHEMISE

Writer’s Choice: Charmeuse Chemise

Okay Sexy Nicki – rock it girl! This chemise and robe combo may bring out the naughty side of you. Hips and Curves, known for its almost scandalous pieces, has designed this plus size chemise with a matching robe for all the curvy ladies who like to growl. Time to sigh as you feel that silk slide across your skin.

Find it: Hips & Curves

Price: $25

Customer Review: 5

Anywho…back to the business of selecting an evening gown for this plus size woman. So what do we look for in a plus size evening gown? Obviously it has to make his jaw drop at my doorstep (Did I tell you he’s picking us up in his Porsche?).

Hmm! What do men like?

Curves, curves, curves. Okay we’ve got that covered. He needs to be aware that we’ve got some prime real estate in the chest region but not see it all. Covered! We may need to put up a museum of sorts for our best feature. If it’s the face – we’re definitely going with something long that draws the attention upwards. If it’s the legs he likes he better be carrying his tickets because the leg show is in town. Gorgeous shoulders may also make a surprise appearance on stage via that strapless creation.  Either way I’m getting my kiss today – the three date rule can kiss my curves.

SHEATH EVENING DRESS

Writer’s Choice: Olivia Sheath Dress

I think I’ve found my cause for the New Year. It’s called Plus Size Women In  Sheath Dresses. Contrary to popular belief there are plus size sheath dresses out there. Take this gorgeous knee length piece from Kiyonna that flirts between evening wear and day wear quite easily.  It’s slim sleeves are the perfect camouflage for plus size women with upper arm issues.

The bodice is ruched so it is perfect for the pear shaped plus size woman who just wants to keep her hips in check. It isn’t so snug that you’ll feel like you’ve poured yourself in it. I give the vertical seams along its length bonus points – sometimes a girl needs a little more help than just a treadmill.

Find it: Kiyonna; Sonsi – Lane Bryant; Chique Life; Amazon.com

Price: $94 – $118

Customer Reviews: 4

MERMAID GOWN

Writer’s Choice: Animal Party Time

The things I do for you plus size ladies! Do you know where I found this gorgeous piece? On a rack dedicated to prom dresses. Obviously the prom has come a long way since I last went to it. Incidentally, the moment I put on this dress, I felt like a queen – maybe even the prom queen. Who wouldn’t? Have you seen the gold sequined bodice. With so much bling on, he better be taking us to a candle-lit dinner because this dress deserves to be the only thing glowing in the dark.

A tiered organza skirt flares out from the form fitting bodice. With its tiers, he’ll no doubt think you have ridiculously long legs underneath that fabric.

Find it: Dress Prom; Best Bridal Prices.com; CB’s Limited

Price: $498 – $578

Customer Reviews: 5

A-LINE DRESS

Writer’s Choice: Onyx Plus Size

If you looked at this dress and thought “I do not have the calves to pull off that gorgeous thing – poor me”, just pause. Just buy a pair of footed leggings but please wear this. This onyx wonder is especially beautiful on women who are just getting comfortable with their bodies because the A is always good to our curvy shape.

The strapless bodice will flatter your shoulders and give him a subtle peak at the girls. This dress is also fully lined so don’t expect it to cling unflatteringly to you. Just remember to carry a shawl – or maybe we’ll just wait for him to offer his jacket.

Find it: Roaman’s;  Amazon.com

Price: $54 – $120

Customer Reviews: 4.5

EMPIRE WAIST GOWN

Writer’s Choice: Alex Pleated Empire Waist

Okay stop talking. Obviously the poor guy isn’t listening to a word you’re saying. I’m telling you it’s the dress. You meet him at the door with that v-neck and flattering empire waistline and still expect a rational conversation to go on? Let’s not forget that your dress is also in the most shocking blue you could find. Cobalt blue. Seriously – What are you trying to do? Kill him?

Somehow the fitted bodice manages to look seductive and innocent all at the same time. Confusing – but that’s how we like it. Every dress needs a little mystery. It’s length is appropriate for cold weather. When paired with its sheer shawl, this plus size evening gown could travel to Paris and back, if that’s how he rolls.

Find it: Macy’s; 

Price: $179

Customer Reviews: 5

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Rings a pickin’

Groom’s a dancin’

Another Saturday weddin’

Without you as its bride

Just because you’re always the bridesmaid is no reason to slack off on this big day. It’s your time to show all those men exactly what they are missing by not taking you down the altar. And the fact that you’re the only plus size bridesmaid in the lineup is a huge advantage, at least you know you’ll be taking all the attention – just make sure it’s the right attention you’re getting.

Of course the fabric is some horrendous form of taffeta and everybody knows that horrible tan does nothing for your complexion. You’re sure you’re going to have to take another advance to pay that overpriced tailor she chose (ugh!) but the bride says you get to choose your own style. You should be grateful! Many potential bridesmaids spend sleepless nights dreaming of even getting to pick a bow for their dress.

This is your opportunity to choose a dress that reflects your personality, style and accentuates your curves. This is not the time to pick up some heavy sexless shifts nor is it the time to show everything your mama gave you. Keep away from the plunging necklines, bare midriffs or ridiculously short hemlines. My personal policy on bridesmaid dresses is that if it can go to a club, it should not be attending any church.

A-LINE DRESS

Writer’s Choice: A-Line Scoop

The A-Line silhouette has always been a friend of the plus size bridesmaid. It gives the illusion that we could be hourglass figures- a slim one at that. But the A-Line Scoop well – Where should I start? I look to the bottom and the long ruched skirt meets my eye.  With my short chunky figure, this dress will make me seem so much taller.

Over to the top and I see the strapless bodice, sure I’ll have to buy a corset to keep the girls up but who cares, its vertical seaming will make me seem so much slimmer. Plus I don’t need to get any jewelry because this…this…this miracle is dramatic enough on its own.

Find It: Cinderella’s Wedding

Price: $215

Customer Review: 5

MAXI DRESS

Writer’s Choice: Augustina Maxi Dress

The first time I saw this dress I thought it was just another Maxi dress that I could wear to the beach – definitely not to my friend’s wedding.  Till the saleslady at IGIGI practically forced it down my body!  This dress is the most comfortable dress any plus size bridesmaid will ever wear.

Its diaphanous layers of fabric flow softly over the body giving the wearer a romantic and feminine sais-quoi. Of course I looked exotic and all Cleopatra in it, but the pundits tell me it will look positively ‘to die for’ on a tall plus size bridesmaid.  Pair it with a belt cinched a few inches above the natural waistline and you’ve got an empire-waisted floor length gown with bra friendly straps – what more could a plus size bridesmaid ask for. .

Find It: IGIGI

Price: $130 – $190

Customer Review: 5

SHEATH DRESS

Writer’s Choice: Sheath Strapless

Everyone says plus size women should stay a mile away from sheath silhouettes. They’ll show how big your tummy really is. No one really wants to see your thick thighs…blah blah blah. This dress is made for plus size bridesmaid. I mean honestly who could make that snug skirt flow over worthy hips to the floor like that?

The ruched bust is positively inspiring if you’re pear shaped, because it will take the attention from your not-to-be-ashamed-of hips or from a midriff that just won’t quit. If you’re kicked out of the wedding party for looking better than the bride, just remember – I told you so.

Find It: usweddingdresses.com

Price: $175

Customer Review:

MERMAID DRESS

Writer’s Choice: Sequin Pleated Mermaid Gown

I’ll be honest, mermaid dresses just aren’t my thing. They have proved themselves time and time again to be an enemy of the plus size woman, but I guess someone’s broken ranks. This runaway dress is the image of sophistication. The skirt that doesn’t flare out too much. Instead, it creates the illusion of an hourglass shape by having details along the bust and ruching along the hips.

It’s full length makes it seem as if you just stepped off the boat from Amazonia and draws attention to your well-made up face (hint! hint!) and neck. I’d say perfect but it’s a mermaid dress – it flatters itself enough without my help.

Find It: Custom Bridal Gowns; Prom 4 Dress, IGELL

Price: $100 – $130

Customer Review:

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