Dresses for Special Occasions and
Other Occasions



Is there a difference in how you shop for dresses for special occasions or for any other event like cocktail parties, work, etc.? Okay, you may want to spice up your look when it comes to finding dresses for special occasions, but ultimately you should be looking for the same design elements.  That is elements like necklines, color and patterns and styles that look great for your body shape.

I really don't think that any woman shops for a dress in hopes of looking hideous. Isn't shopping for clothes about finding what makes you look and feel beautiful and confident I hope so! I know many times I have bought dresses for special occasions that weren't exactly stellar. That's because I really didn't understand how to dress for my body shape. I didn't know early on how to accentuate my positives and minimize my problem areas.

Always keep in mind what works and doesn't work for your body shape. Be honest with yourself and think about what positive feature (and don't say you don't have one) you want to accentuate. If you are someone who is very critical of themselves then ask a trustworthy friend, your husband, boyfriend or significant other for their opinion. That is ask as long as you feel their opinion won't ruin your relationship.

You may be surprised to learn that you actually have more than one positive asset. And that's great! However, emphasizing them all at the same time maybe not so great. If you want to appear elegant and classy, then focus on finding sexy, plus size dresses that show off one of your best features. Otherwise, you can easily cross the line into trashy. Speaking of dressing trashy, this is not the style to embrace for the workplace.

So when shopping for dresses for special occasions, plus size cocktail dresses, career dresses and so on, keep these fashion rules and tips in mind.

  • Select SHAPEWEAR that works with the dress you plan on wearing. You don't want bra straps, bulges and rolls to be the center of attention.
  • FABRIC - For curvier women, fabrics that don't cling are ideal. Avoid heavy or bulky fabrics or materials. This will make you appear larger than you are.
  • ACCESSORIES - Pick a statement piece like a necklace, bracelet, purse, shoes, earrings, etc. Make sure the accessory draws attention to your positive feature. You don't want to emphasize any of your problem areas.
  • LENGTH - Dresses should end just above or under your kneecap. This will make your legs look longer. If the hem falls past your knee, it will shorten your overall silhouette.
  • NECKLINES - Finding the right neckline style is key! Keep necklines open. A V-neckline or scoop neckline lengthens your neck and draws attention away from your hip area.
  • BELTS - A dress with a belt will cinch you in, focusing attention on your smaller waist. Belts can also create the appearance of having a waist even if you don't have one. Keep wrap style dresses in mind; they are perfect for enhancing your waist line.

There are so many dress options to choose from in plus size fashion today. Some of the most flattering styles for plus size women are wrap dresses, empire dresses, A-line dresses and color block dresses.

Remember to not let the dress wear you, but you wear the dress!

Most importantly, smile and be confident. You have nothing to hide.

Click here to read more about FLATTERING DRESS STYLES FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN.

How to Look Classy, Not Trashy


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