Curvy girls needn’t hide their light under a bushel anymore. Whether you’re on a date with your new man, hitting a club with the girls or going to a charity gala, you can rock several stunning looks, guaranteed to turn heads. Gone are the days of uncomfortable or shapeless plus size evening dresses. Pick your best feature and let it shine.
Let’s say your legs are lethal, try a vintage-inspired above the knee flapper dress. These can be simple in sheer chiffon over an opaque under-slip or stunning in a beaded metallic fringe. Don’t go too short, you’ll want to be able to sit comfortably or dance without worrying about overexposure. Keep this look to an inch or two above the knee.
One of my favorite looks for evening, especially if you’re self-conscious about your tummy or derriere is the long jacket over a short dress. The genius of this is that the dress can be as body-conscious as you want, but the jacket gives you total confidence. Try a black tuxedo-style jacket (think satin lapels) over a curve-hugging dress in a pop of color such as red, lime or purple. Keep the jacket open and slightly tailored so it doesn’t look as if you forgot to wear pants. Accessorize this combo with the highest heels you can walk in, for legs that look miles long.
If your event is more formal, try a long, plus-size evening gown. Your legs will be covered but this is a great style for showing off sumptuous shoulders or award-worthy décolleté. Plus size evening dresses used to be more like mother-of-the bride wear, but for 2013, there are lots of dazzling styles to choose from.
Try to have some movement in the skirt, it makes you feel feminine and flirty. Avoid wide, billowy skirts with stiff underskirts, they can make you feel like a bride or worse, knock over flower arrangements and champagne glasses; not the impact you’re going for.
Make sure that your long gown is nipped-in somewhere, maybe at the waist with a thin, sparkly belt or just under the bust with shirring or gathering. If you have a bodacious body with Hollywood hips, try a mermaid style that nips in at the waist and at the ankles: Try channeling Sofia Vergara or J.Lo for confidence.
If you want to stop traffic with a plunging neckline, by all means do it, just make sure you have the proper shape-wear underneath. Before you go out, sit, lean forward and dance a little to make sure you have all of your angles covered.
Shopping for plus size evening dresses used to be an exercise in frustration and despair. Take heart, luscious ladies, 2013 is a whole new ball game. Whether you’re browsing online or pounding the pavement, you can have fun and go as glam as you dare.