How to: Dress When You're Plus-Size Woman

Dressing a plus-size figure doesn't have to be a challenge. For every woman who is a size 2, there are 5 who aren't. The key to successful plus-size dressing is to know what works for you, buy clothes that fit, accentuating the positive.

Here's a few tips:

Buy your correct size. Not the size you want to be, wish you could be, or need to be. As a plus-size women buying clothes that fit will prevent fashion don't. Trying to fit your body into something that isn't made for you is a no-no. If you're uncertain about your size, try the garments on to be sure.

Toccara: Not bad and better.

Choose a signature color and a color that slims. If you have a favorite color you like to wear, weave it into your wardrobe. Like red? buy a red blouse or sweater to pair with your slim-color bottoms. What are slimming colors? Black, gray, navy, and brown. Perhaps it sounds like a cliché to say black is slimming but it really is. Pair black with your signature color to complement your look. What about white? White can be right as long as the fit and texture of the garment isn't one that has a frumpy, lumpy, or dumpy. The fabric should fall flat against your body and have a nice, neat finish.

Accessories are your best friend in fashion. No outfit is complete without the proper accessories. Great jewelry, great shoes and handbags are excellent options for completing an outfit. You can coordinate or mix and match to get the most from your look. Accessories are an expression of your personality so always choose the right ones!

Know your assets and use them to your advantage. Large women are usually quite curvy. If you're working with a full bosom but don't want to draw attention to it, avoid low-cut garments or use embellishments like ruffle detail or a brooch. Have a great rear end? Wear pants that hug but don't smother. Want to take attention away from your midsection? Cover but don't hide. Try a nice cashmere shrug sweater or a tunic. And yes, you can do prints and stripes. Just remember horizontal stripes make you appear wider, and vertical stripes make you appear taller.

Selecting clothes for your wardrobe is the fun part. If you aren't good at picking out clothes for yourself, find a stylist or a good friend with good taste to help. Check out the list of stores below where you can do your shopping:

Ellen Tracy
Eileen Fisher
Kenneth Cole
AK Anne Klein
Kristen Blake
Ashley Stuart 
Lane Bryant
Baby Phat 
House of Dereon 
Michael Michael Kors 

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Christopher & Banks 
Nordstrom
Macy's

See some Hollywood's hottest plus-size ladies!