3 Tips for Buying a Plus-Size Little Black Dress

Sometimes, people avoid buying new clothes when they have to shop in the plus-size section of the store. If this is you, you shouldn't feel limited by your dress size. Buying clothes that fit well and are flattering will make you look and feel great no matter what size you are—you just need to know how to find them. A good place to start is with picking out the perfect plus-size little black dress—an item of clothing that should be a staple in anyone's closet. Take a look at some tips that will help you find this go-to garment.

Dress For Your Shape, Not Your Size

What is plus-size, anyway? It's a question that even the fashion industry can't fully resolve. Some plus-size collections start at size twelve, while others don't start until size eighteen—and plus-size models are often several sizes smaller than the starting size of the collection they're advertising. Clearly, the issue of size is subjective.

Shape, on the other hand, is another thing entirely. Everyone has one, and buying clothes that suit your shape is a more effective way of accentuating the positives about your body than simply picking out something in a size that's big enough to fit you.

• Are you pear-shaped, with a heavier bottom half? Opt for spaghetti straps to accentuate your upper half, and an empire waist to take the attention off your lower half.
• People with apple-shaped body types should look for short skirts that emphasize the legs, and avoid pleats or gathering near the waist.
• If you have an hourglass shape, emphasize your slimmer waistline by choosing wrap or belted dresses, and look for V- or U-shaped necklines.
• Have a rectangular shape without a lot of curves? In that case, the A-line dress is perfect for you.

Never buy dresses that are too loose in an effort to hide your size. This can backfire, making you appear even bigger, and sloppy to boot. Just play to your strengths with clothes that flatter the best features of your particular shape.

Don't Forget the Accessories

A little black dress by itself is just the beginning. Once you find one that you like, you can dress it up in a number of different ways in order to further draw the eye to some parts of your body and away from others, or even just to make the ensemble look different for any and all occasions.

Wearing a minidress to show off your great legs? Play them up with a pair of patterned or colored tights. Choose Swiss dots, stripes, lace, or polka dots, or just choose a bold, solid color like red to contrast with the black dress. This will give you a fun and edgy look while playing up the shape of your legs. Want to bring attention to your neckline instead? Try a simple gold or platinum choker. It's classy and elegant, and it will effortlessly draw attention upward.

Don't Limit Your Shopping Horizons

While a plus-size store is certainly a logical place for a plus-sized shopper, it's not the only place that you should be looking. Sometimes the standard-size stores have stretchy or oversized items that may work perfectly for you. Besides, since not all brands are in agreement about what constitutes plus-size, if you're on the lower end of the plus sizes, you may find just as many options in standard-size stores.

Having trouble finding what you're looking for in town? Don't rule out online shopping. There is a world of dress options as close as the click of your mouse, and you'll have your pick of sizes, styles, and price ranges. Just be sure to choose an online shop with a reasonable return and exchange policy, just in case you misjudge the sizing.

Don't be afraid to experiment by picking out something trendy or a style that you wouldn't normally consider. Chances are that if you love it, you'll look and feel great in it too. Get started by visiting resources like http://www.mommyinheelsxo.com.