by Catalogs.com Info Guru Aurora LaJambre

Skinny models fill the pages of fashion magazines – great for skinny readers, but not so helpful to curvy gals.

Different types of clothes are made to flatter different types of bodies so it helps to be choosy about where you find style inspiration.

The good news is that there are more fabulous fashions designed specifically for larger women today. These top plus size dress styles are a few of the many smart designs you’ll see.

10. Coordinated Dress Suits

It’s a special occasion or church Sunday, and you want to feel pretty, not constricted. If a good song plays, you’ll want to dance and dip without constantly readjusting straps and whatnot. Feminine plus-sized dress suits with carefully tailored jacket and dress gently hug your curves – showing them off while leaving room for you to breathe! Wear with heels or strappy sandals for smart, carefree dressing.

9. Batik prints

The intricacy of batik print clothes is at once exotic and beautiful. Wear your favorite print on a maxi dress to elongate the body. These unique patterns require no embellishments so keep the shoes and jewelry minimal. Twist your lovely hair up and brace yourself for compliments.

8. Tunics

Tunics are a must-have for any woman who enjoys spending time by the water, be it a lake, sea or pool side. While not long enough to wear to an office without pants or tights, tunics are the go-to for wearing over bathing suits. They don’t have a lot of structure, but they don’t need it since they’re so short! Most summery tunics and cover ups fall right over the hips in simple, non-fussy fabrics.

7. Beyond black

Traditionally, stylists and designers agree that black is a slimming color. But who wants to wear black all the time? Yellow, red, purple and orange are all necessary colors for plus size dress styles. It’s really all about the fabric, fit and structure. When wearing bright colors, stick with small prints or solids, simple cuts and, as always, a perfect fit.

6. Long dresses

Long, colorful dresses have a casual elegance that’s hard to resist. They’re a perfect choice for any day. Tie-backs allow you to customize the fit around the waist to avoid bunching or uncomfortable tightness around the belly.

5. Tiered front

Slip into a tropical print maxi with spaghetti straps and a tiered front for a sexy, smooth silhouette. This structure balances your overall shape while the straps ensure you stay comfortably cool in a longer dress.

4. V-neck tops

The V-neck top elongates your neck and draws attention to your face. This cut looks fantastic with wrap dresses, which accentuate curves. Wear with a supportive bra and a lace-trim cami underneath if the cut feels too low for you taste.

3. High-waists

Plus size dress styles with a high waist smooth over the lower belly to accentuate your hips. For the right effect, the dress must fit like a glove so the waist falls in the right place!

2. Shapely, not baggy

Women who try to hide in large, baggy clothes are seriously missing out on the all of the joys fitted clothes have to offer. Wearing the right size is critical to feeling good in your clothes! When the fabric lightly skims over your skin, you know it’s a perfect fit. One of the smartest plus size dress styles to look for is a small floral print with side shaping seams and front pleats – ideal for trimming the waist.

1. Shift dress

The shift dress is the best fashion to hit the streets since the little black dress. The flattering simplicity makes you wonder why we don’t all have closets full of shifts. Basically, it’s a dress made to hang from the shoulders with no shaping, cinching shirring or gathering. It doesn’t cling or even hug any section of the body. The fabric falls gracefully over your body and that’s why it looks good on every body type!