Plus Size Maxi Dresses Fashion Tips:
As maxi dresses have gained popularity, they are now suitable for any occasion - from grocery shopping to summer pool parties to weddings and special occasions.
The things about maxi dresses, maybe even more so than other articles of clothing, is that they can make you look fabulous or they can be much less than flattering. It all depends on your body type and the style of the dress.
Types of Plus Size Maxi Dresses Styles:
This is an example of what not to do! It looks more like a Mo-Mo than a dress. It is just big and wide and it will make you look bigger. This style is very comfortable and is fine for lounging around the house, but avoid it if you want to look your best.
This is a great style if you have a pear shape of if your body is balanced. On pear shaped ladies, the top shows off your best body parts and the empire waist hits at the smallest part of your body. If you are pear shaped, look for empire waists and A-line skirts. While you want the skirt to be flowing and lovely, avoid fullness and choose a skirt that just skims over your body. (By the way, I have a pear shaped body and I have this dress in black and in brown. It is probably the most flattering piece of clothing that I own.) This will not be your best look if you are more of an apple shape. Most of your weight is above your waist and this will just call attention to it.
A strapless dress is a nice look for a balanced figure (same size on top and bottom) and also pear shapes. If you like the look of your upper arms and chest, you will love this look. Again, an empire waist with an A-line skirt will usually be the most flattering. I love strapless dresses (and tops) with the smoked bodice (think tube tops) because it ensures a perfect, secure and comfortable fit. If you have a large bust line, this will not be your best look.
If you have large breasts and want to show off the girls a bit without having to get them their own zip code, go for a v-neck or halter style. Also a wider stap or halter style will be a much better look for you.
If you are larger through the middle, the A-line cut will also work for you. This dress also shows another great tip to maximize your upper body, with the black bodice and print skirt.
Prints can be fun and make a really great casual dress. Go for colorful prints with a larger scale.
Avoid Plus Size Maxi Dresses with horizontal stripes or any print with a horizontal pattern - look how unflattering it is on this "plus size model" - who is probably about a size 12 - you see nothing but bulk through the mid-section and it is just unflattering from top to bottom.
If you feel more comfortable with your upper body covered, look for a dress with sleeves. You can get all of the fun of a maxi dress without baring you upper arms and chest. You can also add a shrug to cover your shoulders and arms, if you prefer:
To complete your look, don't forget accessories. If you are going casual, go for strappy or chunky sandals and add at least one chunky accessory - either a necklace, earrings or bracelet. Don't overdo it - but one or two bold accessory pieces will make your outfit. If you are going dressier, go with heels and dressier jewelry - like pearls or rhinestones.
One Stop Plus is the Plus Size Supercenter that has the inventories from Roamans, Jessica London, Avenue, Woman Within, Ulla Poklen, Kiyonna, Torrid & more. They have the best selection of maxi dresses in plus sizes. Each brand has its own sizing, so be sure & check the size chart for each item. Because they are so big, most of their items have lots of reviews, which always gives me a better idea how an individual item will fit my body shape.
has a very impressive selection of upscale and designer plus size dresses. If you are looking for upscale dressier Plus Size Maxi Dresses, this is a great place to start your search.
Kiyonna.com has a great selection of fun and trendy maxi dresses dresses in
sizes 12 to 32 or 0X to 5X. (Their size 12 is more like an average size 16.) Kiyonna.com
consistently has a great selection of trendy plus size
dresses - casual, dressier and for formal occasions. They have a smaller, but very nice selection of maxi dresses. All of
their items are available in sizes XL to 3X and many are available in 4X, 5X, 6X and they occasionally have 7Xs. Be sure and
check their size chart before ordering, their sizing is very
generous and is slightly different than standard sizing (if there
is such a thing!) They have an exceptional return policy and
great customer service.
Lane Bryant has a nice selection of
both trendy and more traditional plus size dresses, including some maxi dresses. They
carry sizes 14 to 32, including petite and tall plus sizes.
Alight has a wonderful selection of Plus Size Dresses, including a few Plus Size Maxi Dresses, in sizes 14w to 32w. They always have a lot of fun and trendy designs.
Plus Size Dresses at alight
Avenue has a great selection of plus size maxi dresses in sizes 14 to 32. Their designs are always right on trend and most of them tend to be more casual. I find I am ordering from them more and more.
I was really surprised to see that QVC has such a nice selection of maxi dresses, some of them are very trendy and fashionable. All of their clothing comes in sizes up to 3X. They are one of the best when it comes to shipping time and customer service. They now give very detailed clothing measurements for each garment - it makes it easy to find your best sizes - this is especially helpful if you are hard to fit or have trouble finding your size.
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