How to Buy a Plus Size Spring Formal Dress

Finding a stunning spring formal dress is not that much more difficult for a curvaceous woman. With a little research and a few hours of shopping, you should be able to find a dress which makes you feel comfortable and look good.

Instructions

1. Decide what undergarments you're planning to wear. If you decide to wear a girdle, you will need to wear it while you shop for dresses. Undergarments can change the way a dress looks on you, so it's best to be prepared when you're making your decision.

2. Take an honest look at your body. What features do you want to show off? Deciding what body parts you're comfortable with showing off in a spring formal dress will narrow your choices.

3. Decide what kind of sleeves you want. Plus size girls with larger chests should avoid strapless dresses, but they can wear spaghetti strap dresses or dresses with built-in bras. If you're not comfortable with your arms, buy a dress with flowing sleeves or a shawl.

4. Choose an appropriate length of dress to dance in. Plus size girls should go for an A-line dress to flatter their waists and slim their hips. If you plan to boogie down, go for a dress length around the knees. Longer dresses can work too, as long as they leave room for your legs to move.

5. Move around in your dress. You should be able to dance comfortably without worrying about popping out of your dress or being restrained by the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Some dressmakers will charge more for a dress made for a plus size woman because of the additional fabric and trim needed to make the dress. Budget for your dress accordingly.

• Wearing a good bra to a dress fitting is important for a plus size girl if you have a larger chest. If possible, wear the same bra that you intend to wear under your dress to the dance.

• Buy control-top panty hose to wear with your dress if you're concerned about your stomach showing. Control-top hose does a good job smoothing out your stomach while not being uncomfortable.

• Don't buy a dress that you can't fit into. Buying a too-small dress isn't good motivation to lose weight and will often result in you having to purchase a last-minute dress to wear to the spring formal.

• Avoid shiny fabrics such as satin, since they emphasize curves.