Plus Size Cocktail Dresses

Shopping Guide:

Plus Size Turquoise Blue Halter Cocktail Dress

Nordstrom has a very impressive selection of upscale and designer cocktail dresses in plus sizes. If you need an extra special dress for an extra special occasion in a traditional or classic design and color, I would definitely recommend starting you search here. If you are looking for a trendy style, you can pass.

Plus Size Paneled Belted Cocktail Dress

Macy's - If your taste is trendier, younger and you are looking for upscale and designer cocktail plus size dresses, they have a nice selection of designer and name brand plus size dresses, including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Baby Phat, Jones New York, Michael Kors, Evan Picone and Donna Ricco. 

Plus Size Purple Lace Dress

Kiyonna.com has a great selection of trendy dresses in sizes 12 to 32 or 0X to 5X.

Sydney's Closet - specializes in plus size semi-formal and formal wearand they have an incredible selection!

It's time to shop for a cocktail dress. How do you go about finding one that really flatters your body? While there's no question that the proverbial "little black dress" (even if it is not black) is an essential part of a good wardrobe, shopping for one isn't always that simple. You want something that has timeless appeal so that you can invest a little more in a quality dress that will last for years provided your body shape doesn't change.

Let's start with color. It remains true that dark colors slim more than brights and white. A lot here depends upon exactly how fancy of a cocktail party you're attending. Navy and black and sometimes brown work for a higher end occasion. On the holidays, however, you can look at other dark, vibrant colors like a rich golden yellow or midnight blue.

In terms of length the average cocktail dress hits right above the knees. Go too short and it starts feeling more casual and too long of a skirt can actually make you look shorter. Couple this with a fabric that has some movement to it without clinging. Inevitably clingy fabric sticks to the exact spots you want to avoid.

For other dress features, think about the things about your body you like. For example, if you have a lovely face and neck either get a dress with decoration around the neckline, or choose some classic earrings and a necklace to draw attention to that area. Nearly universally, a plus size cocktail dress cut with an A line will work for nearly every body type conceivable. Empire lines may also work for you.

It's not a bad idea to look at magazines or online models and try to find those whose bodies are like yours. See what plus size cocktail dress looks good on them and what features it offers. Once you know that it will be much easier to shop - watching for styles that make you happy and a price that fits your budget.