Stylish Plus Size Prom Dress for Your Big Night

By Rob Buenaventura

Plus sized girls used to have to stay home for prom, or if they went, they were doomed to wear unattractive dresses in loud prints or grandma styles. The fashion industry is starting to wise up, though. They're realizing that curvy girls have a right to be beautiful and enjoy their prom night as much as the skinny ones. If you know where to shop, you can get a flattering, well-fitted prom dress that will make you feel like a queen. Special websites and prom dress retailers offer gowns for girls up to size 44, so you'll always find something in your size. One in five teens is a plus size now, and you deserve a great prom night, wearing a beautiful dress.

The first step to getting a flattering look is to consider your figure. The dress that looks great on a tiny classmate with no curves is going to bunch and look unflattering if you have them. Shop styles designed with your body in mind, not just sized up from the standard line. If you know what sort of shape flatters your body, you can get the best dress for your prom. Apple shapes look good in empire styles. Hourglasses are flattered by styles with a definite waist, but not by straight sheath shapes. Pear shapes do well in dresses with full skirts that flare from the hips. If you're small busted, consider a dress with decoration at the top to draw attention to your upper half. If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to minimize your bust, avoid things like bugle- beaded and plunging necklines.

To ensure the success of your prom look, make sure you're wearing the right foundation garments. A badly fitted bra or a visible panty line can spoil an otherwise great look. Consult with salespeople to find out what's best for you. At specialty shops, you can be measured for a bra that will fit and flatter, unlike most of the regular lines. This way, your dress will fit right over a solid foundation that smooths out your lumps and bumps, leaving only beautiful curves. Draw attention to your best features with a flattering gown that goes with your shape, and wear the right foundation, and you'll get a great look.

Don't skimp on your makeup and hair. The right hairstyle can make you glamorous. The wrong one can add fullness to your face and draw attention just where you don't want it. Consult with your stylist about what hairstyle will go best with your dress. Updos this year are tending towards messy, rather than severe. Little tendrils trailing out of your style can give it a fun, casual look. Always pick a style that goes with the mood you want to project, though. If you take care to think about your look and how it will go with your body, you'll get the glamorous prom look girls dream of. Plus size girls don't have to be content with frumpy dresses for prom. Choose your best look at a specialty prom retailer.

Find more prom dresses and prom accessories at PromInsider.com