Tips for Buying a Plus-Size Sleeveless Dress

Plus size women often have trouble finding clothing in the correct size that also looks and feel great. Plus - size sleeveless dresses are one type of clothing that almost always looks great on a curvy woman. There are plenty of flowing, forgiving styles that flatter the plus sized woman in all of the right spots. These dresses also vary in pattern style from strapped to the standard sleeveless. To better ensure that a woman can find the best fit, it's a good idea to take appropriate measurements. These measurements are referred to when looking at a dress sizing chart. While most dress sizes are different for each brand of dress, it's possible to get close to the right size for a good fit. Plus-size sleeveless dresses are sold in women's clothing stores and name brand clothing websites, as well as the original auction site, Nordstrom.


Styles of Sleeveless Dress
Women have several styles of sleeveless dress to choose from, and most other styles of dress also produce a sleeveless version. It is fine for plus size women to go without sleeves. The style and shape of the dress is what will draw the eye. Many sleeveless dresses also feature some flattering types of construction at the shoulder.

Column Dresses
The column or sheath dress is essentially a column of fabric. This very simple pattern can be form-fitting, or slightly loose to allow for free flowing movement of the fabric skirt. These dresses, despite their simplicity, can be quite flattering for the plus sized woman. Women with an hourglass shape should feel free to rock this dress by itself. Women with a pear shaped body can still look great in this dress by wearing an elegant jacket or bolero to balance top with bottom.

Empire Dress
This dress is a new take on an older design. An empire dress is one that features a higher than usual waistline that is form-fitting at the bust. This dress can have a long or short skirt. It is a great look for plus-sized women at the higher waistline draws the eye up away from the natural waistline. These dresses are also very forgiving to women with large hips, as the skirt is loose enough to skim the hip without hugging it. Women with an apple or pear shaped body can make the best use of this type of dress.

Wrap Dresses
These wrap dresses wrap around the body and secure at the side of the waist. They are great for drawing the eye to the waist and help create a waisted look for women. Those with an apple shaped or pear shaped body can rock this dress as long as it has a slightly higher waist that comes close to the bust. This helps draw the eye up, and keeps the belted part of the wrap from looking too tight at the natural waistline. This dress also looks great on all other body types too.

Baby Doll Dress
The baby doll dress is inspired by the pattern used to make dresses for the traditional children's baby dolls. Fun, flirty, and youthful, this dress will accent all of the best parts of a curvy body, making the legs and bust look great. The dress is form-fitting at the top and loose in the skirt, making it forgiving for women with pear and apple shaped body types.

Maxi Dress
The long, flowing style and high empire waistline of the Maxi dress is perfect for plus sized women. These dresses also look great on many different body types. The high waist looks especially great on women with the pear and apple shaped body type. A soft or sheer jacket is perfect for accenting this particular style and helping to balance the look.

Suit Dress
Plus sized women can also look great in a suit dress at work. The jacket that accompanies any sleeveless suit dress helps balance the dress. Women with different body types can work this dress. Jackets that are fitted at the waist and slightly wider at the shoulders work fantastic on women with pear or apple body types. Plus, this look really highlights the natural waist of a woman with an hourglass figure.

Shift Dress
The shift dress is a style of dress that is fitted across the shoulders, but loose, and shapeless to the hem. The shirt is usually a short dress ending at mid-thigh or knee, but can be longer. These dresses are great for women with an apple body shape. However, they can be worn successfully by women of all body types. Those with hourglass figures may want to wear a wide belt with this dress to accentuate their natural waist.