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Appearances are very important, but that doesn't mean a woman must be a size 6 to be stunning. Looking great is about having a positive attitude about yourself. It's about taking the steps to improve what you don't love and highlighting what you do love. If you can do this and follow a few simple clothing rules, you can be just as fashionable as the next girl.

As a plus sized woman, I can attest to the difficulty and frustration associated with trying to find something fabulous to wear. Fortunately I am not doomed, because I know what works. Following are some great tips to remember the next time you're wondering what to wear.

#1. Know your body type and dress accordingly. You need to make your silhouette look balanced. For instance, if your shoulders are smaller than your hips, you want to dress in a way that downplays your bottom half. You can do this by wearing kimono- sleeve tops and dark straight leg trousers. If your body is rectangular (meaning your waist is equal or bigger to your top and bottom halves) you need to wear clothes that create the illusion of a smaller waist. Wearing boat neck tops and full skirts are one way to accomplish this. The hour glass figured gals are lucky indeed because their body is already proportionate. In this case, you need to make your figure look smaller overall. Draw attention to the slimmest parts of your body. Wear wrap dresses that tie at the waist and three quarter inch sleeves to show off the slimmest parts of your arms.

#2. Remember to keep the scale of your body in mind when dressing. Choose larger necklaces and earrings. Opt for a larger purse. Wear big belts. Choose shirts with larger buttons. Larger prints look better than smaller ones. Also, pay attention to the back pockets of the jeans you wear. If your pockets are small, your butt will look bigger.

#3. Splurge on quality undergarments. No one looks good with bulges and rolls everywhere. Get fitted for a high quality bra and wear control garments. My favorite is the Spanx brand.

#4. If possible, try to choose great fitting, higher quality fabrics. If it's painful to think of the price tag, just try to remind yourself that in the long run you are actually saving money and time because a higher quality item will hold up longer and look better. Save money on things like t-shirts.

#5. Fitted jackets are a must. Find one that defines your waist. There are many that also have shorter sleeves for those of us who live in warmer climates.

#6. All full figured women look

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