by Carole Larkin

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: February 24, 2012

The fashion industry has liberated plus size women! Finally, designers have recognized that women who wear sizes 14-32 want stylish clothes to wear. No longer do curvy women have to hide behind loose, baggy clothing.

Designers such as Alex Evenings, Abby Z, Monif C, Trentacosta New York, Donna Ricco, Blue Plate, Lisa Renne, Donna Vinci, Gayla Bentley, Tadashi, Scala, Cassandra Stone, Ralph Lauren, Staci Frati, and Ulla Popken have all realized that the market for plus size clothing continues to grow every year. They have helped the larger, curvaceous woman integrate into mainstream fashion.

It is no longer hard to find stores that handle plus sizes. The internet has created a niche market for plus size ladies and it is possible to find everything from lingerie to swimwear, casuals to costumes, and dresses suitable for casual wear, career wear, evening wear and bridal and ball gowns online. Even large department stores are expanding their plus size selections in both their brick-and-mortar stores and online stores.

Plus size ladies have been encouraged by the designers to show off and accentuate their curvy figure instead of hiding it. You can lengthen and slenderize the look of your body with a V-neck and a long skirt. Or you may choose to wear a shorter skirt, and lengthen the look by wearing a longer top or jacket. And the larger woman no longer has to stick with black to look good. Designers have taught that plus size women can wear color because it is the style and cut of the garment that slenderizes the body. Accessories also draw attention to your best features and away from those that are not the most flattering. A general rule to keep in mind is to choose accessories that are proportional to your body.

Finally, it has been seen that women who wear plus sizes do not all have the same body type. Just like every other woman, plus size ladies have differences in the way that clothing fits on them. Especially helpful in addressing this issue is the availability of mix and match clothing. Women no longer have to settle for getting clothing that fits your hips but hangs from your bust, or visa versa. You can be a size 20 on top and a 26 on bottom and still find clothes that will make you look great.

Today's big and beautiful woman can be stylish whether she is at home, school, work, church, or out for the evening. She can be comfortable and confident knowing that she looks her best. It's most important that people feel good about themselves and today's plus size fashions help do that.

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