ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Guest Article, Plus Size, Plus Size Clothing, plus size dresses, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, wedding guest Weddings

Brought to you by The Dress-Directory , Guest Contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine

It’s the time of year when the wedding invitations start coming in from all those wonderful Christmas, New Year and Valentine engagements.  If you aren’t asked to be a bridesmaid or maid-of-honor, it’s up to you to find the perfect dress to flatter your curves.

What You Need to Consider

The first thing to think about is the color.  Many full-figured women like to reach for safe, reliable black for special occasions, afterall there is a reason “the little black dress” is considered a classic, right?  Well, as a wedding guest consider breaking out some color.  In many social circles solid black, along with red and shades of ivory or white, is considered inappropriate and even insulting to the bride.  

Instead, choose colors that brighten your complexion, add sparkle to your eyes, and bring out the natural bloom in your cheeks.    This spring, for the more adventurous, bold colors like cobalt blue, vivid pink, bright orange, sunshine yellow and greens are available in solids, graphic prints and splashy florals.  For the more demure, try sandy neutrals, soft pinks and classic spring pastels.  Remember to keep prints and accessories in proportion. Fuller figures look best in larger prints and accessories, although shorter plus figures need to moderate that rule of thumb to accommodate a more petite stature.

The second thing to take into consideration when choosing your dress is the time of day and location of wedding and reception.  Is it indoors or outdoors? What are the average temperatures and humidity for the region in the spring?  Is the event in the it afternoon or evening?   Those choosing skimpier fashions might want to be sure to include a wrap or opt for a less skin baring style like a jacket dress or church suit for outdoor weddings in an area or climate that can be on the cooler side in the spring.

Finally, the last thing to consider is formality.  Did the invitation indicate a formal or black tie affair?  While most weddings are very formal for the bride, groom and wedding party, wedding guests are usually not expected to dress in full length gowns unless the invitation specifically states so.  Formal weddings and receptions are much more common if scheduled after 6pm in the evening.  Far more common attire is something appropriate for a special dinner out or your Sunday best.

Our Wedding Guest Dress Picks for Spring 2008

Young and Trendy

London Times Spring Green Silk Cap Sleeve Dress; Sizes 14-24W; $129.00; Where to Buy

Choose this pretty and vibrant spring dress in floaty silk chiffon that gently skims your curves without being clingy.  Gathered straps are bra friendly while the empire waist, above the knee styling, and on-trend color add just the right fashion forward pizzazz.  Add a simple bolero (or go bare if you dare), sparkly clutch and metallic strappy heels for a look that might just catch the Best Man’s eye!

Pretty in Pink

 Tiered Chiffon Jacket Dress; Sizes 6-24W; $139; Where to Buy

For the more mature wedding guest who likes modesty, choose this pretty tiered chiffon ensemble with delicate beading, organza ribbon trim and embroidery.  Baby pink is a classic spring favorite that can be spiced up with bolder, deep pink accessories or kept soft and feminine mixed with white.

Dance the Night Away

  Ruffled Surplice Dress; Sizes 6-26W; $99.99; Where to Buy

Kick up your heels and dance the night away in this deep teal green chiffon dress.  Faux wrap styling accentuates your curves while feminine ruffles add a little salsa va-va voom.  Mix in metallic accessories for extra spice. You won’t be short of partners at the reception in this number!

Designer Diva

 Lewis Cho Silk Jacquard Dress; Sizes 14-24W; $298; Where to Buy

Simple, sophisticated designer style is always chic at special events.  Choose this periwinkle jacquard shift dress by Lewis Cho for a subtle look of luxury.  You are sure to appreciate the fine tailoring and extra details like a back tie to keep the look sleek and flattering.

Black-Tie Wedding Guest

 Alyce Designs Black Label Dress 5146, Off the Shoulder Lace and Silk Chiffon; Sizes 4-28W; $398; Where to Buy

Black tie weddings require sophistication and elegance in your attire, and grown up styles are a must.  This gorgeous off the shoulder silk gown in rich navy blue is subtly glamorous.  Remember formalwear frequently must be ordered four to six weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

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About the Author

The Dress Directory is an on-line comparison shopping engine listing dresses organized by occasion (from casual to career to special occasion and formal dresses) and size ranges, offering options for juniors, misses, petites, talls and plus-sizes.

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For more plus-size dresses appropriate for wedding guests, check our sister plus-size shopping website Elegant Plus.

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ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Christmas, cocktail dress, evening gowns, holiday dresses, holidays, New Years Eve, party dresses, Plus Size Clothing, plus size dress, plus size dresses, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, Thanksgiving velvet dress

Top 5 Plus-Size Dresses for the Holidays

by The Dress Directory for Elegant Plus Magazine

The holidays are just around the corner and dresses are the hottest fashion of the season.  Whether you plan to dress up for your family Thanksgiving dinner, have an office Christmas party or are already planning for a New Year’s Eve gala, there is no need to look frumpy and lackluster.  Full-figured ladies can sparkle, shine and turn heads this holiday season by choosing on-trend styles that fit and flatter their curves.  Here are our top five pick for plus-size dresses that are as fabulous as you are.

1. All Over Sparkle and Shine

 All over beading and sequins is a hot trend this holiday season with options available from many retailers.  Topping our list is the Audrey Sequin Dress .  Very lady-like proportions and mod styling make this dress a knock out for curvy fashionistas who want to sparkle during the holidays without baring a lot of skin.  The simple a-line shape makes it a chic winner for all body types . With sizes up to 28W and an affordable price tag of  $89.95, what’s not to love?

2. Vintage Glamour

  Classic velvet takes on a luscious Old Hollywood glamour this holiday season with this Ruched Velvet Dress.  Channel  Jean Harlow, Jayne Mansfield and Jane Russell and the days when voluptuous figures were haute. What do we love?  The unexpected pop of rich teal color that is so hot this season, combined with waist whittling ruching.   At under $100, the gorgeous draping at the bodice adds to the vintage glam and makes your curves smoke without busting the bank account.  This is one sweet dress in sizes 8-24W.

3. Rock the Red Carpet

 Do you have a more formal holiday party to attend?  Maybe a red carpet event?  The Velvet Beauty evening gown is your ticket to grown-up glamour.  Classic black is married to a sophisticated high-low hem and figure enhancing halter styling in one of the best formal gown styles of the season.  Removable, chic bolero jacket adds versatility.  Show just  a little decollete or bare your sexy shoulders….. it’s up to you.  At $225 these gowns are flying off the shelf in sizes 12-32W.

4. Holiday Splurge

  Make the most of your gorgeous curves in this stunning Metallic Jersey Dress from upscale designer Tadashi.  Gunmetal grey is one of the most sought after colors this holiday season….. not quite black with just a hint of gorgeous shine.  Add the comfort of jersey to the expertly wrapped draping that creates the illusion of perfect hourglass figure and you’ve got a must-have cocktail dress for the most sophisticated full-figured woman.  At $375 and in sizes 1X-3X, this dress is worth every penny.

5.  Casual Chic

 For daytime wear, nothing says the holidays like a vibrant red dress.   Choose this versatile Smocked Jersey Dress that can take you from the desk to dinner or out to a family gathering in style.  Free flowing lines skim your curves, while perfectly placed details nip in at just the right place to enhance your figure.  Available in sizes 1X-5X, this is a winner for all curvaceous beauties at a very budget friendly $34.00.

The Dress-Directory is a one stop shopping destination for dresses for all occasions.  A comparison shopping engine that lists styles from top name-brand retailers you know and trust, sizes range from 0 to 34W, with categories included for plus-sizes, talls, petites, juniors, misses and even maternity dresses.   With over 1000 dresses listed and new updates made daily,  Dress-Directory.com can help you find the perfect dress in your size this holiday season!

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ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Guest Article, Plus Size, Plus Size Clothing, plus size dresses, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, wedding guest Weddings

 

What Am I Going to Wear?! Fashion Help for the Full-Figured Wedding Guest

by Kiyonna, Guest Contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine

Specializing in contemporary fashions for sizes 10-32W, Kiyonna is a leading designer for plus-size women who want to look current and stylish.  Dresses have long been one of their strengths, with silhouettes designed to enhance curvy figure types.  Careful, you might outshine the bride!

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Looking for more full-figured  ideas for the next wedding to which you received an invitation?  Dresses are the hottest fashion statements of the year, and special events are the perfect way to indulge in the latest trends.  Check out the Elegant Plus Editor’s Pick Dress selections for styles ranging from casual to dressy or check out the complete shopping directory listings for plus-size dresses and special occasion attire.

Has your wedding invitation indicated more formal attire?  Or maybe you are a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride? Check the Elegant Plus Formalwear Directory for more shopping options.

But most importantly……. relax, enjoy the wedding festivities and have fun!  You might think your best accessories are your shoes or jewelry, but in fact it’s your sparkling personality and gorgeous smile!

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