likeWise style guide: Plus Size Prom Dresses

I love to tell the story about how I bought my senior prom dress at a beauty pageant/drag queen shop in downtown Minneapolis. It was a dark green prom dress covered in tiny sparkles of cheap silver glitter. My prom date wore a mint green tux that he bedazzled with rhinestones. We were SO alterna-cool. Hey, it was ‘98. But I understand that most people have a little more reverence for the milestone occasion that is Prom. I was recently asked by a personal shopping client to come up with some online choices for Plus Size Prom Dresses so she could peruse some options that would look good on her body-type and make her feel fabulous on the big night.

Triangle Shapes a.k.a. Pear Shapes:
If you’re heavier through the hips and thighs, pick silhouettes that emphasize your decollete and waist. Fulfill your girlhood fantasies and choose a princess prom dress with a full skirt. Grecian style prom dresses with an empire waist and flowing folds of fabric will also flatter a pear shape figure.

DeBora Rachelle princess style prom dress - as seen on Brooke Hogan $352 at promdressshop.com

JS Collections Woven Bodice dress - Plus Size Formal Dress for the funky fashionista $198 (up to size 24)

Exquisite Evening Gown in White - Plus Size Prom Dress for the romantic prom goer $189 (avail size 16)

Circle Shapes a.k.a. Apple Shapes:
Love your arms and legs but wonder what went wrong in the middle? When you carry weight in your mid-section it’s hard to find fits that flatter. I recommend halter or sweetheart necklines to show off your arms and chest. Look for prom dresses that have extra fabric details that fall vertically down the front of the dress. Ruching or fabric that gathers around the torso (look for cascading ruffles) can also hide lumps and bumps to flatter an apple-shape figure.

Bari Jay Lace Halter Gown - Plus Size Formal Dress for Prom for the elegant prom goer $188 (up to size 24)

Maggy London Twist Front Silk Dress - Plus Size Formal Dress for the trendy prom goer $158 (up to size 24)

Donna Ricco Long Halter Dress - Plus Size Formal Dress for the sultry prom goer $168 (up to size 24W)

ACCESSORIZE!!!
The key to a fabulous prom ensemble is to accessorize the heck out your dress (unless you’ve chosen a beaded, sparkly frock). Make your simple, flattering prom dress trendy with fun jewlery and fabulous shoes. Go big and bold with gold to stand-out from the crowd wearing fake cz necklaces and rhinestones.