Great dresses for plus-size figures

I am a plus size (size 16/18), curvy woman who finds it difficult to find dresses to wear that flatter my figure without making me look older than I am (32) and without making me look like I’m wearing either a sack or a muumuu. I have had some luck with a knit wrap dress, but was wondering what other styles I should look at, preferably in solid colors?

Brandy

Brandy is on the right track: she does not want to default to big, shapeless dresses, which don't flatter any body type. Instead, she wants to look for dresses that accentuate her curves with details that will keep her young and fresh looking.

Wrap dresses were made for curvy women; they are designed for fuller figures, and they are universally flattering and sexy. Brandy could chose a wrap dress in a neutral color, or in a classic black and white pattern, but I especially love the pink dress pictured here; the cut is very professional but the color and pattern are playful and fun. (Chain link wrap collar dress, Avenue, $69.95.)

Brandy asked specifically about solid colored dresses. If she's going to go with a solid color, she wants to think outside the little black dress box, and she wants to look for interesting details. Navy and chocolate brown are wonderful neutrals, and a great red dress can be a good everyday staple. Brandy wants to chose dresses that flatter her curves, not hide them; she can think about a V neckline (she can layer over a camisole if coverage is a concern). She can look for seaming under the bust, like the empire waist on the dress pictured here; she should also look for interesting details, like these butterfly sleeves, which add a cool, hip element to this very basic dress. (Knit dress, Avenue, $49.95.)

The best bets for the bottom half of the dress are either an A line, which is universally flattering and will deemphasize any hips, or a straighter pencil skirt, one that will highlight curves. In either case, Brandy should keep her hemlines just below the knee. When I was browsing for this post, I saw a surprising number of plus size dresses with long hemlines, hitting either midcalf or at the ankle. If you find a dress with a really beautiful top and a long hem, have it tailored. All that extra length will make you look shorter and wider, NOT taller and thinner.

Finally, for evening Brandy should look for a beautiful print dress, like this poppy print from Avenue. Women with larger frames should steer clear of wee little prints, and instead chose something big and bold. This dress is terrific for a curvy frame because the V neckline and the ruched waist play up an hourglass figure without being too revealing. I also like this dress because the colors are bright and summery; it would be perfect for a wedding or garden party or just for dinner out. It's also a classic shape and print so it will have staying power. (Poppy georgette dress, Avenue, $59.95.)

Dresses available at Avenue.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and about everything else at Friday Playdate. You can send her your burning style questions at fridaystyle.susan AT gmail DOT com.