Hiding "Trouble" Spots

• Many plus-size garments are caftans with a garish pattern. Few women want to wear a muumuu, yet this sometimes seems to be all that is available. However, there are ways to wear more form-fitting clothing that can hide the spots you're not comfortable with while showing off the curves you like. When shopping for shirts, look for empire waists if the thinnest part of your body is just under your ribcage. These will skim over larger hips and thighs. If your arms drive you crazy, steer clear of capped sleeves and instead look for three-quarter length sleeves. Avoiding horizontal stripes is smart, but diagonals and verticals can create a slimming silhouette. If your preference is for skirts, don't go super-short -- have them hit on or below your knee. If you prefer long skirts, stay away from ones that hit in the middle of your calf and instead try an ankle length. Don't be afraid to go up a size if you have to. Comfort is key, and nobody knows the number in the label except you.
  
  

Get Some Support

• Most women, whether plus-size or petite, wear an incorrectly sized bra. This can result in backaches, posture problems and sore shoulders, especially for plus-size women who carry a lot of weight in their chest. A good, properly fitted bra will cause you to stand straighter and carry your weight better, thereby relieving stress on your body. Most department store lingerie departments will measure you. Alternatively, stores like Victoria Secret may not carry your size but they should be willing to give you a fitting if you splurge on some lotion.
  
  

Fitting Pants

• Finding a good pair of pants can seem like a Herculean task if you've got any curves at all. Some fit in the hips but gap at the waist, while others look more like high-waters or make your legs look like sausages. There are several ways to avoid these problems. The first may cost a little more money, but the result is worth it: Try a tailor. Buy pants that are nearly perfect--perhaps they're a bit too long, or they gap at the waist--and take them to a professional to alter. Having a few pairs of well-fitted pants for office wear is always a good idea. Alternatively, stores like Lane Bryant have a special way of fitting pants that cater to certain body types, whether your waist is bigger than your hips or vice versa. Generally, avoid skinny jeans or anything with a tapered leg. Boot cuts flatter your body and provide some balance to a larger upper half.