Plus Size Formal Wear

The dress pictured here is from plus size designer Igigi. You can check out their selection of plus size fashions here: Sexy Sophisticated Plus Size Special Occasion Dresses & Formal Wear at Igigi.

It seems to me that the meaning of the word "formal wear" has been lost on a lot of people. My husband and I attended an evening wedding, with the reception from 8P to midnight. I wore plus size formal wear. I was in a long dress. I was amazed at the number of people who attended in totally inappropriate attire. Not only were they not in formal wear, they were extremely casual and dressed like they could have come directly from the mall.
Even though I wear a plus size I have no problems at all finding plus size formal wear when ever I need to dress up for a special occasion, and a wedding is definitely a special occasion! Whether you're mother of the bride or only an attendee you show respect for the couple not only by attending their wedding, but by what you wear. You certainly don't need to wear a tuxedo or gown to every wedding but leave the polyester tops and pants at home and put on something special.

The wonderful thing about plus size fashion today is that you don't have to wear a shapeless sack of a dress. You know what I'm talking about, a shapeless sheath with a long jacket. Leave that type of style for your grandmother. If you're like me, and have large upper arms you can camouflage them with a shrug or a matching shawl. Today's plus size women want to look and feel sexy in their clothing. There are lots of plus size formal wear designers who've heard young women loud and clear.

When I'm shopping for plus size formal wear I have several favorite places to look online. My first favorite store is Igigi. Igigi has, in their own words "sexy and sophisticated plus size dresses...", and they really do. They know how to flatter a woman with curves. It's evident in their brilliant red Hollywood Diva Satin Gown and their Fiorella Lace Gown, available in fuchsia and emerald. Fiorella is a stretch lace and velvet gown with a flattering empire waist. It comes with a black velvet shrug. Very appropriate for an evening wedding. One of Igigi's sexiest plus size formal wear gown is what they call their Crown Jewels Velvet gown offered in a stunning tanzanite color. This smashing velvet gown with empire waist has slit kimono sleeves accented with rhinestones. Another wow-gown is their Dangerous Beauty gown in rich ruby. This is a matte jersey gown with bare shoulders and bra-friendly straps with rhinestones. It has 3/4 sleeves and a plunging neckline with a crystal ornament. On second thought these plus size formal wear gowns may upstage the bride!

I own an Alex Evenings formal wear dress. It's a floral sheath dress with a scalloped ruffled hem that has a matching sheer shawl. Perfect for spring and summertime events. One of the most beautiful plus size formal wear dresses I ever saw was offered by Alyce Designs. It was worn by the mother of the bride at a wedding that I attended. It was a 2 piece iridescent silk gown with a beaded lace applique on the bodice and an asymmetrical tiered skirt. When I found out who the designer was I looked up the collection. It's one of the most fabulous collection of special event dresses and gowns available. The Alyce Collection comes in sizes 2-26, with some up to size 28. The Rose Dress Company has a wide selection of Alyce Designs.

Jessica London is another online site that carries special occasion dresses. These dresses are modestly priced also. Sydney's Closet has plus sized special occasion dresses, with some going up to size 38. They do have an added cost on some gowns for sizes 28-38.

Anna Brooks is another great place to shop online for plus size formal wear. They carry a wide selection of mother of the bride dresses, wedding gowns and holiday dresses.