Body Type

• Understanding your body type will help you to choose better fitting garments.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  There are four general plus-size body types: pear shape (when your upper body is slimmer than your lower half and your weight is mostly distributed in your legs and buttocks); apple shape (when your waistline is your largest area); hourglass (when your weight is evenly distributed in your upper and lower body and you have a clearly defined waist) and rectangular shape (when you have little-to-no curves). Knowing your body type is the first step to dressing appropriately. Curvy Counselor.com has great suggestions for each body shape.
  
  

Dress Length

• Plus-size experts recommend dress lengths be just above the knees.Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Some plus-size women mistakenly believe that they should cover up by wearing long, floor-grazing dresses and skirts. However, skirts and dresses should end just above the kneecap. This will make your legs look longer and slimmer, according to Oprah fashion expert, Adam Glassman. It is also best to choose A-line or flared skirts, since they skim the body, rather than clinging to it.
  
  

Undergarments

• Get properly fitted undergarments to avoid unnecessary bulging.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Wearing the appropriate underwear can flatter any body type, and this is especially true for plus-size figures. A properly-fitting bra and panties will emphasize your best features and camouflage any lumps and bumps that would otherwise show through your top layer of clothing. Consider wearing Spanx or a similar type of body-tightening pantyhose or bodywear for a special occasion when you want to look especially pulled-together. Go for an in-store professional bra-fitting if you are unsure of your size.
  
  

Accessories

• Combine a deep V-neck top with a long necklace.Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  Even your accessories can help you elongate and slim out a plus-size figure. Combine a deep V-neck shirt with a long necklace to elongate your neck. Use belts around your waistline's smallest area to create the illusion of an hourglass shape. When wearing heels, choose shoes with a thicker heel to go with wider feet, since a skinny stiletto heel will only make a wider foot more obvious.