Plus Size Prom Dresses are formal dresses for girls who wear a size 14 or larger. With a few tips on how to dress for your body type and so many options available online, you're on your way to the perfect prom.

How to flatter your figure: Always wear the correct size. Going with smaller sizes can cause the garment to hug the curves revealing too much. Going with a larger size will look baggy.

Look at the fabric carefully, try it on and see how it looks. Avoid fabrics that are clingy or shimmery as these draw attention to any unevenness. Choose a dress that isn't shiny and lays smooth. Consider buying shapewear. These provide extra support and flatten out the stomach to provide a smoother look.

If you carry your weight mostly in your middle choose an empire waist or a-line dress. An empire waist dress will highlight your bust with a high waistline and gradually expand to conceal the stomach and hips. A-line widens at the bottom of the skirt minimizing the stomach. For girls with great legs consider a short prom dress. There are many short empire styles and they give you a chance to show off your shoes.

If you carry most of your weight in you thighs try a ball gown or empire waist dress to minimize your hips and highlight your bust. An a-line works as well providing a smooth coverage with a flaring skirt to minimize hips.

Where to shop: Before shopping for your dress take proper measurements. Shopping at local formal dress stores or bridal shops is your best bet for getting the best fit. Be sure to bring your spandex shaper and your shoes. This will ensure you get a good fitting dress that is the perfect length. Unfortunately local shopping lacks the variety you can find online. Often you end up settling for something rather than getting a dress you really love. Online shopping provides you with a variety of sizes with an abundance of choices. However you can't try on anything, and often colors and materials are hard to see from pictures online. If you have good luck you might get the perfect fitting dress that looks really good on you. Some stores do provide prepaid returns for items that don't fit well or are simply not the color you expected.

Fast Facts:

1. Prices range: $50 to $500 or more
2. Various sleeve and neckline options
3. Consider a spandex shaper for a smoother look
4. Avoid shiny materials
5. Black is classic and slimming
6. Think about wearing a shawl if shy about arms
7. Wear jewelry to highlight your best features
8. Don't buy a dress too small to try and lose weight