There is so much conflicting advice when it comes to shopping for the plus-sized woman. Shopping trips, which should be enjoyable, can become puzzling and difficult. That's why we're giving you three basic rules when it comes to fashion. If you follow these rules, you will be able to purchase the proper clothing and dress with confidence.

First thing you should think about is what your physically appealing strengths are. An hourglass figure, small waist with equally proportioned hips & shoulders) has always been considered the most appealing shape. Clothing choices such as wrap dresses and shirts, skirts that hug the waist and hips paired with a blouse, belted dresses or shirts, are all great choices for those who have an hourglass shape and want to emphasize their small waist. Those with a rounder, apple type figure have their weight distributed more in their stomach area have to give more consideration as to what clothing choices will flatter their figure. Fashions should draw the eyes away from your mid-section. Do you have killer legs? Tops that billow towards the middle and skirts that end just above the knee are good choices for you. If you have a very pleasing face then a dress with a pretty, interesting necklines (ruffled, cowled, etc.) will bring people to look upwards towards your face and away from the middle section of your body.

You do not need to shy away from patterns and prints. The belief that plus-sized women should only wear solid colors is an outdated old wives' tale. Prints add fun and variety to wardrobes. They can also be used strategically, to direct people's eyes and viewing attention away from your figure's problem areas. For example, if you have a pear-shaped figure, you can wear a printed top with a solid-colored skirt to draw attention to your top, while downplaying your bottom half. This combination would give you a more balanced look.

The right colors are a very important part of make-up and wardrobe. To look your most attractive, try experimenting at home. All that you need to do is stand in front of mirror and try different colors to see what looks the best on you. You do not necessarily need an over the counter makeover at a department store. The clerk's main agenda is to sell products. Your agenda is to look your very best.

Just grab a few pieces of solid colored material (could be clothes from your closets, towels, linens, fabric, etc), a well lit room and a mirror. Hold the pieces up to your face, just under your chin, one at a time. You should start to notice changes in your face each time you switch up the color. Certain hues will undeniably light you up, while others will make you appear dull. This has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with the color you're holding up to your face. Once you've conducted this experiment, the importance of only including flattering colors in your wardrobe should be abundantly clear.