As I previously mentioned, plus-sized women want to be fashion trend setters. I have tracked some of the latest trends for the spring and summer, and will outline how those trends can be best utilized by my plus-sized audience.

Floral Prints

This particular trend can evoke visions of garish Hawaiian shirts or horrible wall paper from the 1970’s. It can also bring back horrendous memories of over-sized muumuus. Alas, this does not need to be the case when incorporating this trend in your wardrobe. Small and muted toned floral prints can be both stylish and flattering. If wearing a full-blown flower garden on your body does not exactly thrill you, choose a floral shirt with a coordinating solid jacket to achieve the look without going over the top.

Floral Print Tank At Junonia	Floral Blouse At WomanWithin	Print Top At Lane Bryant	Floral Border Caftan At Silhouettes

Gray

Gray is a popular color for this spring and summer. A basic gray suit will always be in style and a monochromatic look will make you look taller and thinner. If you are afraid of looking too dull, wear a pretty bright camisole under the jacket to brighten up the total effect. Choose a purse and shoes to match the camisole and you will look totally put together.

Mock Neck Tunic At Junonia	Godet Skirt At Lane Bryant	Roll-Sleeve Tunic At Silhouettes	Gingham Shirt At WomanWithin

Ruffles

Okay, this trend can be tricky. For instance, if you tend to be top heavy, you certainly do not want to wear a top with flouncy ruffles along the neckline. This will only make you look bigger on top. Instead, opt for a peasant skirt with a small ruffle at the hemline. This will bring attention down and will help balance your look. If you are pear-shaped, you might want to wear a top with ruffles. Again, by accentuating the smaller part of your body you will achieve a more balanced look.

Ruffle Blouse At Silhouettes	Print Crinkle Shirt At Lane Bryant	Just My Size Voile Ruffle Shirt At JMS	Knit Skirt with Ruffle At Junonia

Pink

Although very bright pinks were heavily featured in the fashion collections of spring and summer of 2009, you might want to opt for a softer pink, which is so flattering to so many skin tones. You don’t need to look like an Easter egg by dressing in pink from top to bottom. Instead, use pink accents in your wardrobe. A pink tank top or camisole under that gray suit will be flattering and very up-to-date.

Embellishments

This trend is a fun one. Choose garments with embellishments that will play up your strongest attributes. Sequins around the neckline will bring attention to your face. Want to play up your legs? Choose a skirt with embellishments at the hemline to accentuate that area.

As for any woman, a plus-sized woman needs to know her strongest figure features. These features can be emphasized by incorporating the current fashion trends. Don’t be a slave to fashion by wearing something that is not flattering only because it is “in.” Enjoy fashion trends and use them to your advantage.

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