Plus Size Tops

When it comes to looking like high fashion or looking like a big mistake, halters can go either way. It depends a lot on the styling: retro, '50's style halters with a wrapped surplice bust can look stylish and fun. Think the summertime clothes of Marilyn Monroe, and you'll have the right image. Halters should definitely be constructed with support: a cheap halter somehow looks worse than even a ratty old t-shirt, which at least has the integrity of providing adequate coverage even if it is covered with paint.

There's no reason for the shapeless bags that pass for clothing in ordinary clothing stores, except for a lack of care about the expectations of plus size customers. Shopping at stores known for their emphasis on plus size clothes is a step in the right direction, because the buyers for plus size stores know that plus size clothing can and should be good looking. Shirts need to be given shape, and sweaters need to be fashioned so that long sleeves hang correctly from the shoulder and the waist is low enough to fit properly.

shopping days, was a sleeveless, ice-blue shell, beaded with tiny, iridescent bugle beads, on a background of thick cashmere lined in heavy silk. Truly a special occasion top, it was too heavy to be stored on a hanger: it had to be folded carefully with tissue paper in a cedar-lined drawer. It was worn at the occasional party (or hot date) until it faded into clothing history. But they're still out there: look in vintage stores for these beautiful and lasting tops.

One of the sexiest trends of recent years, the daytime corset has made its reappearance in outerwear instead of underwear. Not a true corset (most women won't put up with whalebone stays and tight lacing anymore), the camisole style top is usually fitted with pintucks, ornamented with lace and ribbon, and held up with tiny spaghetti straps. It should have laces that pull the two halves of the top together. Look in plus size clothing stores online and in catalogs for these pretty summertime tops, often low cut, which are perfect for wearing with skirts, jeans or under cardigan sweaters in the evening. For the supreme in mixed messages, pair your corset top with a pair of sweat pants.

For days or evenings when your goal is glamour without fuss, an elegant tunic over pants or a skirt makes a fashion statement while covering you from shoulder to knee. Tunics are tricky: there are some gorgeous ones out there (check out Ulla Popken). There are some monstrosities out there, too. The trick is to get a tunic whose flowing lines are flowing in the right direction. If you want to show a little skin, look for a deep v neckline or a slit up the side. Avoid tunics with wild sequins and lots of beading, big flowers and dark colors meant to make you disappear. Look for tunics in silk, satin or linen, and pale, gem-like colors. Add lots of color coordinated jewelry, and if you're feeling bold, wear the tunic as a dress with kitten heels and sexy hosiery.

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