Plus Size Winter Dresses

When the temperature takes a dip, it's time to pull those plus size winter dresses out of your closet and get them ready to wear.

Summer is over, so away go the cotton, the linens and other lightweight fabrics. You'll probably put away your pastel and pale colored clothing and begin to pull out more black, chocolate brown and gray pieces. Although your color choices are darker for fall and winter, you always have the option to add a splash of color in an otherwise more subdued ensemble. If you're the type who enjoys bright and vibrant colors, use them to your advantage on cold winter mornings. Instead of hot pink, wear cherry red. Better yet, jazz up a gray suit with a red scarf or shirt underneath. There's no need to feel the winter doldrums just because fashion dictates more somber colors.

Typically, winter fashions are made of heavier material designed to keep you warm, such as wool, tweed and velvet. Depending on which climate you live in, you may only need thick cotton pants to get you through the winter. Women who live in especially snowy places may need many layers to stay warm.

You'll find winter dresses in materials like:

• Wool
• Knit jersey
• Denim
• Velvet (for special occasions)
• Brocade

Expect to see long sleeves, turtlenecks and longer lengths on these dresses. Fall and winter styles begin to hit stores near the end of summer. Begin looking into your favorite plus size retailers if you want the best selection. Look to stores and sites like:

• Igigi
• Lane Bryant
• Macy's
• Old Navy Plus division
• Ashley Stewart
• Catherines

You'll find a variety of professional and party dresses at these shops.

During the winter, you'll see retailers putting out plenty of special occasion dresses for all of the holiday parties you may attend. This is a great time to find a large selection of elegant wear for all sizes, including plus. However, you can always wait until the end of the season to find incredible sales. You may find a dress that you can put away until next winter and get it at a big discount.

Just as winter clothes are different from summer clothes, so are the shoes that you'll wear during the cold months of the year. This is the time to sport those boots that have been sitting in your closet all spring and summer. Boots work well with most winter dresses so long as you wear them the right way.

• High heel boots: Slip into a pair of high-heeled boots whenever you wear a knit jersey or wool dress.
• Flat boots: Boots with a flat heel work great with denim dresses that fall to the calf.

Plus size winter dresses will get you through your workday or weekend events, including religious services. Use details and accessories like cardigans, layered turtlenecks and scarves to give your look special flair.

There's no need to dread colder days when you know your wardrobe will get you through in style. Just because the skies are gray doesn't mean you can't add splashes of vibrant (and warm!) color to your everyday look.

• Books on Dressing for Plus Size
• Plus Size Winter Jackets and Coats
• Women's Plus Size Jeans
• Are you plus size fashion savvy?

• Plus Size Women's Mother of the Bride Dresses
• Designer Plus Size Evening Wear
• Dress Barn Woman
• Chic Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
• Cheap Plus Size Women's Dresses