As plus women know, we do have a shape.
And our shapes vary from one another.
Good designers know this.
Some designers make dresses designed to cover up, however gowns should be for showing off a little here and there are be a little flirty, even plus size gowns.
The trick to finding a great evening dress that shows off a fuller figure is finding one that emphasizes curves and assets as well as concealing problem areas.
It not about hiding your entire body--it's about highlighting and enhancing! Here are some tips for figuring out what type of plus size gowns look good on your shape.

• Are you on the short side, 5'3" or shorter? Two flattering dress styles are princess or A-line.
  To look taller and slimmer, avoid knit fabrics.
  
• Are you taller, 5'10" or more?.
  Avoid small prints.
  Avoid large details like bows or big collars.
  Wide necklines look good.
  
• Have an hourglass figure, heavy at the bottom, full bust and defined waist with the possible "love handles" or belly bulge? If comfortable, show off your cleavage with scoop or "V" necks.
  Wrap tops work very nicely for your bust and waist.
  If your legs are shapely, consider skirts that are cut straight.
  
• Is your plus size shape more of an inverted triangle-you are top-heavy with broad shoulders and fuller bust, but with hips, thighs, and buttocks that are proportionally smaller? Gowns where the skirt flares out at the bottom can help balance your shape.
  Flaunt your bust line with V- or scoop necklines.
  
• Do you have an oval shape with a prominent tummy with no defined waist? Go for plus size gowns with an empire waist, full skirt or A-line dresses.
  If your legs are proportionately slender compared to the rest of your body, consider a short dress to show off your legs.
  
• Is your shape generally a triangle shape? You have a defined waist, full hips and thighs, but your shoulders and bust are smaller relative to your body.
  Wear light colors on top and dark colors on bottom.
  You might not want to go with a sleeveless gown, but instead gowns with detailed sleeves or large collars.
  When buying plus size gowns, just as important as the style is finding the right fit.
  There's nothing like the confidence you have when you are comfortable.
  
• Don't forget the little black dress.
  Any body type can look sexy in a trendy simple black dress that ends an inch or so below the knee.
  

A gown is meant to show off, not matter what your size.
Plus size gowns can have bustier tops to show cleavage, come off the shoulder and show off arms, or have a cut high on the leg.
Your gown should be glamorous and make you feel beautiful, right now, as you are now.