I guess that none of us gets to wear plus size evening wear all that often, so my first tip is – don't try to squeeze yourself into an outfit that used to fit you. For example, my wedding dress (blue dress on left) did fit me 12 years ago! I blame Darrell’s cooking for the change. Another example of a blue outfit that no longer fits me although the necklace, earrings and turquoise toenails help a bit.

1. How hot will it be? – Wear light materials if it is going to be hot.

2. How much sitting down and eating? Wear something comfortable which isn’t tight.

3. How much standing up? Wear shoes that aren’t cripplingly uncomfortable.

4. Dancing? Wear shoes that aren’t cripplingly uncomfortable.

   
   

In terms of the description of the dress code for the event almost anything goes in Australia.

Dress code descriptions are more formal in other countries e.g. U.K.

• Black tie – means women must wear a full length dress.

• Cocktail – very fancy outfit but not full length.

• Lounge suit or business suit - equivalent to cocktail.

So, I tried on some of my plus size evening wear to categorise it and jazz it up with different accessories. I do like to wear bright colours, particularly at events dominated by men in dull colours.

My ‘Morticia’ skirt can be worn for formal black tie events with different tops, jewellery and shoes.

For example, I am wearing this red velvet and chiffon jacket with a silver sequinned vest that I bought in Canowindra and my red Dorothy shoes (with sequins on the heels), with my Onyx necklace and earrings.

Or this Cerise chiffon jacket with my morticia skirt and the silver sequinned vest with Onyx jewellery.

This grey and pink outfit (below) is an example of cocktail attire, as is this red dress with knitted jacket and a black necklace. A smart clutch bag jazzes up the outfit.

Wearing my cerise jacket with skinny black pants and candy striped shoes is less formal and more suitable for the cocktail or lounge suit dress code. My accessories with this outfit are a pink and purple mineral necklace (that I bought at the Light up the Night Event in Canowindra) and fun cerise thing earrings. The main accessory, always fashionable in black and white, is our Border Collie Opal Ewermysunshine (who has her own Facebook page).

For more Style Tips see blog.swishfashion.com.au/plussizestyletips