LARGER-SIZE WOMEN SHOULD FEAR NO MORE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 21, 1993                   TAG: 9303180312
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: AMANDA BARRETT STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
LARGER-SIZE WOMEN SHOULD FEAR NO MORE
Panic.
You have just received a prestigious award from your company and you need a new dress for the ceremony.
At size 20, shopping is no fun. There aren't any mini-skirts, tailored pants or sharp dresses in your size. All that's available is polyester, matronly clothing or expensive designer fashions.
Well, fear no more. The fashion industry has finally woken up to the fact that nearly 40 percent of all women are size 14 or larger.
Women of size want to look just as fashionable as their smaller sisters. And though some looks may not suit plus sizes, styles can be tailored to flatter larger women.
Take the 1970s look. You won't see many plus-sized women wearing bell bottoms this spring. What you will see are palazzo pantsuits or jumpsuits, which fit from shoulder to waist but flare with wide legs from thigh to foot.
Accessorize this outfit with drop earrings, a long necklace and clogs, and you'll have a look that smaller women will envy.
Ethnic prints are also in for plus sizes. In muted colors of browns and greens, these prints flatter most every woman, while taking attention away from the size of the body and placing it on the print.
Long-over-long has been a big hit, says Elizabeth Bradner, manager of The Avenue at Tanglewood Mall. "Neutrals like bone, navy and pale mint green are also in."
Monochromatic dressing has taken the place of color blocking. Retailers realized that horizontal stripes emphasized the large bust, wide hips and round midriff women of size wanted to disguise.
But that doesn't mean larger women can't wear stripes. Vertical stripes elongate the body and focus attention on the face.
Feminine clothing has replaced the man-tailored look. "Sheer, feminine layers of flowing fabrics and romantic softness are in," said Melissa Wilcher, co-manager of Lane Bryant at Valley View Mall.
One of the keys to finding flattering clothing is to know your shape. "Jackets look good for someone who is big around the midriff," said Mary Pandolfini, manager of Added Dimensions at Valley View Mall. "Batwing dresses hide problems, yet are slenderizing and elegant."
Don't be afraid to try any of these styles. You never know what will suit you until you see how it fits.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB