Reality: "Plus-size women want what every woman wants -- to look and feel good in her clothes. The size 18 wants to wear the same trends that the size 8 does, and why not?" says Nicole Brewer, celebrity stylist and fit expert. In fact, she says, every woman needs a killer cocktail dress, no matter her size or shape.
Tip: For dressy styles that flatter the figure, look for empire waistlines, wrap styles and a-line shapes with eye-catching details like sweetheart or scalloped necklines, ruching or asymmetrical hemlines.
Pictured: Leto Dress ($79 at Athleta.com)
