The most important thing that you should do before starting to look for prom dresses is to take you exact measurements. To measure your bust size use a measuring tape and measure around its fullest while wearing a well fitted bra, for your waist, measure just an inch above your navel and for your hip measure around its widest part and note down each measurement.

Make sure to select a dress size that fits the biggest part of your body and then you can alter it to fit your figure perfectly.

If your waist measure is the largest then consider the following tips.

* Divert attention away from your tummy by selecting an A-line dress or wear eye-catching jewelry to draw attention to your face or shoulders.
* Highlight your shapely legs with a dress that has higher hemline in front than at the back.
* To camouflage narrow shoulders you can use a wrap or a shawl.

If your waist is well defined but your thighs and hips are considerably large then the following tips can help you.

* Choose a dress with light colored top and dark colored bottom to elongate your body shape.
* Emphasize your waist with a belt or a sash.
* Divert attention to your face or neck with appropriate jewelry.

If all three of your measurements are almost the same then look for plus size prom dresses that can define your body shape.

* Choose an empire line style to give a notion that you do have curves hiding inside.
* Choose a dress with a fitted bodice or use a belt or sash to create an illusion of having smaller waistline.

If you do not want to draw attention to your tummy because you carry most of your wait there, then make use of the following tips to find the right plus size prom dress to flatter your figure.

* Highlight your upper body with an empire line dress and this style will also glide over your tummy.
* Choose an A-line dress with fitted bodice that will highlight your waist and flatter your figure.
* For instant slimming of your waist area, use body shaping underwear.

The most important thing to remember is to find a plus size prom dress that you will feel comfortable in throughout the evening. If you are conservative and do not prefer to display too much of your skin then choose a modest plus size prom dress with short sleeves or something with sheer sleeves.

If you make sure to remember the above tips while shopping for a plus size prom dress then you are sure to find the perfect dress that you are looking for.