Want plus size clothing that will take your wardrobe to the next level? If you’re seeking to be an en pointe style assassin, achieving the variety of looks that can kill. Nailing a look in one shot has never been so effortless. A strong one-piece item can make putting an ensemble together a complete cinch. This season Torrid has dresses of this caliber.

Weapon of Choice:

Precision

Bringing the tailored look of pieces to the door gives an office-ready essence. This look is delightful when wishing to dress to impress, but not ride the fine line of hootchie. An off the shoulder plus size clothing piece is still flirty while remaining super sophisticated.  An essential part of any girl’s wardrobe great to wear on those days you are just going with the flow. Will wear beautifully to any event: a museum outing, a night sipping a margarita, or when you gotta shake your booty at the club. Warning: for club wear consider spicing it up with some metallics: whether it be the shoes on your feet, or the necklace you sport. Dress, $48.

Flawless Victory

One of the worst feelings is when a special date night is coming up and you don’t know what to wear. Women of all sizes face this issue: thin, plus size, skinny, average, full figured—you name it, we all feel it. This dress may seem like its not for the meek, but sometimes you just want body language to speak for you. Whatever your deal the lines of this dress are crafted brilliantly, such that they will play up your curves to create a killer hourglass. Bodacious blondes, brunettes, redheads and black haired ladies alike should rock this dress when they seriously need that something extra. Certain to leave a lasting impression, a sexy slinky look will carry you through the night. It’ll have you feeling red-carpet ready. Heck, if you don’t have a date wear this dress out to the club when you go with your girls, this dress is so fierce it’s a get a man, keep a man dress. Dress, $44.

Shock N’ Awe

Lights, camera, action! Bring out your inner diva in a bold black and white pattern. A simple triangle print has never looked this luxe. This dress has a definite shape to it already, one that’s relaxed enough to feel casual and comfortable but fitted enough to be high fashion. Editor’s note: we do love the yellow belt it comes with, however, unlike the model we recommend you wear it tighter fitting. If you happen to have other chunkier belts, you might want to go that route as well. It’ll be easier to make this look pop with bright colors, but a bigger belt in brown may work as well. This is for the girl who knows she’s got it, and isn’t afraid to flaunt it either. Not run of the mill, for girls who crave some edge. Dress, $58.

Torrid has a whole little section dedicated to little black dresses, interestingly enough though our pick wasn’t in there.  A word to the wise: just browse all the pages of there dresses so you don’t miss out on some items. Otherwise you just get a taste of what they’ve got to dish your way. One can tell that their varied mixture of dresses get inspiration from a grip of differing eras.

This little Romper screams 80s to me. But it brings back some of the 90s too as the skirt is actually you guessed it a skirt with shorts underneath. This romper dress is a play off of a skort and overalls. Yet it comes together to make a  magnificient and whimsical dress. You can really drop it low in this look without accidentally flashing some panties. Buttons are just decorative the dress has an actual side-zip enclosure.  Dress, $54.

The Zoe Love Dress by Kiyonna is a contemporary take on throwback style to the 80s. Because it’s from Kiyonna you can only expect the best quality merchandise. The off the shoulder look is made more comfortable with the addition of straps. Cut outs on the shoulder and slightly above the bust to create a sultry neckline. The dress falls slightly below the knee for extra comfort while still retaining the edgy style. Most of the dress will follow your curves to a tee, but the flutter sleeves add a little draped elegance. Dress, $144.

Check out their site, they even give you the 411 on how they got started. Don’t forget to look at the rest of their really awesome selections: in the little black dress category alone there are 16 pieces to choose from.

The Draped Front Knit Dress by Catherines is listed as one of their bestseller items, and its pretty clear why. This classic dress is simple, cozy and has a relaxed fit. It has a low neckline to flatter the bust area, but there will be coverage: the whole dress is made of a stretchy knit so there is give when and wherever you may need it most. ¾ sleeves help balance this look so with the addition of some accessories it’ll be the perfect fit for whatever occasion. I think we owe a little extra thank you to Catherines because this item is currently on sale starting at $58.50.

From Walmart we have a wrap (also a fashion staple) that’s executed well. It has longer sleeves that end in French cuffs, falls below the knee and like all wraps is universally flatting to all body types. The banded waist and large sash tie make it appropriate for both work and play this garment is best thought of as an investment piece that doesn’t go into your stock portfolio. Dress, $22. For all the points it gains in practicality, it loses none in gorgeosocity.

A similar wrap is also offered by Walmart, but this one is only for sizes up to XXL. The Women’s Flutter-Sleeve Wrap-Style Jersey Dress by George was something that I just had to share this dress because I adore butterfly sleeves. They are a small detail that turn any dress into especially feminine and playful pieces. Sometimes you just want to let your dress do all the talking and with this one it’ll be saying that you’re babydoll chic. Warning though, this is a extremely deep V so consider putting a camisole underneath. Dress is $18 online.

Walmart hosts a few all-American brands like Faded Glory and Just My Size. Many of these dresses are online exclusives, and come with price tags that help you ring in the savings. With dresses from $16-$20 on average you aren’t paying a whole lot to look gorgeous. Their plus size selections are fantastic fits for all voluptuous bodies. Most of their dresses are in fact little black dresses, so check it out.

It’s time that I tell you something. I’m slightly ashamed to admit it, but I admire Tila Tequila: she has a decidedly great sense of style. Sure it’s a little bit on the bimbo-y side. But, her bubbly personality makes pieces that are otherwise outrageous, cute and even a little bit innocent. If you’re the kind of girl who wears showier pieces like it’s not a big deal then this dress is for you. Personally I bounce between being really self conscious to realizing: hey I’m not going to be young forever. Maybe it’s time to have a little fun. The Satin Strips Halter Dress is just one step on the road to doing that exact thing. It is a more youthful look, unless of course you’re a cougar, but clearly not child-like. Dress, $24.80.

Forever21 presents to you Faith 21—their extended sizes division. When Forever 21 was just barely getting their national start and I used to joke with friends that the clothes had to be for Asian girls only (as they were particularly the most averagely petite sizes). I’m glad to see that those days are behind us and Forever21 is now marketing to girls of all sizes. Currently Faith 21 has less than a handful of little black dresses, but that’s pretty excusable since they just launched their line. Get a few of these golden pieces now, showing them how powerful the plus size market is will only play to your advantage later. Keep Faith 21 on your watch list for the coming months: they should be cranking out a few more daring dresses.

TravelSmith has a more traditional faux wrap dress for $84. With ¾ sleeves this look is more professional and polished. If you’re wearing this piece on a night out a chunky necklace and strappy heels are the one two steps you need to take it to stunning.

The Women’s Plus Size Pleated V-Neck Dress by TravelSmith is an awesome find. It has a top that wears like a tank top but is long enough for formal wear. What I love about this dress is the fabric is highly wrinkle resistant (I barely even know how to use an iron). Also, this dress is easy and has no zippers, which is handy—I hate struggling with zippers or don’t always have someone around to help zip me up. Dress, $99.

TravelSmith is the leading retailer in clothes that are admittedly pretty basic. These tastefully executed dresses draw upon a particularly wholesome variety of elegance that thinks glamour can easily be achieved through style staples. How do they manage to stay in business with such a simple aesthetic? Their clothes have a long lifespan, so people tell their friends and get them shopping. Also, the name Travel Smith is no accident—these dresses are travel friendly. So if you’re a working woman who is no stranger to airports this line is going to be exciting news for you. These dresses are superbly wrinkle resistant so no more straining with dry cleaning or irons every time you look around. Just grab out of the suitcase, throw it on, and go.

The best of retro style makes this dress a sassy pick for pin-up worthy hotness. The Sexy halter cocktail dress by Dori has a pinstripe top and a pencil skirt bottom. It has a built in bra so no fussing with separate convertible bras. This flirty frock will look stellar on any woman. Dress, $22.99.

The Career Looks and Pockets Dress by Dori is a design that one can easily see the inspiration from one of the fashion capitals: New York. Mixing the aesthetic of a tracksuit with army wear and putting that into a dress is an unique fashion combination. Perhaps a new incarnation of the jumpsuit for outerwear. This dress has a veritable indie appeal and would be suitable to wear to the next concert you go to. Not exactly fit for ready to wear for work (unless you have a super casual policy) I still argue that this dress is a real must have. It’s chic, cool, and certainly one of a kind, certain to be on top of the next wave of trends. The dress is on sale now retailing at $19.99

Keeping in line with more alternative styles, although this is a simple secretary inspired pencil and tube top this dress takes on a grungier aesthetic. The trendy strapless minidress by Dori is $22.99. This acid wash almost dirty grey is a fit for girls who rock  an attitude: you know the one I look good and I know it. It has pockets which also makes this a utility piece. The oversize belt finalizes the piece give it a catwalk appropriate runway look, this piece should be easy to work so you’ll look model hot.

Casual-Plus is where you’ll want to stop if you’re looking for slinky, short, or show-stopper dresses. Great for young adults who know how to party. These dresses bring out the sensual siren who wants to hit it on the dance floor. With such low prices you’ll know you’ll be sporting new threads every time you go out, who can ask for more? There are numerous little black dresses that’ll have you thinking black must be the new black.

If you feel that lace is not the best choice for you because of snagability factors try the faux lace dress. This dress also makes it to the top as one of my favorites because it addresses one of my bigger issues with tops. I’m not a super busty person, but I remember during my teen years although I was happy about my weight because was slender. Even at a tiny size 1 I was disappointed because I felt boyish up top. Soon after I no longer had this problem and found myself confronted with a new one. All the tops I did have, or many of the ones I would try would literally cut my boobs in half. Frustrated over this and not wanted to be robbed of what I thought to be the most positive attribute of my weight gain I sought after different styles of tops. This dress should not cut off your boobs and leave you with awkwardly placed lumps. Instead this dress boasts to offer a flattering fit no matter your size. For me something as simple as this can be a enormous relief when dress shopping. The dolman sleeves are also a smart style choice for ladies who do not feel comfortable showing off their arms, or just want a little more fabric to stay warm. Sometimes every little bit helps, and who says those extra bits shouldn’t be fashionable? Dress, on sale for a super affordable $23.99. If nothing else this experience taught me one thing, learn to be happy with your size and work with it. Each body type comes with its own size-related challenges.

Elizabeth Howard Women’s Plus Sleeveless Ruched Waist Dress, $25.19, with a beaded neckline has an ethnic feel with contemporary flair. The keyhole dress may have gotten its start in the ’40s but it’s a style that has been revamped throughout the ages and for a valid reason—it’s hot! Its accentuates and draws attention to the chest in a subtle way. This plus size formal dress has a ruched waist to help you tighten the tummy area and the tea-length skirt is excellent so you can bare a little leg.

Chances are you’ve probably heard of this big-name retailer, Sears, but I am here to tell you I could hardly believe the fashionable finds they have at their site. First off their site is downright navigation friendly, you can view a whole bunch of items at a time and get essential details on them (like price and whether or not it comes in more colors) after already narrowing your selection to save time. You can pick color, size, brand, style, occasion, shape, and another of other criteria. Looking for black dresses, well they boast over 141 items to choose from.

This or That: Banded Waists

A little more lace goes a long way. Plus Size Lace Top Elegant Tan Dress, $39.99, has a sheer lacy bodice with a tan underlay. The pleated skirt ends with a little more lace under the skirt that peeks out of the bottom. Sweet, sophisticated, sexy and understated.

If you’ve got pure diva sensibilities put your hands up. If I were you I’d snatch this dress that boasts a super sparkly top. Everyone loves a little disco, and drawing from the aesthetic of a disco ball frocks with sequins are a effortless way to light up the night. Perfect for the girl who wants to be the center of attention for the whole room. The skirt of the dress is layered to give you a little extra length. Get ready to get your party on girl! Dress, $42.99

Plussizefix.com will have you looking simply delectable in their Plus Size Sparkling
Trendy Gold Tube Dress. The strapless bodice comes in a marbled gold black and white pattern and has a little bit of sparkle. The back of the bodice has a ribbon tie so a tighter fit is guaranteed for any bust size. The rest of the dress is a black satin. With a venerable shine and sheen the draping of the dress will help keep this look elegant and slimming. Dress, $42.99

Plussizefix does not have a lot in terms of mild styles. They do, however, have hot dresses many of which come in black. Their sleek, sassy collection is full of styles you can totally rock. Each dress in their collection has unique and fun design details.

Why or why do I love lace? If you haven’t noticed lace has a pretty prominent spot in my wardrobe selections. It may seem like absolute overkill on my part but there is a simple explanation for this: lace is a terrifically forgiving fabric. I say this because whether you’re big or small lace looks lovely. For the smaller women it gives a more condensed darker look and the pattern itself is more ambiguous. Whereas if you are on the bigger side and fill out a dress more the lace becomes lighter, and in turn the pattern becomes more visible. For plus or super petites, whatever you are, trust that this garment and the lace that comes on it and you the wearer will look beautiful. Attached bolero jacket offers more coverage and is a little extra warmth for those chilly nights. Dress, $89. SWAKDesigns is so sure you’ll adore it, they offer a 100% money back return policy.

SWAKDesigns has a handful of black dresses that are casual and flirty fits for full figured women. Every piece is modeled so you can count on their wearability factor. With many time tested silhouettes having you looking fabulous is their main priority.

The Lace Sleeve Dress by Dori on Alight is retailed at $45. A tight little number like this is highly distinctive of a catsuit style, so for all you kittens who want to bring out a little me-ow look no further. So it must be noted that if you aren’t one of our ready to flaunt your womanly curves then better keep move on ‘cuz this dress isn’t for you. With the addition of a little lace there is a smidgen of girlieness to  it that makes it not too intentionally. Equip this little gem for your seductive style arsenal.

Alight also sells another dress that is on the opposite end of the style spectrum. It is still rather tight fitting, but is structured in an entirely different way. Out of all of our picks this one certainly has the most distinctive character. This dress is sophisticated, prim, proper and the floral detailing keeps you looking polished. Leaning on the more conservative side, this dress is not boring with international inspiration  like a mandarin collar. In a cut that is highly similar to the Chinese style dresses that give definition to shape which makes it sexy in a not so aggressive way. Similarly the floral print is common in many similar Chinese garments but we love the monochrome color scheme. The Ladies Who Lunch Dress by Donna Ricco is on sale for $139.99

Alight has little black dresses galore! Frocks that are fit for every possibility some to wear for a walk through a park, others for meeting the Queen. Whatever your desire, you can find it here. Respectively the prices range from super affordable to slightly expensive.

Slink through the doors in this Womensuits dress by Faviana Couture and they’ll have to set off the eye candy alert! This is great for hourglass figures, slight pears, or anyone who is not too top heavy. The balconet top acts as a push up bra. If that didn’t draw enough attention upwards the satin & beading details will. This dress is designed to look similar to the dresses worn by the Deal or No Deal girls. What a smart movie because Howie Mandell knows those girls have it going on. Dress, $298 —it’s half off of the original price! Remember glitter and glamour always go hand in hand. At Womensuits ground shipping is always free for US orders (although they also serve international clientele) and they offer same-day shipping if you order before 4pm EST.

If I was to say that Womensuits had one thing, it would be a varied selection. If you aren’t on the smaller side of plus when browsing their site, I would save time by entering a search on their page like plus dresses. Their pieces are truly stunning and wont let you down.

Igigi’s Ferrera gown, $189, is a fantastic retro plus size special occasion dress  that is contemporary still so no fear of looking dated. This dress comes with a halter neckline, and is also on the longer side. Although this dress may be floor sweeping, you’ll have plenty of chances to show off a little leg as the mid-thigh slit on this one is sure to turn some heads. Igigi is a brand that is always classy, but still super smokin’. Sometimes a dress is so luxe it can really speak for itself.

Igigi mixes up their dress selection with some colored pieces, but they have fabulous dresses in both black or white. They’re all amped up for the holidays, and you should be too. With several black dresses in varying cuts and lengths find refuge in our confidence that they’ll have something that’ll look phenomenal on you.

Avenue has a Halter Dress Black Dress with Starbust Brooch that will give the impression of a long, lean silhouette. It has some ruffling cascading down the front of the dress from the draping, and at the center of the bust a dazzling silver antique styled brooch. This plus size formal dress  is sophisticated and has a modern take on a retro style of sexy that will make any sexpot totally smitten. You’ll surely look like a movie star. Dress is $169.99. Note: if our instant link does not work please enter starburst into the search screen on the avenue site. Avenue is offering a $10 off coupon online if you purchase $75 until 1-24-10 with the code AV101014.

Avenue really hits the mark with what people want with a section entitled Perfect Black Dresses. If you’re looking for a wrap, something beaded, or a layered dress you can end your query now. They even have shoes, so all you have to do is click on over to the Avenue page and find your dream look.