Plus-size fashion goes from frumpy to fabulous with the help of local boutiques and forward-thinking designers

Plus size. Two little words, one big headache when it comes to shopping. Just ask Cheree Forsythe of Seattle, who wears anything between a size 18 and 22. "Most clothing for larger women has flowers, loud colors or glitter. The clothes make you look old and unattractive," says the 36-year-old, who also complains about lack of choice, badly proportioned clothing and poor quality fabric—"everything is stretchy and clings," she says.

Though selection is still far less than acceptable for plus-size women, some department stores have expanded their offerings, and independently owned boutiques are beginning to add larger sizes to the mix. Web sites are becoming a go-to spot for women searching for variety as well -- once you know the fit of the labels. Another resource is to work with a style or image consultant.

Darcey Howard, a personal style consultant and "Chief Style Officer" of Life Styled, works with many women who have difficulty finding flattering clothing in larger sizes. Her job, as she puts it, is to get them into clothes that fit. "They're much more flattering than ones that don't," she says. Howard laments that consumers and retailers often think of tent dressing as appropriate plus-size clothing. "It's unflattering and styles can be matronly." Howard maintains that it doesn't matter what your age or size, if you understand what looks good on you, you'll feel put together and more confident. She offers the following tips:

1. Choose a silhouette with a waist. It's more complimentary to have clothing that defines rather than hides.

2. Embrace color and patterns. Don't hide behind dark colors. Pinstripes can be flattering. Adding a little color or pattern creates visual interest and is pleasing to the eye.

3. Accentuate the positive aspects of your figure. Show off your great legs, curvy arms, long neck, or cleavage.

4. Be mindful of where your natural hip is and wear jackets that hit at that hip line rather than something long and less stylish.

5. A V-neck or relaxed draped neck can make your neck look longer. Turtlenecks shorten your neckline.

6. Pants should draw a nice line to the floor. A fuller leg rather than a tapered leg can thin out the midsection.

7. Accessorize. It gives panache to even the most basic outfit. Look for a great "It" bag, killer shoes and cool jewelry.

8. Shop online. Many national chains offer plus sizes online but not in-store.

9. Look for labels from longtime designers who are now making plus sizes, such as Liz Claiborne and Michael Kors.

10. Consider consignment shops if your weight fluctuates or you're in between sizes and not ready to invest in a new wardrobe. It's a great way to get over that hump.

WHERE TO SHOP
Shop around to find sales people who know the product and the idiosyncrasies of how different labels fit. Try these independent boutiques, chains and department stores to find styles that are right for you:

Lemon Meringue
This Greenwood boutique currently carries the Kiyonna line up to size 20. Clients love the fit. The store carries nice cotton tops with stretch, dresses and pants ($40-$100). Don't see what you want? Talk to owners Carie Cook Garris and Amy White. They'll go through the catalog with you and are happy to order pieces. Look for new labels arriving in August including Svoboda, Rozzie Rae for denim and plus-size Hanky Panky lingerie.

Tweed
Keep this shop on your radar. Owner Danielle Luartes is researching plus-size clothing and plans on carrying larger sizes beginning in August. The lines she's eyeing are moderately priced. Igigi is a well-cut line with flowy wrap dresses and tops in solid colors, including one convertible dress that can be worn in more than a dozen ways. The label also has several denim styles. Prices are $60 and up and run to size 20. Blue Plate is another line Luartes is ordering, with vintage-inspired dresses and blouses up to size 20. Prices range from $60 to $130. Luartes is also working with a local designer to bring in original designs that will go up to size 18.

Two Big Blondes
Owner Susan Smith took over this plus-size consignment business a few months ago. She relentlessly replenishes items at the rate of about 100 a day and has approximately 10,000 items in her 4,000-square-foot store at any given time. Smith carries sizes 14 to 36. Around 90 percent of her inventory is consignment and 10 percent is new (usually samples or special shipments). And 40 percent to 50 percent of her merchandise consists of well-known labels like Liz Claiborne, Eileen Fisher , Alfani, Paul Stanley and Misook. (Smith has a head for figures, as well as for what looks good on a figure.) Prices are low (as little as $16 for a top) for current- and past-season clothing and accessories.

You'll find everything here: shoes, skirts, pants, dresses, jewelry, lingerie, swimsuits, suits, special-occasion clothes and even vintage pieces. "Most first-time customers are here for at least two hours. Some spend six hours endlessly trying on things and buy a lot," says Smith. If you have pieces to consign, bring 'em in. "I make it easy for people and accept things almost all the time," says Smith.

Trendy Wendy
Younger plus-size shoppers who want the latest trendy items shop at this Broadway boutique on Capitol Hill. Owner Lisa Chang stocks all the latest styles from L.A., plus a huge array of lingerie and hosiery for curvy girls. Sizes run from 1XL-3XL, with some items running to 5XL. "Almost 25 percent of our store is plus-size," says Chang. Prices are extremely affordable—tops are around $20.

Torrid
This chain carries affordable clothing from casual and trendy tops to more classic wear-to-work pieces. There's a huge mix here in terms of merchandise and clientele—you'll find shoppers from young teens to 60+.

NORDSTROM

This Robbie Bee Sleeveless Print Dress in cotton, $88, is available online at Nordstrom.com.

Nordstrom
Nordy's does a good job with their plus-size department and offerings online, with hundreds of pieces to choose from -- even plus-size petite pieces. It's one of your best bets for tailored suits. The quality is better here than on some of the plus-size Web sites. Check the Point of View department, which carries JAG jeans, TAG and David Kahn items that run to size 18. Most have 3 percent stretch for added room and comfort.

Macy's
This is a well-stocked department in-store with ample choices online and outfits for every occasion. Their lingerie and swimwear selection is vast. Some of the basics lack style, but they have some cute tops. The I.N.C. brand is the best -- trendy, cute and the cuts are good. And, as with everything at Macy's, they always have racks of discounted clothing and frequent sales -- you rarely need to pay full price.

Chico's
While not technically a plus-size store, sizing is generous (up to about size 16) and garments tend to be on the unstructured, flowy side. It's easy to mix and match here, choosing pieces to create a silhouette. They have belts that slide so you can easily adjust the width of them.

ON THE WEB
Try www.avenue.com for inexpensive, current styles. However, they do carry pricier, premium denim such as 7 For All Mankind jeans. Most items come in sizes 14 to 32.

At www.svobodastyle.com, you'll find contemporary clothing that isn't overly trendy. These pieces can be the cornerstone of a new wardrobe. They have a nice selection of jersey knits in gorgeous colors as well as good plus-size denim.