In the last few years there has been an explosion of fashions for women size 14+. Designers and marketers have finally realized plus-size women have money to spend and they like to spend it. Yet even with all the options, plus-size women still tend to make the same old mistakes. I am going to point out the most common mistakes, while helping you find your style and look fabulous – no matter what you weigh!

Myth #1. Black is slimming.

Uh, not really. In theory, this would be true if you're wearing the absolutely correct fabric. For example, Coco Chanel always looks great in black. But we don't usually wear Chanel. So for the more common fabrics found in more reasonable merchandise, try this experiment.

Take a pair of black pantyhose. Put it on and stand in front of the mirror. See how the black stretches evenly in terms of tone down by the ankles? Now look up. See how the black fades to a dull gray in the more ample thigh area? This happens when fabric is forced to stretch. The same theory applies to pants, tunics, T-shirts etc. So be very careful of how the color black washes over every part of your body. If you do go black, wear really expensive fabric that gives and forgives. Always check for this sheer indignity.

With all the new fashions out there, try some color. Often they camouflage much more naturally. Wearing all black all the time makes people wonder what you’re hiding.

Myth #2. Vertical stripes are slimming.

Again, not really. Let's try another experiment. Take out those sweats you have (we all have them) with the lines down the sides. Put them on then look in the mirror. See how that stripes are not quite as straight as you might like? My stripes tend to go a little curvy right over my saddlebags. This only adds attention to certain areas.