Knowing your body shape is the key to finding the perfect costume! Not only will you be comfortable because the costume is flattering, but you'll love knowing that you're displaying your naturally gorgeous features. You'll love showing off your full hips and lean legs when you wear one of these plus size Halloween costumes for women. From the moment you put on a curve-hugging dress with all the included accessories, you'll instantly feel beautiful. Just check out the types of body shapes listed below and find the one that best describes your body. Most women fall into these five basic shapes that we've outlined. Don't fret if your exact type isn't represented in the images below; just choose the shape that you feel best matches your assets. Next, pick out a costume that you like, then get out there and get the party started!

Apple Shape Body Type

• "Apple Shape" ladies carry most of their weight through their midsections. They have feminine shoulders, lean legs, and trim hips.
• Empire Waists: Tops or dresses that have a seam just under the bust will detail the smallest part of your torso and flow smoothly over any trouble areas.
• Structure: Layer structured pieces, such as jackets and corsets, to help shape your waist. Use heavy fabrics that will hold their shape and provide additional support.
• Feminine Details: Use loose and easily-draped fabrics at the neck line to add feminine touch to structured pieces.
• Skirts: Show off your shapely legs with asymmetrical skirts, pencil skirts, or straight leg pants.
• Avoid: Waist-cinching tops that will add volume to your tummy and draw attention away from your great legs.

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

• "Inverted Triangle" gals carry most of their weight on their upper body. They have trim waists, soft hips, and lean legs.
• V-Necks: Break up wide shoulders with deep V-neck tops and dresses. Use dark colors and clean lines on your top half to avoid adding volume to your look.
• Seamed and Drop Waists: Create the illusion of feminine hips with the flowing fabrics and gathered seams worn just below the natural waist. Peplums are a great way to get a nipped-in look for your waist.
• Full or Flared Skirts: Balance your body with ruffled seams and mermaid silhouettes. Skirts that gently flare out at the waist and flow softly over hips will create movement for feminine curves.
• Avoid: High necklines, such as crew or turtlenecks, which create visual bulk on your upper body. Also, high-waisted bottoms will cut your torso awkwardly, creating an out-of-proportion look.

Pear Shape Body Type

• "Pear Shape" women carry more weight on their lower body. They have trim waists, slender torsos, and curvy hips.
• Wide Neck Tops: Use off-the-shoulder, boat, scoop, and V-neck tops to help create the appearance of broader shoulders and a balanced lower half. This will help achieve that hourglass shape.
• Fitted Tops: Show off the trimmest part of your body with tops that have bright colors and feature fitted waists.
• Layers: Structured jackets and lightweight cardigans will add definition to your shoulders and nip in your waist.
• A-Line Skirts: Choose skirts that flare out from the widest part of your body. This will highlight your trim waist and flow over your curves for a feminine look.
• Avoid: Oversized tops that have no shape or structure. Clingy fabrics on the bottom will over emphasize your lower half.

Column Shape Body Type

• "Column Shape" gals carry their weight evenly throughout their torso. They have long torsos, lean legs, and tend to have athletic body types.
• Layers: Create dimensions and added curves with lightweight fabrics which drape softly over trouble areas.

• Open Neckline: Boat neck or off-the-shoulder neck lines will attract the eye upward to your face and balance the fullness of your torso.
• Belts: Tops that nip in at the waist or are belted help to accentuate your bust and create more curves. Ensure that you are defining the smallest part of your torso, which is usually under the bust at the rib cage.
• Straight Bottoms: Use skirts and pants that flow gently from the widest part of your waist. This will elongate your legs and flow over your tummy. Also, patterns and dark colors will help lengthen your lower half.
• Avoid: Clingy or tight styles. Also, garments with harsh lines will make you look overly structured.

Hourglass Shape Body Type

• "Hourglass" figures are evenly proportioned on the top and bottom with a defined waist. They tend to have a full chest, trim waist, and curvy hips.
• Wrap Styles: Wrap tops and dresses flatter your defined waist and glide over hips and bottom for graceful movement.
• Tailored Tops: Use the structure of jackets and button-down tops to accentuate your waist. Corsets and belts also help to draw attention to your natural curves.
• Skirts: Pick skirts and dresses that hit at the thinnest part of your leg for a long lean look. This is generally just below the knee or right at the ankle. This trick creates the illusion of thinner legs.
• Avoid: Bulky and shapeless garments. They will hide your natural curves and make you look boxy.

We know that we just threw a whole bunch of information at you and if you need more clarification, we completely understand. If you're still looking in the mirror trying to figure out what body type best describes your figure, then we have a little surprise for you! Just take this simple quiz that we devised so you can find the women's plus size Halloween costume that will make you feel the most confident. The breakdown of questions will lead you to your body shape, and then you can find the perfect costume from there. We hope that this quiz is fun and informative!

Now that you figured out your body shape, and picked out a plus size Halloween costume that you're in love with, it's time to accessorize! Whether you're dressed as a dapper flapper or you're decked out in a medieval themed costume, we have tips and tricks to further ensure that you feel your most fabulous. Maybe you have to add some bright red lipstick to your look or maybe you just need that million dollar smile plastered on your face in order to really stand out.

Take a look at these universal tips for all body shapes and use one, or all of them, to make your plus size costume really pop! We are positive that the results will be pleasing. You'll have a women's plus size Halloween costume that goes with your personality, flatters your figure, while making you feel amazing and confident. All you have to do is find a silhouette that accentuates your natural assets and then add some coordinating accessories that are fun and functional. Pretty simple! Take a look at some of the most popular costumes for plus size ladies that we have listed for your convenience.

Before you place your order, we need to discuss one more thing...measurements! Costume sizes differ greatly from regular clothing, so you may need to purchase a different size from what you're use to wearing. Unless the costume is meant to be skin-tight, you should choose a size that allows room to move and groove! To ensure maximum comfort, give yourself three to four inches for movement. Don't be discouraged if you need to order a size up from your usual size- this is very common. For instance, if your chest measures 40" and the size you want to purchase has a measurement of 42," it may feel a bit snug. Basically, when you are confused about choosing a costume size, always choose the larger one.

Since costume sizes are very different from standard clothing sizes, we at Halloweencostumes.com decided to go above and beyond to make sure that you purchase the right costume the first time around. The chart we have pictured here is not a generic size chart because we have all different costume types pictured. Reference the images below to see how we measure our costumes and then find your ideal fit!

Since we're in the costume biz, we know what plus size Halloween costumes for women are flying off the shelf every year. We've listed some of our costumes favorites, with hopes that one or all of these classic costumes end up in your closet. These costumes will flatter your full-figure easily so you'll love how you'll look and feel while you wear one. Just pick out the one that you're most attracted to and start to get into character!

Full coverage costumes are just as awesome as barely-there sexy costumes, and we'll be the first to tell you why. Full coverage allows you to highlight your natural beauty, while giving you a flattering look that you feel confident wearing. Not only do you get to showcase your favorite features, but a full coverage costume also keeps you nice and warm, so don't worry about shivering. You'll be comfortable no matter what activities you and your crew get into. We've compiled a list of some spectacular full coverage costumes that are ready to be worn. Pick out the women's plus size Halloween costume that best suits your personality, then get out there and work it, girl!