Where to find flattering styles for plus-size women.

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Remember when shopping for plus-sized clothes meant finding one tiny section of a department store, full of shapeless, style-less garments? It's time to make that a memory: These days, plus-sized women are finding ever-increasing options in shopping, from stores specifically for curvy bodies to expanding sizes and styles at trusted shopping venues. Read on for our favorite new plus-size options:

Plus-Size Specialty Stores: Thanks to demand, plenty of plus-size boutiques are popping up across the country. What's more, many already-known shops are launching their own plus-size stores. Stores to consider:

• Avenue and Lane Bryant: Found across the country, both Avenue and Lane Bryant specialize in trend-conscious, flattering clothes for plus sizes -- no gaudy prints or tent dresses here! Be sure to check out their lingerie and hosiery departments.
• Silhouettes and Junonia: Both Silhouettes and Junonia have Web sites and catalogs specializing in plus sizes. Junonia's casual clothes (including comfy pants, pretty informal dresses, and basic tops) and Silhouettes' trendier offerings (including suits, special occasion dresses, and outerwear) guarantee great style, wearable sizes, and shopping convenience.
• Elisabeth and Talbots Woman: These upscale brands are related to Liz Claiborne and Talbots respectively. Both offer sophisticated, sleek, and professional choices, similar to those in their skinnier sisters' shops.

New Sizing Options at Favorite Stores: In addition to specialty plus-size boutiques, many existing stores (and their Web sites) offer plus-size services. Check out Old Navy's Women's Plus line, as trendy and affordable as basic Old Navy, but cut especially for a curvy woman; J. Crew's extended calf offerings in boots; Gap's online pants sizes (they go up to 20); J. Jill's plus-size pieces; and specialty boutiques within Kohl's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's department stores, which offer the same stylish clothes as are in the misses department, but sized to fit the chic plus-size woman.