Plus Size Picks: Three Ways With A Polka Dot Dress

Your fortnightly plus size picks have had a bit of a makeover this week. Rather than bringing you various takes on a particular trend or item of clothing, I've picked one key piece, and shown three different ways to wear it.

In true Domestic Sluttery style, I'm kicking things off with a girly number, the polka dot shirt dress (sizes 14 - 32) £30 from Curvissa. Even if you don't fancy this particular dress, chances are you might have a similar print or shape already in your wardrobe. The three looks show you how this style can work in various different ways, all making the short-sleeved style suitable for Winter's cold weather. Just add black opaque tights to finish these looks!

Look One: Think Pink

The pink coat is this season's big statement trend, and it's good to see that plus size retailers have been quick on the uptake, rather than taking a year to bring out a suitable version. Pink with polka dots can really only go one of two ways - ladylike or retro. I chose a bit of both, with 40s style shoes, gloves, a boxy doctor's bag and a cute dog brooch...because who doesn't want a bulldog on their lapel?

Pink coat £54 at Simply Be | Polka dot gloves £17.99 at Mango | Wide fit Mary Jane shoes £22.99 at New Look | Bulldog brooch (set of 2) £26.50 at Macy's | Pink Doctor's bag £24.99 at Daniel Footwear

Look Two: Moody Blues

To take the polka dots out of twee territory, the next look teams the dress with black leather. The quilted jacket is a bit less obvious than a biker jacket, and the collarless, single-breasted shape is less bulky. Ankle boots with a slight heel add a lift, but the built-in cushioning keeps things comfy. I've added a bit of colour with a blue bag and scarf - the prints of the dress and scarf are close enough that they'll work with each other, rather than against each other.

Quilted faux leather jacket £79 at Castaluna | Animal print scarf £8 at Matalan | Louche Pasadena saddle bag £45 at Joy | Biker ankle boots with insolia £45 at Marks and Spencer 

Look Three: Warm Berries

Finally, I've put together a look for really cold days when you just want to wrap up warm. Duo's boots may be expensive but they come in a huge selection of calf widths for the perfect fit. If the purple's not for you, they come in black and green as well. Evans' fur trimmed purple coat will keep you warm in any weather, and a big boxy bag holds all your vital bits and pieces, plus a few non-vital ones too. Finally add a bit of bling, and a floppy hat, because if they're good enough for the entire cast of Made in Chelsea, they're good enough for you.

Fur trimmed purple coat £79.50 at Evans | Purple boots (available in wide calf widths) £230 at Duo | Black floppy hat £28 at Topshop | Lola & Grace ring £28.50 at House of Fraser | Bar top bag £39.50 at Marks & Spencer