Forget frumpy... fashion for the fuller figure this spring is funky and fabulous, finds Maxine Gordon.

IF you've got it, flaunt it. Fashion this spring is all about being womanly. Layers of chiffon and cotton, pretty floral prints, big, bold belts and chunky, funky jewellery are all in the mix. There's a hint of gipsy in the long, layered skirt; of the geisha in the wrap-over kimono tops with trailing butterfly sleeves and of the beach babe in the long, floaty kaftan.

One thing is certain: these looks are not for the shy and retiring. This sort of fashion demands attention, asking: look at me. And it begs the question: don't I look fab?

But best of all, these fashions can work whatever your size.

Don't believe me? Well have a look for yourself. Every item in our fashion spread this week comes from a plus-size collection, proving you don't have to resemble a stick of celery (or eat nothing but the bendy green stuff for a year) in order to find fab fashions for this spring and summer. And isn't it about time fashion brands woke up to the fact that (a) most women in the UK are larger than a size 14 and (b) we want to wear the latest trends?

For knock-out looks to boost your curves without busting your bank balance, Evans is a must. Its revamped York store in Coppergate features all the key trends from the catwalks including tiered skirts, crochet shrugs, bold-studded belts, tie-dyed jersey tops and leather bags worn across the body.

The inspiration is the white sands of the Indian Ocean and the souks of Marrakech in Morocco. These fun, young clothes are perfect for day wear. Don't forget to check out our competition on this page for your chance to win vouchers worth £125 to spend at Evans in York.

Turn up the heat a few notches and you're in the world of Anna Scholz. This designer knows how to make larger women look and feel sexy - and her collection is perfect for nights out on the town.

Her collection features see-through tops, floaty long skirts in jazzy prints, kaftans with matching wide-legged trousers and dresses which leave little to the imagination. This designer creates daring looks which you have to adore.

Another good hunting ground for fuller-sized fashions is New Look. It's Inspire collection provides up-to-the-minute styles at too-good-to-be-true prices.

Still stuck for inspiration? Well, don't forget many of the high street department stores now cater for larger sizes while catalogues too can provide looks to thrill. A favourite of ours is French-flavoured La Redoute; its Tallissime plus-size collection offers a touch of continental chic. Oooh la la!

And finally, the internet is always a good resource for the plus-size shopper. Check out the website: www.plussizeclothing.co.uk which offers a guide to buying everything from shoes and sexy lingerie.

Now get ready to emerge for spring.

:: Tips for slimming looks...

Go for gentle tailoring, choosing the right fabric and cut can make all the difference.

Wear a uniform colour and resist splitting the body up by wearing a mix of different colours.

Pick out your best feature - then play to that.

Splash out on accessories such as shoes, or grooming.

Have your hair done regularly, and learn how to apply makeup expertly, which can make your face appear thinner.

Never skimp on underwear. One of the best investments is a properly-fitted bra, will lift your bust, give you a waist and make your top half look slimmer

Be confident. If you look good, you will feel good about yourself. Walk tall, and you will instantly look slimmer.

Updated: 16:23 Friday, March 04, 2005