Plus Size Tops for Summer '06 You Shouldn't Miss

So, you're trying to put together the essential plus sized wardrobe, and you've finally gotten to the fun part. The tops. Blouses, shirts, tees and tanks are the easiest plus size clothing to shop for and offer the greatest flexibility to show off your personal style.

Here are five great options to check out.

1. Square Neck Tops. A square neckline can emphasize otherwise invisible collarbones, and they offer a more modest alternative to the vee neck. One of the most beautiful square neck shirts this season can be found at Igigi. Igigi flirts with the peasant-style trend and offers a fluttery square neck top in Rust, Parchment and Blue. The parchment color looks as if it might fade away on most skin tones, but the saturated rust and blue will flatter most women. At 30 inches long, it will disguise troublesome tummy areas, and with three-quarter-length sleeves, it may save you some money at the tailor's if you're on the petite side. The disadvantage of this shirt, and most Igigi tops, is the price and the directive to hand wash the garment. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the fabric used in the shirt can stand up to the washing machine. Moreover, Igigi's designer is top-knotch, so it's worth saving up for this one.

2. The Knot Top. Most full figured women have bosoms worth showing off, and the knot top is an excellent option to draw attention to your best features. Knot tops are usually vee necks with a gathered bustline, twisted right between the breasts. The advantage to such a shirt is that it feels like a tee, but can be worn to the office. Igigi obliges with their Princess Knot Top, carried in a number of rich colors including Fuschia. The shirt does run on the small size, so you may wish to try one size up.

3. Tank Tops or Camis. Don't be afraid of sleeveless garments. Your bare arms are probably more attractive than you think they are, and even if you are too self-conscious to wear a tank or cami alone, there are now a host of options out there with shrugs, boleros and cardigans that make these tops indispensible. Check out a sophistocated Ruffle-front babydoll from Lane Bryant. Or, for more coverage, try their Braided-strap babydoll. Lane Bryant garments are well made, and reasonably priced, but it doesn't hurt to wait for a sale.

4. The Shrug. On summer nights, shrugs are lightweight perfection that banishes the chill. But even during summer days, they can be a plus sized girl's best friend. If you're worried that your arms look too large in a tank top or cami, or that your bra straps are going to show, never fear, the shrug is here. The Crochet-trimmed sweater shrug from Lane Bryant comes in a number of useful colors. Or if you like patterns, an innovative option is their Flame-stitch shrug.

5. Breathable, Flexible, Gauze. There's almost nothing so feminine and pretty on a summer day as wearing white gauze. Fortunately, Fashion Bug is offering us the option this summer with their very well priced Knit gauze surplice with crochet trim. I've had the opportunity to see this blouse on a real woman, sized 26W, and it's very flattering. So snap it up while it's on sale!