Fabulous fashions: for fuller figures

Ebony, March, 2005

DRESSING to impress is a way of life for Black professional women, and three full-figured females--Gia Batson, a physician; Kristin Arceneaux, a Ford model; and Shatira Wilks-Smelser a purse designer--prove that size doesn't matter.

Dr. Gia Batson proves that "banker's blue" doesn't have to be boring in this elegant two-piece tapered suit with a ribbed, royal blue satin lapel (Available at Benas, Chicago). Accessories: Shoes, Diego Sanz's "Viviana" double-strapped slingback silver leather pump, available at Macson Florsheim in New York or www.diegosanz.com.; 18-karat white gold and diamond pave heart bracelet, necklace, and baguette buckle ring, available at Pro Gems Jewelers, Ltd., Chicago; "Bouquet" earrings and brooch, available at Contessa Bottega in Chicago; luxurious Givenchy stockings (www.barenecessities.com); platinum carry-all case, "It's Academic," available at Wal-Mart.

Professional model Kristin Arceneaux is on the go in style in this supple dark chocolate leather suit, available at Bates Custom & Ready to Wear Designs in Chicago. Accessories: Shoes, "Alexis" style, pewter color, available at www.artycedesigns.com; purse, Beijo (www.beijobags.com); "J-Lo" inspired earrings and necklace, Contessa Bottega; 18-karat white gold crisscross diamond bangle bracelet, ProGems Jewelers, Ltd.

Elegance reigns supreme in this bronze "tango" two-piece suit, from Benas. Accessories: Red fox wrap with bronze satin ribbon and beige fox patchwork clutch, Alexis & Gianni Fine Furs and Outerwear, available at alexisandgianni.com; earrings and brooch, Contessa Bottega; multicolored diamond ring, ProGems Jewelers, Ltd.; shoes, "Fox Mignon" in bronze, Artyce Designs; stockings, All The Way Spanx (www.barenecessities.com).

Confidence is conveyed in this dramatic gray pinstriped suit by Bates Custom and Ready to Wear Designs. Accessories: Crisp white blouse, available at www.avenue.com; sunglasses, Boucheron "TV Star" available at www.distinctiveassets.com; "Diamond Diva" earrings, necklace and ring, Baby Phat Fine Jewelry by Kimora Lee Simmons for Simmons Jewelry Co., available at Marshall Field's and select Bloomingdale's stores; 18-karat white gold "O" link bracelet, Pro Gems Jewelers, Ltd.; shoes, "Mignon" in black (www.artycedesigns.com).

Powerbrokers can wear pink in the boardroom, if they choose. Shatira Wilks-Smelser (l.) is wearing a white knit blazer, white cropped pants and pink leopard blouse available at www.avenue.com. Accessories: Pure pink topaz earrings, Baby Phat Fine Jewelry, "Diamond Diva" collection, available at Marshall Field's and select Bloomingdale's stores.

Dr. Batson is wearing a pink tweed jacket with matching skirt, and pink lace camisole, available at www.avenue.com. Accessories: Gold and crystal "Rosa" double-hoop earring, two-row crystal stretch ring and bracelet available at all Carson Pirie Scott & Co. stores.

Classic polka dots (right) will never go out of style. Dr. Batson (l.) is wearing a sexy crimson polka-dot dress, available at www.justmysize.com. Shatira is wearing a flirty black polka-dot dress available at www.sizeappeal.com. Accessories: Baby Phat Fine Jewelry by Kimora Lee Simmons for Simmons Jewelry Co., the Diamond Diva collection, available at Marshall Field's and select Bloomingdale's stores. Parade of purses (from l.): Nicky Frame by Elliott Lucca (shown in White Freeze, www.distinctiveassets.com; Fairfax Medium handbag (Lil' Kim), available at www.ginaalexander.com; yellow Beijo clutch, www.beijobags.com. Shoes: Arizona "Casey" pink multi sandal, available at JC Penney; hot pink suede shoe, available at Sears.

Sophisticated ladies will stand out in this stylish watercolor suit designed by Barbara Bates, available at www.batesdesigns.com. Accessories: "Mixit" emerald bauble bracelets, available at JC Penney stores; rose and white gold diamond heart necklaces and three-sided hoop earrings, Pro Gems Jewelers, Ltd.; shoes, "Robyn," www.artycedesigns.com; handbag, "Red Hot" available at www.orginalcoinpurse.com.

Photography: Vandell Cobb Location: Renaissance Hotel Chicago.