Published: Mon, Dec. 31, 2007 12:00AM

Modified Mon, Dec. 31, 2007 01:35AM

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But in the United States?

Bulik says she hasn't seen evidence yet that the industry has followed through on what was discussed in February, so she plans to follow up early next year.

Jennifer Hudson on Vogue

Weight continued to be an issue in March when Vogue put plus-size singer/actress Jennifer Hudson on the cover of what many consider to be the fashion industry bible, known for its slim cover models.

"Her image on the cover of Vogue is really a positive step for the plus-size woman," said Deborah Friedman, owner of the women's plus-size lingerie Web site, www.Plussizeplum.com, which is based in Durham. "Just by having her presence on the cover, it's expressing the fact that just because you are plus-size doesn't mean you're not into high fashion."

It also sent a message to clothing manufacturers and retailers, she said.

"If you put us up front and center and promote us in the slightest, you've built enough momentum to create a loyal following," Friedman said. "Plus-size women have never been treated well by retailers and department stores or by the public at large. That's why the retailers who are willing to market to them are more successful."

The magazine was part of a larger trend in 2007 of bigger women being recognized for something other than their size. For instance, America Ferrera won a Golden Globe in 2007 for her role as the plump assistant at a fashion magazine in ABC's "Ugly Betty," and Chandra Wilson, a healthy-sized actress, was nominated for an Emmy for her role on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."

The dress

The dress made a triumphant return in 2007. Its appeal? Everyone could find something to fit into. Whether it was the wrap, the shift, the sheath, the babydoll, slim and fitted or full and short, the wide variety of dresses in stores made the dress irresistible and one of 2007's must-have pieces.

But it wasn't just shape that made the dress such a popular part of fashion this year. Women fell for its simplicity, too. Slip one on, add some jewelry and shoes, and you're done.

"I personally feel that the dress is not a trend, it is something that a woman can slip into with a sense of ease," said Tiffany Koury, a Broughton High School graduate who now is a fashion designer in New York City. "It's almost like no-nonsense dressing."

The return could not have been better timed for Koury, who is now known for her collections of silk dresses named after Hollywood bombshells.

"You do not have to think of an entire 'outfit' of sportswear," she said. "Dresses can go from the office to evening by the change of shoes and jewelry."

The oversized handbag

Got an aching back this year?

Maybe it was from your handbag -- your stylishly oversized handbag, another of 2007's top looks.

Some handbags were so big this year, they were mini-suitcases specially designed to carry cell phones, PDAs, water bottles and laptops, as well as lipsticks and a wallet.

Holly Aiken, a Raleigh-based handbag designer whose bags are sold throughout the country, said it's a trend that's happened before. She recently saw pictures of her mom in the '70s. On her shoulder? An oversized bag.

She says her customers are always asking for big bags, especially those large enough for laptops. And she happily supplies them. Her Turbo tote ($122), Airborne messenger (above, $136) and Sedan tote ($94) all get the job done while still maintaining that Holly Aiken chic.

For now, the look is here to stay. "Until people get sick of carrying all that stuff around," Aiken said.