How to choose a dress for plus-size women?

To learn more about dresses for curvy women, check out our dedicated 100% guide!

There are several models of dresses for curvy women. And for good reason, there are also several occasions that require wearing a dress. Moreover, in your wardrobe, it is always useful to have several kinds.

Yes, it all depends on your body shape and your taste. Should you wear long dresses? Short ones? What type of neckline should you choose? What sleeve style? Should you opt for a high-waisted or straight cut? How do you hide love handles? In short, how should you dress when you are curvy? We tell you everything in this article.

Cuts to adopt for each occasion, preferred patterns, those to avoid. We explain the effects of colors on your silhouette and the fabrics suitable for plus-size models.

What dress should curvy women wear to a wedding?

Dressing for a wedding requires some thought. To make it easier for you, here is the Modalova guide to dresses for curvy women to wear to a wedding.

Chic, elegant, glamorous, sexy, casual or classy items, you need several types to dress appropriately for different events. But you still need to find pieces that suit your body shape.

What dress should curvy women wear for their wedding?

As a bride, you need to be the most gorgeous on your big day. And for that, a beautiful bohemian dress is the piece that will enhance you. Combining simplicity, beauty, and freedom, it will transform you into a princess for a day.

• The flowing white dress:

Whether it’s made of cotton voile, lightweight viscose, English embroidery, or even silk canvas, choose a lightweight one. Opt for mid-length, flared, fluid, and transparent sleeves. It’s best to highlight your bust with an open or even plunging neckline.

Add some guipure lace or lace pieces to your bridal outfit. Prefer elegant, discreet, embroidered patterns such as small flowers, butterflies, or feathers that symbolize peace and freedom. With this piece, keep it as simple as possible by wearing few ornaments and choosing creamy colors.

• The empire dress:

Another essential model of wedding dress for curvy women is the empire dress. Thanks to its fitted cut below the bust, it enhances the bust and camouflages the stomach at the same time.

Here, you can add some pearls, diamonds, or sequins, but only at the bust to avoid weighing down your outfit. And in moderation.

You can wear a strapless dress, or one with thin straps. But if you prefer to hide the roundness of your arms, opt for a long-sleeved or 3/4-length sleeve model. However, prefer transparent fabrics for the sleeves.

Choose a plunging neckline or a model with bare shoulders. To go further in this direction, choose an open-back dress for a glamorous effect. Pay attention to the color and patterns of your dress, making sure not to weigh down your outfit.

How to choose the right dress style for curvy women at a wedding?

Are you curvy? Are you invited to a wedding and don’t know what dress for curvy women to choose? Or are you even a bridesmaid and unsure about the dress style that suits your body shape?

Don’t panic, we have the advice you need.

• If you are a bridesmaid, it’s best to agree in advance on the color of your outfits. Opt for dark and refined colors such as emerald green, navy blue, midnight blue, or garnet.

Then discuss the fabric of your outfits. Classy satin, chiffon, elastane, chiffon, and viscose are the fabrics to prioritize. In any case, opt for stretchy materials. As for the cut, the mermaid dress or the sleeveless and fitted empire dress is perfect.

• If you are a guest, you can opt for simplicity. For example, a straight dress or a trapeze dress will enhance you.

To break this simplicity, choose a slit dress or a fairly short but still classy model. In this case, opt for dark colors and pay attention to the accessories. For example, wear high-heeled shoes like pumps or wedges.

This way, you highlight your legs. Or, choose a wrap dress or a wrap-over dress. These models are more sophisticated.

You can choose between long and short cuts. However, make sure to highlight your assets such as your bust, thighs, and waist. To hide your curves, opt for cinching with a belt or a knotted rope.

For more information on wedding dresses for curvy women, we offer you a guide specifically for weddings!

Choosing a sexy dress for curvy women: the Modalova guide

Here are some tips for being sexy when you are curvy.

What evening dress should curvy women choose?

• The tight-fitting dress:

To be sexy in the evening, the key is to wear a tight-fitting dress for curvy women. Especially for women with an A or an 8 body shape, this style highlights your silhouette. Here, you can opt for ultra-sexy models without sleeves or with thin straps, short or even mini dresses, or longer models.

You can also choose a lace-up, tied-back, or backless model.

Here, play with colors. Although black dresses for curvy women are the most recommended, you can choose other colors. If you are more confident in your body, choose purple, pink, or red. As for the fabric, prefer satin or chiffon. As for shoes, high-heeled square-toed shoes with laces are the best for this type of outfit.

• The long dress:

You can also choose a longer dress. Whether it’s straight, pencil, or wrap, you can still look sexy. And to do so, choose a two-material model. A touch of leather adds a naughty touch to your look.

Or, lace, silk, or lycra are inherently sexy materials. You can also add some bare elements to your outfit. For example, wear a cut-out dress, a one-sleeved model, off-the-shoulder, or plunging neckline.

• The mini dresses:

If you prefer short models, a little ruffle at the ends of your dress will be welcome. Also, belted models highlight your waist. Here again, choose your accessories carefully. For example, wear dangling earrings, choker necklaces, and glamorous bracelets.

For more information on evening dresses for curvy and petite women, check out our thematic guide!

How to be sexy in a dress for curvy and petite women?

• Choosing the right models:

There are many models of sexy dresses for curvy and petite women. For example, you can wear a fairly short skater skirt that reveals your thighs and legs. For a glamorous touch, choose a backless or laced model. Prefer a fitted bust, asymmetrical sleeves, bare shoulders, or a plunging V-neckline.

Or, you can choose a sleeveless cut. If you prefer less short and more elegant models, choose a mid-length cut.

A slit and belted dress accentuates your naughty side. Whether it’s a jersey style, trapeze, empire, or a simple straight skirt, a slit and a belt make any model sexier.

Also, opt for an openwork or slightly transparent look. Choose a passionate color like red for your dress for curvy women. And above all, don’t forget your heels.

• Avoided patterns:

First, choose patterns that don’t make you look shorter. Heavy patterns tend to overload your look and accentuate your curves.

By “heavy patterns,” we mean animal prints, big and flashy stripes. All exaggerated snake, leopard, zebra, or giraffe prints are therefore to be avoided.

For curvy and petite women, it is best to opt for more balanced patterns. Like polka dots, small butterflies, and others. Also, only discreet vertical stripes give the illusion of a longer body.

So, favor the latter as you favor floral prints. As for the cut of your dress for curvy women, opt for fairly short models that don’t make you look crowded.

Forget about long and maxi skirts. However, you can opt for medium-length models only if you accessorize with heels.

For more information on sexy dresses for curvy women, check out our detailed guide 😉

The slimming dress for curvy women, how to choose?

How to dress to appear slimmer? Well, it all depends on the cut and color of the dress!

What slimming dress styles should you wear?

• Colors:

Here, we won’t tell you anything new, you just need to follow a few basic rules. One of these rules states that you should play with colors. You may already know that dark colors create a slimmer silhouette and accentuate curves.

Yes, it’s true that they attract heat, but they don’t attract light. This property allows them to hide curves well and thus give the illusion of a slimmer body. So, make use of black, dark green, dark red, dark gray, and brown.

• Cuts:

As for the cut, it is better to choose long models. Maxi dresses are therefore to be preferred to sculpt your silhouette. Mid-length models are also effective. In addition, you can play with your waist. Cinch it with a belt or a knotted rope to appear slimmer.

• Types of dresses for curvy women to prioritize:

In the ranking of slimming dresses are shirt dresses, wrap dresses, and wrap-over dresses. To wear the shirt dress style, choose a looser one that will hide your curves. To accessorize, choose a belt or a rope to cinch the waist.

Open your collar and unbutton the first 2 buttons to highlight your chest. As for the long wrap dress, everything depends on the fluidity of your model. To add a touch of femininity to your outfit, choose a short front and long back asymmetrical model.

You can also choose a slit dress. As for the wrap-over cuts, prefer a long and ruffled model with long or mid-length sleeves. Here, play with patterns.

How to create a slimming effect with a dress for curvy women?

You have the choice between:

• The trapeze dress:

For a simple dress for curvy women like a trapeze dress, for example, you just need to choose a long cut. Also, for maximum effect, choose a dark color. To avoid a total look, you can choose a dark color for the hips and waist, but a light or bright color in the middle. This technique has always been effective in giving the illusion of a slimmer body.

• The straight dress:

Straight dresses also give the illusion of a slimmer body. It works every time! Just wear high-heeled shoes for maximum effect. In addition, you can prefer small, close patterns that deceive the eye by giving the illusion of a less bulky body.

Vertical stripes are also suitable for a slimming effect. However, make sure they are not too bold.

• The pencil skirt:

You can also choose this very chic model. This cut hides the curves of the hips and thighs and highlights the waist.

However, choose a skirt that is not too tight. Also, flared dresses in a bohemian or loose jersey style properly refine the body.

It only remains to adjust the colors and necklines. For example, the V-neck brings fairly satisfactory results. Also, skirts with an A-line shape slim down the silhouette.

However, to break their simplicity, choose a rather provocative bust. On the other hand, if you prefer to cover up more, you can choose a fitted bust. Here, avoid puffy dresses that only accentuate the curves.

In fact, anything that is too frilly and draped is not recommended for those who want a slim body.

For more information on slimming dresses for curvy women, check out our article specifically designed for this type of garment!

Discover our complete guide on dresses for curvy women when you are petite!

Need information on the perfect elegant dress for curvy women for your events and ceremonies? Check it out here!