Today, we’re delving into the world of dresses. I’ve curated a list of the top 10 most elegant and flattering dresses for plus-size women.
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Nothing is better than a lovely dress that suits your body type and enhances your attributes. As a plus-size woman, I have had to learn the dresses that flatter my curves and those I better sheer away from.
I want to share some excellent tips that I have collected here and there. You may already know some of these tips, but it is always good to remember them when looking for the most flattering dresses for plus-size women.
Below, I’ve outlined the three essential guidelines every plus-size woman should consider:
- Accentuate the waist: When looking for plus-size dresses that flatter, it’s always best to choose ones that subtly define your waist. This creates the illusion of an hourglass figure.
- 2. Dress with your correct size: Bulky dresses are more likely to make you look bigger than you are. On the other hand, buying dresses of a smaller size, thinking that you will wear them when you lose weight, is also a bad idea. I guarantee you, these dresses can remain unused for a long time in your wardrobe.
- 3. Wear shapewear: High-quality shapewear supports the body, shapes your figure, and improves posture. So, this is one of the top recommendations to achieve a flawless figure whenever you wear a dress.
Flattering plus-size dresses according to body types
Determining your body type is the first step in finding the best dresses for you.
So, let’s quickly look at the most common female body types to find the most flattering dresses for plus-size women.
The hourglass:
If you have this body type, lucky you! You are one of the fortunate ones with a curvy silhouette ideal for almost any dress.
Your shoulders and hips are the same width, while the waist is narrower. It is a winning chart if your buttocks and breasts are prominent.
Famous with hourglass body: Ashley Graham.
| If you have the hourglass shape aim for: | Dresses to consider: | |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasize the waist and celebrate the balanced proportions. | – Wrap dresses, which naturally follow the curves of an hourglass figure. – Belted dresses or those with a defined waist. – Body-con dresses, if one is comfortable, can emphasize the curves. |
The pear:
The main feature of this body type is wide hips. Women with “pear” bodies are prone to accumulate fat in the hip area and generally have thick thighs, while their shoulders and torso are smaller.
América Ferrara can be found in this category.
| If you have the pear shape aim for: | Dresses to consider: | |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasize the upper body and draw attention away from wider hips. | – A-line dresses that gracefully flow over the hips. – Dresses with embellished necklines or shoulders to balance the silhouette. – Off-the-shoulder or boat-neck dresses to broaden the appearance of shoulders. |
The rectangle:
If you have a rectangle-shaped body, you will notice that your waist is not very defined. Your shoulders and hips may have similar proportions, while your arms and legs are visually slimmer than the rest.
Queen Latifah is among some of the celebrities with this body type.
| If you have a rectangle shape aim for: | Dresses to consider: | |
|---|---|---|
| Create the illusion of curves. | – Ruffled or peplum dresses to add volume in the right places. – Belted dresses to cinch in the waist. – Layered dresses or those with patterns can give dimension. |
The apple:
Oval-shaped women tend to have more fat in the abdomen and back, so their waists are fuller, and their hips and shoulders are rounded.
Adele, Rebel Wilson, and Melissa Mccarthy are famous plus sizes with this body type.
| If you have the apple shape aim for: | Dresses to consider: | |
|---|---|---|
| Balance the upper body with the lower body and define the waist. | – Empire waist dresses, which can create the illusion of a defined waist. – A-line dresses or swing dresses that skim over the midsection without clinging. – V-neck dresses to draw attention upwards. |
The inverted triangle:
How do you know if you’re an inverted triangle? Inverted triangle bodies have broader shoulders than hips and no waist definition. Their body follows a “V” shape, with straight, square, or athletic shoulders.
Kelly Clarkson falls under this category.
| If you have the inverted triangle shape aim for: | Dresses to consider: | |
|---|---|---|
| Balance the broader upper body by adding volume to the lower half. | – Dresses that flare out at the hips or have a fuller skirt. – V-neck dresses which can narrow the appearance of the shoulders. – Avoid excessive detailing on the shoulders or neckline. |
The Most Flattering Dresses For Plus-Size Women
Bodycon Style
Consider bodycon dresses if you’re a plus-size girl looking for a flattering dress that accentuates your curves. These tight-fitting dresses are designed to hug your silhouette and show off your curves, making you feel sexy and confident.
While they may not support the body entirely, investing in good-quality shapewear can help you achieve a smooth and flawless look.
It’s important to note that bodycon dresses are more suitable for women with hourglass and pear figures, as they are designed to embrace every curve and fit snugly from top to bottom.
However, this doesn’t mean plus-size women with other body types can’t rock this style. Choosing the proper cut and fabric lets you find bodycon dresses that flatter your body type and make you feel fantastic.
My favorite Amazon bodycon dress
Most flattering dresses for plus-size
Imperial cut
Empire waist dresses are a great option when finding dresses to flatter plus-size figures.
With a compact design that ends under the bust, these dresses create the appearance of a high waist, while the long, baggy skirt adds a touch of elegance to your look.
For pear-shaped women, in particular, empire waist dresses are incredibly flattering. By drawing attention to the smallest point of their figure, these dresses help to create a balanced silhouette that highlights their best features.
If you’re in the market for cute plus-size dresses, take notice of the power of the empire waist dress. Its flattering design and versatile style make it an essential wardrobe that can easily take you from casual outings to formal events.
My favorite Amazon imperial cut dress
Tunic style
With their long, loose-fitting shirt design, tunic dresses have been around since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans and continue to be a popular choice today.
One of the advantages of tunic dresses is that women of all body types can wear them. However, they are particularly flattering for women with an apple body shape.
By creating a straight and slim illusion of the figure, tunic dresses can draw attention away from the waist area, which is often a trouble spot for apple-shaped women.
Tunic dresses are fabulous for plus-size women since they can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Whether running errands, commuting to work, or having a night out, a tunic dress will make you look amazing.
My favorite Amazon tunic dress
Most Flattering dresses for plus-size
Wrap style
Wrap dresses are a super flattering option for curvy figures. With a front closure that wraps one side over the other, these dresses can have ties that bind back at the waist or button closure.
One of the best things about wrap dresses is that they are universally flattering. They create a V-shaped neckline that hugs the woman’s curves by making the waist look smaller, lifting the bust, and hiding the thighs.
A wrap dress can help accentuate your best features and make you feel confident and beautiful, whether shaped like an hourglass, pear, or rectangle.
If you’re looking for cute plus-size dresses that flatter your figure, consider the power of the wrap dress.
With its versatile design and ability to flatter all body types, it’s a must-have wardrobe staple.
My favorite Amazon wrap dress
A-line dress
Another flattering dress for plus-size women is the A-line dress.
A-line dresses are a classic and highly recommended option for full-figure gals.
As the name suggests, this dress’s design creates the silhouette of the letter A, tapering in from the shoulders to the waist, then flaring out towards the hem.
A-line dresses often come with or are designed with a belt to create a fitted silhouette and draw attention to the waist.
This dress helps minimize the waist, hips, and thighs, making it an excellent choice for women of almost all body types.
Whether you’re headed to a wedding, a job interview, or a night out with friends, an A-line dress will make you look and feel amazing.
My favorite Amazon A-line dress
Dresses that flatter plus-size women
Maxi dress
Are maxi dresses flattering for plus-size women? The answer is a resounding yes! These dresses have a great informal design that reaches the ankle and are typically fitted at the top and loose at the bottom.
Made of lightweight fabrics such as cotton and polyester, they are cut to flow over the body, providing a comfortable and stylish option for any occasion.
One of the best features of maxi dresses is that they can look phenomenal on all body types. Plus-size women, in particular, can benefit from the elongating effect of a maxi dress, which can create a long and lean silhouette.
From beachy boho styles to sleek and sophisticated designs, maxi dresses come in various styles and prints to suit any taste.
Depending on the occasion, they can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile and practical addition to any wardrobe.
My favorite Amazon maxi dress
Shirt dress
A shirt style is one of the best dresses to flatter plus-size figures. These dresses borrow details from men’s shirts, such as button-fronts and collars, and often have a loose, relaxed fit.
Shirt dresses are another dress that can be flattering for almost every shape. The loose fit of the dress can help camouflage any problem areas, while those styles that come with a built-in belt can draw attention to the waist and create an hourglass figure.
The button-down collar and front can also help elongate the neckline and create a slimmer look.
Shirt dresses come in a wide range of styles and fabrics, from casual cotton designs to more formal options made of silk or satin.
So if you’re looking for dresses that flatter plus-size figures, consider adding a shirtdress to your collection. With its loose fit and waist-defining belt, it will become a favorite.
My favorite Amazon shirt dress
Dresses that flatter plus-size women
Shift style
The Shift dress is a flattering and versatile option perfect for various occasions, including work.
Its rectangular shape makes it comfortable and forgiving, especially for those who want to hide some parts of their body. You can appreciate this style in cute plus-size dresses catering to different body types.
Shift dresses are flattering on the hourglass, pear, apple, and inverted triangle shapes. When paired with heels, it accentuates the legs and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look.
This dress style is excellent for plus-size women looking for stylish options that make them feel comfortable throughout the day.
With its forgiving shape and availability in cute plus-size dresses, it is an excellent option for women of different body types.
My favorite Amazon shift-style dress
V-neck midi dress
The V-neck midi dress is considered one of the most flattering dress styles for plus-size women, and it’s easy to see why. This dress features a V-neckline that draws attention to the clavicle and elongates the neck, creating a slimming effect.
The hem of the dress often falls to mid-calf, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual daytime event or a more formal evening.
This style is an excellent option for those with a plus-size body type, as it helps to elongate the figure and create a streamlined silhouette.
The V neckline also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall look. This dress can make any woman feel confident and beautiful when paired with the right accessories.
So if you are looking for a dress that will make you look and feel great, consider the V-Neck Midi Dress.
My favorite Amazon V-neck midi dress
Most Flattering dresses for plus-size
Fit & Flare dress
The Fit & Flare dress is definitely one to consider when it comes to dresses to flatter plus-size figures.
This dress features a tight, fitted top that flares out from the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that emphasizes the waistline and skims over any problem areas.
This dress style is a great option for those with an hourglass figure, as it accentuates curves in all the right places. However, even if you have a straight body type, this style can help create the illusion of a more curvy shape.
The Fit & Flare dress is available in various sizes, including cute plus-size dresses, making it accessible to women of all body types.
Whether dressing up for a formal occasion or looking for a cute and comfortable outfit for everyday wear, the Fit & Flare dress is a versatile and flattering choice.
Pair it with heels for a more dressed-up look or flats for a casual daytime outfit. The Fit & Flare dress will make you look and feel great, no matter how you style it.
The Amazon fit & flare dress I love
Enhance your self-confidence by choosing dresses that flatter your body’s best attributes.
It takes a little time and dedication to learn what suits us and what we should avoid at all costs, but the reward is well worth it.
So go ahead and give all these dresses a try – you may find your new go-to dress style! And once again, when it comes to fashion, confidence is vital.