The Best Dress to Flatter a Plus Size Shape
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The key to styling and flattering a plus size shape is by knowing your body shape and choosing styles and silhouettes that complement and enhance your proportions.
Are you larger on top or the bottom? Do you have a tummy, or hips and thighs? Understanding your body shape can help you choose the most flattering styles that work for your shape.
Here’s some tips to help you make the most of your shape and choose dresses that will flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful.
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This stylish Gala Velour Dress has a v-neck and a gathered skirt that will balance the top half, while the high waist and flared skirt will help elongate the figure and hide a tummy.
Best Dresses to Flatter Wide Shoulders or Large Bust
If you are wider in the top and larger in the shoulders, arms or bust, opt for styles to emphasise the waist. Look for A-line or flared skirts that will balance your top half.
Avoid tops and dresses with frills and heavy shoulder detail, or wide shoulder pads and necklines, instead opt for scoop necks or v-necks that can draw the eye downward.
A-line dresses are a fabulous look to flatter a Plus Size Shape. These smart Pine Ridge Shirt Dresses will skim your curves and draw attention away from the tummy. These dresses are so versatile, you can even wear it as a lightweight jacket.
Best Dresses to Hide a Tummy
If you are wider in the middle, look for styles to create a longer silhouette and draw attention away from the tummy.
High waisted, empire dresses can be very flattering, while A-line and flared skirts and wrap dresses can elongate the upper body and draw attention away from the tummy.
Look for details like ruching, draping, or cinched waists to create a more defined and streamlined shape. Don’t be tempted to hide in overly large dresses that are too big for you, as they can make you appear larger.
These elegant Hemingway Dresses are perfect for an evening out. The soft, flared dress will elongate your shape, while the cape detail at the shoulders will draw the eye upward and balance out the tummy, hips and thighs
Style tip: For a flattering look for plus size shape, opt for the same colour top and bottom to create a longer, streamlined silhouette. Team it with an open jacket or blouse for a smart, layered look.
Best Dresses to Flatter The Hips
If you are widest through the hips and thighs, you should opt to balance your proportions with dresses that draw attention to your upper body. Look for ruffles, beading, print details or embellishments at the neckline to draw attention to the upper body.
For your bottom half, try A-line dresses that flare out at the hem, but avoid dresses that are fitted or too tight around the hips and thighs, instead look for ruffles, ruching, beading, print detail and embellishments to draw attention upward.
Best Dresses for a Shorter Figure
If you are plus size but of a shorter stature, you should look for dresses with shorter hemlines to elongate your legs. Vertical prints can be very flattering and will create the illusion of height
Overly detailed prints or large patterns can make you appear shorter but dresses with a defined waist detail can create the illusion of height.
The Final Word
Don't be afraid to experiment and try new styles. Fashion should be fun. The most important part of choosing the right dress, is to look for dresses that fit well, are comfortable to wear and accentuate your curves, without being overly clingy or too tight. If you can, you can look at getting the dress altered for a better fit.