Embrace your curves and flaunt them with confidence! We are here to tell you how to accentuate your curves and bring your A-game always. After all, you should feel proud of your body!
Models like Chloe Marshall and Ashley Graham started normalizing plus-size model figures in 2019. God bless them for teaching others to embrace their bodies as they are! And since all bodies are different, you need to dress differently to accentuate your curves and feel confident.
We have curated the best plus-size fashion trends and ideas to help you dress. From fun and cool outfits to classy ones, we share fashion for curvy women ideas that will help you style your clothes to perfection. These style tips will not only make you look good but also help you feel super-confident in your skin. Scroll down to get all the details!
Ace The Look
- Layers: Use thin and sleek fabrics like viscose and polyester when layering to avoid bulking up.
- Bag: Go for medium-sized bags with wide straps as they go well with a plus-sized figure. Avoid very small, large, or round bags as they may make your figure look bulky.
- Accessories: Avoid wearing tiny and dainty jewelry. Instead, opt for long neck pieces to make your neck appear longer and slimmer.
- Dress Style: Opt for dark A-line dresses instead of big and flowy tent dresses to help create a slimming look.
In This Article
1. Understand Your Body Shape
2. Key Takeaways
3. Find The Right Undergarments
4. Shopping Tips And Color Combinations
5. Choose The Right Patterns
6. Pick Form-Fitted Clothes
7. Get Your Clothes Tailored If You Are Overweight
8. Accessorize Your Outfits
9. Layer Your Outfits
10. Wear Flattering Shoes
11. Clothes To Avoid
12. Confidence Is Key
13. How To Dress Over 50 And Overweight?
14. Infographic: Pro Dressing Tips For Plus Size Body Types
15. Frequently Asked Questions
16. Illustration: How To Dress If You Are Overweight
Understand Your Body Shape
Understanding your body shape is key to choosing clothing that flatters your figure and enhances your natural proportions. There are several common body shapes, and each can be highlighted with the right styles:
- Hourglass: Characterized by balanced shoulders and hips with a defined waist.
- Best styles: Fitted dresses, belted waistlines, and tailored clothing that accentuates curves.
- Pear (Triangle): Hips are wider than the shoulders, with a smaller waist.
- Best styles: A-line skirts, wide-legged pants, and tops with details around the shoulders to balance proportions.
- Apple (Round): Fuller around the midsection with narrower hips and shoulders.
- Best styles: Empire waist dresses, V-necklines, and structured clothing that elongates the body.
- Rectangle (Straight): Shoulders, waist, and hips are of similar width, with minimal curves.
- Best styles: Dresses that create curves, like peplum styles or clothing with waist definition.
- Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders or chest, with narrower hips.
- Best styles: A-line skirts, flared pants, and tops with soft, flowing fabrics to balance out the broad upper body.
By identifying your body shape, you can choose clothing that enhances your natural silhouette, making you feel confident and stylish.
Key Takeaways
- Dressing according to your body type can help you accentuate your curves and feel confident.
- Figure out what you like and what makes you feel confident to create your personal sense of style.
- Always pick colors that complement your skin tone and physique.
- Wearing well-fitting undergarments and getting your clothes tailored are also great ways to look put together when you are overweight.
Find The Right Undergarments
What you wear beneath your clothes makes you feel comfortable, confident, and truly saves (or ruins) your outfit.
The first key to getting your undergarments right is to know what your size is. Always measure yourself to be accurate. Well-fitting lingerie will not only make you feel comfortable in your skin but also accentuate your curves.
Since overweight women are on the bustier side and have large bottoms, sports bras and supportive underwear are great picks as they offer tremendous support.
Your undergarments should not be too loose or too tight. Plenty of lingerie brands have come up with new styles and patterns for plus size women. Go out there and figure out what you like and feel comfortable in the most.
Shopping Tips And Color Combinations
Here are some shopping tips and color combinations to help you build a stylish, versatile wardrobe:
Shopping Tips:
- Know Your Measurements: Take note of your bust, waist, and hip measurements to ensure a better fit when shopping online or in stores.
- Invest in Basics: Start with wardrobe staples like a well-fitted blazer, classic white shirt, tailored jeans, and a little black dress. These items can be mixed and matched for a variety of outfits.
- Fit Over Size: Don’t focus too much on the label size. Clothing sizes can vary by brand, so always try things on or check the measurements.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality pieces for essential items. Look for durable fabrics like cotton, wool, and leather that will last longer.
- Focus on Versatility: Choose items that can be easily mixed and matched with what you already own. Neutral colors like black, white, navy, and beige are great for versatility.
- Embrace Seasonal Sales: Shop during off-season sales for discounted items. Buy winter clothes in spring or summer clothes in fall for savings.
Color Combinations:
- Classic Neutrals:
- Black + White: Timeless and sophisticated.
- Beige + Gray: Subtle, understated, and elegant.
- Navy + White: A crisp and fresh combination.
- Bold Pairings:
- Red + Black: A dramatic and powerful combination.
- Emerald Green + Gold: Rich and luxurious.
- Yellow + Navy: Bright and vibrant, perfect for a cheerful look.
- Pastels:
- Lavender + Mint: Soft, fresh, and calming.
- Peach + Soft Pink: Light and feminine.
- Sky Blue + Pale Yellow: Light and airy, perfect for spring or summer.
- Earthy Tones:
- Olive Green + Brown: Warm, natural, and grounded.
- Terracotta + Beige: A cozy, autumnal vibe.
- Mustard + Tan: A warm, retro-inspired combination.
- Monochromatic: Wear varying shades of the same color to create a sleek, streamlined look. For example, different shades of blue or grey.
By understanding your body shape and using these shopping tips and color combinations, you can create a wardrobe that is both functional and stylish!
Choose The Right Patterns
Playing with patterns can be super fun. Figuring out how to work with stripes, floral prints, vertical prints, and boxed prints can be quite enjoyable. If you are on the heavier side, we suggest you always opt for vertical prints over the horizontal variant as they make you look less bulky and more toned.
Dark colors at night and pastel colors during the day can work in your favor. If you are busty and have a slim waist, wear jeans that enhance your curves. Play with the patterns you like. Black and white printed designs can never go wrong and will forever remain a classic.
Step out of your box and work with different patterns and figure out what works for your physique. Don’t hold yourself back. It is important to experiment with your plus-size clothing. Only then, you’ll know what you genuinely like and can discover your sense of style.
Pick Form-Fitted Clothes
Form-fitted clothes are designed to contour your body, highlighting your natural shape and curves. They provide a polished and tailored appearance, making them ideal for both casual and formal occasions. To wear form-fitted clothing confidently, choose fabrics with a bit of stretch for comfort and ensure the fit is snug but not restrictive. Popular options include bodycon dresses, tailored blazers, skinny jeans, and fitted tops, all of which create a sleek and flattering silhouette.
Get Your Clothes Tailored If You Are Overweight
Getting your clothes tailored ensures a perfect fit, enhancing your silhouette and boosting confidence. Tailored clothing eliminates excess fabric and highlights your best features, making you look polished and put-together, regardless of size.
Accessorize Your Outfits
Accessorizing can be so much fun once you get the hang of it. You need to keep it balanced, depending on your outfit. If it’s a simple, basic outfit, accessorizing can give some life to it. Hoop earrings, a classy watch, or even a floral scarf can do the trick. If the outfit is in one solid color with no prints or designs, accessorize it with statement belts or chunky jewelry pieces and you are good to go.
If your outfit is loud, we suggest you keep it minimalistic by wearing just a watch or a charm bracelet or a neckpiece. It adds character and charisma to your sense of style. Balance it out and trust your intuition with accessories. For a casual day outing, a simple outfit is the best as it ensures comfort. However, you can glam it up slightly with a designer scarf or a statement hat.
Layer Your Outfits
It’s never the wrong time to layer clothes. When you are overweight, layering can be used to your full advantage. Pick out a classic white T-shirt, pair it with well-fitted blue jeans, and throw on an overcoat. This outfit is basic but never fails to impress.
If you are wearing a pretty mini dress, put on a denim jacket. It will complete your attire to perfection. Layering is cool when you know how to do it right. It is one of the easiest ways to revamp your wardrobe.
Wear Flattering Shoes
Wearing flattering shoes can enhance your overall look by balancing proportions and adding style. Opt for shoes with a slight heel, pointed toes, or clean lines to elongate your legs and complement your outfit effortlessly.
Clothes To Avoid
To be honest, there aren’t any clothes you should avoid. But you must be smart and know what works for your body type and what doesn’t. Avoid wearing clothes that cling to parts of your body you feel conscious about, especially if you are looking for dresses to hide your belly. Make sure you avoid the wrong kind of undergarments. Be all up for dressing for your body type and exploring new outfit ideas, but not at the cost of your style and comfort.
Confidence Is Key
Along with knowing how to dress for your body type, confidence is important too. Being overweight could be hard to embrace at times. Slowly, but surely, you will come around and love your body more than ever. It is essential you believe in body positivity, no matter what your size. Confidence comes from within. Wearing outfits that make you look good is a huge step in boosting your confidence. Be comfortable in your skin, and embrace it with grace. You can achieve any look once you accept who you truly are and love it with all your heart! Influential celebs like Lizzo and Ashley Graham are known to embrace their bodies beautifully. They are known for their bold and unapologetic fashion choices. They are pioneers in establishing the new norms of beauty and fashion. Whether bodycon dresses and short skirts to attractive swimsuits – they wear what catches their eyes and makes statements. So, take inspiration from such beautiful ladies and develop confidence.
What about those who are over 50 and plus-sized? Well, we have you covered! Check out the section below to learn more!
How To Dress Over 50 And Overweight?
Dressing stylishly over 50 and overweight is about comfort and confidence. Opt for tailored fits, soft fabrics, and neutral or monochromatic tones to create a sleek look. Highlight your best features with V-necklines, structured layers, and statement accessories for a polished appearance.
Infographic: Pro Dressing Tips For Plus Size Body Types
It might seem like such a nightmare to dress for the smallest events when you do not have a toned body that can pull off almost anything. However, with a few key factors in mind, you can just turn the tide. After all, fashion is for all!
Check out the infographic below on the key dressing tips that will help you be a fashionista no matter what size you are!
We would still emphasize loving yourself the way you are and embracing body positivity. Just make sure you are in good health, and the rest will fall into place. Plus, these tips and tricks on how to dress if you are overweight will always save your day no matter what. You have to try out the ideas and learn to execute them till you achieve your desired results. You will look no less than a showstopper once you know your shape and give your frame the proper undergarments, colors, prints, and motifs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Regular sleeveless tops cut your arms at a sharp angle, which makes them look larger. So choose outfits with a deeper cut or thin straps to show a little more of your shoulder!
2. How can I hide my bloated stomach?
To hide a bloated tummy, use smart styling techniques and pay attention to your undergarments. Wear shapewear, such as slimming undies with belly control or a control top girdle, hip-hugging pants or stretchy jeans, and a feminine-looking top that flows over the waist.
3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when dressing if you are overweight?
It is important to avoid clothes that cling to the parts of your body you feel conscious about. Make sure to wear the right kind of undergarments. Remember to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
4. Are there any specific clothing styles or cuts that are more flattering for people who are overweight?
Pick form-fitted clothes, tailored outfits, and dresses that are tight on the waist and flowy from there to the bottom. Don’t restrict yourself to any particular style. Figure out what works for your physique and experiment until you know what you genuinely like.
5. What are some types of fabrics or materials to look for when shopping for clothing if you are overweight?
When shopping for clothing, look for fabrics that provide structure and stretch, such as cotton blends, ponte knit, or jersey. These materials offer comfort and flexibility while maintaining a flattering fit. Avoid overly clingy or stiff fabrics, and opt for breathable options like linen or lightweight wool for versatility and ease.
6. How can someone feel confident and comfortable in their clothing even if they are overweight?
To feel confident and comfortable if you are overweight, try wearing clothes that fit your physique well. It is advised to use accessories, wear flattering shoes, work with different patterns, and figure out what works for your body type. Be smart, know your body, be body positive, and embrace yourself gracefully. Confidence and self-love come from within.
7. How can someone update their wardrobe to include more flattering and stylish pieces?
Update your wardrobe by choosing timeless, well-fitted pieces like tailored blazers, high-waisted pants, and A-line dresses. Incorporate versatile basics in neutral tones, add pops of color with accessories, and invest in quality fabrics for durability and style. Regularly assess your wardrobe to keep it fresh and aligned with your personal style.
8. What are some resources or sources of inspiration for fashion tips for people who are overweight?
Instagram influencers like Natalie Craig and Kellie Brown, and celebs like Jen Ponton, Rebel Wilson, and Nicole Byer are great sources of inspiration for fashion tips and body positivity. Blogs like The Curvy Fashionista and Stylish Curves can also give you regular updates on changing fashion trends.
Illustration: How To Dress If You Are Overweight
