How to Dress for a Wedding When You're Curvy?

Have you been invited to a wedding and you're unsure about how to dress for the occasion? Are you looking for outfit ideas that will enhance your curves?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often feel disappointed to see that guides and articles on the subject frequently overlook offering outfits and advice tailored for curvy women.

That’s why today I’ve decided to share all my tips and outfit inspirations for dressing up for a wedding, especially aimed at those with curvy figures!

No matter your body shape, there are plenty of outfit options for celebrating a wedding or any joyful occasion. If you have a curvier figure, I recommend highlighting your silhouette by choosing a dress or jumpsuit that enhances your curves rather than concealing them. Oversized cuts may not always be the best choice. Colourful clothing and dresses that cinch at the waist will be your best allies. Don’t hesitate to opt for lovely prints or unique accessories to ensure you feel comfortable in your outfit.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• How to determine your body shape to select clothing that enhances your features,
• Advice tailored specifically for your silhouette type,
• Stylish dress ideas that will flatter your curves,
• Tips for dressing when you’re curvy for a special occasion,
• And plenty of inspiring outfit ideas through the numerous illustrations in this article!

Emphasise or downplay your curves? Be proud of your shape!

When I'm researching online and reading articles in fashion magazines, I often come across the same observation: unfortunately, most of these publications still encourage curvy women to hide their curves. There's often discussion about concealing their shapes, which are seen as flaws.

In this article - and more generally on this blog - I want to offer you a different perspective. Your curves are a part of you: like every part of your body, they can be celebrated and accentuated. Instead of desperately trying to hide them beneath layers of baggy clothing, it's important to find an outfit that flatters your shape.

This is especially true for formal attire, such as for an event like a wedding. Therefore, I encourage you to wear well-fitted and colourful clothing that will make you look radiant in the eyes of your loved ones!

👉 This article is intended for those who are guests at a wedding. If you're looking for a wedding dress for curvy women, I recommend checking out our other article titled "which wedding dress for which body shape?". 😉

What fabrics and cuts enhance different body shapes? What should be avoided?

No matter what your body shape is, there are styles that will enhance your figure, while others may not have been designed with you in mind. For this reason, before selecting an outfit, I recommend that you analyse your body shape to understand where your curves are, so you can highlight them effectively.

🔸 If your curves are concentrated around your belly, hips, and bust, you have an O shape. In this case, it's wise to avoid overly tight clothing, long dresses, and shiny fabrics. To accentuate your curves, opt for a flowy midi dress with a lovely neckline, along with short or ¾ sleeves.

🔹 Do you find that your curves are more pronounced around your lower body (hips, thighs)? If so, you likely have an A-shaped body type. To feel comfortable in your clothing, I recommend outfits that flatter your shape, such as flare dresses and tunics. An empire waist dress will particularly enhance your figure. If you'd like, you can also wear a lovely necklace to draw attention to your décolletage.

On the left: O-shaped body type / On the right: A-shaped body type

🔸 Conversely to the previous situation, if your lower body is more slender while your shoulders are broader, then with your V-shaped figure, you can wear any style of skirt or dress to _draw attention to your legs. It's best to avoid flared cuts and wide necklines on your shoulders, such as the Bardot neckline.

🔹 Do you have a slim waist, with a generous bust and hips? You have what’s known as an hourglass figure: the great thing is that you can wear most outfits. If your dress is loose and doesn't accentuate your slim waist—which is a real asset to showcase!—consider adding a belt to cinch it in.

Left: V shape / Right: Hourglass shape (X shape)

Stylish Outfit Ideas for Attending a Wedding When You're Curvy

To help you out, I’ve put together a small series of fashion inspirations and outfit examples that will accentuate your curves and make you look very feminine for this festive occasion.

A midi dress to accentuate your waist and showcase your hips

This type of dress is perfect for curvy figures: it features a cut that will enhance your bust and hips, subtly highlighting them beneath your clothing. The above-the-knee length is ideal: it elongates your legs and accentuates their shape.

❄️ If it's a bit chilly, don't hesitate to wear this outfit with a lovely coloured blazer!

A chic jumpsuit for a sleek and dynamic silhouette

When I talk about fashion with curvy women, I often find that they are convinced that jumpsuits are not suitable for their body shape. However, if you choose a well-tailored design with a cut that flatters your curves, you can have an outfit that is both comfortable to wear and stylish.

To enhance your curves, I recommend a solid-coloured or vertically striped jumpsuit, with a loose fit that hints at your hips and highlights your décolletage.

👉 Feel free to choose one that’s fitted at the waist or add a belt in that area to bring a sophisticated touch to your outfit. 😉

Define Your Size with a Stylish Short Skirt

Short, fitted skirts, commonly known as “pencil skirts”, have the unique ability to cinch your waist while accentuating the curve of your hips. I recommend opting for a darker colour, with or without patterns, and a high-waisted cut.

This type of clothing pairs beautifully with heels to elongate your legs, along with a slightly loose blouse or a blazer to highlight your neckline and shoulders.

A flowing bohemian dress to elegantly showcase your curves

Flattering for all body types, bohemian fashion is perfect for curvy women, with its flattering cuts and a variety of colourful fabrics. A loose-fitting dress with a lovely print, a bright colour, and a silhouette that highlights your waist will be just right for a chic outfit at a wedding.

👉 At Boho Via, we are passionate about celebrating all body types, so every woman can feel beautiful. That’s why we offer a collection of plus size bohemian dresses that are available right now on our online store. Feel free to have a look!

Long Bohemian Dress

5 Tips to Enhance Your Figure and Find the Perfect Outfit!

Embrace Bright Colours!

I often notice that many curvy women tend to favour dark colours such as navy blue, charcoal grey, and black, which are thought to be slimming. However, a wedding is a joyful and uplifting occasion, and I encourage you to dare to wear vibrant colours that will make you shine among the other guests.

Here are a few handy tips for rocking a colourful outfit while ensuring you don’t make any fashion faux pas:

• Don't choose more than three different colours for your outfit,
• It's perfectly fine to wear just one shade! Pick one that complements your skin tone:
• warm colours if you have golden or dark skin and brown hair,
• cool colours if you have fair skin, rosy undertones, and light or blonde hair.
• If you're not very comfortable with bright colours, you can opt for pastel shades or incorporate colours in small doses within a darker outfit.

Shape Your Body with a Bodysuit

If you choose a fitted dress or jumpsuit, you might want to consider wearing a shapewear garment underneath. It can smooth out your curves and boost your confidence, especially if you're not used to wearing this type of clothing.

To achieve this, I recommend choosing a colour that matches your dress, so that your shaping garment remains invisible:

• “Nude” for all pastel and white dresses,
• black for darker and black dresses.

👉 When purchasing your shapewear, make sure to check that it fits properly and isn’t too tight. It should be comfortable to wear, so you can fully enjoy your day while feeling free to move!

Opt for Heels to Achieve a Lovely Posture

Do you love wearing heels? If so, go for it! They lengthen your legs while improving your posture. Whether in summer or winter, they will be your best mates for a confident look and a touch of charisma. 😊

👉 Choose a comfortable pair that allows you to dance and move around easily. If that's not the case, consider bringing a spare pair of shoes in your bag!

Choose accessories that suit you and reflect your personality

On this blog, I often emphasise the importance of accessories like jewellery, bags, belts, as well as sunglasses or even elements of your hairstyle. These details subtly allow you to personalise your outfit and help you feel good in what you wear. They are a way to better understand yourself just by looking at you and reflect your creativity and uniqueness.

👉 To brighten up your face or highlight your body, nothing beats a unique piece of jewellery that showcases your personality! Recently, I discovered the resin jewellery embedded with dried flowers from Atelier Passiflore. Completely handmade and very vibrant, they’re perfect for elevating any outfit! Check out their online shop 😉

Jewellery from Atelier Passiflore

Wear Your Outfit Ahead of Time to Boost Your Confidence

Have you found the perfect outfit? I'm thrilled for you! Before we wrap up this article, let me share one last secret: to feel as comfortable as possible on the big day and boost your confidence, don't hesitate to try on your party outfit at home beforehand to get used to it. Wearing it will feel natural, and come celebration day, you'll be sure to feel at ease!

I hope this article has helped you find THE perfect outfit for the wedding of a loved one, a family member, or a friend, so that you can feel fabulous on this joyful occasion. 😊

Are you on the lookout for a gift for the happy couple? At Vie-de-Bohème, our forte is fashion, but we’re also well-versed in the events scene. I want to share my latest find with you: the eternal roses from Auréole Florale! I was instantly taken by this romantic gift, which is sure to delight the newlyweds! Check them out now! 🌹