What Dress to Wear If You're Curvy?

When you're curvy, you want a dresse that flatters your curves while celebrating femininity. There are many styles to choose from: A-line, shirt, straight, empire… Which dress should a curvy woman choose? What cut, fabric, and style should be selected to enhance her curves? Here are some tips to make the right choice.

Know Your Body Shape

Whether you have a lot of curves or not, it’s essential to understand your body shape to make the right choice. This will allow you to decide on the cut, length, and neckline you wish to wear.

A Body Shape

	If you're an A body shape, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your curves are primarily centred around your hips, thighs, and rear. This is the most common feminine body shape. Flared dresses made from flowing fabrics that highlight your neckline are the most suitable for this silhouette.

H Body Shape

	Your hips and shoulders are aligned, your waist isn’t well-defined, and your body is proportional. In this case, you can reshape your waist by wearing a trick dress that plays with prints. Straight cuts are also recommended to highlight your hips and shoulders.

O Body Shape

	This shape features curves around the belly, bust, shoulders, and backside. To emphasize your shape without overdoing it, opt for flowing fabrics and knee-length cuts. A lovely neckline will enhance your femininity.

V Body Shape

	In a V body shape, your shoulders are broader than your hips. You can showcase your bust with a low neckline or V-neck. Remember to accentuate your waist and select flowing fabrics that add volume to the lower part of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap styles, are particularly flattering for your silhouette.

X Body Shape

	If you are an X body shape, your hips are as wide as your shoulders and you have a defined waist. This is an ultra-feminine silhouette with a defined waist and generous bust and hips. All cuts are flattering, provided you remember to accentuate your waist with a belt.

Choosing the Right Type of Dress

In terms of colours and fabrics, opt for small prints that add a chic appearance. Since thicker fabrics can add bulk, it’s best to wear flowing materials. Figure-hugging dresses and overly baggy dresses aren't ideal for curvy figures. Here are some dress styles that will enhance your silhouette.

The Little Black Dress

This is a staple in every wardrobe! The black colour elongates the silhouette and it should be fitted yet slightly flared. Choose one with ¾ sleeves that falls above the knee. For the neckline, a U or square neckline is preferable if you have a fuller bust; otherwise, a round or V-neck is fine. This design conceals any curves while adding elegance to your figure.

The Wrap Dress

This dress wraps around itself with a built-in belt that ties at the waist. It helps to disguise belly curves while accentuating your neckline.

The Empire Dress

Mid-length or full length, an empire dress is fitted just below the bust. It effectively camouflages hip and belly curves while elongating your silhouette and legs.

This style isn’t suitable for all body shapes, particularly if you have a larger bust.

Straight Cuts

There are various types of straight dresses, such as shirt dresses or shift dresses, for example.

A straight cut provides fluidity and suggests curves. Remember to wear it with a belt to highlight the waist.

Embrace a Bohemian Look

Bohemian Style

The bohemian style is perfect for dressing a curvy woman as it highlights a natural look and is based on loose and comfortable garments, ideal for a curvy figure.

Boho Via boasts a collection of dresses specifically for curvy sizes that includes only items starting at least from size double XL (XXL) up to quadruple XL (XXXXL).

Plus Size Dresses

The term bohemian appeared in the late 18th century, referring to artists living in poverty, often wearing worn and old clothes. They were associated with the nomadic gypsies originating from the Balkan region known as “Bohemia.”

Later, "bohemian" became synonymous with an alternative culture based on creativity, art, and a rejection of social classes and traditional aesthetic codes. In fashion, it represents a movement against corsetry, proposing garments that are loose-fitting, adorned with handmade embroidery and prints.

In the 20th century, ethnic patterns were incorporated into fabrics, along with floral prints, motifs, and swirls, and it was subsequently embraced by the hippie movement.

Today, the bohemian style still represents a liberated lifestyle and an alternative to traditional fashion.

It can be combined with other styles to create a bohemian countryside or chic look, for example. The fabrics used are airy and flowing, primarily consisting of lace, cotton, or silk. These are comfortable garments that allow freedom of movement.

The Bohemian Dress

The bohemian dress suits all body shapes, regardless of your figure. Using flowing materials like cotton, silk, or lace enhances your natural side and curves.

You can choose a mid-length or full-length dress as per your preference!
You’ll find solid-coloured dresses in natural hues, alongside floral patterns, ethnic designs, or subtle details—there are no strict rules. All types of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight...

Regardless of your choice, opt for short or ¾ sleeves to dress your arms.

Shoes, jackets, and accessories can add a casual or elegant touch to your outfit. Choose heeled shoes for a chic look and flats for a casual vibe.