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

Are you invited to a wedding and unsure how to dress for the occasion? Are you looking for stylish outfit ideas to accentuate your curves?

I’m going to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm often disappointed to see that guides and articles on the topic frequently overlook providing outfits and advice tailored for curvy women.

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

No matter your body type, there are countless outfit options for celebrating a wedding or any other joyful occasion. If you have a curvier figure, I recommend highlighting your silhouette by choosing a dress or jumpsuit that accentuates your curves rather than hiding them. Loose-fitting garments may not always be the best choice. Brightly coloured clothing and dresses that cinch at the waist will be your best friends. Don't hesitate to opt for beautiful prints or unique accessories to feel comfortable in your outfit.

Would you like to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• How to understand your body type to choose clothes that enhance your figure,
• Advice specifically tailored to your silhouette,
• Dress ideas that will flatter your curves,
• Tips on how to dress when you're curvy for special occasions,
• And plenty of inspiring outfit ideas with the numerous illustrations in this article!

Highlight or downplay those curves? Embrace your curves with pride!

When I research online and read articles in fashion magazines, I often come to the same conclusion: unfortunately, most of these publications still encourage plus-size women to hide their curves. There is often a focus on concealing their shapes, which are viewed as imperfections.

In this article - and more generally on this blog -, I offer you a different perspective. Your curves are indeed a part of you: like any part of your body, they can be enhanced and celebrated. Instead of trying to hide them under large layers of clothing, it’s important to find an outfit that suits your shape.

This is especially true for formal attire, for events like weddings. So, I encourage you to wear well-fitted, colourful clothing that will make you shine in the eyes of your loved ones!

👉 This article is for those who are invited to a wedding. If you are looking for a wedding dress for curvy women, I direct you to our other article titled "which wedding dress for which body type". 😉

What Fabrics and Cuts Flatter Different Body Shapes? What Should Be Avoided?

No matter your body shape, there are styles that will enhance your appearance, while others may not have been designed with you in mind. That’s why before you select an outfit, I recommend that you analyze your body type 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 body shape. In this case, it’s wise to avoid overly tight clothing, long dresses, and shiny fabrics. To highlight your curves, opt for a midi dress that is flowy, with a nice neckline and short or ¾ sleeves.

🔹 Do you have more pronounced curves in your lower body (hips, thighs)? In that case, you likely have an A-shaped body type. To feel comfortable in your clothing, I recommend outfits that complement your figure, such as flared dresses and tunics. An empire waist dress will particularly enhance your silhouette. If you'd like, you can wear a beautiful necklace to draw attention to your neckline.

On the left: O-shaped morphology / On the right: A-shaped morphology

🔸 Unlike the previous situation, if you have a slimmer lower body and broad shoulders, you have a V-shaped body type. This body type allows you to wear any style of skirt or dress to draw attention to your legs. However, you should avoid flared cuts and wide necklines on the shoulders, such as the Bardot neckline.

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

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

Some Stylish Outfit Ideas for Attending a Wedding When You're Plus-Size

To help you out, I've put together a small collection 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 highlight your hips

This type of dress is perfect for curvy silhouettes: it features a cut that will enhance your décolletage and hips, subtly highlighting these shapes through your clothing. The knee-length design is ideal, as it elongates your legs and accentuates their curves.

❄️ If it's a bit chilly, feel free to wear this outfit with a nice colourful blazer!

A stylish jumpsuit for a sleek and dynamic silhouette

When I talk about fashion with plus-size women, I often notice that they believe that jumpsuits are not suitable for their body type. However, if you choose a well-fitted model 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-colour or vertically striped jumpsuit with a relaxed fit that gently highlights your hips and showcases your neckline.

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

Define Your Figure with a Stylish Short Skirt

Short and fitted skirts, often referred to as “pencil skirts,” are known for their ability to enhance your waistline while accentuating your hip curves. I recommend choosing a darker colour, with or without patterns, and a high-waisted cut.

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

A flowy bohemian dress to elegantly highlight your curves

Flattering for all body types, bohemian fashion is just right for curvy women, with its flattering cuts and a variety of colorful fabrics. A flowy dress with a beautiful print, a bright hue, and a shape that gently defines your waist will be perfect for a chic outfit at a wedding.

👉 At Boho Via, we are dedicated to celebrating all body types so that every woman can feel beautiful. That’s why we offer a collection of chic plus-size bohemian dresses that are available now on our online store. Feel free to check it out!

Bohemian Long Dress

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

Embrace Bright Colours!

I often notice that many curvy women tend to favour dark colours like navy blue, charcoal grey, and black, which are believed to create a slimming effect. However, a wedding is a joyful and positive occasion, and I encourage you to embrace vibrant colours that will make you shine among the other guests.

Here are a few tips for confidently rocking a colorful outfit without making any fashion missteps:

• Do not choose more than three different colours for your outfit.
• Wearing just one shade is also an option! Choose 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, redness, 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 accents within a dark outfit.

Shape Your Body with a Shapewear

If you're opting for a fitted dress or jumpsuit, you might want to consider wearing a shapewear underneath. It will smooth out your curves and help boost your confidence, especially if you're not used to wearing this type of outfit.

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

• “nude” for all pastel and white dresses,
• black for dark and black dresses.

👉 When purchasing your shaping underwear, make sure to check that it fits you well and isn't too tight. It should be comfortable to wear, allowing you to make the most of your day while being free to move!

Choose Heels for a Beautiful Posture

Do you love wearing heels? If so, don't hesitate, because they elongate your legs while improving your posture. Whether it's summer or winter, they will be your best allies for a confident look and incredible charisma. 😊

👉 Choose a comfortable pair of shoes that allow you to dance and move freely. If that’s not the case, consider bringing a spare pair of shoes with you!

Choose Accessories That Suit You and Reflect Your Personality

On this blog, I often emphasize the importance of accessories such as jewelry, bags, belts, sunglasses, and even elements of your hairstyle. Indeed, it’s these details that will subtly allow you to customize your outfit and feel at ease in it. They are a way to better understand yourself just by looking at yourself and reflect your creativity and originality.

👉 To brighten up your face or highlight your body, nothing beats a unique piece of jewelry that showcases your personality! Recently, I discovered the resin jewelry embedded with dried flowers from Atelier Passiflore. Handmade and vibrant, they are perfect for enhancing all your outfits! Check out their online store 😉

Jewellery Atelier Passiflore

Wear Your Outfit Ahead of Time to Build Confidence

Have you found the perfect outfit? I'm so happy for you! Before we wrap up this article, let me share one last tip: to ensure you're as comfortable as possible on the big day and to boost your confidence, don’t hesitate to try on your festive attire at home beforehand to get used to it. This way, putting it on will feel natural, and on the day of the celebrations, 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 you can feel fantastic on this joyous occasion. 😊

Are you looking for a gift for the happy couple? At Vie-de-Bohème, we specialize in fashion, but we also know a thing or two about events. I’d like to share my latest find: the eternal roses from Auréole Florale! I instantly fell in love with this romantic gift, which is sure to delight the newlyweds! Check them out now! 🌹