What Dress to Wear When You Have Curves?

When you're curvy, you're looking for a dress that flatters your curves while highlighting your femininity. There are various styles to choose from: A-line, shirt, shift, empire... Which dress should a curvy woman choose? What cut, fabric, and style should be prioritized to enhance those curves? Here are some tips to help you choose wisely.

Know Your Body Shape

Whether you have a lot of curves or not, it's essential to understand your body shape to make the best choice. This knowledge allows you to decide on the cut, length, and neckline that you want to wear.

A Body Shape

A Body Shape

If you have an A body shape, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your curves are mainly around the hips, thighs, and buttocks.

This is the most common female body shape. Flared dresses made from fluid materials that showcase your neckline are best suited for this figure.

H Body Shape

H Body Shape

Your hips and shoulders are aligned, your waist is not defined, and your body is proportional.

If this describes you, consider wearing a dress that creates an illusion of a waist with prints. Straight cuts are also recommended to highlight your hips and shoulders.

O Body Shape

O Body Shape

This shape features curves at the belly, bust, shoulders, and buttocks.

To emphasize your curves without drawing too much attention, choose fluid fabrics and knee-length cuts. A lovely neckline will enhance your femininity.

V Body Shape

V Body Shape

If you have a V body shape, your shoulders are broader than your hips. You can showcase your bust with a scoop or V-neckline. Consider accentuating your waist and wearing flowy materials that add volume to the lower part of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap styles, work beautifully with your silhouette.

X Body Shape

X Body Shape

If you have an X body shape, your hips are as wide as your shoulders, and you have a defined waist.

This is a highly feminine silhouette with a cinched waist, and a generous bust and hips.

All cuts can work well as long as you remember to highlight your waist with a belt.

Choosing the Right Type of Dress

When it comes to colors and fabrics, opt for small prints that offer a more chic appearance. Since thicker fabrics can add bulk, it's better to wear light, fluid materials. Fitted dresses and overly baggy dresses are not suited for curvy silhouettes. Here are dress styles that will best enhance your figure.

Curvy Woman in Dress

The Little Black Dress

This is a must-have in every wardrobe! The colour black is slimming, and it should be tailored yet slightly flared. Opt for ¾ sleeves and a length that falls above the knee. For the neckline, choose a U-neck or square neckline if you have a larger bust; otherwise, a round or V-neck will work. This model conceals curves while adding elegance to your silhouette.

The Wrap Dress

This dress wraps around itself thanks to an integrated belt that ties at the waist. It helps blur the curves around the tummy while emphasizing your neckline.

The Empire Dress

Whether mid-length or long, the empire dress is fitted under the bust. This style disguises curves at the hips and tummy while elongating your legs.

This type of dress is not suitable for all body shapes and should be avoided if you have a fuller bust.

Straight Cuts

There are various types of straight dresses, such as shirt dresses or sheath dresses.

The straight cut adds fluidity and subtly suggests curves. Consider wearing a belt to highlight your waist.

Choosing a Bohemian Look

The Bohemian Style

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

Boho Via has a collection of plus-size dresses that includes only clothing available in sizes starting from double XL (XXL) and going up to quadruple XL (XXXXL).

The term bohemian emerged in the late 18th century to describe artists who lived in poverty, often wearing worn and old clothing. They were associated with the nomadic Romani people from the region of the Balkans known as "Bohemia."

Later, "bohemian" became synonymous with an alternative culture rooted in creativity, art, and the rejection of traditional social classes and aesthetic codes. In fashion, it refers to a movement that opposes corseted clothing, advocating for loose-fitting garments embellished with handmade embroidery and prints.

In the 20th century, ethnic patterns and floral prints emerged in fabrics, alongside swirls and motifs, which were later embraced by the hippie movement.

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

This style can be combined with others to create a bohemian countryside or bohemian chic look, for example. The fabrics are airy and flowing. Common materials used include lace, cotton, or silk. These are comfortable garments in which you can move freely.

The Bohemian Dress

The bohemian dress is suitable for all body shapes, regardless of your curves. The use of fluid materials such as cotton, silk, or lace enhances your natural beauty and your curves.

You can choose a mid-length or long dress according to your preference!
You will find solid-coloured dresses in natural shades, complemented by floral patterns, ethnic designs, or subtle details—nothing is compulsory. All types of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight...

Whichever you choose, prefer small or ¾ sleeves to dress your arms.

Shoes, jackets, and accessories will allow you to add a relaxed or elegant touch to your outfit. Choose heeled shoes for a chic appearance and flats for a casual look.

Need some inspiration? Discover dresses expertly crafted to beautifully enhance curvy figures. View Our Plus-Size Dress Inspiration