What dress should you wear if you're curvy?

When you have curves, you're looking for a dress that flatters your shapes while enhancing your femininity. There are various styles to choose from: A-line, shirt, straight, empire… Which dress should a curvy woman choose? What cut, fabric, and style should be prioritised to showcase her curves? Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice.

Understand Your Body Shape

Whether you're very curvy or not, it's essential to know your body shape well to make the right choice. This will allow you to decide on the cut, length, and neckline that you want to wear.

A-shaped Body

	If you have an A-shaped body, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your curves are mainly around your bottom, thighs, and hips. This is the most common female body shape. A-line dresses made from fluid materials that emphasise your neckline are the best fit for this silhouette.

H-shaped Body

	Your hips and shoulders are aligned, your waist isn't defined, and your body is proportional. In this case, you can create the illusion of a defined waist by wearing a dress with eye-catching prints. Straight cuts are also recommended to highlight your hips and shoulders.

O-shaped Body

	This is characterised by curves around the belly, bust, shoulders, and bottom. To highlight your shapes without overemphasising them, choose fluid fabrics and knee-length cuts. A nice neckline will enhance your femininity.

V-shaped Body

	In a V-shaped body, your shoulders are broader than your hips. You can accentuate your bust with a low neckline, preferably a V-neck. Highlight your waist and wear a fluid material that adds volume at the bottom of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap dresses, are particularly suited to your silhouette.

X-shaped Body

	If you have an X-shaped body, your hips are as wide as your shoulders and you have a defined waist. This is an ultra-feminine figure with a defined waist and generous bust and hips. You can wear all cuts, just remember to accentuate your waist with a belt.

Choosing the Right Type of Dress

In terms of colours and materials, opt for small prints that give a more chic appearance. Since thick materials can amplify shapes, it's best to wear fluid fabrics. Tight-fitting dresses or those that are overly loose are not suitable for curvy silhouettes. Here are the dress styles that will most flatter your shape.

The Little Black Dress

This is a must-have in every wardrobe! The black colour elongates the silhouette, and it should be fitted with a slight flare. Ideally, choose one with three-quarter sleeves and that falls above the knee. For the neckline, prefer a U-neck or square if you have a large bust; otherwise, a round or V-neck works well. This style masks curves and adds elegance to your figure.

The Wrap Dress

This dress wraps around itself with an integrated belt that ties at the waist. It helps to obscure belly curves while highlighting your neckline.

The Empire Dress

Whether knee-length or full-length, the empire dress is fitted just below the bust. It camouflages curves at the hips and belly while streamlining the silhouette and elongating your legs.

This type of dress isn't suitable for all body shapes; it's best avoided if you have a large bust.

Straight Cuts

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

The straight cut adds fluidity while suggesting curves. Consider wearing it with a belt to define 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 relies on loose, comfortable clothing – ideal for curvy figures.

Boho Via has a special plus-size dress collection featuring clothing that goes up to at least double XL (XXL) and can go up to quadruple XL (XXXXL).

Plus Size Dresses

The term 'bohemian' emerged in the late 18th century, referring to artists who lived in poverty and wore worn-out clothes. They were associated with nomadic gypsies from the Balkan region called 'Bohemia.'

Latterly, 'bohemian' became synonymous with an alternative culture based on creativity, art, and the rejection of societal classes and traditional aesthetic codes. In fashion, it represented a move away from corsetry, offering loose clothing adorned with handcrafted embroidery and designs.

In the 20th century, ethnic designs were introduced to the fabrics, including floral prints, motifs, and swirls. It was later 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 instance. Fabrics are airy and fluid, mainly including lace, cotton, and silk. These are comfortable garments that allow free movement.

The Bohemian Dress

The bohemian dress suits all body shapes, regardless of your curves. Using fluid materials like cotton, silk, or lace helps accentuate your natural side and your curves.

You can choose a mid-length or long dress depending on your preferences!
You'll find dresses in solid natural colours or adorned with floral patterns, ethnic designs, or subtle details, as nothing is set in stone. All styles of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight...

Whichever you choose, opt for cap sleeves or three-quarter sleeves to flatter your arms.

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