What dress to wear if you're curvy?

When you're curvy, you're on the lookout for a dress that flatters your curves 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 you prefer to highlight your curves? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Know Your Body Shape

Whether you have a lot of curves or not, it's important to understand your body shape to make the right choice. This will help you decide on the cut, length, and neckline you want to wear.

A Body Shape

	If you have an A body shape, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your curves are mainly around your backside, thighs, and hips. This is the most common female body shape. Flared dresses with flowy fabric that highlight your neckline are the most suitable for this silhouette.

H Body Shape

	Your hips and shoulders are aligned, and you have little definition at your waist, making your body proportional. In this case, you can create the illusion of a defined waist by wearing a wrap dress that plays with prints. Straight cuts are also recommended to highlight your hips and shoulders.

O Body Shape

	This shape is characterised by curves around the stomach, bust, shoulders, and backside. To accentuate your shape without over-emphasising it, opt for fluid 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 accentuate your bust with a décolletage that features a V-neckline. Be sure to define your waist and wear flowy fabric that adds volume to the lower part of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap styles, suit your silhouette particularly well.

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 shape is ultra-feminine with a cinched waist and generous bust and hips. Almost any cut will work, provided you highlight your waist with a belt.

Choosing the Right Type of Dress

When it comes to colours and fabrics, go for small prints that give a chic appearance. Since thick materials can amplify your figure, it's better to choose flowing fabrics. Form-fitting dresses as well as overly loose styles are not well suited for curvy silhouettes. Here are the dress styles that will most flatter your figure.

The Little Black Dress

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

The Wrap Dress

This style wraps around thanks to an integrated belt tied at the waist. It helps to disguise tummy curves while accentuating your neckline.

The Empire Dress

Knee-length or longer, the empire dress is fitted just below the bust. This style camouflages curves around the hips and tummy while elongating your legs.

This type of dress isn't suitable for every body shape, and it's best avoided if you have a larger bust.

Straight Cuts

There are several types of straight-cut dresses, such as shirt dresses or shift dresses.

This cut provides fluidity and suggests curves. Remember to wear it with a belt to define your waist.

Opt for a Bohemian Look

Bohemian Style

The bohemian style is ideal for dressing curvy women as it showcases a natural vibe and is centred around loose, comfortable clothing, perfect for a curvy figure.

Boho Via offers a special plus-size dress collection that includes only garments starting from size double XL (XXL) up to quadruple XL (XXXXL).

Plus Size Dresses

The term "bohemian" emerged in the late 18th century, referring to artists who lived in poverty, wearing worn-out and old clothes. They were associated with the nomadic Romani people from the Balkan region known as "Bohemia."

Later, the term "bohemian" became synonymous with an alternative culture based on creativity, art, and the rejection of traditional social classes and aesthetic codes. In fashion, it’s a movement opposing corsetry by offering garments focused on loose cuts, often adorned with handmade embroidery and designs.

In the 20th century, ethnic patterns were introduced into fabrics, as well as floral prints, motifs, and swirls. This style was subsequently embraced by the hippie movement.

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

It can be combined with other styles to create a countryside bohemian or bohemian chic look, for example. Fabrics are light and flowing, primarily using lace, cotton, or silk. These are comfortable garments that allow you to move freely.

The Bohemian Dress

The bohemian dress is suitable for all body shapes, no matter your figure. Using fluid fabrics like cotton, silk, or lace can enhance your natural beauty and curves.

You can choose a mid-length or long dress based on your preferences!
You’ll find solid-coloured dresses in natural hues, paired with floral patterns, ethnic designs, or subtle details—again, nothing is prescribed. All types of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight...

Whatever your choice, opt for small or three-quarter sleeves to dress your arms.

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