How to Dress for a Wedding When You're Plus Size?

Got an invitation to a wedding and not sure what to wear for the occasion? Looking for classy outfit ideas to highlight your curves?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often feel disappointed to see that guides and articles on the topic frequently overlook offering outfits and advice tailored for plus-size women.

That's why today I've decided to share all my tips and outfit inspirations for attending a wedding, especially aimed at those with curvy figures!

No matter what your body shape is, there are plenty of outfit options for celebrating a wedding or any joyous occasion. If you have a curvier figure, I recommend highlighting your silhouette with a dress or jumpsuit that accentuates your curves instead of hiding them. So, very loose-fitting styles may not be the best choice. Brightly coloured outfits and dresses that cinch at the waist will be your best friends. Don't hesitate to pick beautiful prints or unique accessories to ensure you feel comfortable in your outfit.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• How to determine your body shape to choose clothes that flatter you,
• Tips specifically tailored to your body type,
• Ideas for elegant dresses that will enhance your curves,
• Advice on how to dress when you have a fuller figure for special occasions,
• And plenty of inspiring outfit ideas with the many illustrations in this article!

Emphasise or Downplay Your Curves? Be Proud of Your Curves!

Whenever I browse the internet and read articles in fashion magazines, I often notice the same issue: many of these publications still unfortunately encourage curvy women to hide their curves. There’s often a focus on concealing one’s shape, which is viewed as an imperfection.

In this article - and more generally on this blog - I’m offering you a different perspective. Your curves are a part of you: just like any part of your body, they can be enhanced and highlighted. Instead of trying to hide them under baggy clothes, it’s important to find an outfit that suits your body shape.

This is especially true for formal attire, such as for an event like a wedding. Therefore, I encourage you to wear colorful and well-fitted clothes 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’re looking for a wedding dress for curvy women, check out our other article titled "what wedding dress for which body shape". 😉

What are the fabrics and cuts that enhance different body shapes? What should you avoid?

No matter what your body shape is, there are cuts that will flatter you, while others may not have been designed with you in mind. That’s why before choosing an outfit, I recommend that you analyse your body shape 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 best to avoid tight-fitting outfits, long dresses, and shiny materials. To accentuate your curves, opt for a midi dress that flows nicely, with a lovely neckline and short or ¾-length sleeves.

🔹 Are your curves more pronounced around the lower part of your body (hips, thighs)? If so, you likely have a A-shaped body type. To feel comfortable in your clothes, I recommend outfits that complement your shape, such as flared dresses and tunics. An empire waist dress will especially enhance your figure. If you like, you can accessorise with a beautiful necklace to draw attention to your neckline.

Left: O Shape / Right: A Shape

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🔸 Unlike the previous situation, if your lower body is more slender while your shoulders are broad, you have a V-shaped body type. This means you can wear any kind of skirt or dress to draw attention to your legs. However, it's best to avoid flared cuts and wide necklines that expose your shoulders, like theBardot neckline.

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

On the left: V-shaped body type / On the right: Hourglass figure (X-shaped)

Stylish Outfit Ideas for Curvy Brides-to-Be Attending a Wedding

To help you out, I've put together a little series of style inspirations and outfit examples that will highlight your curves and make you look very feminine for this festive occasion.

A midi dress to accentuate your waist and showcase your hips

This type of dress is perfect for curvy figures: it has a cut that enhances your neckline and hips, tastefully highlighting them under your clothes. The above-the-knee length is ideal as it elongates your legs and showcases their shape beautifully.

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

A chic jumpsuit for a sleek and dynamic silhouette

When I talk about fashion with plus-size women, I often find that they believe jumpsuits aren't suited for their body shape. However, if you choose a well-fitted model with a cut that complements your curves, you can have an outfit that is both comfortable to wear and stylish.

To enhance your curves, I recommend a solid-coloured or vertically striped outfit with a loose fit that hints at your hips and highlights your neckline.

👉 Don’t hesitate to go for a fitted at the waist style or add a belt in that area to give your outfit a sophisticated touch. 😉

Define Your Figure with a Stylish Short Skirt

Short, fitted skirts, often referred to as “pencil skirts”, are great for accentuating your waist and highlighting the curve of your hips. I recommend going for a darker colour, with or without patterns, and opt for a high-waisted cut.

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

A flowy bohemian dress to elegantly highlight your curves

Flattering for all body types, bohemian fashion is perfect for curvy women, thanks to its flattering cuts and vibrant fabrics. A loose-fitting dress with a beautiful print, bright colour, and a design that slightly highlights your waist is ideal for a chic outfit at a wedding.

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

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

Dare to Embrace Bright Colours!

I often notice that many curvy women tend to stick to dark colours like navy blue, charcoal grey, and black, which are said to make the body look slimmer. However, a wedding is a joyful and positive occasion, and I encourage you to dare to wear vibrant colours that will make you shine among the other guests.

Here are a few tips to pull off a colourful outfit without making any fashion missteps:

• Don't choose more than three different colours for your outfit,
• It's possible to wear just one shade! Choose one that matches your skin tone:
• warm colours if you have golden or dark skin and brown hair,
• cool colours if you have fair skin, redness, or light blonde hair.
• If you're not very comfortable with bright colours, you can opt for pastel shades or add hints of colour to a dark outfit.

Shape Your Body with Shapewear

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

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

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

👉 When buying your shapewear, make sure to check that it fits you well and isn't too tight. It should be comfortable to wear, so you can enjoy your day to the fullest while being free to move around!

Invest in Heels for a Beautiful Posture

Do you enjoy wearing heels? Don't hesitate, because they lengthen your legs and improve your posture. Whether it's summer or winter, they will be your best friends for a confident look and a fantastic charisma. 😊

👉 Choose a comfortable pair that allows you to dance and move around with ease. If that's not the case, consider bringing along a spare pair of shoes in your bag!

Choose accessories that match your style and reflect your personality

On this blog, I often emphasize the importance of accessories like jewellery, bags, belts, as well as sunglasses and even your hairstyle elements. In fact, it’s these details that subtly allow you to customise your outfit and feel comfortable in it. They are a way to better understand yourself simply 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 jewellery that showcases your personality! Recently, I discovered the resin jewellery with dried flowers from Atelier Passiflore. Each piece is completely handmade and vibrant in colour, making them perfect to elevate any outfit! Check out their online store 😉

Wear Your Outfit Early to Boost Your Confidence

Found the perfect outfit? I'm so happy for you! Before we wrap up this article, here's one last tip: to feel as comfortable as possible on the big day and boost your confidence, try wearing your party outfit at home beforehand. This way, it'll feel natural when you put it on, and on the day of the celebration, you can be sure you'll be 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 soon-to-be-wed couple? At Vie-de-Bohème, we’re focused on fashion, but we also have good knowledge of the events scene. Let me share with you my latest find: the eternal roses from Auréole Florale! I instantly fell in love with this romantic gift, which is sure to delight the couple getting married! Check them out now! 🌹