What Dress to Wear If You're Curvy?

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

Understanding Your Body Shape

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

A-shape Body

	If you have an A-shape 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. Flared dresses made of flowy materials that highlight your neckline are ideal for this silhouette.

H-shape Body

	Your hips and shoulders are aligned, your waist isn't defined, and your body is proportional. In this case, you can redefine your waist by wearing a wrap dress that plays with prints. Straight cuts are also recommended to showcase your hips and shoulders.

O-shape Body

	This body shape is characterized by curves around your belly, bust, shoulders, and bottom. To accentuate your curves without over-emphasizing them, opt for flowy fabrics and knee-length cuts. A nice neckline will enhance your femininity.

V-shape Body

	For a V-shape body, your shoulders are broader than your hips. You can emphasize your bust by opting for a neckline that reveals, like a V-neck. Make sure to highlight your waist and wear flowy materials that add volume to the lower part of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap dresses, are particularly suited to your silhouette.

X-shape Body

	If you have an X-shape body, your hips are as wide as your shoulders and your waist is defined. This silhouette is ultra-feminine with a defined waist and generous bust and hips. You can wear any cut, as long as you remember to accentuate your waist with a belt.

Choosing the Right Dress Type

When it comes to colours and fabrics, choose small prints for a chic appearance. Since thick materials tend to accentuate shapes, it's better to wear flowy fabrics. Bodycon dresses and overly loose dresses don’t suit curvy figures. Here are some dress styles that will enhance your silhouette.

The Little Black Dress

This is a wardrobe essential! The black colour helps to slim the silhouette, and it should be fitted and slightly flared. Choose one with ¾ sleeves that falls just above the knees. For the neckline, opt for a U or square neckline if you have a fuller bust; otherwise, a round or V-neck works well. This style conceals curves and adds elegance to your silhouette.

Wrap Dress

This dress wraps around itself using an integrated belt and ties at the waist. It helps to smooth out belly curves while showcasing your neckline.

Empire Dress

This mid-length or full-length dress is fitted just below the bust. It camouflages curves around the hips and belly while flattering your figure and elongating your legs.

This type of dress may not suit all body shapes, so it's best avoided if you have a fuller bust.

Straight Cuts

There are various types of straight dresses, such as the shirt dress or shift dress.

A straight cut provides flow and subtly suggests curves. Remember to wear it with a belt to accentuate your waist.

Embracing a Bohemian Look

Bohemian Style

The bohemian style is ideal for dressing a curvy woman as it highlights natural beauty and features loose, comfortable garments, perfect for curvy figures.

Boho Via has a collection of plus-size dresses that includes only clothing that goes up to at least size double XL (XXL) and can reach quadruple XL (XXXXL).

Plus Size Dresses

The term bohemian emerged in the late 18th century, referring to "gypsies" — artists living in poverty who wore worn and vintage clothing. They were associated with the nomadic Romani people from the region of the Balkans called "Bohemia."

Later, "bohemian" became synonymous with an alternative culture focused on creativity, art, and a rejection of social classes and traditional aesthetic codes. In fashion, it represents a movement against corsetry, promoting loose-fitting clothing adorned with handmade embroidery and prints.

In the 20th century, ethnic patterns were introduced to fabrics, along with floral prints and swirls, eventually being embraced by the hippie movement.

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

It can be mixed with other styles to create a bohemian countryside or bohemian chic look. The fabrics are airy and flowing. Main materials used include lace, cotton, and silk. These are comfortable garments that allow you to move freely.

Bohemian Dresses

The bohemian dress suits all body shapes, regardless of your curves. The use of flowing fabrics like cotton, silk, or lace enhances your natural beauty and curves.

You can choose a mid-length or full-length dress according to your preference!
There are dresses in solid natural colours, adorned with floral patterns, ethnic motifs, or subtle details—nothing is set in stone. All types of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight...

Whatever you choose, go for small sleeves or ¾ sleeves to dress up your arms.

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