How to Dress for a Wedding When You're Curvy?

Are you invited to a wedding and unsure how to dress for the occasion? Are you looking for outfit ideas to accentuate your curves?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often feel disappointed to see that guides and articles on the subject frequently neglect to provide outfits and advice suitable for curvy women.

That's why today I've decided to share all my tips and outfit inspiration for attending a wedding, specifically aimed at curvier figures!

Whatever your body shape, there are plenty of outfit options for celebrating a wedding or any other joyous occasion. If you have a curvier figure, I recommend highlighting your silhouette by choosing a dress or jumpsuit that accentuates your curves rather than concealing them. Oversized cuts may not be the most flattering in this case. Vibrant colours and dresses nipped in at the waist will be your best friends. Don't hesitate to opt for lovely prints or unique accessories to ensure you feel comfortable in your outfit.

Would you like to know more? Continue reading to discover:

• How to understand your body shape to choose clothes that enhance your figure,
• Tips specifically tailored for your body type,
• Dress ideas that will flatter your curves,
• Advice on how to dress when you have a fuller figure for a special occasion,
• And plenty of inspiring outfit ideas thanks to the numerous illustrations in this article!

Emphasise or downplay your curves? Be proud of your figure!

When I browse the internet and read articles in fashion magazines, I often notice the same thing: most of these publications unfortunately still encourage curvy women to hide their curves. There is frequently a focus on concealing one’s curves, which are seen as imperfections.

In this article - and more generally on this blog - I offer you a different perspective. Your curves are indeed a part of you: like every part of your body, they can be enhanced and celebrated. Instead of desperately trying to hide them under baggy layers of clothing, it is important to find an outfit that suits your silhouette.

This is especially relevant for smart attire, such as for an event like a wedding. Therefore, I encourage you to wear well-fitted, colourful clothing that will make you shine in the eyes of your loved ones!

👉 This article is aimed at those who are invited to a wedding. If you are looking for a wedding dress for curvy women, I would recommend our other article titled "which wedding dress for which body shape". 😉

What fabrics and cuts enhance different body shapes? What should be avoided?

No matter what your body shape is, there are styles that will enhance your figure, while others may not have been designed with you in mind. For this reason, before choosing an outfit, I recommend you analyse your body shape to understand where your curves are, so you can accentuate them effectively.

🔸 If your curves are concentrated around your belly, hips, and bust, you have an O shape. In this case, it would be wise to avoid overly fitted outfits, long dresses, and shiny fabrics. To highlight your curves, opt for a midi dress that is fairly fluid, with a lovely neckline and short or three-quarter sleeves.

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

On the left: O-shaped morphology / On the right: A-shaped morphology

🔸 Conversely, do you have a slender lower body and broad shoulders? With your V-shaped figure, you can choose any type of skirt or dress to drew attention to your legs. Avoid flared cuts and wide necklines on the shoulders, such as those found in a Bardot neckline.

🔹 Do you have a slim waist with generous bust and hips? You have what is known as an hourglass silhouette: the advantage is that you can wear most outfits. If your dress is loose and doesn't accentuate your slim waist - which is a true asset to be highlighted! - consider adding a belt to cinch it in.

Left: V shape / Right: Hourglass silhouette (X shape)

Some Stylish Outfit Ideas for Attending a Wedding When You're Curvy

To assist you, I've put together a selection of fashion inspirations and outfit examples that will accentuate your curves and make you look wonderfully feminine for this festive occasion.

A midi dress to accentuate your waist and highlight your hips

This type of dress is perfectly suited to curvy figures: indeed, it features a cut that will enhance your neckline and hips, subtly emphasising them beneath your clothing. The length above the knee is ideal as it lengthens your legs and highlights their shape.

❄️ If it's a bit chilly, feel free to wear this outfit with a lovely coloured blazer!

A stylish jumpsuit for a tall and dynamic silhouette

When I discuss fashion with curvy women, I often find that they believe jumpsuits are not suited to their body shape. However, if you choose a well-tailored design that flatters your curves, you can have an outfit that is both comfortable to wear and stylish.

To accentuate your curves, I recommend a solid-coloured or vertically striped jumpsuit with a loose fit that hints at your hips and highlights your décolletage.

👉 Feel free to opt for a fitted waist or add a belt in that area to add a sophisticated detail to your outfit. 😉

Define Your Figure with a Beautiful Short Skirt

Short, fitted skirts, often referred to as “pencil skirts”, have the unique ability to enhance your waist by accentuating the curve of your hips. I recommend choosing a darker colour, whether patterned or plain, and opting for a high-waisted cut.

This type of clothing will pair wonderfully with heels to elongate your legs, as well as a slightly loose blouse or a blazer to emphasise your neckline and shoulders.

A flowing bohemian dress to elegantly highlight your curves

Flattering for all body types, bohemian style is perfect for curvy women, thanks to its flattering cuts and a variety of colourful fabrics. A loose dress with a lovely print, a bright hue, and a cut that gently defines your waist is ideal for a chic outfit for a wedding.

👉 At Boho Via, we are passionate about enhancing all body types, so that every woman can feel beautiful. That’s why we offer a collection of plus-size bohemian dresses that is available right now on our online store. Feel free to take a look!

Long Bohemian Dress

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

Dare to use bright colours!

I often notice that many curvy women tend to favour dark colours such as navy blue, charcoal grey, and black, believed to create a slimming effect. 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 for wearing colourful outfits while ensuring you avoid any fashion missteps:

• Choose no more than three different colours for your outfit,
• It's perfectly fine to wear just one shade! Pick a colour that complements your skin tone:
• warm colours if you have golden or dark skin and brown hair,
• cool colours if you have fair skin, rosy undertones, and light or blonde hair.
• If you're not very comfortable with bright colours, you can opt for pastel shades or integrate colours in small accents within 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. This will smooth out your curves and help boost your confidence, especially if you’re not accustomed to wearing such clothing.

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

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

👉 When purchasing your shapewear, make sure to check that it is the right size for you and not too tight. It should be comfortable to wear, allowing you to make the most of your day while feeling free to move!

Opt for Heels to Achieve a Beautiful Posture

Do you enjoy wearing heels? If so, don't hesitate, as they elongate your legs while improving your posture. Whether in summer or winter, they will be your best allies for a confident look and incredible charisma. 😊

👉 Choose a comfortable pair that allows you to dance and move freely. If that's not quite the case, consider bringing a spare pair of shoes with you!

Choose accessories that suit you and reflect your personality

On this blog, I often emphasise the importance of accessories such as jewellery, bags, belts, as well as sunglasses and elements of your hairstyle. Indeed, it’s these details that will subtly allow you to personalise your outfit and feel good in it. They are a way to learn more about yourself simply by looking at how you present, and they reflect your creativity and originality.

👉 To illuminate your face or accentuate your body, nothing compares to a unique piece of jewellery that highlights your personality! Recently, I discovered the resin jewellery embedded with dried flowers from Atelier Passiflore. Entirely handmade and vibrantly coloured, they are perfect for enhancing all your outfits! Check out their online shop 😉

Atelier Passiflore Jewellery

Try on your outfit in advance to boost your confidence

Have you found the perfect outfit? I'm delighted for you, and before I finish this article, here's one last tip: to be as comfortable as possible on the big day and feel confident, don’t hesitate to wear your party outfit at home ahead of time, so that you can get used to it. This way, putting it on will feel natural, and on the day of the celebrations, you'll be sure to feel 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 that you can feel absolutely wonderful on this joyous occasion. 😊

Are you on the lookout for a gift for the newlyweds? At Vie-de-Bohème, we primarily focus on fashion, but we’re also well-versed in the events industry. I’d like to share my latest find with you: the eternal roses from Auréole Florale! I instantly fell in love with this romantic gift, which is sure to delight the happy couple! Check them out now! 🌹