What dress to wear if you're curvy?

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

Understanding Your Body Shape

Whether you have many curves or just a few, it’s important to understand your body shape in order to make the right selection. This knowledge will help you decide on the cut, length, and neckline that you wish to wear.

A Body Shape

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

H Body Shape

	Your shoulders and hips are aligned, your waist is not defined, and your body is proportionate. In this case, you can enhance your waist by wearing an illusion dress that plays with prints. Straight cuts are also recommended to showcase your hips and shoulders.

O Body Shape

	This shape is characterised by curves around the stomach, chest, shoulders, and bottom. To emphasise your curves without overdoing it, opt for flowing materials and lengths that hit the knee. A lovely neckline will enhance your femininity.

V Body Shape

	In a V body shape, your shoulders are wider than your hips. You can highlight your bust by opting for a deep neckline with a V collar. Remember to define your waist and wear fluid fabrics that add volume to the lower part of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap styles, are particularly suited to your silhouette.

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 is a highly feminine silhouette with a marked waist and generous bust and hips. All cuts can be worn, provided you 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 lend a more chic appearance. As thicker materials accentuate curves, it’s better to choose flowing fabrics. Both tight-fitting dresses and overly loose styles are not ideal for curvy figures. Here are the dress styles that will best enhance your silhouette.

The Little Black Dress

This is a must-have in every wardrobe! The black colour streamlines the silhouette and it should be tailored with a slight flare. Ideally, choose one with ¾ sleeves and a length that falls above the knee. For the neckline, opt for a U or square neck if you have a fuller bust, otherwise, a round or V neckline works well. This style conceals curves and adds elegance to your silhouette.

The Wrap Dress

This is a dress that closes on itself with an integrated belt tied at the waist. It helps to disguise any tummy curves while accentuating your neckline.

The Empire Dress

Mid-length or long, the empire dress is fitted just below the bust. This helps to conceal curves around the hips and stomach while elongating the silhouette and your legs.

This dress style isn't suited for all body shapes; it's best avoided if you have a fuller bust.

Straight Cuts

There are several types of straight-cut dresses: shirt dresses or shift dresses, for instance.

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

Embracing a Bohemian Look

Bohemian Style

The bohemian style is perfect for dressing a curvy woman, as it emphasises natural beauty and is based on loose, comfortable clothing that flatters curvy shapes.

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

Plus Size Dresses

The term bohemian appeared at the end of the 18th century, referring to artists who lived in poverty and wore worn and old clothes. They were associated with the nomadic Gypsies from the Balkans region known as "Bohemia".

Later, the word "bohemian" became synonymous with an alternative culture based on creativity, art, and a rejection of social classes and traditional aesthetic codes. In fashion, it is a movement that opposes corsetry, favouring clothing focused on loose cuts, enhanced with hand-stitched embroidery and patterns.

In the 20th century, ethnic designs were introduced to fabrics, alongside floral prints, patterns, and swirls. It was later adopted 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 country or bohemian chic look, for example. The fabrics are airy and flowing. The main materials used include lace, cotton, and silk. These are comfortable garments, allowing freedom of movement.

The Bohemian Dress

The bohemian dress suits all body shapes, no matter your size. The use of flowing materials such as cotton, silk, or lace enhances your natural beauty and curves.

You can choose between a mid-length or long dress according to your mood!
You will find solid-colour dresses in natural hues, adorned with floral patterns, ethnic designs, or understated details; again, there are no strict rules. All types of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight…

Whatever your choice, prefer small sleeves or ¾ sleeves to dress your arms.

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