What dress to wear if you're curvy?

When you're curvy, you're looking for a dress that flatters your curves while also celebrating femininity. There are various styles available: A-line, shirt dress, straight, empire… Which dress should a curvy woman choose? What cut, fabric, and style should be prioritised to enhance those 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-Shape Body

	If you have an A-shaped body, your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your curves are mainly around your buttocks, thighs, and hips. This is the most common female body shape. Dresses that flare out, made from flowing fabrics, and that accentuate your neckline are most suitable for this silhouette.

H-Shape Body

	Your hips and shoulders are aligned, your waist isn’t defined, and your body is proportionate. In this case, you can create the illusion of a defined waist by wearing a dress with optical illusions that play with patterns. Straight cuts are also advisable to highlight your hips and shoulders.

O-Shape Body

	This body shape is characterised by curves around the belly, chest, shoulders, and buttocks. To enhance your shape without overemphasizing it, opt for flowing fabrics and knee-length cuts. A lovely neckline will highlight your femininity.

V-Shape Body

	In a V-shaped body, your shoulders are broader than your hips. You can accentuate your chest with a deep neckline or V-neck. Consider defining your waist and choose flowing fabrics that add volume to the lower part of your body. Fitted cuts, especially wrap styles, are particularly suitable for your silhouette.

X-Shape Body

	If you have an X-shaped body, your hips are as wide as your shoulders, and you have a defined waist. This is an ultra-feminine silhouette with a marked waist, generous bust, and hips. Any cut can work, as long as you remember to highlight your waist with a belt.

Choosing the Right Dress Type

When it comes to colours and fabrics, opt for small prints that give a chic appearance. As thick materials can add bulk, it’s better to wear flowing fabrics. Bodycon dresses and overly loose dresses are not suitable for curvy silhouettes. Here are the dress styles that will best enhance your figure.

The Little Black Dress

This is a must-have in every wardrobe! The black colour elongates the silhouette and it should be fitted and slightly flared. Preferably, choose one with ¾ sleeves that falls above the knee. For the neckline, a U-neck or square neck is preferable if you have a larger bust; otherwise, you could go for a round or V-neck. This style masks curves while adding grace to your figure.

The Wrap Dress

This dress wraps around itself thanks to an integrated belt that ties at the waist. It helps to disguise a fuller belly while enhancing your neckline.

The Empire Dress

Knee-length or long, the empire dress is fitted just below the bust. This allows it to hide curves around the hips and belly while slimming down the silhouette and elongating your legs.

This type of dress isn’t suitable for everyone, and it should be avoided if you have a larger bust.

Straight Cuts

There are various types of straight dresses: shirt dress or shift dress, for example.

The straight cut adds fluidity and suggests curves. Remember to wear it with a belt to define the waist.

Opt for a Bohemian Look

Bohemian Style

The bohemian style is perfect for dressing a curvy woman as it highlights the natural aspect and is based on loose, comfortable clothing, ideal for curvy figures.

Boho Via has a collection of plus-size dresses that includes only garments starting from size double XL (XXL) and going up to quadruple XL (XXXXL).

Plus Size Dresses

The term "bohemian" emerged in the late 18th century, referring to "bohemians" who were artists living in poverty and wore tattered, old clothes. They were associated with the nomadic Romani people from the Balkans region known as "Bohemia."

Later, the term "bohemian" became synonymous with an alternative culture rooted in creativity, art, and a rejection of social classes and traditional aesthetic codes. In fashion, it represents a movement opposing corsets, promoting loose-fitting clothing embellished with handmade embroidery and prints.

In the 20th century, ethnic designs were integrated into fabrics, along with floral prints, patterns, and swirls. It was later embraced by the hippie movement.

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

It can be paired with other styles to create a bohemian countryside or chic look, for example. The fabrics are airy and flowing. The most commonly used materials include lace, cotton, and silk. These are comfortable garments in which you feel free to move.

The Bohemian Dress

The bohemian dress is suitable for all body shapes, regardless of your figure. The use of flowing materials like cotton, silk, or lace allows you to enhance your natural side and curves.

You can choose a knee-length or long dress depending on your preference!
You will find solid colour dresses in natural hues, adorned with floral prints, ethnic motifs, or subtle details—no restrictions here. All types of dresses are available in bohemian fashion: A-line, empire, wrap, straight...

Whatever your choice, opt for short or ¾ sleeves to dress your arms.

Shoes, jackets, and accessories will help you add a casual or elegant touch to your outfit. Choose heels for a chic look and flats for a relaxed vibe.