Dressing a curvy figure can be pretty tricky, but it definitely isn’t impossible. Take some inspiration from voluptuous ladies like Dita von Teese, Jennifer Hudson and Christina Hendricks — three curvy ladies who are experts in dressing up their shapely figures. It all starts with a great foundation: By picking one of the best dress styles for curvy women.
Another great source of inspiration for dressing a shapely figure? Ashley Graham. The model is never shy about her curves, and often shows them off with tasteful clothes. Below, she styled a form-fitting nude dress with a wide corset belt to highlight her small waist.
Ashley Graham at Variety’s Power Of Women: New York at Cipriani Midtown in New York on April 21, 2017.
Ashley highlighted her small waist with a corset-like belt.
Christina Hendricks also has a notable fashion sense we can use for fashion inspiration. At The Creative Coalition’s Inaugural Ball for the Arts, the gorgeous redhead wore a lovely black tulle dress that was very flattering on her curvy figure. The frock featured a flared skirt and a cinched belted waist, and provided a perfect hourglass silhouette while still looking classy.
Christina Hendricks at The Creative Coalition’s Inaugural Ball for the Arts at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington DC on January 20, 2017.
Here are the four best dress styles to pick from when it comes to showing off your curves.
1) Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses may just be God’s gift to us women. They look great on all figures, but are most flattering on women with curves. Tie-belts at the waist are instantly slimming, a v-neck draws onlooker attention to all the right places, and the draping is flattering for just about everybody.
Lia Toby at The TV Choice Awards 2016 at The Dorchester, Park Lane in London on September 5, 2016.
2) Shirt Dresses
Who doesn’t love a comfy shirt dress? Shirt dresses are stylish and cozy, and — if styled correctly — perfect for fuller figures. Add a contrasting belt to define your waist, but be wary of bold prints, which can make a fuller figure seem larger.
Chrissy Teigen at Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017 NYC launch event at Center415 Event Space on February 16, 2017/Casey Batchelor at the House of Flying Arrows in London on October 17, 2016.
3) Flared Dresses
Dresses with full skirts or flared hems also perfectly accentuate an hourglass figure, and as a bonus? They’re super trendy right now! They highlight the daintiness of the waist and conceal fuller hips.
Jennifer Hudson wearing a J. Mendel blush pleated dress at the premiere of movie “Sing” in Los Angeles on December 3, 2016.
4) Contoured Dresses
If you shy away from too-fitted bodycon dresses, opt for ones that fit slightly looser, but still have some contouring. A dress printed with stripes seems to add height, and also has a slimming effect. Also, look for panel details that will perfectly contour your midsection, showing off the right places and hiding the rest.
Anne Hathaway wearing a Christopher Kane dress at the premiere of Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass” in Los Angeles on May 24, 2016.
Credit: Andres Otero/WENN