When it comes to choosing plus size clothing, finding styles that flatter your specific body type is key. Every body is unique, and dressing to highlight your best features while staying comfortable and confident can truly transform how you feel in your clothes. Whether you're shopping for everyday wear, a special occasion, or something in between, this guide will help you navigate through options that best suit your shape.

At CurveIns, we believe every plus-size woman deserves to look and feel stunning in every outfit. From plus size party dresses to elegant plus size evening gowns, our collections are designed with your beautiful curves in mind.

Table of Contents:

1. Understanding Plus Size Body Types
2. Choosing Dresses for an Apple-Shaped Body
3. Styling for a Pear-Shaped Body
4. Hourglass Figures and Plus Size Fashion
5. Rectangle-Shaped Bodies and Fashion Tips
6. Inverted Triangle: Finding Balance with Plus Size Dresses
7. Additional Style Tips: Fabrics, Colors, and Patterns
8. Accessorizing Your Look: Plus Size Shapewear and Jewelry

1. Understanding Plus Size Body Types

The first step to dressing for your body type is understanding what shape you have. While every woman is unique, plus-size bodies typically fall into one of five categories:

• Apple (O-Shape): Full in the midsection with slimmer legs and arms.
• Pear (A-Shape): Wider hips and thighs with a smaller bust.
• Hourglass: Well-defined waist with proportionate bust and hips.
• Rectangle: Equal measurements across bust, waist, and hips.
• Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips.

By identifying your shape, you can better select pieces that emphasize your favorite features and create balanced proportions. This understanding is the foundation of successful styling — one that ensures you’re not just following trends but wearing clothes that feel good and look great on your unique frame.

Want to explore specific dresses for your shape? Check out our plus size dresses collection for inspiration.

2. Choosing Dresses for an Apple-Shaped Body

Topic: Highlight Your Legs and Bust While Creating a Waistline

Women with apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around their midsection. The goal here is to draw attention to the bust and legs while creating the illusion of a defined waist. Selecting the right dress shape can enhance these areas and help to diminish focus on your midsection.

Ideations:

• Opt for empire waist or A-line dresses to draw attention away from the midsection.
• V-neck and scoop-neck styles elongate the torso and highlight your décolletage.
• Avoid clingy fabrics around the tummy; instead, choose flowy fabrics like chiffon or soft knits.
• Look for dresses with some volume in the skirt area to balance out the upper body and create a more harmonious silhouette.

Empire waist dresses and A-line silhouettes are your best friends. Not only do they provide room for your midsection to breathe, but they also create a pleasing drape over your legs, adding length and elegance to your overall look. V-necks and scoop necklines bring the eye upwards, emphasizing your chest and collarbone while elongating your neck.

Find the perfect plus size party dresses that enhance your best features and make a statement.

Additionally, apple-shaped women should consider using belts or dresses with cinched waists to help define their midsection. Strategic color blocking can also work wonders by placing darker colors around the torso while keeping brighter shades on the legs or shoulders.

3. Styling for a Pear-Shaped Body

Topic: Balance Your Bottom Half with Eye-Catching Tops

For pear-shaped women, the hips and thighs are typically fuller than the bust. To create balance, you’ll want to emphasize your upper body while flattering your curves. The trick here is to create a proportional look that balances your naturally fuller hips and thighs with a lighter or more detailed upper half.

Ideations:

• Look for dresses with detailed or embellished tops to draw attention upward.
• A-line and fit-and-flare dresses flow beautifully over the hips without clinging.
• Off-the-shoulder and boat necklines help widen the appearance of the shoulders.
• Bright or patterned tops combined with darker, solid-colored skirts can help balance your silhouette.

The ideal dress for a pear shape will be one that brings attention upwards while allowing for a little extra room around your hips and thighs. Think about dresses with added detail or embellishments like lace, ruffles, or sequins on the upper half. Combining these design elements with an A-line or fit-and-flare skirt will create a lovely, balanced silhouette.

Check out our plus size best seller dresses for flirty and fashionable styles that flatter pear-shaped figures.

Entities to Use:

• Off-the-shoulder dresses
• Fit-and-flare dresses
• Wrap dresses
• Boat necklines
• Detailed bodices

For a pear-shaped figure, the use of accessories can further elevate your look. A statement necklace or bold earrings will draw the eye upward, while a sleek belt at the waist will help to define your midsection, enhancing the fit-and-flare effect of your dress.

4. Hourglass Figures and Plus Size Fashion

Topic: Celebrate Your Curves with Body-Hugging Silhouettes

Women with hourglass figures typically have a defined waist with proportionate bust and hips. Show off your curves with dresses that cinch at the waist and skim your body in all the right places. This is one of the most desired body shapes, and it’s worth celebrating with the right fit.

Ideations:

• Wrap dresses, belted dresses, and bodycon styles enhance your waistline.
• Form-fitting fabrics like jersey and stretch cotton are ideal for showing off your shape.
• Avoid boxy styles that can hide your natural curves.
• Opt for dresses with strategic seams or draping that highlight the waist.

An hourglass figure is naturally balanced, so your task is to maintain that harmony while enhancing your waist and curves. Fitted dresses, especially those with a belted waist or bodycon fit, are perfect for accentuating your assets. Choose fabrics with a little stretch to offer comfort while still showcasing your figure.

For an effortlessly chic look, explore our plus size bodycon dresses that hug your curves in all the right places.

For hourglass figures, the key is to play up your natural balance by using dresses with a nipped-in waist and skirts that skim your hips. Dresses with strategic seam placements that follow the contours of your body can further emphasize your natural curves.

5. Rectangle-Shaped Bodies and Fashion Tips

Topic: Create Curves with Feminine Shapes and Structure

Rectangle-shaped bodies tend to have little difference between the bust, waist, and hips. The goal is to create the illusion of curves by adding volume to both the top and bottom, while defining the waist.

Ideations:

• Opt for dresses with ruffles, peplum, or volume at the bust and hips.
• Belted or cinched waist styles help create definition where it’s needed.
• Asymmetrical hemlines and wrap dresses also add dimension to your silhouette.
• Choose dresses with details like pleats, ruching, or layers that add movement and interest.

By adding volume to your bust and hips while cinching the waist, you can create a more traditionally feminine silhouette. Peplum tops, dresses with ruffles, or strategic layering can help provide the extra shape needed to give the illusion of an hourglass figure.

Try out our stylish plus size maxi dresses that offer structure and flow for rectangle-shaped bodies.

To further enhance a rectangle-shaped body, consider adding layers that increase depth to your outfit, such as a fitted blazer over a ruffled dress, or an asymmetrical skirt paired with a structured top.

6. Inverted Triangle: Finding Balance with Plus Size Dresses

Topic: Downplay Broad Shoulders and Highlight Your Lower Body

Inverted triangle-shaped women have broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips. The goal here is to downplay the upper body while drawing attention to the lower body for a balanced look.

Ideations:

• Choose dresses that flow from the waist down, such as A-line or fit-and-flare styles.
• V-necklines and deep scoops help elongate the neck and draw attention downward.
• Add volume to the hips with pleated skirts or tiered dresses.
• Opt for dresses that are more fitted at the top with a fuller skirt to create balance.

To soften the shoulder line and broaden the hips, choose dresses that add volume at the lower half. Pleats, layers, and A-line shapes help create the illusion of a more balanced silhouette. At the same time, plunging necklines can draw attention away from the shoulders, elongating your overall look.

Browse our gorgeous plus size formal dresses to find the perfect balance for your shape.

The use of bold accessories around the hips, such as belts or patterned skirts, can help visually balance the wider upper body, making the lower body more prominent and creating a more symmetrical appearance.

7. Additional Style Tips: Fabrics, Colors, and Patterns

Topic: Choose Fabrics and Colors That Enhance Your Shape

The right fabric can make a world of difference when choosing plus size dresses. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon and georgette work beautifully for flowing styles, while stretch fabrics like spandex and jersey are perfect for body-hugging looks. Color and pattern also play a crucial role in your style, with darker colors slimming the figure and prints adding fun and flair.

Ideations:

• Opt for darker hues like black or navy for a slimming effect.
• Use prints and patterns to add visual interest and draw attention to your best features.
• Experiment with textures like velvet or lace for a more elevated look.
• Flowy fabrics can help minimize problem areas while creating movement and fluidity.

Fabrics are your secret weapon when styling your look. Opt for lighter, more breathable materials during the warmer months and consider luxurious textures like velvet for the colder seasons. Incorporating patterns, prints, or unique color palettes can help you express your personal style while still flattering your shape.

Elevate your wardrobe with our plus size velvet dresses, perfect for holiday parties and formal events.

Opting for darker colors like black, navy, or deep jewel tones can help minimize certain areas of the body, while vibrant prints and patterns can draw attention to your best features. Don’t shy away from experimenting with textures like sequins, satin, or lace for added flair.

8. Accessorizing Your Look: Plus Size Shapewear and Jewelry

Topic: Complement Your Outfit with the Right Accessories

The right accessories can truly complete your outfit, whether you're heading to a formal event or simply going out for brunch. Plus size shapewear can enhance your silhouette, providing a smoother appearance under your clothes, while jewelry adds a touch of glamour and individuality.

Ideations:

• Shapewear can help smooth and define your curves, particularly under fitted dresses.
• Choose jewelry that complements your neckline and dress style for a cohesive look.
• Scarves, belts, and bags are excellent additions to complete your ensemble.
• For formal occasions, select statement jewelry that draws attention to the face and neckline.

Shapewear is your go-to tool for achieving a smooth, polished silhouette under your favorite dresses. Additionally, choosing the right jewelry can not only enhance your overall look but also emphasize key parts of your outfit, from necklines to waistlines. Pair these with a stunning pair of heels or chic handbag, and you’re ready to turn heads.

Achieve a flawless silhouette with our plus size shapewear options designed for comfort and control.

A simple statement necklace or bold earrings can elevate your outfit from casual to chic, while the right shapewear ensures your dress fits like a dream.

         By understanding your body type and dressing accordingly, you'll feel more confident in any outfit you choose. Whether you're shopping for a birthday party, a cocktail event, or simply a night out, CurveIns has a range of plus size dresses designed to make you look and feel your best. Happy shopping!