For Women With Curves: Plus Size Dressing Advice For 2024

Hey, how about the new rules are that there are no rules? Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, and let’s move on to a different discussion…

But we have a word limit to meet and an article to write, so let’s explore the changing trends and thankfully largely abandoned fashion ‘rules’ for the plus size people among us.

As the author Carmen Maria Machado told the Guardian; “people are always being asked to minimise their bodies, to make themselves more hidden, and I’m not interested in that”. 

We couldn’t concur more; instead, let’s instead focus on emphasising what’s beautiful, whether that’s grace, simplicity, a softer profile or one that enhances natural shapes and curves just right. 

Luckily, things are changing and the plus-size clothing industry is flourishing. For the fuller figured woman who wants to flaunt their fashionable side, things have never been better.

So, forget all those fashion rules that have been imposed on the plus size community over the years, and instead consider this advice on plus size dressing for women with curves.

Take A Bite Out Of Wearing White

How many times have you heard that black is slimming and white will make you look larger? Well, that’s nonsense.

If you google the subject, ridiculous advice pops up like “Don’t wear a white blouse if you want to camouflage a large chest.” and “lighter colours can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame”. 

But these rules are antiquated, a relic, a leftover when people felt they had the right to police women’s bodies, especially bodies that did not fit into socially accepted norms.

Instead, white is very much in for women with curves. Indeed, with any size, when it comes to wearing white, the key is to pick good quality materials with substance – double lining is your friend, particularly, reflecting a body confidence and feminine glamour that’s to be embraced and accentuated.

Tailor It

Not all curvy girls have the same frame, and when considering plus-size fashion, it doesn’t matter what your body type is, you are better off getting all of your clothes tailored to fit you perfectly, and this is especially true for plus size women. 

Whether it’s a pair of designer jeans that you spend hundreds of dollars on or bodycon dresses that accentuate your curves, they will never look perfect on you unless they are fitted to your unique shape. Be willing to spend some extra money on quality tailoring in order for them to look perfect on you, and embrace a wardrobe that actually works.

Special Occasion Smarts

When it comes to special occasions, finding the perfect plus size outfit can be a challenge, but plus size formal dresses are now more accessible and stylish than ever. Today, the market is brimming with elegant and sophisticated choices that cater to every taste and body type. 

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a gala, or a formal dinner, there’s a plus size formal dress out there that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, the key is to choose a dress that highlights your best features and makes you feel fabulous. For those looking to enhance their silhouette further, investigate shaping waspies which cinch the waist, adding an extra touch of elegance and definition to your ensemble.

So, embrace your curves and step out in style with a stunning plus size formal dress that truly reflects your personality and grace.

The Bright & The Bold

Another rule we’ve been told is that plus size women shouldn’t wear bright colours because vibrant shades draw attention to our shape and make us look bigger. PLEASE! If this were the case, then a good majority of the world’s population would be dressed in black. 

Here at IDEAL, we’re all for feel-good-fashion. This is ultimately all about wearing clothes which bring you joy and for many, wearing bright colours bring us joy with a capital J. Express yourself with ebullience, whether you’re in black backless dresses, white onesies, or anything in between.

Say It With Stripes

Curvy girls can’t wear stripes. It’s something that’s been drummed into the majority of us for decades. Well it’s no longer 1999 and we can wear what we want thank you very much. Anyway, scientists have actually proven that so-called “fashion gurus” are wrong. 

As the Guardian reports, “when Dr Peter Thompson, a psychologist and expert in visual perception at the University of York, tested the optical illusion he found the opposite was true. ”Horizontal stripes don’t make you look fatter.” 

Moreover, he found the age old adage that wearing vertical stripes makes you look thinner is simply not true, either! Either way, if you enjoy how stripes look on you, there should be nothing stopping you from incorporating them into your style.

Ask For More From Fashion Labels

Plus-size women are often told not to follow trends. However, fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors to landfill on the planet. Nearly all of us are guilty of over-consuming and it’s having a direct, damaging impact on our environment, to say the least. 

However, it’s not as easy for curvy people to boycott high street brands and shop more sustainably, as the options for plus size clothing are nearly as broad or available. As Cosmopolitan points out “curve options that are actually good for the planet (and its people) are still extremely limited”. 

Join us in calling for more inclusive, sustainable fashion for all sizes. Check out the Power of Plus community, who are campaigning for fashion to be more size inclusive.

The Bottom Line

All those fashion myths that have been floating around…forget about them. Like dressing for any shape, it’s all about emphasising your best bits to make you feel great and wearing what makes you feel fabulous. Just don’t make the mistake of wearing oversized baggy clothes that swamp your silhouette. Instead, whatever you’ve got, flaunt it!

Like that? You'll love this...

The latest...