The Most Flattering Dress Shapes for Plus Size Evening Gowns

Just received the invite for a highly formal event (like a black-tie) that requires wearing a gown? You’re thinking about the time you have to spend in fitting rooms putting on heavy dresses that you barely can fit in. And the time you have to sift through online options, wait for them to come,  only to find out that you can’t fit well or look good in them. Let’s not talk about the hassle of having to return them. We totally know how you feel as a plus size woman.

Don’t worry! You can search and shop smarter after reading this article. In this guide, we will show you what the most flattering shapes are for plus size evening gowns. With that in mind, you can filter out the options that will not fit well for a curvy woman and minimize the margin of error. It’ll make your choice easy and open your eyes to a wide range of flattering options!

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Why is Dress Shape Important for Plus Size Evening Gowns

Before we embark on sharing the different types of dress patterns, it is important to understand why dress shapes are important. This is as dress shapes will impact how a dress fits on you, the level of comfort you feel, and the way it moves together with your body. Evidently, plus size women don’t just come in one shape. As with any woman, plus size women come in different body shapes like hourglass, apple, pear or rectangle, or even a combination of these. There are fail-proof and proven dress shapes that fit and flatter each body type.

 

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1. A-Line Gowns 

A classic for plus size women, A-line gowns are most flattering for curves. This traditional dress shape is smaller at the upper portion of the body then flaring out wide downwards, much like an “A” shape.

What’s Good:

• It skims over the problem areas many women want hidden, like the stomach, hips and thighs.

• Because of its gentle flare, it is a classy dress silhouette.
  
  

• It creates the look of a smaller waist without tightness, so is still comfortable.
  
  

Best For:

• All body types

Bonus Styling Tip:

Consider sleeves for added coverage. Choose an A-line dress cut with a flattering neckline like a square neck or V neck.

 

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2. Empire Waist Gowns

Empire waist gowns are another top fashion choice for plus size formal dresses, owing to their highly flattering dress cut. An empire waist dress has a high waistline, actually sitting just below the bust, flaring out from this point onwards. It is even more forgiving than the A-line in that it can cover the upper portion of your stomach as well. 

What’s Good:

• Hides the stomach and hips
  
  

• Elongates the body for a taller look
  
  

• Comfortable and smooth to move around in
  
  

Best For:

• Apple-shaped bodies
  
  

• Plus size women with fuller busts or rounder midsections
  
  

Bonus Styling Tip:

Already flattering to curves, but matching with a suitable neckline like a sweetheart will further make the wearer appear slimmer.

 

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3. Fit-and-Flare Gowns

The third favourite shape of plus size women (and ours as well), is the fit and flare gown shape. Fit and flare gowns are tight in the upper portion of the dress, which can end at under the bust, at the waist, or at the hips (especially popular in modern vintage designs), and flare out heavily from this point, which explains the name fit-and-flare. Examples are tutu dress designs. Think of the ballerina in a fitted upper bodice and wide flaring tutu skirt? That’s a classic example. However, the flare of the dress can vary from a moderate flare to a large one. 

What’s Good:

• Shows off your assets in the tight upper portion
  
  

• Creates an hourglass shape with its heavy bottom flare
  
  

• A highly romantic look when done right!
  
  

Best For:

• Hourglass and pear-shaped bodies
  
  

• Those who want to create a smaller waist and larger hips visually
  
  

Style Tip:

Consider a highly in-trend and fairytale-like ball gown design is a stretchy corset making use of fabric with stretch and structured boning in the bodice and a full tulle skirt flared downwards.

 

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4. Mermaid and Trumpet Gowns 

Mermaid and trumpet plus size evening dresses are for individuals who love to stand out. Mermaid and trumpet gowns are fitted all the way from the bust gown to the knees or mid-thigh, then flare out widely, just like a mermaid.

What’s Good:

• A show-stopping shape. You’ll stand out from the sea of A-line dresses.
  
  

• Shows off your curves.
  
  

• A shape suited for the red carpet or black-tie events.
  
  

Ideal For:

• Hourglass or curvy figures
  
  

• Confident women who want a declaration gown
  
  

Important Style Tip:

Use a thicker fabric with texture, like stretchy jacquard for the main body if you need some visual aid to skim past parts you want hidden like love handles.

 

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5. Wrap Evening Dresses

Though less conventional in formalwear, wrap gowns have grown to become a popular choice in plus size evening gowns for their high degree of comfort and flexibility. They tie on the waist and regularly feature a deep V-neckline.

What’s Good:

• Adjustable fit works with your shape
  
  

• Defines the waist and flatters the bust
  
  

• Comfortable for long occasions
  
  

Best For:

• All body kinds
  
  

• Those who prefer a softer, more relaxed occasion look
  
  

Bonus Styling Tip:

Choose luxurious fabric for a more formal look as wrap styles can look more casual. Examples are satin and velvet fabric.

 

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6. Sheath or Column Gowns

This gown shape is straight all the way from the shoulder to the floor. There’s no flare. It is a chic, sleek and cool dress shape that’s suitable for plus size women who prefer a minimalist look.

What’s Good:

• Creates a long, lean line
  
  

• Highlights natural curves without overwhelming them
  
  

• Looks elegant and modern
  
  

Best For:

• Rectangle or hourglass shapes
  
  

• A clean and simple appearance.
  
  

Bonus Styling Tip:

Let your shoes shine coupled with the simple look of a sheath gown. Match with diamante slim strap heels.

 

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7. Ball Gowns

Ball gowns may seem out of reach for plus size women but that’s untrue. When made right, ball gowns are stunning on plus size bodies. They are usually worn for highly formal events like galas, prom, or as wedding dresses. They have a fitted upper bodice and a full dress.

What’s Good:

• Defines the waist and bust
  
  

• Flows over the hips and thighs
  
  

• Offers structure and drama
  
  

Best For:

• Pear-shaped or hourglass figures
  
  

• Special occasions with a formal dress code
  
  

Bonus Styling Tip:

For the bottom half of the dress, choose lighter fabrics like organza or tulle for an ethereal, romantic look. Fabrics that are too heavy can instead make you look heavier.

 

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Bonus Tips for Choosing Plus Size Evening Gowns

You’ve made it to the end of this article, so we’d like to reward you with our top tips for choosing plus size gowns!

✅ Ignore the Size Tag

Ignore the number on the tag. Brands differ in sizing, so make sure to look at their measurement chart if shopping online, or try between various sizes if in a physical store.

✅ Fabric Choice is Crucial

• Structured fabrics like taffeta will help to make the body look slimmer.
  
  

• Flowy fabrics like jersey are gentle and flows when you move.
  
  

• Stretch fabrics are comfortable and accommodating.
  
  

✅ Pay Attention to Necklines

• V-necks elongate the neck and frame.
  
  

• Sweetheart and off-shoulder neckline show off your bust.
  
  

• High necklines are chic and sophisticated.

✅ Consider Tailoring

Fully tailor making a dress may be too costly, but consider making small changes at the tailor. Seemingly unimportant acts like shortening the dress, or fitting the waist better, can make the gown fit perfectly on you. For plus size mother of the bride dresses. it will make mothers much more comfortable and assured to have tailoring done for impeccable fit.

 

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Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Plus Size Evening Gown

The perfect plus size evening gown isn’t written in stone or with rules. With the guide above, you’re armed with knowledge on what is your best dress shape. However, in that boundary you are free to experiment with a large variety of factors like fabric type, necklines, sleeve type and length, dress length and style.

Occasions are for celebrating and for having fun. Try something new. Or dress depending on your mood. Style is about fun and expression. And nothing fits better than confidence.