How To Choose Plus Size Dresses According to Your Body Shape: Celebrate Your Curves with Ever-Pretty
Formal occasions require all of us to dress smart outfits that make us look great. It is often common that plus size women have a hard time trying to achieve this as sometimes brands do not adapt to their needs, making the task of finding the perfect plus size dress an ordeal.
Whether you’re looking for a plus size bridesmaid dress, a plus size wedding dress or any other plus size formal dresses, Ever Pretty will accompany you through the whole process to make sure you totally nail it!
Key Takeaways (Quick Answers)
If you want a more elongated look, start with a V-neckline and a defined waist.
For tummy-friendly comfort, choose chiffon or stretch fabrics that drape instead of cling.
If you prefer arm coverage, try long sleeves, flutter sleeves, or slit sleeves (coverage without bulk).
For curves you want to highlight, lean into wrap bodices, A-line skirts, and mermaid silhouettes (when the fabric has give).
When in doubt, pick a color that photographs well: black, green, blue, burgundy, or pink.
How to Identify Your Body Type
If you want to do your best to flatter your figure, you might want to identify your body type before selecting the right dress. These tips will help you!
Measure your body. Having your measurements will not only help you identify your body shape but also choose the correct size when purchasing it.
If your shoulders and hips have a similar width together with your waist, then your body type is rectangle. However, if your belly is a bit more pronounced, your shape is a circle. The hourglass shape is characterized by similar width in shoulders and hips but with a small waist. Pear shaped bodies have a small torso and prominent hips. Inverted triangle body shaped bodies, on the other hand, tend to have wide shoulders and torso but small, narrow hips. Take a look at the picture for guidance.
What to Choose According to Your Body Type
Thankfully enough, big bodies are no longer stigmatized and everyone is completely free to feel sexy. We designed this guide to help you choose the best dress style for your body shape, isn’t that great?
1. Apple-Shaped Body Type (Tummy-Forward, Slimmer Legs):
The best styles for this body shape are V-necklines that make your torso look longer, short dresses that show your legs and A-line dresses.
These two plus size dresses for weddings, prom, or any other formal parties are perfect for apple-shaped women. While the first one has a slit that perfectly shows your legs, the second one is shorter and irregular, making you look taller.
Plus Size Glitter V-Neck High Slit Sequin Shoulder Strap Evening Dress
Plus Size Double V-Neck Ruffles Sleeve Chiffon Midi Wedding Guest Dress
2. Pear and Triangle-Shaped Body Type (Fuller Hips, Smaller Upper Body):
A-line and off-shoulder dresses help slim your shape in a natural way and highlighting your waist will add the final sexy touch, cutting the triangle shape in a nice way.
The first option has a v neckline and a slit. As you can see, the waist is super highlighted. The second option shows a bit more of skin at the shoulders area and highlights the waist in a beautiful way.
Plus Size Waist Decoration Chiffon A-Line Formal Dress
3. Rectangle-Shaped Body Type (Straight Up-and-Down):
What you need to do if you have a rectangle shape is simply exaggerate your natural curves and create a deep waistline. You can also add texture and volume to give a natural feminine shape.
Option one is a glittery fabric that adds volume. The slit and the belt make the waist a protagonist. Option two, on the other hand, makes a great impact on the waist zone, naturalizing the feminine shape.
Plus Size V-Neck Sequin Cap Sleeve Tulle Formal Dress
4. Hourglass-Shaped Body Type (Defined Waist, Fuller Bust and Hips):
This body type is the one all of us really want! Big bust area and big hips with a small waist. Well, you know what to do! Stress those curves! Bodycon dresses will help you with your best attributes.
Option one is just perfect. Sleeveless and tight with a sexy slit. Option two really highlights the hourglass shape with the v neckline and the mermaid skirt.
Knotted Sequin Sleeveless Bodycon Formal Evening Dress
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing your Plus Size Dress
Now that you’ve identified your body shape and the ideal type of dress for you, let’s see what you need to take into account when selecting it.
Factor 1: Occasion
Choosing the outfit for an event depends a lot on your specific role at the occasion. Being the bride or bridesmaid is completely different from being a regular guest. Let’s take a look at these styles!
1. Bride: The first plus size wedding dress features a clean V-neck wrap bodice with airy slit sleeves for light coverage, while the second pairs a romantic V-neck lace bodice with flutter sleeves and a tulle overlay for soft movement and a waist-defining, timeless finish.
2. Bridesmaid: The first dress is a floaty wrap-style V-neck with airy split sleeves and a self-tie waist for an easy, curve-friendly shape, while the second keeps the same flattering neckline with flutter sleeves and a softly ruched waistband for a more polished, dress-up look with beautiful movement.
3. Wedding guest: Being the guest is just easy! Not many rules, girl! There are many Ever Pretty plus size dresses for you to choose. The first option features short sleeves if you don’t feel like showing too much and a subtle V-neckline. The second option features a one shoulder neckline with sweet flowers and a maxi, floor-length skirt. Both options are great!
pretty DAHLIA | pretty FLORENCIA
Factor 2: Trending Elements
Of course, it’s also important that you’re aware of the latest fashion trends when choosing your formal outfit!
1. V-neckline: If you love a neckline that flatters everyone, V-neck is the easy yes—especially when it’s paired with our signature sequin fabric (yes, this V-neck sequin look is one of our originals, and it’s also one of our best-sellers for a reason). It gives you that instant “special occasion” glow without needing extra styling, and the wrap-inspired shape naturally defines the waist while the skirt keeps things light and moveable.
2. Long Sleeves: Long sleeves are the confidence boost you don’t have to think about—arm coverage, polished finish, done. Our black long-sleeve gown takes it up a notch with a glittery fabric that looks luxe under lights and is surprisingly wearable (it’s got that comfy, flexible feel too, so you can actually breathe, sit, and dance). The second long-sleeve pick keeps things soft and elegant with airy sleeves and a waist-defining fit—perfect when you want “classic wedding guest” energy with zero fuss.
3. Fabric: If you want a comfy, tummy-friendly plus size dress, fabric is everything. Chiffon is light and forgiving (it drapes, not clings), satin looks sleek and polished for photos, lace adds soft romance and texture, and sequins bring instant glam—our signature V-neck sequin styles are best-sellers for a reason. For all-night comfort (or a bump-friendly fit), go for stretch fabrics that move with you, choose jacquard when you want a more structured, “expensive-looking” finish, and pick velvet for winter weddings when you want warmth with a luxe feel.
ever IVYROSE | ever SCARLEN | ever ASTRAL | pretty ELISE | ever ISLA | Jacquard Dresses | pretty AZALEA
Factor 3: Color
Wondering the trendy colors are this year? We’ve got 5 winners.
1. Black: The forever-classic. Black is sleek, polished, and instantly event-ready—and it’s one of the easiest colors to style up or down. If you want a subtle plus size wedding guest look that still feels confident (and photographs like a dream), black is the safe bet that never feels boring.
2. Green: Green is the “quiet luxury” color family—elegant, fresh, and flattering on a lot of body shapes. Emerald green brings that rich, formal glow, sage green and eucalyptus feel softer and romantic, and olive green gives a more earthy, modern vibe. If you want color without stealing the spotlight, green does the job beautifully.
3. Blue (this year’s trend): If there’s one color family showing up everywhere this year, it’s blue. Navy blue is the classic alternative to black, dusty blue feels calm and wedding-friendly, and lighter shades like sky blue are perfect for spring and summer ceremonies—especially outdoors. Trendy, wearable, and easy to match with silver or neutral accessories.
4. Burgundy: Burgundy is subtle but powerful. It looks expensive in photos, feels made for fall and winter weddings, and pairs beautifully with gold jewelry. If you want a romantic color that doesn’t feel overly sweet, burgundy is a strong choice.
5. Pink: Pink can go soft, modern, or bold—depending on the shade. Think blush pink, dusty rose, and light pink for a gentle, romantic feel, or hot pink and fuchsia when you want more of a statement. It’s a great pick for “pink wedding guest dress” shoppers who still want something flattering, not flashy.
We’ve now given you many tips and examples so that you can, first, identify your body type, then learn about the best dress style for your body, and then learn about this year’s fashion trends, including fabrics, colors and styles. What are you waiting for? Choose your next formal plus size dress. You’ll surely look completely amazing! Oh, and don’t forget to take many pictures, you won’t regret it!
FAQ
1) What dress silhouette is most flattering for plus size women?
A-line and wrap styles are the easiest winners because they define the waist and skim the hips without clinging. If you want more curve emphasis, a mermaid silhouette can also work—just choose a fabric with stretch or a forgiving overlay.
2) What neckline makes you look slimmer in a plus size dress?
V-necklines are a go-to because they elongate the neck and draw the eye upward. Off-shoulder necklines can also be very flattering when you want to highlight collarbones and balance wider hips.
3) What’s the best plus size dress style to hide belly or feel tummy-friendly?
Look for a higher or defined waist (wrap, empire, or belted styles) plus drapey fabrics like chiffon. Avoid stiff fabrics that sit right on the midsection or ultra-thin materials that cling.
4) Which fabrics are most comfortable for plus size formal dresses?
Chiffon and stretch fabrics tend to feel the most forgiving for all-night wear. If you want a more polished finish, satin and jacquard can look elevated—just prioritize good structure and a comfortable lining.
5) Can plus size women wear mermaid dresses?
Absolutely. The trick is fit and fabric: choose a mermaid style with stretch, supportive construction, and a comfortable lining so it hugs curves without feeling restrictive.
6) How do I choose a plus size wedding guest dress if I want arm coverage?
Go for long sleeves, flutter sleeves, or slit sleeves—they give coverage while still looking light. A V-neck or open neckline helps keep the look balanced so it doesn’t feel “heavy” on top.
7) What length is best for plus size formal occasions?
For formal and black tie optional events, floor-length gowns are the safest choice. Midi lengths work beautifully for cocktail or semi-formal weddings—especially when the hem hits at a flattering spot (not the widest part of the calf).
8) What colors photograph best for plus size wedding guest dresses?
Black is always classic, but deep tones like navy blue, emerald green, and burgundy look especially rich in photos. If you want something softer, dusty blue, sage green, blush pink, or dusty rose tend to look romantic without washing out.
