Plus-Size Formalwear: A Guide to Feeling Empowered and Beautiful

Whatever the event, whether it be a fancy wedding, an extravagant dinner party, or a date night, wearing the right outfit can make you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

While saying this, formalwear for plus size fashion certainly brings with it the problem of finding a fit while being accommodating to and accentuating your curves; that can be a lot to deal with.

What this guide aims to do is support your search for an outfit you not only have a fit in, but one you are empowered in, and feels like it expresses and celebrates you as a person in addition to being flattering.

Know Your Body Shape

First things first, if you are going to wear an outfit and want to feel confident in beautifully choosing to wear it, you will want to know what your shape is.

• An apple shape carries their weight more into the middle of their body.

• A pear shape is more curvy in the hips and thighs.

• An hourglass shape is defined at the waist and has more proportionality overall.

Once you have established what the shape is, you will know that whatever clothes you are deciding to wear will highlight your favorite features and help on experiences disassociating from features you are less comfortable with.

Find the Perfect Fit

Fit is everything, meaning you want to make sure to avoid anything that could be too tight or too loose; both can defeat your outfit entirely. You will want tailored to your curves, especially your bust, gently supportive spaces that will provide a nice, flattering and shapely silhouette.

Also, keep in mind that at the same time, you want to make sure you are equally comfortable in the outfit you are choosing. If you are uncomfortable or constrained in something, you’re still not wearing the right outfit for you, and this has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the outfit is on trend.

The right look will always feel as good as it looks.

Go-To Silhouettes That Work

Here are a few classic dress styles that flatter and elevate:

• Wrap Dresses – These dresses are timeless and waist-defining.

• Empire Waist Dresses – These dresses are a more fitted style that starts just below the bust and creates a long, flowing shape.

• A-Line Dresses – A-line dresses can also be a balance of movement and elegance that provides a flare.

• Fit-and-Flare Dresses – Fit-and-flare dresses add playful volume and can create nice lines in the curves of the body.

These silhouettes all work for various body types and can be dressed up or dressed down easily.

Don’t Fear Color or Print – Full-Figured Formalwear

Yes, black is chic and slimming; however, professionals should not be afraid of color. Fuller figures look stunning in rich, jewel tones in emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red.

Bold prints with fun fabrics? They beautifully express who you are and turn heads for all the right reasons.

Elevate Your Look with Accessories – Chic Plus-Size Formalwear

Accessories can elevate your look by completely changing your outfit. Bright necklaces can help provide sparkle and assist in having the person’s eye go up at the neck.

Big earrings can also dress people up and draw attention upwards. Bringing a stylish belt can shape your silhouette and show off the waist.

The accessories that surround a person can also be shoes because heels can elongate the legs; rounded flats are fashionable but grounded for a grounded look—literally and figuratively.

Look to the World for Style Icons – Plus-Size Formalwear

Take hints from bold, plus-size, stylish celebrities like Melissa McCarthy, Queen Latifah, Ashley Graham, and Rebel Wilson, who all command the red carpet with bolder styles because they are body-positive cues.

All these style icons work with inclusive designers and love textures, shapes, and color.

To Remember Above All:

✨ Your beauty and worth are non-negotiable.
✨ Confidence is always the best outfit you can wear.
✨ Fashion is all about joy and self-expression.

So go ahead and explore, experiment, and see what you uniquely feel amazing in. Embrace your curves, wear that perfect and special attire to that next special event, and own your moment and your spotlight for you and to share with family and friends.