Best Dresses for the Full-Figured Body Type

All too often, full-figured plus-size clothing for women is associated with baggy and frumpy—or being a plus-size woman may be seen as negative. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Size is relative, and one simple design principle will remove those issues every time: Balance. When the figure is well-balanced and a contoured shape is emphasized—regardless of a woman’s size—correct proportion is pleasing to the eye.

This valuable tip is the key to creating a well-planned shopping experience and building your most figure-flattering wardrobe. A great place to start is with a dark, forgiving contouring dress.

Chic, stylish, and on-trend, a forgiving dress flatters full-figured women because the fabric softly flows away from the body, balancing your silhouette, and suggesting an hourglass shape.

Plus, a dark shade, such as black – a well-known slimming color – hides any imperfections. Even better, it can be worn by women of any body type.

Know Your Body Shape: First Step to Fabulous Fashion Choices

Whether you are a full-figured woman or not, if you’re not sure how to identify your shape, the answer is right here in simple, easy steps. First, use this helpful guide to take your measurements. Then follow the link below the guide to learn which of the five basic body shapes is yours.

By knowing some Fundamental Style Tips for Plus-size Women, you’ll find plenty more simple ideas to make the most of your best assets, and draw attention away from areas of concern.

Even better, learn how to choose the best plus-size dress style for your body type.

With that information in hand, you’ll be able to choose the clothes and looks that show you at your best. Plus, you’ll also understand how to choose accessories to enhance your best features.

The best dress for full-figured body types

Finding the perfect dress for full-figured women is a game-changer, offering versatility and a flattering fit. The ideal dress should celebrate curves, provide comfort, and boost confidence. Look for dresses that skim over your body, offering contoured shaping, and opt for classic black for a slimming effect. Dresses with integrated belts add waist definition, creating an hourglass figure that enhances your beauty.

Recommended dress types for full-figured women include A-line dresses, fit-and-flare styles, wrap dresses, and sheath dresses. These options provide a flattering fit that complements your curves while allowing for various styling possibilities. Whether it’s a casual outing or a formal event, having one of these dresses in your wardrobe ensures you’ll always look and feel your best, celebrating your unique beauty with confidence.

Perhaps the best full-figured dress is the Ellarie Maxi Dress (above). It provides incredible versatility in styling options making this a must-have for plus-size women. The fabric skims over curves – hips, thighs & bust – to present an evenly-contoured shape, no matter the size. Plus, the black color is slimming and hides any major concerns. The integrated belt provides additional narrow waist definition and an hourglass figure.

Accessories to Enhance Full-figure Body Types

Don’t forget about a wide range of accessories! These quick tips will give you insights into choosing all the extra touches that enhance your balanced look and also help to slim your silhouette. When you select strategic accessories, you further accentuate your beautiful, full-figured shape!

Jewelry: the Subtle Way to Contour Your Curvy Fashion

Select accessories proportionate to your body size, such as an oversized necklace for a large bust or upper body. If you’re worried about too much attention on the upper half of your body, choose subtle jewelry accessories in gold or silver.

Jewelry doesn’t have to simply blend in. The right choices can actually make you look leaner. When selecting earrings, opt for long, dangling pieces. The straight line down your ear will make your neck look longer.

Fashion Help from Handbags

Though handbags should be proportionate with your body, full-figured women needn’t look frumpy with an overly large purse. Selecting the right handbag to complement your plus-size dress is all about achieving a balance between proportion and style.

While oversized bags are an option, opt for fashion purses or hobo bags rather than beach bags or casual totes to maintain sophistication. These bags can enhance your outfit’s elegance, whether you’re wearing a sleek cocktail dress or a flowing maxi dress. Focus on coordinating colors for a harmonious look, and prioritize functionality with compartments and crossbody options. With the right handbag, you can elevate your style and confidently celebrate your unique beauty in every outfit.

Full Figure-Finessing Shoes

The perfect dress goes perfectly with a striking pair of heels, and height can make you look instantly leaner. Real Simple suggests women with curvier calves or ankles go for open-toe or sling-back style footwear. The openness of the shoe will help create a longer visual leg line.

However, heels aren’t always doable for every woman, so pointed-toe flats can work for your style, too. The sharp shape will create a narrow line from your leg to your toes, making you look lean and tall, even without the height.

Rock the Legwear Layer

Legwear is a game-changer for plus-size women with wider hip measurements, or who aren’t ready to bare their legs for summer. Leggings offer versatility and confidence in equal measure. Black or grey tights are timeless essentials that flatter wider hips and seamlessly transition summer dresses into cooler seasons. Legwear adds coverage, comfort, and a touch of elegance, boosting self-assurance and celebrating body positivity.

To maximize your style, experiment with textures, colors, and layering, turning dresses into stunning ensembles. Whether you prefer fit-and-flare, sheath, or maxi dresses, legwear complements your curves, helping you express your unique beauty with confidence.

Full-Figure Shapewear

A flattering fit and a slimming color such as black will make your body look long and lean. You can also look extra slender with the help of shapewear.

Comfortable and undetectable, shapewear will hold you in and can be worn right under a dress. Many options provide a full-body toning appearance without peeking out from under the dress of your choice.

For other body types besides full-figure, check out our other articles about how this dress fits:

• Curvy
• Petite/short
• Tall/straight