Top Tips for Plus Size Women: Dressing Up for Formal Occasions!

Plus size women often find it hard to dress up for formal occasions. Many are unconfident in their skin and not willing to try trendy or revealing styles. They are concerned with body parts they find unflattering like love handles, big thighs and flabby arms. As a plus size fashion expert, we are here to help you love dressing up for formal events again! Here are some practical tips to help you dress well for your next formal occasion:

Tip 1: Choose a Longer Dress Length

Choose plus size formal dresses in a longer dress length. Be it a knee-length dress, a midi dress length, maxi dress length or a floor length dress, we recommend going longer. The reason is simple - plus size women simply look much slimmer and taller in a longer length dress. Visually, a longer length will elongate the body. For a cocktail event, it is wise for curvy women to choose a knee or midi dress length. For prom, plus size girls will benefit from choosing a floor length dress with a train for a grand entrance. For evening events, curvy women can consider maxi dress length dresses of floor dress lengths. As a wedding guest, we would recommend a midi dress length for day time weddings and beach weddings. For weddings carried out at grand ballrooms, hotels or in the evenings, we recommend a maxi or floor dress length for added formality.

Tip 2: Choose Vertical Stripes or Patterns

We are all about smart dressing. Between a horizontal print and a vertical print, there is no question about it for plus size woman; always pick the vertical print! The reason is such, that vertical prints are so flattering in all ways. Firstly, they add height to you. You look so much taller. See the image above for an example of how much taller you look! Secondly, you look thinner, without even losing weight. Thirdly, it is an added element of style! We highly recommend plus size wedding guest dresses made in a vertical print. You can go for stripes, animal prints like zebra prints, wavy prints like the image above, or curly prints. It may be unconventional but even plus size bridesmaid dresses can be designed in vertical designs for a different and slimming vibe.

Tip 3: Choose Wrap V Neck Dresses

Lo and behold one of our top favourite necklines for formal occasion dressing; the wrap V neck style. It highly accentuates a plus size woman's best asset; the cleavage. Drawing attention to your assets and taking away from the not-so-ideal parts is a part of intelligent dressing. Additionally, a V neck will visually make you look longer. In contrast to a turtleneck or high crew neck, a V neck is much more suitable for a plus size woman who already looks more stocky than others. A covered neckline will make you look more stuffy than you actually are. So, keep your eyes peeled and choose a wrap v neck dress instead!

Tip 4: Choose Large Prints

Using a large print for plus size evening dresses is a clever option for plus size woman when it comes to dressing up for formal events. Large prints will make the wearer look smaller. In contrast, if a small print is used, the wearer will naturally look larger. You can choose large prints of any type. As in the image above, a large floral print fabric is used to create plus size cheongsams and qipaos, creating a much slimmer look. Imagine the same print in a smaller size; the wearer will instantly look larger. We recommend large floral prints for formal wear, large abstract prints, big animal prints and large cute prints if you are looking for a preppy style. Don't be afraid to try prints as a plus size woman; just make sure to keep the prints big! 

Tip 5: Use a Waist Belt

Using a waist belt at above the actual waist of a plus size body will help to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Many plus size women have the issue of a larger stomach, without a curved in waist line. Employing a belt at above the waist line will help to create a more feminine body shape visually. You can use a waist belt in a matching fabric as in the image above, or use a waist belt made out of a differing fabric like a PVC belt or a waist belt made out of chains or diamantes. There are also waist belts made out of sturdy metallic material which can expand easily to fit the body. Any type of waist belt would be suitable for a plus size woman but care should be put in place that the waist belt is of a certain thickness. A waist belt that is too slim will make the body appear larger than it is. When a thicker belt is used, not only is the waist creation effect more obvious, the wearer looks much slimmer

Tip 6: Use a Bag with Long Straps

Choose a bag with long straps. Be it a cross body sling bag or a clutch with a long shoulder chain, a bag with long straps helps to visually lengthen your frame, making you look slimmer. This tip will help plus size women easily look taller and slimmer visually. We recommend a long strap made of chains for added class and a simple small clutch bag for the body. Even though most articles giving tips for formal occasion would recommend a hand carry clutch, we beg to differ as this is the not the most flattering option for women with curves. Dinner bags with long straps made out of a belt buckle design are not only on-trend but also functional as you can adjust the strap length to fit your height appropriately.

Tip 7: Wear High Heels

Wearing shoes with heels is one of our top tips for formal occasions. It instantly slims and lengthens your frame, while making you look extra elegant and feminine. If you don't usually wear heels, try heels of a shorter height from one centimeter to three centimeters. If you are familiar with heels we recommend going taller, from four centimeters to six centimeters. A hack is to wear thick sole wedges for greater stability and comfort. You might be gaining six centimeters while the actual gradient of the heel is three centimeters with a thick sole heel. Another hack is to wear flat heels. Reminiscent of what old Chinese empresses wear, you gain height without a gradient in your heel! Plus size women especially stand to gain from wearing high heels as it slims their bulky frame down.

Tip 8: Go for Peplum Designs

The peplum shape is a timeless choice for plus size women, cleverly covering up a bulging stomach or waistline. Creating an illusion of a slim waist, the peplum dress design gives the wearer a feminine and enviable figure. Try a short peplum flare or a longer peplum flare, both gives the effect of a small waist and wider hips. There are many plus size formal cocktail dresses that are made in peplum shapes. Evening gowns are not commonly made in peplum shapes but you can always customize it at professional tailors. You can also consider peplum plus size formal blouses like in the image above. Pair it with formal slacks for a business dinner or a not-so-formal wedding lunch. 

With our practical tips, dressing up for formal occasions don't seem that daunting anymore, right? We are firm believers of beauty at any size. You do not have to settle for dressing up in frumpy styles just because you are plus size. Instead, learn to embrace your curves and be the beautiful, confident plus size woman that you are!