You have a special event on the horizon—a wedding, a gala, or a fancy dinner—and the vision of your dream dress is clear in your mind. But then you start scrolling online or walking through stores, and the options for plus-size evening wear feel limited, uninspired, or just plain unflattering. The fashion world often seems to forget that women with curves want and deserve to feel glamorous and sophisticated, too.
If you’re frustrated with your choices, this ultimate guide to plus-size evening wear is for you. We’ll explore different silhouettes that celebrate your figure, luxurious fabrics that feel as good as they look, and styling tips that will have you turning heads for all the right reasons. Get ready to discover a world of plus-size evening wear that is elegant, modern, and designed with you in mind.
Choose a Flattering Silhouette and Cut
Not every body type can pull off every cut. For instance, mermaid cuts don’t really flatter rectangular bodies, and giant ballgown styles typically aren’t the right fit for petite ladies. It’s all about finding a silhouette and cut that elevate your proportions instead of competing with them. If you’re full-figured and curvy, then you have many flattering options.
A-Line: Everybody’s Favorite
You can’t go wrong with the A-line silhouette. It’s a favorite for literally every single body type, especially in the plus-size community. This style features a fitted bust that gradually flares out from the waist. It’s universally flattering because it defines your torso’s smallest part while gracefully skimming over your hips and thighs. An A-line gown is effortlessly beautiful, elegant, and balanced. Plus, it looks great with almost any neckline, from sweetheart to boat neck.
Empire Waist Dresses: Old-Fashioned Beauty
Do you want to feel like Elizabeth Bennet at the ball? Then you should consider an empire waist dress. This style has a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with the rest of the dress flowing down loosely. The silhouette is fantastic for drawing attention upward and creating an elongated, graceful line. It’s a wonderful option for apple-shaped figures, as it provides a comfortable fit around the midsection while highlighting the bust. The flowing skirt offers plenty of room for movement, making it a sophisticated and comfortable choice for a long evening.
Wrap Dresses: Uniquely Conforming
A true wardrobe hero, the wrap dress is another silhouette that shines in evening wear and works beautifully for many plus-size women. This style wraps one side of the dress over the other, creating a V-neckline and tying at the side or back. The V-neck is excellent for elongating the neck and showcasing your décolletage. Meanwhile, the wrap feature cinches you in at the waist, defining your curves. Plus, the adjustable fit makes it incredibly versatile and comfortable. But do be careful, as wrap dresses are very popular for casual wear. To give it a formal edge, you should make sure to buy one in a fancy fabric, which we talk about below!
Pair Your Favorite Silhouette With the Right Fabric
Your dress’s fabric greatly affects how the gown looks and feels. For evening wear, you want materials that have a beautiful drape, an elegant appeal, and a nice feel against your skin.
Satin and Silk
You can’t go wrong with satin or silk. These fabrics have a smooth, lustrous finish that exudes sophistication. They skim the body in a way that can be incredibly flattering, especially in loosely structured designs. Overall, a satin or silk gown is a classic choice that will always be in style.
Chiffon and Georgette
Chiffon and georgette are lightweight, sheer fabrics that create a soft, ethereal look. They drape beautifully over the body, making them ideal for flowing A-line or empire waist gowns. These fabrics are inherently romantic, so you’ll feel like a princess floating gracefully across the room.
Velvet
There is nothing quite like the rich, plush texture of velvet. It’s a fabric that immediately portrays luxury and glamor. Velvet has a wonderful way of catching the light, which adds depth and dimension to your look. Additionally, it’s a thicker fabric, so it’s a perfect choice for cooler-weather events.
Consider Wearing Shapewear Underneath
Many plus-size women like to have shapewear on underneath their gowns. These garments can smooth your silhouette, provide comfortable support, and give you the confidence to rock any style.
If you decide against shapewear, then invest in an ultra-comfortable bra and (if you’re wearing a thin fabric like silk) some seamless panties. These garments will make sure your whole ensemble looks polished and will keep you comfortable throughout the entire event.
Decorate With Accessories, Hair, and Makeup
Once you’ve found the perfect dress in the right fabric, move on to the final touches to complete your look. Accessories, hair, and makeup are the elements that tie everything together and make your outfit uniquely yours.
Accessorize Intentionally
Your accessories should complement your dress, not compete with it. If your gown is heavily embellished, wear simpler jewelry. For example, you might like a delicate necklace, a single bracelet, or stud earrings. For a simpler dress, you can afford to be bolder with a bigger necklace, chandelier earrings, a sparkling clutch, and other eye-catching accessories.
Play Around With Elegant Hair and Makeup
Your beauty look should harmonize with the overall style of your outfit, but there’s so much room for playing around here. A glamorous, old-Hollywood-style gown might call for classic red lips and elegant waves. A more modern, minimalist dress could be paired with a smooth, tight ponytail and a smoky eye. The most important thing is that you feel like the best version of yourself.
Your Style, Your Rules
We hope this ultimate guide to plus-size evening wear helps you find and style a gown you feel confident in. Just remember that the most important rule in fashion is that there are no rules. Wear what makes you feel beautiful. It’s cheesy to say, but it’s true: Your confidence is the most stunning accessory you can own! Embrace your curves, celebrate your style, and step out for your special evening feeling absolutely radiant.
At Alexandra’s Boutique, we believe you deserve to find a dress that you love. Though we are primarily a wedding gown boutique, we also carry a wide selection of bridesmaid, prom, quinceañera, and, yes, evening gowns! You’ll find gorgeous dresses from a variety of top designers, including the plus-size Faviana line. Browse your options on our website today, then schedule an in-person fitting with one of our friendly, supportive stylists. We look forward to helping you shine at your next big event!