Trois femmes rondes portant des modèles de robes différents.

What Dress for Curvy Women? Body Shape Tips

Written by: Violette Besson

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Published on

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Last updated on

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Time to read 6 min

When clothes are typically presented on slender female silhouettes, it can sometimes be difficult to envision the different cuts on your curves... However, it is essential to find the dress styles that will highlight them! Women with generous curves also have the right to adorn themselves with beautiful trendy and flattering pieces, don't they? That's why we give you our best tips to find THE dresses for curvy women that will fit you perfectly!

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Which dress to choose for curvy women?

To choose the ideal dress for curvy women, it is important to know the types of dresses that highlight your assets. Among the essentials, the wrap dress is a must have. Thanks to its fitted cut and V-neckline, it flatters a generous bust and defines the waist in a flattering way. The empire dress, with its waist cinched under the bust, is perfect for hiding a small round belly while emphasizing the bust. The skater dress, flared from the defined waist, creates a lovely silhouette by balancing the proportions of the upper and lower body. For a casual look, the shirt dress is a comfortable and stylish option. It can be worn with a belt to define your waist or left loose for a more relaxed effect.

Finally, the flared long dresses are ideal for elongating the silhouette and adding femininity. If you prefer shorter styles, short dresses and midi dresses are just as flattering. The important thing is to choose the dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident!

How to highlight a curvy silhouette?

To enhance a curvy silhouette, it is essential to choose dresses that highlight your assets. Opt for styles with a defined waist, like a fitted dress, that define your waist and create a lovely line. Fitted cuts are perfect for hugging your curves without being tight.


The V-neck dresses draw the eye to the upper body and highlight the bust. The flowy dresses made from lightweight materials like chiffon or cotton have a graceful fall without adding volume. The ruffled dresses can also bring movement and femininity to your outfit.


Feel free to play with accessories to complete your look, like a pretty pair of high-heeled shoes to elongate the silhouette or jewelry to draw attention!

What materials to favor for dresses?

The choice of the material of your dress is just as important as the cut. Light fabrics and fluid materials like chiffon, cotton, linen, or satin are particularly suitable for curvy silhouettes. They offer a natural drape that follows the curves without marking them excessively. Lace can add romance and femininity to your dress while remaining comfortable.


Favor comfortable materials that allow you to feel good throughout the day. The fabrics should not be too rigid, so as not to restrict your movements. At Les Petits Imprimés, you can filter our dress collections by material, making it easier to find the comfortable pieces you dream of!

Curvy and petite woman wearing a suitable dress.

What types of dresses for curvy and petite women?

If you are a curvy and petite woman, certain styles of dresses can particularly enhance your figure. Short or midi-length dresses visually elongate the legs. Flared dresses or A-line dresses, which widen from the waist, balance the silhouette. Other options will also look beautiful: 

  • Fitted dress with a V-neck to elongate the neck.
  • Dresses with vertical patterns or small prints to slim the silhouette.
  • Shirt dress worn with a belt to accentuate the waist.

Avoid overly long maxi dresses that can shorten the silhouette, unless they are well-fitted and worn with heels. Ruffled dresses can add movement and femininity without weighing down the silhouette.

How to choose a wedding dress for curvy women?

The choice of the wedding dress is a key moment in a woman's life. For the lovely curvy women who love fashion, certain cuts are particularly flattering. The empire dress, with its high waist, is ideal for elongating the silhouette and highlighting the bust. The A-line dress, flaring from the waist, creates a balanced silhouette.

Favor flowy and lightweight dresses, with materials like chiffon or lace, which bring romance and movement. A flowy lace dress can be both chic and comfortable, perfect for your big day!

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What colors of dresses are suitable for curvy women?

Colors play an important role in the overall impression of an outfit. Dark colors like black, navy blue, or dark brown tend to slim the silhouette. However, don't limit yourself! Bright colors and floral prints can also work, especially if the cut of the dress is suitable.

Solid colors create a continuous line that elongates the silhouette. Gradient colors or subtle prints are also a good option. The key is to choose colors that suit your complexion and make you feel beautiful:

  • Light skin (cool undertone types): opt for cool colors like blue, purple, gray, pale pink, and silver tones.
  • Light skin (warm undertone types): favor warm colors like coral, peach, gold, beige, and golden tones.
  • Medium skin (cool undertone types): cool colors like navy blue, lavender, fuchsia, and cool grays will suit you wonderfully.
  • Medium skin (warm undertone types): choose warm colors like red, orange, mustard yellow, and brown tones.
  • Dark skin (cool undertone types): opt for bright colors like electric blue, purple, and turquoise blue.
  • Dark skin (warm undertone types): warm colors like yellow, orange, emerald green, azure, and copper tones are ideal.
Curvy woman wearing a red sweater dress and a black coat.

What tips are there for wearing a dress when you are curvy?

To wear a dress while being curvy, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your look. First of all, focus on the accessories: a beautiful jacket, a scarf, or pretty jewelry can complete your outfit and draw attention to your assets. Don't hesitate to wear heels with a dress to elongate your silhouette.


Choose suitable underwear that provides good support and highlights your curves. The important thing is to feel good in your skin and adopt a style that reflects you. Follow trends while staying true to your tastes. Finally, self-confidence is your best asset: a woman who feels beautiful naturally radiates!


Les Petits Imprimés offers a collection of dresses designed for all body types, so that every woman can find the outfit that enhances her. Don't wait any longer to discover these pieces that will permanently join your wardrobe and accompany you on every occasion!

Have a question in mind? We have the answer!

What dress cut suits curvy women best?

Wrap, empire, or skater dresses are ideal. They accentuate the waist, flatter the bust, and balance the silhouette. Opt for fitted cuts without being too tight for a stylish and comfortable effect.

Which materials to favor for a dress when you are curvy?

Fluid fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or satin are perfect. They follow your curves without adding volume, offering a natural and pleasant drape. Avoid overly rigid or thick materials.

How to wear a dress when you are curvy?

Focus on accessories to draw attention to your assets, such as high-heeled shoes or a chic jacket. Choose suitable underwear for good support and wear dresses that make you feel good in your skin.

Profile picture of Violette Besson: budding web writer.

Violette Besson

Web writer since 2023, Violette deciphers the latest fashion trends and delivers fresh and current ideas for a bold style. 


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