A Guide to Wearing Formal Attire for Plus-Size Women

Women come in all shapes and sizes, and not fitting into conventional beauty standards doesn’t mean you have fewer options when it comes to formal wear. The key to mastering formal attire for plus-size women lies in knowing how to dress for your body type (emphasis on “for”!). It's about highlighting your favorite features and not hiding your body. Whether it’s for a wedding, date night, or work event, read more for style tips on how to dress as a plus-size woman.

First things first, feeling good about yourself and your body can give you a big boost. Feel fresh and confident in your skin (especially before you get dressed!) with a pampering and nourishing bath. Add Dove Cloud Self-Foaming Body Wash Ultra Moisture to your daily essentials. You'll love its gentle, non-sticky lather with a relaxing milk scent and triple ceramides-infused formula that leaves your skin feeling soft, nourished, and moisturized.  

For that glow from within, try Dove Cloud Self-Foaming Body Wash Radiant Glow with niacinamide, which has an airy, quick-rinse formula and skincare-packed ingredients that gently cleanse while boosting skin radiance.

When it comes to dress silhouettes, the last thing you’d want is to look sloppy, shapeless, and frumpy. Go for fabrics that hold their structure or drape gracefully, like twill, satin, or crepe. These materials skim the body in a flattering way for a clean and defined silhouette. Wrap dresses, A-line skirts, and tailored jumpsuits are great go-tos.

Let go of the idea that wearing black is the only way to look thinner. So, wear it not to hide, but because it’s a classic that makes you look glam and sophisticated. Go for a sleek black dress in luxurious fabric with strong tailoring or key details, like dramatic sleeves. Add color to your look with dainty jewelry or bold makeup for an interesting touch.

Pick a focal point and build your look around it. Love your neckline? Try off-shoulder or V-neck styles. Want to balance out broader arms or highlight your shoulders? Go for sheer sleeves or Filipiniana-inspired butterfly sleeves to add drama without the bulk and draw the eye upward.

Styling tricks can elongate your frame and flatter your figure. Monochrome outfits, vertical lines, draped fabrics, or long layers help create a cohesive look. When mastering how to style plus-size with a big belly, consider A-line cuts, softly tailored pieces like high-waist trousers or darted vests, or styles with ruching or asymmetry, to create a defined silhouette with pieces that don’t cling to the body too tightly.  

When dressing in formal attire, body-contouring shapewear can help smooth out lines and enhance your natural silhouette under more fitted pieces. It’s not really about reducing your size, even naturally slim women opt to wear one to create a more seamless look under their dress. Comfort is key, so choose breathable fabrics and skip anything that feels overly tight or restrictive.

The right fit makes all the difference. Well-tailored clothes that skim your body (rather than swallow it) will accentuate your curves and give you a more polished look. It’s especially crucial when building a plus-size corporate attire wardrobe, for example, where a good structure and fit can help you look sharp and put-together. Look for blazers that nip in at the waist, dresses with darts or seams that follow your shape, and pants that don’t bunch or sag.

As mentioned earlier, many plus-size women often believe they should stick to dark colors, but that’s outdated advice. You can wear jewel tones, metallics, and chic prints. The trick is choosing colors that complement your skin tone and patterns that follow your shape.

For non-black outfit ideas for plus-size ladies, try pastel hues that don’t feel overwhelming, or prints like big florals or dainty polka dots. As long as your dress has shape and structure, you can get away with it!

Design details such as ruching or pleats add movement and naturally guide the eye vertically. Wrap dresses create a waistline while belts can help sculpt your shape, especially when worn over loose pieces. These are subtle ways to bring structure to your outfit without sacrificing comfort.

While you’re still figuring out which formal attire for plus-size women you’re going for, remember that what you wear speaks volumes about how you feel about yourself. So, take these tips into mind and make sure to choose a look that you like and feel fab in. Have fun!