They’ve told us for years to tone it down but that’s never stopped us from turning sidewalks into runways. The world might have tried to put our curves in the background, but we’ve always known better. Plus-size babes are the main character and the damn storyline.
Dressing plus size is all about choosing pieces that speak your language, be it fierce, soft, bold, boho, or romantic. It’s loving your figure and walking out the door knowing you look like a million bucks. Our plus size collection is packed with styles that help you do just that.
Sis, don't worry about blending in or feeling like there's nothing out there that makes you look good. You were made to wear it all, and hun, you were made to wear it with extra vavavoom! This guide will help you show up in your best self ever.
Know Your Body Type
Before we even get into the fits and fabrics, let’s talk about the foundation of all fierce fashion choices, and your body type sits right at the top. Sis, knowing your shape is the cheat code to dressing with confidence and slaying every outfit. You'll always know what cute piece to get.
Stand in front of a mirror and check yourself out. Trace an outline of the shape you see. This will not put you in a box. Instead, it will help you understand your figure so you can choose clothes that serve the way you want them to. You might have any of the following body shapes:
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Apple Shape: If you’ve got an apple body type, you have curves around your midsection with killer legs and a beautiful bust. In this case, shift the focus to your legs and neckline. A good wrap or fit-and-flare dress should be your go-to. You want to bring focus to your legs and bust, and keep the center soft and flattering. Girlies with an apple shape can shut down the room in this Center of Attention Black Sequin Dress.
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Pear Shapes: If you've got hips that don’t lie and a smaller top half, you’re rocking a pear shape. Highlight those shoulders and waist with stylish tops and unique necklines. We recommend outfits with a snatched waist and A-line skirts or flared pants to create the illusion of symmetry. Our Give Em Body Black Sequin Dress says it all.
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Hourglass Shape: If your bust and hips are about the same size with a defined waist, you’re working with an hourglass shape. Show off those curves with body-hugging dresses and pieces that cinch the waist. When styling an hourglass shape, a form-hugging dress like the Everything Exclusive Black Satin Dress beautifully defines your curves. It’s giving glam, and it’s made to flatter.
Wardrobe Essentials for Plus-Size Women
When you build your wardrobe around pieces that work with your figure, shopping becomes awesome, and dressing up gets exciting. Let’s get into the must-haves every plus-size babe should own.
Wrap Dresses
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Why They Work: Wrap dresses cinch the waist, support the bust, and softly drape over the hips. They’re ideal for every body type.
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How to Style: Dress it up with strappy heels or go casual with sandals. Don't forget hoops and a mini bag.
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Try This: The Sexy Sasha White Chiffon Wrap Dress drapes beautifully around your curves. It’s made with breezy fabric, an adjustable tie, and a cool neckline.
Maxi Dresses
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Why They Work: Maxi dresses create a long, lean fit for pear shapes or apple shapes. They glide over curves beautifully.
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How to Style: Rock your maxi dress with block heels for height or chunky sandals. Add a belt and earrings to finish the look.
Midi Dresses
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Why They Work: Midi dresses spotlight your legs and offer just enough coverage. They're playful and great for showing your body shape without going too short.
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How to Style: Try a halter neckline or ruching to flatter the top half. Add heels, a belt, and let your dress do the talking.
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Try This: The Shine Bright Silver Sequin Dress is for when you’re in the spotlight. It’s all sparkle and sass.
Jeans, Jumpsuits, and Pants
Why They Work: The right jeans or pants will shape your bottom half without suffocating your figure. High-waisted pants and jeans hug curves and define your waist. Structured jumpsuits streamline your figure.
How to Style: Look for stretch, high-rise waists, and tailored details to define your shape. Wear your jeans with a fitted top or sharp blazer.
Blazers, Tops, and Fit Pieces
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Why They Work: A fitted blazer suit instantly upgrades any outfit. It adds structure and gives boss-babe energy without being boxy. Cropped or belted blazers give structure and snatch your waist.
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How to Style: Wear with fitted tops, even cropped ones, and jeans or jumpsuits, to define your curves with confidence. You can also pair your blazer with a lacy top and contrasting bra underneath, or with a bodycon dress. Choose light cover-ups that don’t drown your figure.
How to Flatter Your Features
Every plus-size queen has features worth celebrating. The right fits and deets will bring out the best in you, regardless of body shape. It doesn't matter if you have a full bust, strong shoulders, thick thighs, a curvy, soft belly, or wide hips; the following fashion tips will help you slay confidently and create any illusion you want. There's no apologizing for that.
Top Half Tips
- A V-neck opens up your neck and draws the eye to your bust without overwhelming it. It's perfect for full-bust queens or even a small bust needing a little oomph.
- Halter styles lift your neck and frame the shoulders beautifully.
- A lace-up neckline offers adjustability and a sexy vibe. It creates an illusion that makes the widest part of your body look leaner.
- Choose fits featuring wrap styles to define the top half. They hold shape, support the bust, and balance out broader or narrower shoulders.
Bottom Half Tips
- If you want to elongate your legs, try slits, high-waisted cuts, or short formal dresses.
- Don't forget belts to define your waist. They create shape and bring attention right where you want it.
- If you have wider hips, wear tops with unique shoulder styles or neck details.
Plus Size Style Tips for Women
Your everyday style should be comfy, and yes, sexy, and even couture. The secret to this is knowing your size outfits, dressing for your figure, and having fun with your looks, girl.
1. Develop Your Personal Style
Start by figuring out what makes you feel like that girl. Are you drawn to clean neutrals or wild prints? When you go shopping alone, what catches your eye first? Don't think about other people's recommendations here. Focus on the outfits that catch your eye at first glance.
After this, think about the parts of your body that you like to show off or accentuate. Do you love serving shoulders, cleavage, legs, or are you more about shaping your waist?
Try on different vibes until something clicks. Once you’ve found your personal style, building outfits becomes effortless.
2. Confidence in Casual
Even on chill days, fit matters. Don’t go a size up to hide your beautiful body. Instead, have a wardrobe of casual clothes that actually fit you. Get rid of those extra-baggy tees and dresses and give your features a moment to shine. Try:
- Soft fabrics like jerseys or stretchy satin blouses. Wear these over high-waisted jeans with some cute sandals or sneakers.
- High-waisted pants with a tucked-in tee for a sexy, cinched vibe. Complete the look with heels and a sassy bag.
- Oversized button-ups with bike shorts and hoops for model-off-duty slay.
3. Accessorize At All Times
Never underestimate the power of a good accessory, sis. Yes, accessories take your look from down here to up there. Chunky earrings, mini bags, chains, rings, neck pieces, scarves, name them all. Chunky earrings frame your face and draw attention up top. Chains, stacked rings, fine neck pieces, and even a fly scarf are the finishing touches that say, “Yes, I woke up like this.” Treat accessories as part of the outfit, not an afterthought.
4. Flatter Without Adding Bulk
When you want to highlight your waist or shape, fit is everything. Look for wrap styles, draping, or strategic ruching. These draw attention to your curves and create a smoother figure. Skip boxy cuts or shapeless pieces that just hang. They’ll hide your figure instead of working with it. Tailored fits, seams, and cinched shapes are your best friends when it comes to showing off your curves without the extra bulk.
Plus Size Styles for Special Occasions
When it's time to get dressed for a special occasion, your outfit should be doing the most, in the best way.
How to Choose the Perfect Dress
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Fit Over Size: Don’t stress about clothing sizes. Focus on how it fits and sits on your body.
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Structure Matters: Look for fitted waists, cutouts, and clean lines to emphasize your shape.
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Fabric: Go for rich satin, crochet, cotton, or sequins that catch the light.
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Be Bold: Wear something stunning that makes you feel confident.
What to Wear (With Examples)
Special occasions are your excuse to be extra, dramatic, and entirely unforgettable. Look for styles that flatter your shape and bring the energy to match the moment.
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Weddings: Romantic, formal, and full of glam. You want something elegant that stands out. For instance, this shimmery Center of Attention Silver Sequin Plus Size Dress is a perfect fit if you want to eat them other girls up. You could pair it with clear stockings and heels for a laid-back, sophisticated look. It delivers bridal-party energy without upstaging the bride.
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Formal Events, Galas, or Night Galas: This is where you want to go bold and sculpted. For instance, this Center of Attention Black Plus Size Sequin Dress has a deep tone with full-on drama. It skims the hips and creates a flawless fit that’s made for posing and power moves. It's perfect for all plus-size body shapes.
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Upscale Birthdays or Dinner Dates: For these types of events, bring out something unexpected. While the silver and black sequin dresses are a guaranteed slay, this Fall in Love Wine Red Lace Plus Size Catsuit will awe the room the minute you walk in. Tailored specifically for curvy and plus-size babes, it cinches the waist, flows gracefully, and shows just the right amount of skin.
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Casual Occasions: Keep maxi dresses, ruched dresses, and snatched jumpsuits on standby. These go-to pieces transition effortlessly when styled right. Just switch up your shoes, jewelry, or outerwear.
Shopping Smart
- Shopping for plus-size dresses is easy if you know what you’re looking for and where to shop.
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Navigating Clothing Sizes: Clothing sizes vary wildly from brand to brand, so go by fit, not fear. Read size charts, check stretch levels, and be open to tailoring pieces that almost fit perfectly. Explore our size chart for dresses.
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Where to Shop: Look for brands that design with plus-size women in mind, not as an afterthought. Ellaé Lisqué, for instance, stocks plus-size dresses for every body type. Select labels that offer detailed fit descriptions and real photos.
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Confidence is the Fit: At the end of the day, the best plus-size outfit is one that makes you feel confident.
FAQs
How Do I Dress as a Plus-Size Lady?
Start by learning your body type, then choose pieces that show off your best assets. Use plus-size style tips like choosing the right fit, embracing color, and keeping your wardrobe full of pieces you love to wear.
How Do I Dress If I Have an Apple Shape?
Focus on your legs and bust, babe. Try V-neck or wrap dresses to draw the eye upward and elongate the neck. Go for dresses that flow away from the waist and give you structure up top.
What Styles Work Best for a Big Bust?
For a full bust, wrap styles are your bestie. They provide support and give you shape. Look for deeper necklines like a plunge or halter.
Can Plus-Size Women Wear Mini Dresses?
Absolutely. Mini plus-size dresses are a slay when styled right. Show off those legs with confidence. Choose a stretchy fabric and add a belt to define your waist.
How Do I Look Attractive as a Plus-Size Girl?
It’s all about dressing for your figure, not the clothing size. Wear what makes you feel confident, find your personal style, and focus on fit. Confidence is the hottest thing you can wear.
How Do You Style Plus Size With a Big Belly?
Create shape by cinching the waist with belts, wrap dresses, or ruching. Avoid shapeless cuts. Go for strategic details like unique necklines or lace-up outfits to complement your bottom half.
What Should I Avoid Wearing if I'm Plus-Size?
Skip boxy, shapeless fits and stiff fabrics that add width. If it doesn’t fit or flatter, it’s not worth the hanger space.
What Kind of Jeans Should a Plus-Size Woman Wear?
High-rise, stretchy jeans that define the waist and hug the hips are top tier. Wide-leg, straight-leg, or even flare are good options. Just choose what suits your figure and feels good.
Where Can I Find High-Quality Plus-Size Outfits?
The best plus-size dresses come from brands that focus on curves, not just the size chart. Look for clothes modeled by other plus-size babes to see their fit, and select brands that know their stuff.
Serve and Slay With the Best Plus-Size Outfits From Ellaé Lisqué
If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this. Dressing plus size is really about knowing your body shape, building a versatile wardrobe, and embracing your personal style with no apologies.
At Ellaé Lisqué, we tailor each piece in-house. We have a range of fits tailored specifically to plus-size body types. Now you can wear any style you've ever wanted without feeling awkward and uncomfortable.
Shop Ellaé Lisqué's curvy and plus-size dresses today.
