The Complete Guide to Choosing the Dress for Curvy and Petite Women

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Wearing a dress for curvy and petite women that suits you best can have a slimming effect and create the illusion of a larger waist. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right styles. By “right styles,” we mean good cuts and good patterns.

How to choose a dresses for curvy and petite women? It’s true that in addition to considering body volume, you also need to take size into account. But there’s a remedy for every issue. And the solution is this article.

To make the choice of dresses for curvy women, our comprehensive guide on the topic will help you find the piece of your dreams!

The dress for curvy and petite women: the basics

As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to consider the appropriate cuts.

• Rule #1: the cut of the dresses

You should opt for short cuts. Mini dresses and short dresses are therefore your best allies. Yes, by revealing your lovely legs, your silhouette appears to elongate.

On the other hand, long cuts tend to make you look bulkier. At most, choose styles that barely cover the knees. Some models of dresses for curvy and petite women should be prioritized.

For curvy and petite women, the ideal choice is to go for flared dresses. For a sexy look, for example, choose one that is fitted at the bust with a flared skirt. This way, not only will your bust be highlighted but also your legs.

For maximum effect, we recommend always opting for heeled shoes. Whether it’s boots, pumps, or open-toe heels, choose wisely according to the style of your outfit.

• Rule #2: the fabrics and colors

For curvy women, rigid fabrics are not recommended. On the contrary, they suffocate your body and provide no comfort. Therefore, prefer stretchy and elastic fabrics. Knit, cotton, viscose, chiffon, silk, elastane, and lycra are on the list of preferred fabrics.

Also, always choose fluid and lightweight fabrics. Anything ruffled adds lightness to your outfit.

Models with lace styles are excellent examples in this case. Additionally, guipures, lace, and sheer materials are abundant when it comes to fluidity and lightness.

For colors, dark and deep hues are the most effective at hiding curves. But if you trust your body and your dresses for curvy and petite women, opt for fun and vibrant colors. For warmer days, it’s best to choose light-colored flowy summer dresses.

• Rule #3: the patterns

The recurring refrain states that you should always opt for small patterns and avoid stripes at all costs.

Indeed, by opting for small patterns, your look will appear less heavy. Floral prints and pretty polka dots, for example, enhance your outfit without emphasizing your curves.

Stripes are not highly recommended for curvy women as they emphasize bulges even more. However, exceptionally and only for petite women, you can choose stripes if they are vertical.

Yes, vertical stripes create the illusion of a longer body.

Of course, it’s all about moderation. Therefore, choose fine and dark stripes on a light base. Avoid large stripes to prevent your outfit from looking too saturated. Also, steer clear of animal print patterns. Zebra, leopard, reptile prints, and others only overload your look.

A classy dress for curvy and petite women, which one to choose?

Based on all the criteria listed above, finding your classy dress should no longer be a headache.

• The A-line cut:

This refers to a flared skirt in the shape of an A, as the name suggests. It is therefore suitable for curvy and especially petite women.

The ideal choice would be one that reaches the knee. This way, your legs will be highlighted. Additionally, this model provides elegance and charm due to its slightly straight cut.

That said, for your bust, choose an original cut to stay trendy. For example, long sleeves and a plunging V-neck. By highlighting your bust, you will look radiant. Always in this spirit, you also have the square neck as an option.

For the warmer seasons, opt for short or ¾ sleeves, or even spaghetti straps. Here, feel free to choose the color and patterns of your dresses for curvy and petite women, as long as they are classy.

• The wrap dress: a must-have for sexy and elegant women

The wrap dress suits all body types. It hides the belly and accentuates the waist just like the previous model.

In addition, it has this fitted aspect at the hips and thighs. It is true that this model is not always flared; however, its unique cut gives you an uncommon style and slightly elongates your silhouette. Just prefer high and closed heels for better results.

In this case, you can opt for a mid-length dress for curvy and petite women, but only if the fabric is fluid.

The trendiest model for this dresses for curvy and petite women is the one with long sleeves or ¾ and a wrap design. This style of bust gives you unparalleled elegance while highlighting your attributes.

Enhance this femininity even more with colors and patterns. Red, purple, and emerald green are excellent examples.

• The empire cut: unbeatable and irreplaceable

This cut seems to be dedicated to curvy women. With its cinching just below the bust, it not only emphasizes the bust but also camouflages the belly.

Generally, these dresses already have fluid skirts, which is an added advantage. For these, opt for models that are always short.

To break the rather childish style of this cut, choose plunging bustier necklines, off-shoulder styles, and elegant patterns. Opt for lace or guipure for added femininity.

You can also choose a short skirt model that is embroidered or sheer to the level of the legs. In this case, you can also go down to the ankles.

Regarding colors, this time, be sure to choose a solid and dark color.

Also, don’t be too tempted by rhinestones, sequins, and glitter. A few on the bust are acceptable, but don’t overdo it.

Need additional information on the classy dress for curvy women? Follow the guide, we created an article on this topic just for YOU!

Festive occasion? Adopt the best evening dress for curvy and petite women

Need a sexy dress for curvy and petite women to shine at a soirée? Here’s what you need.

Follow the first rule and forget about maxi dresses. The best options are short dresses, even mini dresses.

• The bodycon dresses:

Those in satin, for instance, with thin straps or long off-shoulder sleeves are at the peak of women’s fashion these days.

Designed for evenings, this cut makes you look sexy and boosts your self-confidence.

Choose the size of your dresses for curvy and petite women that is most comfortable for you.

• The mini dresses:

Want to look sexy in a dresses for curvy and petite women? Opt for a mini cut. For more discretion, choose a dress that is above the knees. Here, make sure your model is a dark color.

• The daring dresses:

Dare! Go ahead, shine in a sexy purple-red dress.

Pair it with lace-up heels for a tall effect. You will look simply magnificent!

• The asymmetrical dresses:

If you’re not too keen on the sexy look, you can then opt for a much more covered model.

For example, an asymmetrical dress that is short or mid-length in front and long in the back.

Make sure it is fitted at the waist. This way, the elongation effect will be better visible.

• The wrap dresses:

Break the simplicity. Opt for a wrap top; it’s more extraordinary and classic, plus it will enhance your bust. Fitted long sleeves will do the trick.

Or, prefer very revealing necklines for an attractive side.

If however, you choose to cover up more, opt for a simple bohemian-style top dress. For the color of the dress, a solid base for simple patterns like flowers or small butterflies will suffice.

Here, you have the choice between lace, lace style, and flowy fabrics.

For more information on evening dresses for curvy and petite women, check out our 100% Modalova guide (and therefore practical)!

The cocktail dress

The cocktail dress with a flared skirt is also an appropriate outfit. However, you must play well with femininity as this cut is rather childish.

Below are the tips to never forget to highlight yourself with this dress.

• First feminine asset: the bust

You can choose between a well-plunging neckline and a U or V neckline that is more closed.

• For the shoulders:

Choose either off-shoulder cuts or puffed shoulders.

• Regarding sleeves:

Opt for asymmetrical and fitted ones. But for the latter, wear a simple necklace.

• Regarding fabric:

Silk and chiffon fit this look perfectly. However, a dresses for curvy and petite women in white or a fun color is most suitable for this model.

• Regarding accessories:

Opt for a white clutch, white shoes, and dangling earrings to elongate your face.

For more information on the dress for curvy women, check out your 100% practical guide on the subject!

Have a special occasion to prepare for? Discover our dossier on the elegant dress for curvy women :)