Evening Dress for Curvy and Petite Women: How to Choose It?

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How to choose your dress for curvy and petite women? We answer this question with a complete guide!

Searching for and choosing an evening dress for curvy and petite women that fits you like a glove can be a bit tedious, right? Because you need to find one that doesn’t squash you, shapes your body well, and on top of that, it has to be pretty.

However, after reading this article, choosing your evening dress for curvy and petite women will no longer be so difficult.

The principle is simple; imagine 5 criteria that the dress must meet: the cut, the length of the dress, the fabric, the colors, and lastly, the patterns.

Now, from the list of outfits that meet these 5 criteria, it’s up to you to choose the one that suits your taste.

The suitable evening dress for curvy and petite women

The length of the dress

First, it’s important to talk about the length of the dress. You should know that a long dress beautifully shapes women’s bodies and promotes femininity in an elegant way. Moreover, it gives the impression that the body is elongated.

Unfortunately, this only applies to tall women. On the contrary, maxi dresses tend to pile up and emphasize the humble stature of curvy and petite women.

• Short models elongate the silhouettes of petite women. In addition to creating this illusion, they enhance the legs of all women.

For those who are confident in their bodies, showing off your thighs with mini dresses will only make you look more sexy.

• The knee-length dress, which usually reaches halfway down the calves, delicately showcases the legs. As a petite woman, you can opt for this if you wear it with high heels to give the impression of a taller figure.

The cut of the dress

Regarding cuts, it’s essential to choose one that suits your body type. You need to highlight certain parts and conceal others.

• Got a tummy?

Opt for an empire cut instead. This way, you can hide your belly rolls while accentuating your bust. That said, to put more emphasis on it, go for a plunging neckline or a deep V-neck.

If, on the other hand, you don’t feel self-conscious, flaunt your body by opting for a short fitted dress with thin straps. If you prefer to cover up more, choose a less short model with long sleeves, but with off-the-shoulder detailing for a sexier vibe.

• To hide as many rolls as possible

Highlight your back. Choose between a backless model, a twisted back, or a laced back. It allows you to maintain a bare aspect of the dress, even on an evening dress.

What about colors, patterns, and fabrics?

• The color: ideally, opt for dark colors.

A little black dress can be perfect for an evening out. Or navy blue, emerald green, or other dark colors to shape a beautiful silhouette. If you are daring, however, choose a white or bright-colored model.

• The patterns: avoid heavy ones like animal prints.

Above all, forget leopard dresses. Instead, lean toward small butterflies, polka dots, and other small patterns. The floral print is your best ally. To appear taller, choose discreet and vertical stripes.

Too many sequins, glitter, and rhinestones can weigh down your look.

• The fabrics: always ensure they are stretchy and fluid.

Chiffon, silk, viscose, and elastane are the ultimate stretchy fabrics. You can also choose flowing sheer fabrics, lace, broderie anglaise, or guipure for a two-tone dress and more design. This will also give you a more feminine and glamorous look.

What styles of evening dresses for curvy and petite women to choose?

Fitted or tailored dresses

These are great evening dress models for curvy and petite women. They highlight the beautiful curves of your body.

To complete this sexy look, it’s best to opt for cuts that are fairly short and maybe a little slit here and there. There are several fitted and tailored dress models available.

The mermaid dress

The mermaid dress is quite a chic style. It accentuates the bust, hips, and waist. Of course, you can choose between a beautiful long dress and a shorter model.

It’s ideal for a pretty elegant evening like a wedding or other events. Here, opt for open high heels.

The straight dress

Another model of fitted attire: simple, beautiful, and trendy. You can easily find it in your wardrobe as it’s a basic piece. However, choose a slit dress to subtly reveal your legs.

To further highlight them, wear classy wedge shoes.

Besides these fitted and totally body-hugging models, you can also adopt fitted bodice dresses with flared skirts. These models are included in the list of the best evening dresses for curvy and petite women. There are longer and shorter cuts available. Choose according to your taste.

The skater dress

The skater dress is one of the best-suited outfits for you. Thanks to its flared bottom, it conceals your hips and thighs well. To give the illusion of a taller silhouette, prefer shorter models, although long ones are more elegant.

To break the childish aspect of this outfit, choose asymmetrical long sleeves instead. Or opt for fairly wide straps. Showy necklines will also do the trick.

The wrap dress

Always mentioned in the list of dresses for curvy women. Thanks to its fitted waistline, it highlights your bust and elegantly conceals your tummy.

Flowy, lightweight fabrics are the best for this model. A 3/4 sleeve and a plunging V-neck will pair well with this cut. It’s best to opt for a knee-length or very short cut.

If you really want to wear long or midi dresses, some models will suit you well.

However, be sure that the area under your bust is accentuated by a knot, a belt, or the dress’s own cut. Two standout models for long and midi dresses for an evening out: the empire dress and the trapeze dress.

The empire dress

Opt for a fairly flared bottom and preferably pleated. This way, the outfit won’t be too simple. Ideally, adopt a strapless dress to give a princess-like look.

Alternatively, to conceal the roundness of your arms, choose a long-sleeve dress embroidered or in lace. Here, it’s important to wear heels.

• For the trapeze cut, the knee-length model is the best fit. With a fairly fluid material, your outfit will be comfortable. Here, choose 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves to inspire simplicity. A sleeveless dress, on the other hand, gives you a glam touch.

Don’t forget your clutch. Play well with colors and accessories.

To choose your classy dress for curvy women, refer to this guide we created for you!