Embracing your curves is the best gift you can give to yourself. And with body-type styling tips from top designers, it is so much easier to feel confident in one’s skin and size! Many designers are making dress-up more enjoyable and fashionable for curvy women.

This year, many top designers like Mac Duggal, Rachel Allan, Faviana, and Jovani unveiled their Plus Size Dresses 2019 collections, dedicated to curves. From open-backs and deep, plunging necks to cut-outs and high-slits, these dresses are bold and fearless just like the curvy fashionistas of today! These outrageous styles have been smartly placed in attires to highlight a plus-size woman’s best features, according to her body type.

In this blog, we will share styling tips for 4 most common plus-size body types - apple, pear, hourglass, and banana. Plus, dress suggestions for special occasions.

This is your know-all guide!

The Apple Body Type

The apple body shape is defined with a large bust, heavy belly or midriff, and slim legs. If you’re an apple body shape, the key to dressing up is showing off your decolletage and legs and keeping the midriff area plain. Wearing peplum or tulle dresses is a great way to give your lower half a fuller appeal, balancing the body stats and creating an hourglass illusion.

If you’re looking for Plus Size Prom Dresses, go for a strapless, one-shoulder, or off-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit.

And if you’re looking for Plus Size Homecoming Dresses, go for a strapless or halter neck short dress or romper with skirt overlay as it will highlight your slim legs, and give your bottom half a fuller appeal while keeping your bust understated.

The Pear Body Type

The pear body shape is opposite of the apple shape. Women with slimmer upper half and defined shoulders, wide hips, and thick legs and thighs are classified as pear body type. The key to dressing up is wearing outfits that make you appear fuller on the upper half and smaller on the lower part of your body. For literally any party or special event, pear women should go for Plus Size Evening Dresses that have an embroidered, ruffled, or intricately detailed top and a simple and sleek bottom.

If you’re looking for Plus Size Cocktail Dresses that flatter pear body types, two pieces with an embroidered top and a fitted, plain skirt can be your go-to for any event.

The Hourglass Body Type

The hourglass body shape is widely celebrated as the perfect body type. However, sometimes it can get a bit tricky to dress up (what others call as) the perfectly balanced figure. An hourglass body type is defined by a proportionate figure with chest and hips measuring almost the same and a defined waist.

If you’re looking for Plus Size Formal Dresses, go for a strapless or deep v-neck, fitted knee-length dress to further flaunt your decolletage and shape your fuller hips. Adding a belt always helps as it cinches the waist a bit more and draws all the attention to the slim midriff.

Short Cocktail Dress with Bead Details By Faviana 9411 

If you’re looking for Long Plus Size Dresses for your next special occasion, go for a fitted trumpet, or mermaid gown with a plunging neck.

Floral Applique Velvet Tulle Mermaid Dress By Tiffany Designs 16374 

The Banana Body Type

Also known as rectangle body type, the banana body shape is defined by bust, waist, and hips almost of the same size. This body type requires adding definition to the waist to create an illusion of a balanced, curvy figure. This can be achieved with side cut-outs and contrast color illusions.

If you’re looking for Short Plus Size Dresses, go for side cut-out dresses with an open back like this one:

Long Sleeves Beaded Short Dress By Sherri Hill 53149

A longer alternative can be:

If you have a wedding to attend or you’re getting married, do check out our wedding edit blog dedicated to curvy women. Here, you will find amazing suggestions for Plus Size Wedding Dresses for guests, Plus Size Bridal Dresses, Bridesmaids dresses, Plus Size Mother of the Bride Dresses and much more.

Also, if you’re on a budget, check out our collection of Plus Size Dresses on sale.

Don’t run away from your curves; find figure-flattering dresses for yourself and let them hug your body!