Okay, let’s talk about prom night—the night everyone’s been dreaming about, and honestly, who can blame them? It’s like the ultimate celebration of high school, full of glam, glitter, and all the sparkle you could ever want! But wait… for curvy girls, it can sometimes feel like there’s a little extra stress mixed in with that excitement. The prom dress hunt can be serious business.
But guess what? You’re totally going to rock it! I mean, prom is YOUR night, and with the right outfit, you’ll feel fabulous and confident all night long. Let’s dive into these 5 styling tips that’ll have you slaying the prom game in no time!
Here, let us make plus-size dressing unapologetically the best with our expert tips:
1. Create the Illusion of a Longer Silhouette
Here’s the thing: Everyone wants to look taller, right? Plus-size or not, elongating your silhouette can totally change how a dress looks on your body—and it’s easier than you think!
How to Do It:
- Monochrome Magic: Look, monochrome looks are seriously your best friend. You know that chic look when you wear one solid color from head to toe? Yep, that’s the secret! Not only is it stylish, but it draws the eyes up and down, creating a sleek, tall silhouette. Whether it’s a bold red or a classic black, wearing one color gives off this effortless vibe while making you look like you’ve just stepped off the runway.
● Smaller Prints, Big Impact: Alright, let’s talk prints. Bigger prints can make things feel a little too big—but small, delicate prints? They do wonders for creating a more slimming look! Try stripes or tiny florals (yes, florals at prom dress! Who says you can’t?)—and if you can find vertical ones? Even better! It’ll make you look like you’re 6 feet tall, no problem.
2. Let Your Shapewear Work Its Magic
I know what you might be thinking: “Shapewear? Is it really necessary?” Well, let me tell you—shapewear isn’t just for slimming down; it’s about smoothing out all those areas you want to feel extra comfy in. And trust me, it’s a game-changer for a night like prom!
How to Do It:
- Fit is Everything: When it comes to shapewear, fit is super important. You don’t want something too tight or uncomfortable, but you also don’t want it loose. Take the time to figure out your size (shapewear sizes usually run differently than regular clothes), and make sure it’s snug but not too tight.
- Choose the Right Compression Level: From light to firm, shapewear comes in all types of compression levels. For everyday wear, light compression is comfy, but for prom night, medium to firm compression is your best bet. This’ll help smooth things out without feeling like you’re in a straight jacket!
Shapewear is there to enhance your shape, not hide it, so embrace it. It’ll help you feel confident, and that’s what prom is all about!
3. Define Your Waist
Okay, let’s talk about the waist, because defining it is one of the easiest ways to totally transform how a dress looks on you. You’ve probably seen those dresses that just pop because the waist is so perfectly accentuated—and you can totally rock that look too!
How to Do It:
- Fit-and-Flare Forever: Fit-and-flare dresses are your best friend when it comes to defining your waist. They have that fitted top, then flare out at the bottom, giving you that perfect hourglass shape. It’s flattering, fun, and gives you all the movement for dancing (yes, you’ll be twirling!).
Credits: Cynthia Erivo and Ashley Graham. German Larkin
Ruching & Belts: Ever noticed how ruching or a cute belt just makes everything look more defined? Whether it’s a ruched waist or a belt that cinches in the middle, this trick helps pull everything together. For some serious inspiration, check out Ashley Graham’s stunning looks—she always nails this! And remember, your curves deserve to be shown off, girl!
4. Dress for Your Body Shape (And Show Off That Gorgeous Body!)
Your body shape is your superpower—and dressing according to it will make you feel more confident than ever. Not sure what your body shape is? No worries! I’ll help you figure it out.
| Grab a measuring tape and take a few quick measurements (don’t worry, this won’t be complicated): Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Waist: Measure around your natural waist (the narrowest part). Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips (heels together, please!). |
Now let’s figure out your shape:
- Pear Shape: If you have wider hips, a smaller waist, and a narrow bust, then you’re a pear! For this shape, draw attention to your upper body with tops that have details (ruffles, embroidery, or even a bold neckline). Fit-and-flare dresses are your best friend here!
- Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders, a smaller waist, and narrower hips? That’s an inverted triangle. The goal here is to balance your proportions. Try skirts or dresses with volume (A-line skirts are perfect) to add fullness to your lower half.
- Hourglass Shape: You’ve got curves, girl! Narrow waist, bust, and hips in perfect proportion. Show off those curves with bodycon dresses, A-line cuts, or even a wrap dress to highlight that beautiful waist.
- Rectangle Shape: If you’re pretty straight up and down with equal proportions on the top, middle, and bottom, you’ve got a rectangle shape. You want to add some volume to your figure, so look for dresses with layers, puff sleeves, or structure to give you more curves!
Dressing for your body shape is all about celebrating your natural beauty, and trust me, there’s nothing more stylish than that.
5. Find the Right Bra (Your Secret Weapon)
Let’s talk about the bra. Because, let’s be honest, a good bra can make or break your outfit, especially when you’re rocking that prom dress. Nobody wants to deal with awkward straps or uncomfortable fit on the big night, right? So, let’s get it right!
How to Do It:
- Fit, Fit, Fit: First things first: Make sure your bra is fitting properly. No back rolls, no digging straps, and no muffin tops—just smooth, comfy support. A perfect bra makes all the difference in how your dress sits on your body.
Do you fancy a feeling of extravagance? Ditch the ordinary bras and pick an elegant selection with fancy bra straps like pearl back straps.
● Bra for Your Dress Type: Depending on your dress, you might need something a little special. For backless or low-back dresses, go for a backless bra or adhesive cups. For strapless dresses, a good-quality strapless bra with plenty of support is a must. If you’re feeling fancy, there are bras with gorgeous pearl straps or intricate lace designs to make you feel like a queen!
● Investing in the right bra means no stress when it comes to dancing or moving around. You’ll feel supported and confident all night long.
Conclusion
Okay, now that you’ve got these styling tips under your belt, it’s time to own your prom! You’re going to look stunning, feel amazing, and celebrate your curves in a way that’ll have you glowing all night long. From monochrome looks to shapewear, waist-defining tricks, and finding your perfect dress, you’ve got everything you need to make prom YOUR night.
Now go ahead, pick out that dress, strut your stuff, and enjoy every moment of the best night of high school. You’ve got this!
Got more questions? Drop them below, and let’s chat about all things prom fashion. 💃👗
