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To Wear Or Not To Wear: Plus Size Body Con Dresses

To Wear Or Not To Wear: Plus Size Body Con Dresses

Body con dresses are dresses that are body conscious; they are very fitted to the body, almost like a second skin. Many plus size women are intimidated by body con dresses, especially those who do not have a defined waist and hourglass or “pear” body shape. They worry about showcasing their body in such a curve revealing silhouette because your body is not hidden.

Body Con dresses - image 1
From left to right: Torrid, Monif C., Eloquii, 50 Limes, Eloquii

Wearing a body con dress takes courage and confidence. It is a show of self love and body acceptance. It is thinking outside the fashion box and going against what we are told that plus size women should wear and not wear. Before you dismiss body con dresses and think they are not for you, take a look at what’s out there.

The most important rule to wearing anything is to be comfortable and happy in it.

If you feel pretty in it and you feel good, that will radiate through and make your outfit look even more appealing. It’s more about how you feel about yourself and less about the outfit. You should never listen to anyone but yourself when it comes to fashion because fashion is all about expressing yourself. And if you let others censor your fashion expression, you are not being true to yourself.

Once you accept this idea and feel bold enough to try a body con dress, go for it.

Body Con dresses - image 2
From left to right: Fashion to Figure, Simply Be, Evans, Forever 21, ASOS Curve

There are so many styles, colors and prints out there now that we are sure you will find a body con dress you love. Prints are great at camouflaging those little imperfections and certain parts of your body that you may not be comfortable showing, without losing that curve hugging silhouette. Little details such as a twist front, zippers and peplum can also mask the tummy area, if you are not comfortable with that area being front and center.

Want to create a more defined waist in a body con dress? Add a wide belt and a cropped blazer with a fitted waist. The above floral dress from Evans comes in a great print AND a belt. And it’s currently on sale.

Just make sure you create a look that suits your style and makes you feel comfortable.

Other tips to wearing body con dresses:

  • If you want to smooth out your curves, shapewear can be a big help. Just make sure you are comfortable.
  • A seamless bra and panty is a must! Panty lines especially can take away from you having a polished look.
  • Always look at the fabric content. Some fabrics like a ponte knit will allow you to size down (if your size is not available). But lighter fabrics like elastane and polyester look better when you wear your exact size.

Want more proof that you can rock a body con dress? Take some inspiration from the following bloggers who look fabulous rocking their body con dresses:

Blogger inspiration body con dresses
L to R: Alissa of Stylish Curves, Rebecca of The Plus Side of Me, Allison McGevna of Inside Allie’s World and Essie Golden of Golden Kaleidoscope

To purchase any of the dresses shown in the above images, here’s their links in the order they’re in:

Image 1:

Leopard Sweetheart Bodycon Dress from Torrid

“Whitley” Cut Out Shoulder Dress in Neon Coral from Monif C.

Mixed Stripe Dress from Eloquii

Tetris Print Dress from 50 Limes

Floral Print Scuba Dress from Eloquii

 

Image 2:

Gloria Woven Neckline Dress from Fashion to Figure

Illusion Zip Front Dress from Simply Be

White Floral Belted Midi Dress from Evans

Simply Sophisticated Bodycon Dress from Forever 21 +

Exclusive Body-Conscious Dress With Twist Waist from ASOS Curve

 

To check out the bloggers featured here:

Stylish Curves

The Plus Side of Me

Inside Allie’s World

Golden Kaleidoscope

 

What do you think of body con dresses? YAY or NAY? Please leave us a comment below and let us know.

 

Please note that we are not responsible for the models used in any product images as these images come directly from the retailer/brand’s site. Some retailers, such as Simply Be, offer many of their clothing in sizes 8 – 28 so they will opt to not use a plus size model in some images.