Free and Fabulous: The Curvy Girl's Guide to Cocktail Dresses

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Curvy Girl's Guide to Cocktail Dresses

Nothing is sexier or more envied than the perfect cocktail dress. Curvy girls can sometimes find evening dressing particularly tricky because a little extra around the sides can make some styles look too risque if they are too tight, and a dress can come off sloppy or unrefined if it is too loose.

Because we want you to look amazing at your next event - be it a wedding, an office party or some other elegant evening affair - we have compiled a list of tips to help you shop for just the right frock.

1. If you've got a great waist, showcase it. Nothing celebrates the Curvy Girl's body better than a defined waist, or the illusion of one. So, look for designs that cinch. Seek styles that are made with a waist that falls where yours naturally does, or have it altered. Fit is key.

LEFT: Chrisette Michelle
RIGHT: Tadashi One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress, $375, saksfifthavenue.com

2. Keep length in mind. A short cocktail dress usually falls a couple of inches above the knee. Longer styles may reach as far as tea length. If you're petite, higher hemlines that give the illusion of height, by showing off more leg, can be quite flattering. Make sure to keep it tasteful, though. Taller Curvies can play with length a bit easier. Either way, keep in mind that if you have thick thighs, below the knee tends to work better, even if the style is form-fitting.

LEFT: Kay Unger Belted Silk Taffeta Dress, $510, saksfifthavenue.com
RIGHT: Soprano Sleeveless Beaded Faux Wrap Dress, $68, macys.com

3. Proper undergarments are essential. Beyond a beautiful design, what really makes or breaks a cocktail dress is how you look in it. Have your bust measured and ensure that you are wearing a properly fitted bra. Also, Spanx are almost every Curvy Girl's bestie these days - as they should be. Girdles can be uncomfortable and create undesirable lines. But the stretch and comfort of Spanx, and similar body shapers, make them ideal for a long night of dancing - and looking amazingly pulled together.

Mo'Nique is a great example of a Curvy Girl who always looks well sculpted in eveningwear.

LEFT: Mo'Nique
RIGHT: David Meister Asymmetrical Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress, $320, saksfifthavenue.com

4. Focus more on highlighting your best assets, as opposed to hiding your trouble areas. A lot of times, Curvy Girls focus too much on hiding figure insecurities (a bulging belly or chunky legs). Instead, draw attention to your best features and the viewing eye will naturally go to them. For example, Ashanti (right) typically flaunts her toned upper body, which detracts from her thicker bottom half, and Raven Symone (left) uses this tight, sheer dress to amplify her chest without showing too much cleavage!

5. Consider the weather in this transitional season, but don't lean on a cover-up. Nothing screams "I'm insecure about my body" more than hiding under a shawl or scarf. We know it's still a bit cold outside, and a little something to block the chill is certainly in order, but you should choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable, leaving your wrap on the chair when it's time to dance.