Plus-Size Clothing for Women: A Style Guide for Curvy Figures

Style and elegance have nothing to do with clothing size. Fashionable outfits exist for every body shape, and you can highlight your unique flair while flattering your figure with the right pieces. The ultimate goal of plus-size fashion is for you to feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, empowering you to embrace your body. We’re here to share tips and tricks for curvy women on how to dress stylishly for any occasion and express your personal style with plus-size apparel.

How to Dress for Wider Hips: Styling Tips for Different Body Shapes

Of course, not every curvy woman can be neatly categorized into a specific body type – individual silhouettes and body shapes are far too unique and diverse for that. However, focusing on common conventions, curvy women with wider hips often fall into one of two body categories: the hourglass body shape or the pear body shape. Both shapes share a smaller waist and a wider lower body, but the upper body’s shape differs. Depending on which body type best describes you, the perfect styling for wider hips might need a little adjustment.

Gaining or losing weight typically doesn’t change your fundamental body type. But by knowing how to highlight your best features, any perceived “flaws” will quickly fade into the background. Ultimately, what truly matters is feeling good and confident in your own skin.

Dressing for Wider Hips: The Pear Body Shape

Women with a pear-shaped figure have asymmetrical curves: their upper body or shoulders are narrower than their hips. Pear-shaped women often wear two different clothing sizes, typically buying tops one or two sizes smaller. For this body type, the main goal is to draw attention away from the wider hips to balance proportions: the upper body is emphasized to achieve a more symmetrical silhouette.

Dressing for Wider Hips: The Hourglass Body Shape

The classic hourglass figure is often considered the ideal of a feminine, full-figured physique. Shoulders are roughly the same width as the hips, the waist is significantly smaller, and the bust is fuller.

Women with an hourglass figure should ensure that neither their upper nor lower body appears overly bulky. On the contrary: clever styling will highlight your harmonious proportions, and any “problem areas” will be subtly concealed.

Flowing jumpsuits are excellent for flattering many body shapes. A wrap or belted jumpsuit can help create a balanced hourglass figure, even if you have narrower shoulders.

Dressing for Wider Hips: Tops, Pants, and Skirts

Similar to styling for fuller thighs, you’ll want to focus on your upper body when you have wider hips. Tops and dresses in bright colors and with interesting patterns will draw the eye upward effectively.

If you have both a fuller bust and wider hips, avoid excessive ruffles or frills on your tops to prevent your upper body from appearing too “heavy.” Ultimately, your goal with your outfits is to maintain balanced body proportions.

Here are our top styling tips for wider hips:

Use tops to create emphasis. Ruffles, playful patterns, and asymmetrical cuts work wonderfully for the upper body.
Wear statement jewelry like bold necklaces and gold earrings, a chic hairstyle, or beautiful makeup to draw attention to your face, shoulders, and décolletage.
When it comes to skirts and pants, opt for darker colors and matte fabrics. Shiny materials or light colors tend to be less flattering on the lower body.
V-necks beautifully highlight your décolletage. Off-the-shoulder necklines also draw attention to your upper body.
Regarding the length of your tops, make sure they don’t stop at your waist. If the hem of your top ends at the widest part of your lower body, it will emphasize your wider hips.
Highlight your waist with wrap dresses, shirt dresses, blazers, or high-waisted pants. Peplum details or belts at the waist can create a gorgeous silhouette.
Straight-leg or wide-leg pants and subtle bootcut jeans help your legs appear slimmer. Paired with a high waist, your legs will look longer, and your figure will appear more elongated.
Flared skirts or A-line skirts flatter your figure. They emphasize the waist and gracefully skim over the hips.

Tip: Perceived “problem areas” don’t always have to be hidden or disguised. Instead, turn them into an advantage! Women with wider hips can still show off their curves in flattering ways: a waist-length pencil skirt can highlight your curves without obscuring your silhouette. High-waisted jeans and crop tops also emphasize your waist and showcase your feminine curves.

Dressing for Wider Hips: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

Loose and asymmetrical tops.
Fitted tops, short jackets/blazers, and high-waisted pants.
Flared skirts and A-line skirts.

Don’ts:

Tops with their widest part at your hips.
Puffy or pleated skirts that add bulk.
Shiny, clingy fabrics (e.g., satin) on the lower body.
Low-waisted skirts or pants.

Conclusion: Flattering Outfits for Women with Wider Hips

Asymmetrical proportions are a natural part of a curvy figure, but they don’t always feel easy to style. By drawing attention to your waist and shoulders, you can create a beautifully balanced silhouette. If you like, you can also highlight your legs to shift focus from your hips. When choosing outfits, keep your body shape in mind: If you have a smaller upper body, you can add volume with ruffles and frills. If, on the other hand, you have a fuller bust, ensure that details and patterns don’t overwhelm your figure.