How to Dress for a Formal Event as a Plus-Size Woman

Finding the right outfit for a formal event can be especially challenging for plus-size women, with so many styles, fabrics, and fits to choose from. It’s only too easy to get lost in the options! However, it can also be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your style. No matter the occasion – a wedding, gala, or fancy dinner – you deserve to feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable.

The key is to find pieces that highlight your curves in the most flattering way while making you feel like the queen you are. From choosing the right dress to understanding why lingerie matters, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know:

The Importance of Plus-Size Women’s Lingerie That Fits Well

Before slipping into the dress of your dreams, it’s important to talk about what you’ll be wearing underneath it. The right plus-size women’s lingerie can make all the difference, providing you with confidence-boosting support and a smooth silhouette, no matter your outfit. 

A bra that fits well is essential for keeping your bust lifted and supported, especially if you plan on wearing a dress with a plunging neckline, or one with a strapless design. Then there’s shapewear – the right pieces can smooth out any areas where you’d like a bit more control and help your entire outfit lay seamlessly against your body. 

Beyond their function, wearing beautiful women’s lingerie can also be an incredible confidence booster. 

There’s something undeniably empowering about knowing that you’re wearing something sexy and supportive underneath your outfit. It sets the foundation for feeling comfortable and secure all night long. Investing in high-quality plus-size women’s lingerie means you’ll have pieces that work with multiple outfits, ensuring that every formal event feels effortlessly put together. 

If you’re looking for lingerie that caters to your curves, don’t hesitate to check out our selections here at Anita. You’ll be glad to find that most of our offerings come in a very inclusive size range! 

Finding the Perfect Formal Dress

The dress is the star of the show when it comes to dressing for a formal event. The right gown can accentuate your best features, create a stunning silhouette, and make you feel unstoppable. 

When shopping for a formal dress, consider styles that work with your body rather than against it. A-line dresses can be a particularly fantastic choice, as they cinch at the waist and flow gracefully over your curves, creating a balanced and elegant look. Wrap dresses are another great option: they naturally define the waist and highlight your bust without feeling restrictive. Looking for something a little more dramatic? A mermaid or trumpet-style gown can beautifully hug your body in all the right places – just look at all the plus-sized celebrities rocking them on the red carpet! 

Also worth keeping in mind is that fabric choice is just as important as fit. Heavier fabrics such as velvet, satin, or structured crepe can all provide a polished look, while chiffon or silk can add a touch of softness and movement. 

The colors matter, too: darker colors like navy, emerald green, or deep burgundy can offer a slimming effect, but you don’t have to confine yourself to them. If a bold hue makes you feel amazing, wear it! Prints and embellishments can also be your friend – floral patterns, sequins, and lace details can add personality and depth to your outfit.

Choosing the Right Accessories

Like the final brushstrokes on a painting, accessories perfect and unify an outfit, creating a polished and cohesive look. It’s also where you can showcase your personal style and flair – and the options are endless! 

For jewelry, consider wearing a pair of statement earrings or a bold necklace – both options can add just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming your entire look. If your dress has a lot of embellishments, opt for simpler accessories to maintain balance; on the other hand, if you’ve chosen a more understated gown, then don’t be afraid to go for eye-catching jewelry pieces to elevate your ensemble. 

Clutches are a must for formal events, and a sleek, structured one in a neutral or metallic shade can complement almost any outfit. As for shoes, comfort should be just as much of a priority as style. Heels can elongate your legs, but if they aren’t your thing, embellished flats or dressy wedges can be just as elegant.

A stylish shawl, cape, or wrap can also add an extra layer of sophistication while keeping you warm if the event is outdoors or during the colder months. Opt for fabrics like silk, faux fur, or cashmere: they can add a luxurious touch to your overall look.

Elevate Your Look With the Right Hairstyle and Makeup

Your hairstyle should enhance your beauty without competing with the dress that you’ve chosen. There are plenty to choose from, but we particularly like how soft curls can frame the face, or how a sleek updo can give you a timeless and sophisticated look reminiscent of Old Hollywood. 

As for makeup, a flawless base is key. Use a primer for a smooth surface, and make sure that your foundation matches your skin tone perfectly. A bold lip in red or berry shades can make a statement, while a smoky eye adds a sultry, evening-appropriate vibe. If you prefer a more natural look, dewy skin paired with a subtle shimmer on the eyes and a nude lip can create an effortlessly chic effect.

To ensure that your look stays fresh throughout, use long-lasting and high-quality makeup and don’t skimp on the setting powder or spray!

No matter what you choose to wear, the most important thing to bring to any formal event is confidence. The way you carry yourself is what truly makes an impression! So stand tall, embrace your curves, and remember that beauty isn’t defined by size – it’s defined by how you feel in your own skin. When you feel good, you shine from the inside out, and that’s what truly makes any outfit unforgettable.