Evening events call for a touch of glamour, and for plus-size women, finding the right evening dress is essential. Women’s plus-size evening dresses are designed to celebrate curves and make every woman feel like a star. Whether it’s a formal gala, a black-tie wedding, or a fancy dinner party, these dresses offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes and occasions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from understanding sizing to various styles and where to purchase these stunning dresses.
Understanding Sizing for Women’s Plus-Size Evening Dresses
General Plus-Size Sizing Basics
Plus-size clothing generally caters to women with larger body frames. While sizing can vary among brands, as a starting point, plus-size often begins around size 14. A size 14 plus-size dress might typically have a bust measurement in the ballpark of 42-44 inches. The waist could measure around 36-38 inches, and hips might be in the range of 46-48 inches. However, these are just rough estimates. Each brand creates its sizing chart based on its target customer’s body measurements and the style of the dress. For instance, a brand that focuses on a more fitted evening dress style might size differently compared to one that offers a looser, flowing design.
Fit Considerations in Plus-Size Evening Dresses
Bust Fit: The bust area is crucial in plus-size evening dresses. If you have a larger bust, you need a dress that provides adequate support and room without feeling constricted. Some evening dresses come with built-in bras or underwire for added support. Darting in the bust area can also help shape the dress to fit your curves more flattering. When looking at the sizing chart, pay close attention to the bust measurement. If a dress’s bust measurement is too small for your actual bust size, it may pull or gap, ruining the look and comfort of the dress. For example, if you have a 44-inch bust and a dress is labeled as having a 42-inch bust measurement for its size, it’s likely to be too tight.
Waist Fit: The fit around the waist can greatly enhance the overall silhouette of an evening dress. Some plus-size evening dresses have a defined waist, which can create an hourglass shape. If this is the case, make sure the waistband doesn’t dig into your skin. Elasticized waists can be a great option for a more comfortable and flexible fit, especially if you plan to move around a lot during the evening. Other dresses may feature an empire-waist style, which sits just below the bust. This style can be very flattering as it draws attention away from the midsection and gives a more flowing, elegant look.
Hip and Skirt Fit: The fit around the hips and the skirt of the evening dress should allow for free movement. You’ll be standing, walking, and perhaps even dancing at the event, so the dress shouldn’t restrict you. A-line and ball-gown style skirts are popular choices for plus-size evening dresses as they provide ample room for the hips while creating a balanced and regal silhouette. The length of the skirt can also vary, from floor-length gowns to tea-length dresses. Floor-length gowns exude elegance and are perfect for formal black-tie events. Tea-length dresses, which typically hit around the calf, can be a more versatile option for semi-formal evening affairs. Make sure the skirt doesn’t feel too tight around the hips, as this can not only be uncomfortable but also make you self-conscious.
Styles of Women’s Plus-Size Evening Dresses
Gown-Style Evening Dresses
Satin Gowns: Satin is a luxurious fabric that is a staple for plus-size evening gowns. It has a smooth, shiny finish that catches the light and gives the dress a glamorous look. Satin gowns often have a fitted bodice and a long, flowing skirt. The bodice may be adorned with beading, embroidery, or lace to add a touch of elegance. A full-length satin gown in a rich color like royal blue, emerald green, or deep red is perfect for a formal gala or a black-tie wedding. You can pair it with strappy high-heeled sandals, a clutch, and statement jewelry to complete the look. The weight of the satin fabric also helps the gown drape beautifully, enhancing your silhouette.
Chiffon Gowns: Chiffon is a lightweight and delicate fabric that creates a dreamy and elegant effect in plus-size evening gowns. These gowns are often made with multiple layers of chiffon to add volume and movement. Chiffon gowns can be simple and understated or feature intricate details like beaded straps or a ruffled hem. A chiffon gown in a pastel color like pink, lavender, or mint green is perfect for a spring or summer evening event. The softness of the chiffon fabric makes it comfortable to wear, and it flows gracefully as you walk, giving you an ethereal look.
Ball-Gown Style Gowns: Ball-gown style plus-size evening dresses are designed to make a statement. They typically have a full, voluminous skirt made from materials like taffeta, organza, or a combination of these. The bodice can be fitted and may feature details such as lace, pearls, or sequins. Ball-gown style gowns are ideal for formal dances, red-carpet events, or very formal weddings. The large, flowing skirt creates a dramatic effect, and when you walk into a room, all eyes are sure to be on you. You can choose a ball-gown with a sweetheart neckline for a more feminine look or a V-neck for a more sophisticated and slimming effect.
Cocktail-Style Evening Dresses
Sequined Cocktail Dresses: Sequined plus-size cocktail dresses are perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to an evening event. These dresses are covered in sequins that catch the light, making you stand out in the crowd. They usually have a shorter hemline, either above or at the knee, which is suitable for semi-formal evening parties. Sequined cocktail dresses can have different necklines, such as a V-neck, a halter neck, or a square neck. A V-neck sequined dress can elongate the neck and add a bit of sexiness, while a halter neck can show off your shoulders. You can pair these dresses with strappy high-heeled sandals and a clutch for a glamorous look. The sequins can be in various colors, from classic gold and silver to more vibrant hues like hot pink or electric blue, depending on your personal style and the tone of the event.
Lace Cocktail Dresses: Lace is a feminine and elegant fabric that is often used in plus-size cocktail dresses. Lace adds a touch of luxury and texture to the dress. These dresses can be made entirely of lace or have lace overlays on a base fabric like satin or chiffon. The lace patterns can range from delicate floral designs to more intricate geometric shapes. A lace cocktail dress in a black, ivory, or navy color is suitable for a semi-formal evening dinner or a cocktail party. You can accessorize it with simple, elegant jewelry to let the dress be the focus. The delicate nature of lace gives the dress a sophisticated and refined look.
Sheath Cocktail Dresses: Sheath-style plus-size cocktail dresses offer a sleek and modern look. They are form-fitting and hug the curves of the body. Sheath dresses can be made from a variety of fabrics, including a stretchy polyester blend or a luxurious silk-blend. Some sheath cocktail dresses have unique details like cut-outs, asymmetrical hemlines, or bold color blocking. A sheath dress with a cut-out at the back can add a touch of allure, while an asymmetrical hem can give the dress a contemporary edge. These dresses are perfect for those who want a more understated yet stylish look for an evening event.
Special-Occasion Evening Dresses
Wedding Guest Evening Dresses: When attending a wedding as a guest, plus-size evening dresses can be a great choice. You want to look stylish and appropriate for the occasion. A floral-printed evening dress in soft, pastel colors is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. If the wedding is more formal, a solid-colored evening dress in a sophisticated shade like charcoal gray or burgundy can be very elegant. You can add a shawl or a wrap to keep you warm during the ceremony and remove it for the reception. Pair the dress with elegant heels and a simple clutch. For example, a light pink floral evening dress with a knee-length hem and a fitted bodice can be a beautiful choice for a garden wedding.
Prom Evening Dresses: Prom is a special occasion for plus-size girls, and there are plenty of evening dress options. Ball-gown style prom dresses are very popular, with their full skirts and glamorous details. You can choose a dress with a beaded bodice and a flowing skirt in a trendy color like royal purple or blush pink. Sequined prom dresses are also a hit, allowing you to shine on the dance floor. Another option is a mermaid-style prom dress, which is fitted through the bodice and hips and flares out at the bottom. This style can be very flattering, highlighting your curves. You can accessorize your prom dress with a corsage, statement jewelry, and a pair of high-heeled shoes that match the dress.
Anniversary Party Evening Dresses: For an anniversary party, you can choose a plus-size evening dress that reflects the formality of the event. A satin or chiffon gown in a classic color like black, white, or gold can be a great choice. If the party has a more casual-elegant theme, a cocktail dress with some subtle embellishments, such as a few pearls or a touch of beading, can be appropriate. You can add a personalized touch to your dress by choosing accessories that have a special meaning, like a necklace that was a gift from your partner. A well-fitted evening dress will make you feel confident and beautiful as you celebrate this special occasion.
Where to Find Women’s Plus-Size Evening Dresses
Plus-Size Specialty Stores
Lane Bryant: Lane Bryant is a well-known plus-size specialty store that offers a wide range of evening dresses. Their website is user-friendly, with detailed product descriptions and sizing charts. Lane Bryant has a variety of styles, from classic to modern. They also often have sales and promotions, making it possible to find a great dress at an affordable price. The store staff are usually knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect fit. If you visit their physical store, they can assist you in trying on different styles and sizes to ensure you get the right dress for your special evening event.
Eloquii: Eloquii focuses on providing fashionable and well-fitted plus-size clothing, including evening dresses. Their collection features modern and trendy designs. The website has a great selection of dresses for different occasions, and they also offer styling tips and outfit ideas. Eloquii is known for its quality fabrics and attention to detail in dress construction. They use high-quality materials that not only look good but also feel comfortable on the body. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous gown or a stylish cocktail dress, Eloquii has options to suit your taste.
Torrid: Torrid caters to young, fashion-forward plus-size women. They have a unique range of evening dresses with edgy and trendy designs. If you’re looking for a dress with a punk-inspired print or a more avant-garde style, Torrid is a great place to start. Their sizing is inclusive, and they often release new collections to keep up with the latest fashion trends. The store staff are usually up-to-date on the latest styles and can help you put together a great evening look.
Department Stores
Macy’s: Macy’s is a large department store that has an extensive online and in-store selection of plus-size evening dresses. They carry a variety of brands, from well-known designers to their own house brands. Shopping at Macy’s gives you the advantage of being able to compare different styles and prices. They also have regular sales and discounts. You can choose to pick up your order in-store if it’s more convenient. The store layout makes it easy to find the plus-size section, and the staff can help you locate the evening dresses you’re interested in.
Nordstrom: Nordstrom offers a high-quality selection of plus-size evening dresses. They carry a mix of designer and mid-range brands. Their customer service is excellent, and they provide detailed sizing information. Nordstrom also has a great return policy, which is useful when shopping for evening dresses online. You can find a wide range of styles, from classic to contemporary, at Nordstrom. They often have exclusive collections and collaborations, which can offer unique evening dress options.
Bloomingdale’s: Bloomingdale’s is another department store that has a good selection of plus-size evening dresses. They focus on fashion-forward and high-end options. The store’s website has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to search for the perfect dress. Bloomingdale’s often has exclusive collections and collaborations, which can offer unique evening dress options. If you’re looking for a more luxurious or designer-inspired evening dress, Bloomingdale’s is a good place to check out.
Online Retailers
Amazon: Amazon has a vast selection of plus-size evening dresses from various sellers and brands. You can find everything from budget-friendly options to more expensive, designer-inspired dresses. The advantage of shopping on Amazon is the large number of customer reviews. These reviews can give you an idea of the dress’s fit, quality, and how it looks in real life. Amazon also offers fast shipping options, and with Amazon Prime, you can get free two-day shipping on eligible items. You can filter your search by size, style, color, and price to find the perfect evening dress quickly.
ASOS Curve: ASOS Curve is ASOS’s plus-size range, and it offers a great selection of evening dresses. They carry a mix of their own brand and other well-known labels. ASOS Curve is known for its trendy and fashion-forward designs. The website has a useful filtering system, allowing you to easily find dresses based on size, style, color, and price. They also offer free returns in many countries, which is convenient if the dress doesn’t fit as expected. You can explore their new arrivals and popular styles to stay on top of the latest trends.
Zulily: Zulily specializes in offering discounted clothing, including plus-size evening dresses. They have a rotating selection of brands and styles. Zulily often offers deep discounts on evening dresses, but the inventory changes frequently. You need to act quickly if you see a dress you like. The website has a simple interface, and they provide sizing information for each dress. Zulily is a great option if you’re looking for a good deal on a plus-size evening dress.
Tips for Buying Women’s Plus-Size Evening Dresses
Read Reviews
Before buying a plus-size evening dress, read the customer reviews. Reviews can tell you a lot about the dress. They can inform you about the quality of the fabric. For example, if customers complain that the fabric is thin or of poor quality, you might want to think twice. Reviews also give insights into how true the size is to the sizing chart. If many customers say that a particular dress runs small, you might need to size up. They can also tell you about the durability of the dress, such as if the colors fade quickly after washing or if the embellishments start to fall off easily.
Check the Return Policy
Make sure to check the return policy of the store or website you’re buying from. Since you can’t try on the dress before purchasing, it’s important to know that you can return it if it doesn’t fit properly or if you’re not satisfied with the quality. Some stores offer free returns, while others may charge a fee. Also, pay attention to the time limit for returns. A store with a good return policy gives you more peace of mind when shopping online. For example, if a store has a 30-day return policy, you have enough time to try on the dress at home and decide if it’s the right one for you.
Consider the Occasion
Think about the occasion when choosing a plus-size evening dress. For a black-tie event, a long, elegant gown is usually the best choice. For a semi-formal cocktail party, a shorter, more stylish cocktail dress could be appropriate. Also, consider the theme of the event. If it’s a beach-themed wedding, a light, flowing dress in a pastel color might be a great option. The time of year can also influence your choice. A heavier-fabric gown might be suitable for a winter evening event, while a lightweight chiffon dress would be better for a summer party.
Try to Get a Sense of the Fabric
Even if you’re shopping online, try to get a sense of the fabric. Read the product description carefully to understand what the dress is made of. If you have sensitive skin or prefer certain types of fabrics, make sure to choose a dress made from a fabric that suits you. You can also look at close-up images of the fabric to get an idea of its texture. For example, if the fabric looks too rough in the image, it might not be comfortable to wear against your skin for an extended period.
Conclusion
Women’s plus-size evening dresses offer a world of style and elegance for every special occasion. By understanding sizing, exploring different styles, and knowing where to find them, you can find the perfect dress that makes you look and feel like a million dollars. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal gala, a wedding, or a prom, there’s a plus-size evening dress out there that will make you the belle of the ball. So, don’t be afraid to explore and invest in a beautiful evening dress that celebrates your curves and your unique style.
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