Full-figured, curvy, plus size or what ever name you prefer, one thing is clear: women with a little something extra want to look just as fabulous as their petite peers. Long gone are the days when being full-figured meant covering your body from head to toe in mounds of fabric. Now, it's all about embracing your curves, especially when you have a hot night out at the club. While it may seem like dressing a plus size body is challenging, it's actually much easier when you utilize a few tips.
Dressing Curves in Style
One of the most common mistakes when dressing a plus size figure is assuming that all shapes are created equal. You may be plus size, but your proportions are likely quite different from the next curvy lady. So, before you shop, know your body type. You could carry a majority of your weight at the top, bottom or middle, and even a combination of them all. Regardless, you need to choose the best clubwear that will successfully accentuate your curves without adding any unwanted bulk. It's no secret that most women's clubwear is short, clingy and sparkly, however it's easy to look unflattering in these design elements when you're full-figured, so proceed with caution. Pick one element and forgo all others to avoid being a fashion don't, meaning if you wear something tight it shouldn't be too short, and if you opt for something sparkly it shouldn't show too much cleavage.
Proper Fabric Choices
Once you know your specific body type and what your problem and highlight areas are, the very next thing you should do is seek out the proper fabric for your hot clubwear attire. Since clubwear allows for you to be more daring with your outfit choices than during the day, there is a little more room to experiment with fabric that doesn't get much regular wear. All fabrics don't complement a plus size body well, so to make sure your silhouette looks its best, here are the preferred fabric choices:
- Matte Jersey
- Leather
- Knit
- Stretch denim
- Jersey/spandex
These fabrics work well with a plus size figure because they outline your curves without overly clinging to them, which gives an unflattering appearance and can often make you look heavier. An additional characteristic of these fabrics is that they are thick enough so that they don't show a lot of lumps and bumps around the tummy, hip and thigh area.
Fabrics to Avoid
Just as there are fabrics best used to accentuate your curves, there are also those that you should steer clear of if at all possible. The eye can be easily tricked and wearing the wrong fabric can instantly add unwanted pounds or create the illusion that certain areas are much larger than normal. Here are some fabrics to avoid.
- Satin
- Spandex
- Horizontal stripes
- Large patterns
- Two-tone color
Clubwear Outfit Options
There are a myriad of ways to dress your best and look fabulous while out on the town for a night a the club. However, some outfit choices look better with a plus size figure than others, so it's important to know some of the best outfits to enhance your curves.
- LBD (Little Black Dress) you can never go wrong with this wardrobe staple, as it can be accessorized any way you like, and always has a stylish, slimming effect.
- Jeans, heels, and a sparkly top is a look that always works for the club because it is equally comfy, but also has a nice element of rock star glam.
- Fitted skirt with a tank and biker jacket is a little daring, a little feminine, but totally functional for the club because you can remove the jacket when it's time to dance.
- Leggings with an oversized top or vest is the perfect thing to wear to the club when you expect a long night of dancing in your future.
Undergarment Essentials
As with any woman, the right undergarments are especially encouraged for full figures because they offer an effortlessly smooth appearance to your shape and helps the clothing fall much better. Don't hesitate to invest in undergarments to make your clubwear look the best it possibly can. In conjunction with your undergarments, you should also remember to wear the appropriate bra for your clubwear, as many styles are without straps or have low-cut backs. If this is the case, invest in a supportive convertible bra or a strapless one. Here are some undergarment essentials:
- Body shaper
- Waist-cincher
- Corsets
- Body suit
- Seamless camisole/tank
Where to Get Your Style
Recent years have seen the emergence of numerous stores that either cater solely to the plus size customer or incorporate a large section of plus size wear into their other merchandise. While there are more options online, the drawback is that you can't try the garments on, so only shop online from retailers that you shop at frequently in person. When you are shopping for clubwear in the store, don't be afraid to try on several things at once. It's also a good idea to bring the undergarments you plan to wear into the dressing room and try them on with your selections. Some of the standout places for plus size clubwear include:
- Torrid offers dresses, skirts, leggings and denim.
- Monif C. specializes in glamorous dresses and skirts.
- Ashley Stewart has a wide and affordable selection of jeans, dresses, top and skirts.
- Fredrick's of Hollywood is well-known for plus size undergarments, dresses, skirts and hosiery.
Whatever outfit you choose to wear to enhance your full figure, be sure to carry the most important item around with you, confidence. Look in the mirror and step into the club like it's your own personal runway, and all eyes are sure to focus on you.