Finding a plus size mother of the bride dress that makes you look and feel your best can be challenging. But with the right tips and advice, you can find a stunning outfit that shows off your curves without looking frumpy.
The first thing you should consider when shopping for your perfect dress is the silhouette. A-line and sheath silhouettes are always flattering on any body type, but you can also experiment with other styles that speak to your personal style.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are a go-to choice for women with curves and those who love to show off their legs. They create an elongated and slim silhouette, and they can be paired with heels for an even more elegant look or flats for a more casual ensemble.
Choosing a maxi dress that looks flattering on your body is easy with the right style and fabric choice. A flowy dress with a draping design can make an apple-shaped figure appear hourglass, while a structured style makes a pear-shaped body type look longer and leaner.
Maxi dresses come in a variety of lengths, from foot skimming to floor skimming, so it’s important to find one that falls just above the ankles for a more flattering fit. Try on a few different brands and styles to find the perfect length for your body.
Short Dresses
Short Dresses
A short dress is a style of dress that ends at or above the knee. There are many different short dress styles to choose from.
You can find a short midi dress that hits just below the calf, or you can even find a mini dress that ends at the knee. You can also find a tea-length dress that is a nice compromise between a full-length formal dress and a short cocktail dress.
Plus size mother of the bride dresses are an ideal way to show off your figure and highlight your feminine side. For example, you can wear a three-quarter or tea-length lace dress that features beading and lace detailing to a formal wedding ceremony. You can also opt for a dress that is covered in a beautiful floral print.
Dresses with Sleeves
Sleeves add a fun flair to dresses and give an extra layer of fabric that can help ward off cold breezes. Dresses with long sleeves can be found in a variety of styles and are ideal for formal events or parties.
These types of sleeves are often part of the front and back pattern design and do not need to be cut separately and set in. A set-in sleeve is more complicated to sew as it requires careful matching of sleeve and armhole markings.
This sleeve style is full at the shoulder and top of the sleeve and tapers down to a tight fitting point at the wrist. This type of sleeve is popular for wedding dresses, blouses and robes.
Flutter sleeves are a very feminine look and are best suited to soft flowing fabrics like organza. They can be gathered or layered for added effect. This sleeve type is very easy to sew and is popular with shift dress patterns as it gives an oversized, relaxed effect.
Dresses with Jackets
Dresses with jackets are a chic way to add more texture, color and style to any outfit. They can be worn as part of a formal or semi-formal ensemble and are often used for special occasions.
The best jacket dresses are made from lightweight fabrics and feature a flattering silhouette. Choose sleeves that end at the elbow or 3/4 length. This will not exaggerate flabby arms and is a great option for those who are self-conscious about their arms.
A wrap-style jacket is another elegant addition to a dress. It can be layered over a spaghetti strap dress for an informal look, or you can put it on top of a mini dress or maxi skirt for an even more sophisticated look.
One of the best ways to wear a jacket is by belting it. This gives the entire look a more structured and tailored feel, and it can also bring attention to your waistline.