As we prepare to attend a wedding, it’s natural to feel excited and nervous about what to wear. For plus-size women, finding flattering outfits can be a daunting task, especially when many brands cater primarily to slender individuals. However, with the right guidance, curvy women can look and feel confident in their attire. In this article, we’ll explore a range of outfit ideas for plus-size wedding guests, including dresses, pants, jumpsuits, and skirts.
We’ll also provide insights on which colors are most flattering, as well as affordable options that can be easily incorporated into one’s wardrobe. From formal to semi-formal ensembles, and from summer to winter weddings, we’ve got you covered. Plus-size outfits inspired by celebrities will also be featured, along with some valuable FAQs. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect wedding guest outfit for plus-size women!
What To Wear To A Wedding If You Are Plus Size?
For plus-size women, the hunt for wedding guest outfits can be a daunting task due to limited options from most fashion brands. But fear not! We’ve done the legwork and uncovered some fantastic online retailers that cater to your needs. Amazon is one such platform where you’ll find a range of stylish dresses suitable for the occasion. In fact, we’ve curated some must-haves and shared them below, along with direct shopping links.
Additionally, other popular online stores like Jovani, Promgirl, and Bloomingdales offer a variety of options, all with minimal shipping charges to get your new dress delivered right to your doorstep. ASOS Plus is another excellent choice, offering on-trend, budget-friendly dresses that won’t break the bank.
Tips on Dressing Up as a Wedding Guest:
Challenging conventional wisdom, we believe that confidence is the ultimate key to pulling off any outfit, regardless of size. The world’s beauty standards have led us to believe that plus-size women can only look good in a limited range of clothing, but we’re here to disagree! If you wear something with conviction, you’ll undoubtedly make it work. To overcome self-doubt and find the perfect fit, consider layering your outfit.
This simple trick can help you feel more at ease in dresses that might otherwise make you uncomfortable. And if you still want to wear those dressy numbers, a body shaping dress underneath can be a game-changer. These full-body suits provide a flattering foundation for any top, creating a slimming effect. Another styling tip is to let your hair down – literally!
Wearing your locks open with your wedding outfit can create the illusion of narrower facial features and shoulders, drawing attention away from areas you might feel self-conscious about. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of color choice. While traditionally it’s advised for plus-size women to avoid light colors, we say go for it – just make sure to balance bright hues with darker tones.
Rich shades like black, red, blue, brown, and purple can create a stunning visual effect that complements your curves.
Formal Outfits
For special occasions such as a wedding, these ensembles are particularly ideal for the closest loved ones of the happy couple. This might include the bride’s or groom’s mothers, sisters, cousins, or even their best friends – those who will be sitting in the front row, celebrating and cheering them on.
24 – Silver Dress With A Trail
The pièce de résistance of any wedding outfit is undoubtedly the added glamour provided by statement pieces, and this ensemble embodies that concept to perfection. The flowing trail of the dress not only adds an air of sophistication but also creates a tantalizingly alluring effect when paired with one bare shoulder.
To bring the entire look full circle, incorporate a pair of sleek white heels or sandals, and further elevate the style by incorporating earrings with contrasting colors that add a pop of visual interest. For instance, consider pairing the outfit with SILVER SEQUIN ONE SHOULDER DRAPED ($125.00) – an exquisite choice that epitomizes elegance and refinement.
23 – Wrap the Dress With A Silver Belt
When it comes to plus-size women, certain dresses can truly make a difference. By accentuating their curves, these styles create a flattering silhouette that’s both confident and alluring. Additionally, a touch of cleavage can be a great way to add some extra oomph to the overall look. The dress itself is stunning, with a color that complements any skin tone beautifully.
To further enhance its impact, the sleek belt provides a slimming effect, expertly hiding any areas where the dress may be a bit too generous. This thoughtful design detail ensures that the wearer looks and feels their absolute best. To complete the look, pink heels are an excellent choice. Not only do they add a pop of color to the outfit, but they also draw attention away from the feet and up towards the rest of the body, creating a balanced and harmonious overall aesthetic.
22 – Knee-length Floral Chiffon Dress
We’re particularly fond of chiffon for its ability to create a slimming, elegant silhouette. Its lightweight texture doesn’t add bulk, making it an excellent choice for accentuating curves. The addition of this dress to our list was a must. To complete the look, pair it with silver jewelry such as bracelets or bangles, and complement with a few rings. Black heels are a natural pairing that won’t distract from the overall effect.
We appreciate this dress for its ability to conceal arms when desired, making it suitable for those who prefer to keep their upper limbs covered. Moreover, the versatile design ensures these dresses can be easily adapted as great party outfits following the wedding.
21 – Green Velvet Wrap Dress
For a winter wedding, a velvet dress is an excellent choice to keep you warm and turn heads. To complete the look, pair it with a silver clutch and add some subtle silver earrings. This stunning outfit can be yours for just $63.78 via [ Women’s Velvet Dress].
20 – Neon Yellow Silk Dress For Plus Size Women
Silk, another luxurious material, embodies refinement and sophistication. While velvet may have stolen the spotlight, silk’s unique characteristics make it a standout in its own right. When embracing a bold and daring aesthetic, this color combination can be a stunning choice – perfect for those willing to take fashion risks.
19 – Tea Pink Dress With Horizontal Pleats
As we gaze upon this stunning pastel-hued dress, it’s clear why it’s become a popular choice for wedding guest attire. The soft colors evoke a sense of whimsy and romance, making it the perfect addition to our list of go-to outfits for the big day. One of the dress’s most striking features is its ability to accentuate the curves of the body in a flattering way.
Given the dress’s light, airy color palette, we recommend pairing it with metallic accents that will add a touch of sophistication and glamour. Silver accessories, such as heels and a clutch, would be a lovely match for this dress. Similarly, jewelry featuring silver tones will complement its delicate hue perfectly.
18 – Teal Green One Shoulder Dress
Green, a versatile color that effortlessly complements most complexions, is the perfect hue for a chic ensemble. We’ve included a second green dress in our selection, this time crafted from luxurious silk. The dress’s asymmetrical design, featuring a daring one-shoulder cut, is undeniably attention-grabbing. To complete the look, pair the dress with chunky silver heels and a matching purse that echoes their sleek style.
Semi-Formal Outfits
17 – A Bright Orange Jump Suit With A Bow
When attending a smaller wedding, a jumpsuit is an excellent choice for striking the perfect balance between casual and formal attire. For plus-size women, this particular jumpsuit offers a flattering silhouette thanks to its adjustable waist feature, which is accentuated by the bow detail. To tone down the boldness of the orange hue, pair it with soft beige sandal heels and carry a tote bag in the same color to create a harmonious look. This stylish ensemble can be purchased for USD54.84.
16 – A Soft Pink Maxi Dress
This stylish maxi dress is designed to provide optimal comfort while keeping you looking effortlessly chic. Whether you’re running errands or attending a casual gathering, this versatile piece ensures you’ll feel relaxed and confident in your appearance.
15 – Dark Blue Jump Suit With Orange Accessories
While some might think pairing blue and orange sounds unconventional, we’re here to tell you that this unlikely combination is actually a hot trend for 2023. The unique fusion of these two colors creates a visually striking look that’s sure to turn heads. Take, for instance, the Sleeveless Wrap Jumpsuit at USD59.90 – a stylish example of how blue and orange can come together in harmony.
14 – Bright Orange Dress With A Black Belt
What elevates this dress from ordinary to extraordinary is the combination of puffy sleeves and a plunging neckline. However, it’s the addition of a black chunky belt at the waist that truly takes the look to the next level, creating a slimming effect that can be quite flattering. To complete the ensemble, pair the dress with black wedge heels and add some subtle shine with a dull gold necklace.
Summer/Spring Wedding Looks
13 – Black Dress With A Thigh Slit
The dress’s silky texture makes it an ideal choice for formal events like weddings, where it can make the wearer feel utterly stunning. The strapless design and fluffy detailing at the top are particularly noteworthy features that set this dress apart from others in its class. To complete the look, consider pairing the dress with a pair of black high heels; given its already elaborate neckline, it’s best to keep jewelry to a minimum.
12 – Pink Chiffon Knee Length Dress
This feminine look is both versatile and inclusive, as the soft pink hue of the dress complements a wide range of skin tones. The full sleeves provide an added layer of coverage for those who may feel self-conscious about showing their arms, offering a sense of security and confidence. To complete the outfit, pair the dress with a coordinating pink cross-body bag or clutch, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Winter/Autumn Wedding Looks
11 – Asymmetrical Jacket With Leather Pants
For many plus-size women, the thought of wearing leather pants can be daunting. However, with the right combination of pieces, it’s entirely possible to pull off this trend with confidence. To add a touch of sophistication and elegance, pair your leather pants with a statement piece like a silver or black pointed-toe heel. A sleek black purse or clutch will complete the look. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on plus-size pants outfits.
10 – White Trenchcoat Over High-Waisted Pants
If you’re feeling bold and don’t mind rocking the traditional wedding guest attire rule, this striking ensemble is sure to turn heads. The trench coat’s layering effect creates a slimming illusion on the body, while the high-waisted wide leg pants cleverly conceal tummy fat. The combination of these pieces results in a polished, put-together look that exudes confidence and sophistication. For those interested, the individual components can be sourced at the following prices: $12.
99 for the white office shirt, $22.49 for the trench coat, and USD 49.00 for the high-waisted wide leg pants.
All Black Looks
9 – Black Jumpsuit With Sequins
When it comes to timeless fashion choices, black is always a safe bet. Its versatility and elegance make it a popular color among people from all walks of life. To showcase its appeal, we’ve curated several stunning black outfits that exude mystery and sophistication. Our first look features a sequined jumpsuit that showcases its wearer’s confidence with an exposed cleavage.
For a night out on the town, pair this dress with a pair of silver heels and add a touch of glamour with a chunky silver necklace to match the statement earrings below.
8 – Dark Academia Floral Look
The phenomenon of goth-inspired fashion has taken the world by storm, with many embracing its dark and mysterious allure in their everyday attire, formal wear, and even office dress codes. We believe that this aesthetic can also be seamlessly incorporated into wedding styles, adding an air of sophistication and elegance to the big day.
To achieve this look, consider pairing a statement oversized blazer with your wedding ensemble, not only will it keep you warm on a chilly evening but also provide coverage for those who prefer to minimize their arm exposure. Drawing inspiration from plus-size fashion, here are some stylish blazer outfit ideas that can be adapted for the special occasion:
7 – Another Black Off-shoulder Dress For Plus Size Women
Investing in a dress with a slim fit can be a great decision, as it offers a flattering silhouette that can complement various body types. When it comes to pulling off an off-shoulder look, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. For starters, the dress itself should be fitted enough to create a defined shape around the shoulders and upper torso. This will help draw attention away from any imperfections and emphasize the striking feature of the off-the-shoulder design.
Furthermore, pairing the dress with some statement accessories can add an extra layer of sophistication and glamour. By combining these two elements, you’ll be able to create a look that is both stylish and confident.
6 – Black Wide Legged Jumpsuit
Embracing one’s unique features can be a powerful fashion statement. In the case of our latest style addition – a strapless jumpsuit, it’s all about showcasing your attractive shoulders and neck. The lack of straps also highlights your gorgeous collarbones, making this look perfect for a wedding or any formal event where you want to make a statement. To truly elevate the outfit, accessorizing is crucial.
A chunky gold necklace, matching bangles or bracelets, and perhaps even a watch can add a touch of glamour. However, it’s essential to remember that this style relies heavily on a well-fitted strapless bra to ensure a smooth and confident look.
5 – Just Another Black Wedding Guest Outfit
Building upon the previous inspiration, this dress iteration boasts an even more striking silhouette courtesy of its increased flair. The addition of a belt adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design. To elevate this look further, we recommend pairing it with slender strap block heels that won’t overpower the dress’s delicate nature. A stylish floral box bag featuring a charming pattern will also provide a delightful finishing touch.
4 – Black Fancy Gown With Sequins
This dress is a masterclass in flattery, expertly hugging the contours of the female form. The beaded strings that cascade down the shoulders add an air of sophistication and polish. To take it to the next level, pair it with some sleek silver earrings or loops, along with statement-making bracelets. We recommend checking out the Halter Sequin Tassel Bodycon dress for a stunning look that’s sure to turn heads, available for $88.89.
Plus Size Outfits Inspired By Celebrities
3 – Queen Latifah’s Black Blazer Look
Queen Latifah’s style is truly on point in this stunning ensemble. Her outfit is a masterclass in elegance and sophistication. A closer look reveals that beneath her blazer lies a sleek black corset and custom-made pants, expertly tailored to accentuate her curvaceous figure. The corset itself is designed to accentuate her curves, drawing attention to her hourglass silhouette.
Meanwhile, the statement necklace adds a touch of glamour with its bold aqua-colored stones, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic.
2 – Melissa Mccarthy’s Silk Kaftan Gown
1 – Lizzo’s Red Carpet Look
As we bring our article to a close, we can’t help but highlight the sartorial splendor of Lizzo, whose style is truly unmatched. While this bold red carpet look may be unconventional, it’s precisely its riskiness that makes it so alluring. The key takeaway? Feel free to draw inspiration from this outfit and create your own version. To make a statement, don’t be afraid to experiment with similar colors – they can work wonders in adding an extra layer of drama.
Furthermore, dresses featuring slits that expose one leg have been proven to elongate the silhouette, making the wearer appear taller.
FAQs
How should I avoid feeling consious in bold dresses?
Embracing individuality and self-acceptance, our suggestion is to don attire that confidently showcases your most cherished accomplishments while subtly minimizing areas where you may feel uncertain. By doing so, you’ll radiate a sense of pride and confidence, making it more difficult for others to focus on perceived flaws.
What kind of shoes should I wear to a wedding?
When it comes to footwear, we suggest opting for pointed-toe shoes as they can create a slimming effect on the legs. Not only do they elongate the legs, making them appear longer, but they also have the added benefit of creating a narrowing illusion that can further accentuate their length.
