Every entrance you make will be a memorable one with our Dressed to Thrill Full-Figure Style Guide. Embrace your body like sultry songbird Jill Scott and find versatile body-slimming silhouettes for every summer occasion.
Edited by Qianna Smith
We like this DKNY Swim Halter dress because it gives more support than a strapless style but still reveals a beautiful neckline. To complement a large bust, avoid ruffles and prints that add volume.
“A flirty tulip hemline is ideal for shapely hips and to show off those lovely legs,” says Laurence McCollum, ESSENCE magazine market editor.
Clothing Credits: Roaman’s dress, 14W–24W, $60; 26W–34W, $70, onestopplus.com. Miss Sixty belt, $69, Miss Sixty stores. Susan Hanover earrings, $55, and cuff, $120, susanhanover.com. Susan Hanover bangles, $58 each, Henri Bendel, NYC, 800-H-BENDEL. Nicole Miller Collection shoes, $295, nicolemiller.com for stores.
Show off your curves wearing a monochromatic dress. The vivid color of this sleek blue will have all eyes on you!
Clothing Credits: Donna Ricco dress, $158, donnaricco.com. Kenneth Jay Lane bangles, $55–$90, and ring, $63, 877-953-5264.
Flash those killer legs in a colorful mini from KLS Collection (kls.com). Coral colors pop magnificently against are beautiful brown skin. Look for details, like draping, that draw the eye downward. Sky-high heels create sculpted calves and elongate your frame.
If you’re a woman with a full-figured bosom, finding the right bra size and fit can be difficult task, but a necessary one. Our model shows off her voluptuous bosom in a sexy pink dress by Monif C. We like Just My Size (jms.com) fashionable collection of bras made especially for women will fuller figures.
One of our favorite summer dress styles is the georgette. It’s lightweight for those hot summer days and the fabric moves to either hug your curves perfectly or skim them lightly. You’ll be dressed to impress when you step out in this Lane Bryant Georgette Dress, $69.50, lanebryant.com. Wear this darling design to the office with a cardigan or to a casual outdoor wedding.
Embrace your curves by showing off your best assets. Our model has a small waist, so we added a belt to this asymmetrical dress to further cinch her waist, giving her the illusion of an hourglass shape.
Clothing Credits: BCBG dress, $270, eDressme.com. Claire’s necklace, $10, beaded bracelets, $5 for set, and hammered bangles, $6 each, claires.com for store locations. Sam Edelman sandals, $169, Nordstrom stores.
No matter what your size, wearing shapeless clothing should never be an option. Choose a summer dress that accentuates your favorite features and masks the parts you’re not comfortable displaying. Love your arms? Then bare them in style such as this Torrid Black and White Chiffon Orchid Sublimation Print Tube Dress, $68, torrid.com.
This Nanette Lepore minidress is perfect for those with an ample middle, but have well-toned legs and arms.
Style Tip
Wear shoes with at least a 1-inch heel. The extra heel height will make you appear leaner and elongate your overall body frame.
The key to looking your best is finding clothes that make you feel gorgeous inside and out. You can only “do you,” so do it well!
Clothing Credits: Jessica McClintock dress, $173, jessicamcclintock.com. Susan Hanover earrings, $78, winknyc.com. Kenneth Jay Lane bangles, $55–$90, 877-953-5264. Lenore Solmo ring, $45, Lenore Solmo, NYC, 212-244-0678.
Maximize your style this summer wearing one of the hottest trends of the season, maxi dresses. This Catherines Tribal Print Maxi Dress, $43.50 (Originally $58), catherines.com, has a versatile design that you can easily wear dressy or casual.
Not comfortable baring it all during the summer, but still want to look and feel feminine and flirty? If the answer is yes, then your new summer staple will be this One Stop Plus Saint Tropez Maxi Dress, $39.99-$44.99 (Originally $49.99-$54.99), onestopplus.com. Belt the waist for added style and appeal.
You’ll tame the hearts of many men wearing this Catherines Animal Print Voile Sundress, $46.50-$51 (Originally $62-$68), catherines.com. This flattering empire silhouette works great to conceal the stomach area and minimize hips.
This dress works great on any body shape, and tie-dye is so right now for summer! Check out more tie-dye styles in the July issue of ESSENCE with cover girl Queen Latifah.
Clothing Credits: Ashley Stewart maxi dress, $49, Ashley Stewart stores. R.J. Graziano earrings, $35, 212-685-1248. Robert Rose necklace, $24, select Macy’s. Kenneth Jay Lane bangle, $63, 877-953-5264. KC Signatures bracelets, $45 (set of 6), kcsignatures.com. Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret Catalogue platforms, $79, victoriassecret.com.
