Some of the most beautiful women on the planet are not tiny size 2 fashion models. Your older relatives will probably remember Marilyn Monroe and “sweater girls” like Jane Mansfield and Lana Turner. These days you’ve got Ashley Graham and Liris Cross who, insanely, are considered “plus-size” models—because in the fashion world, “plus size” means anything larger than a 6 or an 8! Get real, girl—you’re gorgeous! So don’t try to squeeze into a prom dress that’s 3 sizes too small, and for heaven’s sakes, don’t go in a shapeless caftan. Instead, learn what it takes to look great on prom night, then carry these tricks over into your day to day wardrobe. You’ll love yourself for it!
Wear Superior Support with Wider Straps, a Halter or a Criss-Cross
The number one thing you need for your prom dress is a solid foundation. Spanx is great for your hips and your middle, but most of all, you need to be solid on top. So first thing, get fitted correctly for the right size bra and then choose from one of these style ideas to make you look and feel securely fabulous.
A dress with wider straps will let you wear a standard brassiere:
Or you can choose a halter top:
Or pick a dress with criss-cross straps:
Beauty Pageant Hacks: Fashion Tape & Body Adhesive
Double-sided fashion tape works wonders to close any gaps between you and your dress:
Or try a high-quality roll-on adhesive:
You’ll want to choose something that’s gentle and will wash off with soap and water, but a good adhesive will hold everything in place. Keep dress and bra straps in place, use for extra stickiness with a strapless dress, hold down the bottom edge of the bodice on a two-piece dress—you can even use it for glamor makeup effects like rhinestones.
If Strapless, Choose High-Quality
If strapless is your dream, don’t forfeit it. Look for a quality gown with built-in cups, rubber grippers and separate elastic closures—very much like a strapless bra built into the lining of the dress. Also be willing to spend a little bit more for solid, constructed fabric.
If the gown you fall in love with is a bit less structured, you can always wear a strapless bra, but a bustier is a classic—and classy—support choice that you can wear for other occasions:
You can also opt for a gown with an illusion neckline. You’ll get all the glamor of strapless but also all the support of a full bodice.
Always Choose Fitted over Full!
Don’t hide under yards and yards of fabric. A dress like that will just add bulk. You also don’t want anything too tight. Instead, choose a dress that skims your curves without hugging them too closely. And be sure the gown nips in a bit at the waist. A mermaid silhouette or a gown with a trumpet skirt (like the one above) is a curvy girl’s best friend!
Showcase Your Legs
Short prom dresses are all the rage, so if your legs are your best feature, then choose a dress with more coverage on the bodice and a mid-range short hemline. You can even get a convertible dress like the one above. Float into prom in the floor length skirt, then take it off for dancing.
Tailor to Perfection
A tailored dress is the real secret to showing off your curves. Don’t try to fit into an off-the-rack dress when it comes to formalwear. You may need to let it out in some places and take it in somewhere else. In a nutshell, your prom gown should actually fit better than the average dress!
Pro Tip: Consider a corset dress. You’ll get a custom fit just by how you tie it on prom night.
Keep Your Shoes On with Straps or Elastics
If you want to remain a truly class act from the beginning of prom to the last dance, never kick off your shoes, even when you get tired of dancing in them. You can always take a pair of foldable ballet flats in your evening bag, but if you want to stay super chic, stay in your shoes. So let’s talk about shoe styles and how to keep them on.
The classic way to lengthen your legs is to wear a pump that elongates your ankle and foot and makes everything look slimmer. But when it comes to dancing, you may well dance right out of them. The alternative is a shoe with a strap, either across the top or at the ankle, or try a trade secret of professional dancers: Elastic shoe straps.
They’re pretty much invisible, will keep your heel from sliding out, and when you’re ready to dance, you just slip them on and hit the dance floor.
If you want a shoe with a strap, take into account your ankles. If they’re slender, show them off with an ankle strap set high on the shoe:
If you want a smooth line but still want a strap, try a Mary Jane with the strap set closer to the toe. This style is a very popular 1920s retro look:
But if you have your heart set on that gorgeous pair of pumps, just order a set of those reusable and washable shoe bands mentioned above. These Ballroom Ave from DanceShopper.com are superior and affordable:
http://www.danceshopper.com/dance-supplies.Clear_Elastic_Shoes_Straps
Look & Feel Like the Queen You Are!
So there you have it—our best hints and hacks to help you be beyond stunning on prom night. If you have a curvy figure, you should be proud of it, because not every girl is blessed with an enviable shape like yours—just ask Ashley Graham!
