I have officially reached the age where almost everyone I know is either getting married or having a baby. My Facebook stream is all about baby and engagement announcements and debates about wedding etiquette and gender-neutral parenting. All of this is to say that, if you’re stressing about buying an outfit for a wedding or picking out the perfect gender-free baby gift, you have my supreme sympathy. While I am terrible at picking out baby gifts, hopefully, today’s column can help you with the perfect wedding outfit.
It can be challenging to find something that is elegant, not overdone and looks appropriate to wear to special occasions. It doesn’t help that lots of party invitations aren’t specific about dress code (my mom used “festive” on one of hers last summer, and I had no idea what I was supposed to wear). What does cocktail or black tie optional mean? Is it better to overdress or underdress? These are the kinds of things I see people debating.
I hope these curve-friendly dresses cover every wedding or black tie occasion invitation. Many have full bust ranges that incorporate plus sizes. If you’re navigating the confusing world of wedding guest wear, read on!
The Fancy Wedding Invitation
Claudette Dress by Sachin & Babi:
Claudette Dress Available in Sizes 10 - 20 via 11 HonoréThis incredible silk dress makes a statement and looks wildly comfortable. If you’ve got the budget, it’s the perfect dress for the warm weather wedding season coming up. Silk is lovely and breathable for hot weather, which makes it ideal for June weddings.
Embroidered Kimono Dress by Eloquii:
Embroidered Kimono Dress Available in Sizes 14 - 28 via EloquiiI love obnoxiously embroidered outfits, so this dress is exactly my style. I love the sheer embroidered sleeves and the easy to wear silhouette. The leg slit is sexy but manageable, and it’s loose enough to eat and dance in comfortably.
Artfully Introduced Maxi Dress by ModCloth:
Artfully Introduced Maxi Dress Available in Sizes XXS - 4X via ModclothThis dress looks like a gorgeous watercolor painting and has a classic and flattering shape. The long skirt makes it perfect for fancy weddings and other occasions, while the colors are unexpected and fun.
Leaf Embellished Dupioni Midi Dress by Eshakti:
Leaf Embellished Dupioni Midi Dress Available in Sizes XS - 6X via EshaktiEshakti has a lot of great dupioni dresses right now that feature various embellishments, all of which can be made full or knee-length. You can also have made to your custom measurements, so you know it will fit and hit at the right place.
The Boho/Hipster Wedding
La Boheme Dress by Anthropologie:
La Boheme Dress Available in Sizes 16W - 26W via AnthropologieAnthropologie released their long-awaited plus-size collection recently, which is fantastic for those of us who liked to go into their stores and drool over the clothes. This dress is an excellent example of their upscale boho chic look and would be perfect for a funkier wedding.
Palazzo Dragon Jumpsuit by Saint Bustier:
Palazzo Dragon Jumpsuit Available in Sizes UK 10 - 16 via Saint BustierThis gorgeous jumpsuit fits up to an H cup! The colors are amazing, and this is a look that you don’t often see for curvy figures. It’s all the comfort of a maxi dress with the ease of pants, which is perfect for dancing the night away and eating extra cake.
Leonore Supernatural Fit & Flare Dress by Ted Baker London:
Ted Baker London Leonore Dress Available in Sizes 0 - 5 via NordstromFlorals aren’t new, but this palm print is a fabulous Pucci inspired take on the Spring trend. The silhouette is classic to offset the bold print, and it's perfect for a spring wedding.
Classic Black and Navy Options
Daphne Jeweled Jumpsuit by Azeeza:
Daphne Jewel Jumpsuit Available in Sizes XL - XXXL via 11 HonoréThis jumpsuit is classic and trendy at the same time. The black crystals on black silk add sparkle, while the design works well on curves. The long sleeves are also excellent for an evening wedding outdoors.
Sleeveless Guipure Lace Sheath Dress with Jewel Buttons by J Crew:
Sleeveless Sheath Dress Available in Sizes 00 - 16 via J.CrewThis sleeveless dress will cover your beige bra straps beautifully and look great while doing it. I love the button detail and the sheer hem, even though the rest of this dress remains relatively conservative.
Dahlia Dress by Miriam Baker:
Dahlia Dress Available in Sizes 00 - 14 via Miriam BakerSometimes a party invitation can be a great excuse to invest in a classic dress that you’ll wear for years. This Miriam Baker dress is wearable for multiple occasions, is designed specifically for full busts and will never go out of style.
Cocktail Dress Options
Lilly Button Detail Fit & Flare Dress by Gal Meets Glam Collection:
Gal Meets Glam Collection Lilly Button Fit & Flare Dress Available in Sizes 0 - 10 via NordstromWhen in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a classic silhouette and an elegant floral print. This dress will take you anywhere, and you’ll always look appropriately dressed.
Gabby Sheer Stripe Dress by Bravissimo Clothing:
Gabby Sheer Stripe Dress Available in 3 Colors Fits Sizes US 04 - US 14 (Curvy/Really Curvy/Super Curvy) via BravissimoColorful lace dresses can look a little fussy, but this subtly striped dress is a nice lower-key option. Bravissimo makes great curve friendly pieces, so you know that you won’t have any full-bust fit issues.
Soutache Cocktail Sheath Dress by JS Collections:
JS Collections Soutache Cocktail Sheath Dress Available in Sizes 14W - 22W via NordstromThis beautiful sheath dress reminds me of antique teacup patterns but in a good way. I love the sky blue color as an alternative to other pastels as well as the vintage-style soutache.
Linen Wrap Dress by Draper James:
Linen Wrap Dress Available in Sizes 0 - 14 via Draper JamesWrap dresses are always a great and easy choice for special occasions, but the linen content of this one makes it excellent for summer weddings in hot weather. Draper James quality pieces fit beautifully, and you can wear this dress far beyond the wedding reception season.
Nigella Peach Bloom Dress by Saint Bustier:
Nigella Peach Bloom Rose Floral Dress Available in Sizes UK 8 - UK 18 via St. BustierThis dress features a full bust flattering silhouette and a gorgeous easy to wear print. This dress body has been incredibly popular for Saint Bustier, so it’s a safe bet for any special occasion.
Casual or Beach Wedding
Carmen Cold Shoulder Dress by Bravissimo:
Carmen Cold Shoulder Dress Available in US Sizes 04 - 14 (Curvy/Really Curvy/Super Curvy) via BravissimoThe cold shoulder trend can be hard for those of us that have to wear bras with wider straps, so it’s nice to see Bravissimo make a dress that addresses that issue. This dress is perfect for a beach or a more casual destination wedding.
Linen Button Front Dress by Draper James:
Linen Button Front Dress Available in Sizes 0 - 24 via Draper JamesDraper James now makes a limited line of dresses up to size 24, and several of them have become staples in my closet. This one is new, but it would be perfect for a casual summer wedding!
What do you think of these curve-friendly dresses for a Spring or Summer wedding? Which ones would you wear?