How to Accessorize Formal Plus Size Dresses For a Complete Look

Whether you are invited to a cocktail party or want to attend your next black tie event in style, a stunning dress will get you there. You need to add the right accessories to make it complete. You can enhance the glitz and glamour of your gown with metallic accessories or choose a neutral tone to let the bling shine.

accessories for plus size look

Courtesy Pexels

Accessorize with Statement Jewelry

The right jewelry can make or break a look. When it comes to accessorizing formal plus size dresses, the key is finding accessories that complement and enhance the gown’s overall look. This includes necklaces, earrings, shoes, handbags, and possibly a shawl or bolero for coverage and warmth. Statement earrings are a great way to add eye-catching glamor to your outfit. Choose a pair that is similar to the color of your dress or has similar surface textures for a cohesive look. Try a pair of chandelier earrings that accentuate your natural curves while drawing attention upward for a dramatic look. When accessing a black dress for a special occasion, less is more. More accessories will draw the eye away from your beautiful dress. Choose jewelry and a handbag that is understated or neutral in color to avoid overwhelming your look. Likewise, a bold accessory like a hat should be reserved for formal occasions and worn with a simple outfit. This will allow the cap to stand out and shine without detracting from your elegant look.

Accentuate Your Natural Curves

Choose formal dresses that highlight your curves if you have a naturally curvy figure. Look for dresses fitted in the waist and hips and have ruching to add volume to your figure. Choose a form-fitting top that doesn’t add too much to your bust, and avoid tops with large or heavy embellishments. Try a mermaid-style dress to create a dramatic hourglass shape or a fit-and-flare dress with a floral sequin print for a feminine touch. Alternatively, opt for a wrap dress to accentuate your natural waistline. One easy way to add a slimming effect to your outfit is to cinch the waist with a belt or sash. This trick will make even the baggiest dress flattering. Look for belts and straps in the same fabric as your dress to tie the look together, or mix metals for a fashionable look. If you’re attending a black-tie or white-tie wedding, consider adding a stole or bolero in a complementary color to your dress for extra warmth and coverage. Just be careful that the accessory is short enough, or it could overwhelm your dress and draw attention away from its beautiful design.

Accessorize with a Bra

If you love a dress with one-of-a-kind design features, such as a plunging neckline or open back, the best accessory to go with is a bra alternative. These range from lace-up boob tape and adhesive nipple covers to a corset dress that can be placed around the bodice. A mermaid dress, such as this floral sequin and tulle option, can help create curves for plus-size women by hugging the body in all the right places. This style is incredibly flattering for a total bust since it can add a dramatic hourglass shape and define the waistline. A bolero jacket can also be used as a dress-accentuating accessory. This style can be paired with a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dress, but choosing a complementary color and fabric is essential to avoid an overly quick look. A shawl can work well with a fitted dress, too. This TikTok user, who goes by the username “thedivaface,” wears a silver lame shawl with her elegant mermaid dress for a stylish and comfy look.

Accessorize with Shoes

You can add flair to a black dress by choosing the right shoes and handbag. If you want to create a theme for your accessories, you can choose coordinating colors and materials to ensure they look good with your outfit. For example, you could pair a pair of bright red pumps with a blue and pink floral patterned dress to complete your feminine and flirty date night look. If you’re looking for a more casual option, you can wear sneakers with a light-colored shift dress. However, it’s important to note that sneakers should only be worn casually, not in formal gowns or dressy tops. You can opt for thigh-high boots with your long floral dress for a more dramatic look. This looks stunning on plus-size women because it creates a look of glamour and sophistication. For a more balanced look, you should choose simpler jewelry to avoid overpowering the bold statement that your boots make. A clutch purse in a complementary color will also help to balance your outfit.

Accessorize with Accessories

When accessorizing a formal plus-size dress, it is essential to remember that the outfit’s overall look needs balance. Eye-catching jewelry can quickly become overwhelming, so keeping the accessories to a minimum is best. When choosing shoes and handbags, trying to match the colors as much as possible is a good idea. For example, choose accessories in similar shades to create a cohesive look if you have a pink dress. When wearing a shawl or scarf with black formal attire, selecting a neutral color such as silver or gold is best. Adding a scarf or shawl with a patterned pattern can make the dress look more relaxed and manageable, taking away from the elegance of your outfit. Even a simple black maxi dress can be elevated with the right accessories. This dress is paired with a chunky bracelet and a large ring for an elegant look. This dress is paired with a headband and layered necklaces to add a casual touch.