59 Of The Most Flattering Cocktail Dresses For Plus Size Women

Every woman needs a dress that can work perfectly in more formal situations – like black tie affairs, weddings or spending a sophisticated night on the town.

A beautiful plus size cocktail dress that flatters the body is just the thing to have in the wardrobe. While there is a big debate over the proper length of a cocktail dress, anything past the knee is always a safe option.

The best way to find the right cocktail dress style is by first finding out what your body shape is. This is especially important if you are looking for plus size cocktail dresses.

Learning about your body shape and knowing which areas to highlight should always be the first step before choosing any fashion items.

Know your body type

The first step to finding a beautiful plus size cocktail dress is to figure out your body shape and proper size.

To do this, you will have to measure key points of your body and jot them down as reference. The most important measurements are the shoulders, bust, waist, hips and thighs.

Keeping these measurements by your side will help you find out which clothing size will fit the best. This is a better way to find clothing than to simply say “I am a size 18”, because every clothing style and clothing label will interpret a size differently.

Once you have determined your body measurements, you can take a look at your body shape. Use the following information to help you find out what your body shape is (you can also check out our ultimate body shape resource here).

NOTE: Not every woman will perfectly fall into one of these body shapes. Use them as a guideline to help identify which clothing styles will work best to show off, or hide, various parts of the body.

Click on the images below to view the most flattering cocktail dresses for plus size women we could find. Please note that these are affiliate links – we get a small commission if you purchase a product. It helps pay the bills!

For Pear Shapes

A pear body shape will have wide hips compared to the shoulders and bust. Common traits are round full buttocks, wide hips, thick thighs, narrow shoulders and a small bust.

Strapless and halter dresses are perfect for pear body shapes. These styles highlight the slender shoulders, creating a flattering look. A strapless or halter dress with an A-line skirt skims the hips perfectly, creating a balanced look from top to bottom.

As pear shaped women also tend to have slim waists, a dress with a cinched waistline is flattering. Empire waistlines are another feature that works perfectly for this body type. A full skirt hides the hips and gives a semblance of balance to the body.

Cocktail Dress For Pear Shape 01 Funfash Plus Size Women's Long Sleeve Empire Waist A Line Cocktail DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 02 GRACE KARIN Women's Off Shoulder Stretchy Cocktail Party DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 03 Plus Size Lace Top Wrap V Neck Half Sleeve Cocktail DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 04 LALAGEN Women's Plus Size Vintage Cocktail Midi DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 05 GRACE KARIN Sleeveless Vintage Cocktail Dress with BeltCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 06 Women's Lace V Neck Half Sleeve Cocktail DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 07 Nemidor Women's Scooped Neck DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 08 S.L. Fashions Women's Halter Neck Tier DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 09 SheIn Women's Plus Size Spaghetti Strap Backless Cami DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 10 GRACE KARIN Women's Vintage Style Sleeveless V-Neck Swing DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 11 Amazon Essentials Women's Plus Size Tank Swing DressCocktail Dress For Pear Shape 12 Nemidor Women's Half Sleeve Cocktail Dress

For Inverted Triangle Shapes

An inverted triangle shape is one that looks heavier up top. Common traits are wide shoulders, average to large bust, average to narrow waistline, narrow hips and average to thin thighs.

For those with an inverted triangle shape, look for v-neck styles to draw attention away from your shoulders, and highlight your bust. Spaghetti straps and cap sleeves also create an illusion of narrower shoulders.

Choose a plus size cocktail dress with some details below the waist area. Since women with this shape have slender legs, you can attract attention away from your upper body by showing off your legs, or wearing a pair of attention-grabbing shoes.

Cocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 01 J Kara Women's Plus Size Short Beaded DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 02 GRACE KARIN Women's 50s 60s Vintage Sleeveless V-Neck Cocktail Swing DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 03 onlypuff Fishtail Cocktail DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 04 ellos Women's Plus Size Fit and Flare Knit DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 05 Alex Evenings Women's Plus Size Tea Length Dress with Rosette DetailCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 06 City Chic Women's Plus Size V-Neck Dress with Peplum Frill Waist DetailCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 07 Milumia Plus Size Empire Waist Maxi DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 08 Licoco Women's Ruched Spaghetti Strap Maxi DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 09 Alex Evenings Women's Plus-Size Midi Cap Sleeve Dress with SequinsCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 10 S.L. Fashions Women's Plus Size Tea Length Tuck Neck Fit and Flare DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 11 Nemidor Women's Floral lace Top Midi DressCocktail Dress For Inverted Triangle Shape 12 Nemidor Women's Short Sleeve V-Neck Plus Size Wrap Dress

For Hourglass Shapes

The hourglass body shape is the most proportioned shape since the top and bottom will generally have an even width/fullness. Common traits are an even shoulder to hip width, average to thick thighs, average to full bust and a well-defined waistline.

Those with an hourglass shape are lucky, because any style of dress would suit them well. The only thing that a woman with an hourglass figure should avoid is loose and undefined dresses, since they will create a shapeless look.

Also, avoid dresses with a high neckline, for it is better to flaunt your cleavage. Bodycon dresses, shift dresses and wrap dresses are perfect for this type. It is also more flattering to choose pencil cut skirts and dresses to emphasize your curves.

Cocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 01 No products found.Cocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 02 Calvin Klein Women's Plus Size Sleeveless Princess Seamed A-line Midi DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 03 Women's Plus Size Chiffon Keyhole Neck Cocktail Party Dress

Cocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape - 04

Hanna Nikole Elegant Cocktail Midi DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 05 Kiyonna Women's Plus Size Special Occasion Mademoiselle Lace Cocktail Dress

Cocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape - 06

SOLY HUX Women's Plus Size Velvet Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Mini DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 07 Nemidor Women's V-Neck Midi Plus Size DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 08 Kiyonna Women's Plus Size Whimsy Wrap DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 09 kissmay Plus Size Womens V Neck Floral Cocktail Party Dress with PocketCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 10 Womens Plus Size Deep V Neck Wrap Bodycon DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 11 Milumia Women's Plus Size Elegant Mesh Frill Ruffle Round Neck Pencil Party Cocktail DressCocktail Dress For Hourglass Shape 12 Tahari ASL Women's Sleeveless Crew Neck High Low Party Dress

 

For Rectangle Shapes

A rectangle body shape is one that looks very straight. Common traits are narrow shoulders and hips, thin thighs, a small bust and undefined waistline.

Those with a rectangular or sporty shape body should choose dresses that create the illusion of curves. Ruching at the bust, or scooped and v-neck styles can add shape to the upper body. Collars and ruffles also have the same effect.

Peplum dresses are perfect for this kind of body type, because they instantly create the illusion of curves. Look for cocktail dresses that have a cinched or belted waistline because this is the main area that will give you a curvy look.

Cocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 01 Women's Plus Size Elegant Pencil DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 02 Women's Plus Size Chiffon Midi DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 03 Floerns Women's Plus Size High Low Cocktail Party DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 04 Women's Plus Size Lined Floral Lace DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 05 Women's Bell Sleeve Pencil DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 06 Women's Plus Size Cold Shoulder V-NeckCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 07 Kiyonna Women's Plus Size Mon Cherie Lace DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 08 Kiyonna Women's Plus Size Lacey Cocktail DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 09 ESPRLIA Women's Plus Size High Waist Cocktail Midi DressesCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 10 SheIn Women's Plus Stretchy Bodycon Pencil DressCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 11 R&M Richards Women's Plus Size Bell WrapCocktail Dress For Rectangle Shape 12 Alex Evenings Women's Plus-Size Tea Length A-line Dress with Tie Belt

 

For Diamond and Apple Shapes

A diamond body shape is similar to an apple shape, but it will have shaper features. Common traits are narrow shoulders, small bust, full undefined waistline, narrow hips and average to thin thighs.

An apple body shape will have a larger midsection compared to the hips and shoulders. Common traits are a full undefined waistline, rounded shoulders, average to small bust, flat buttocks and average thighs.

Women with a diamond or apple body shape should avoid shapeless or loose-fitting dresses. It is better to go with soft draping fabrics, rather than tight-fitting or clingy materials.

Wrap dresses in dark or bold colors are perfect for apple and diamond body shapes, since they create the illusion of wider hips. This is the best way to balance out a heavier upper body.

It is also better to make the most out of your cleavage by wearing dresses with a low neckline and with a skirt that flares from the waist.

Finding the perfect plus size cocktail dress on the first try is rare, but totally possible when you know what to look for. Try different styles to see exactly how each one changes your look. You will quickly be able to identify the styles that are most flattering.

Cocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 01 Floerns Women's Short Sleeve V Neck Twist Front Split Midi DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 02 Alex Evenings Plus Size Women's Short Lace Jacket DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 03 Eternatastic Womens Floral lace Plus Size Midi DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 04 S.L. Fashions Women's Plus-Size Sequin Chiffon Jacket DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 05 Adrianna Papell Women's Soft Draped A-line DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 06 BEDOAR Women's A-Line Dress with PocketsCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 07 Funfash Plus Size Women Empire Waist A Line Slimming Cocktail Dress Made in the USACocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 08 Romwe Women's Plus Size Cut Out A Line Swing Stretchy Midi DressesCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 09 R&M Richards Plus Size DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 10 S.L. Fashions Women's Plus Size Sequin Lace Fit and Flare DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 11 BEDOAR Women's Vintage Bow Tie V-Neck Swing A-line DressCocktail Dress For Diamond and Apple Shape 12 S.L. Fashions Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Pebble Tier Dress

4 thoughts on “59 Of The Most Flattering Cocktail Dresses For Plus Size Women

  1. Lauren White says:

    I never thought that showing cleavage would balance out my tummy, but I read this a few days ago and went to Dillards and tried one on, and lo and behold, it works! I’m an apple, but you’ve really helped me find something for my body! Thank you so much!

  2. Melanie says:

    I’m in love! With the black and white dress in your header. I want to wear it to my Christmas party. Can you tell me where you found it? Please? Thank you!

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