Plus size dresses for women: great looks for any occasion

Women's Dresses in Plus Sizes for Curvy Women

Whether you're heading to the office, meeting friends, or attending a wedding as a guest, a beautiful dress ensures you're always well-dressed. Flattering cuts and flowing materials complement your figure and highlight your feminine side. That's why dresses for curvy women with a tummy are particularly suitable. With the right cut, you can emphasize your assets and camouflage problem areas. Our dresses are specifically designed for plus sizes. The fabrics drape around the body without being too form-fitting or restrictive. You'll surely find the perfect dress to showcase your figure and dress appropriately for both work and private life.

Which Dress for Which Occasion?

We offer you a variety of cuts and styles in our shop. However, some dresses are better suited for curvy women than others, depending on the occasion you want to wear them for.

• For professional meetings and formal occasions, solid-colored or subtly patterned dresses with short or slightly capped sleeves are ideal. Sheath dresses are a great choice for these events. They feature a clean, straight line without ruching or embellishments that might draw attention to problem areas. High-quality fabrics and subtle colors underline a classic look.
• At a party or special event, you can be a bit bolder. Our eveningwear includes colorful, cleverly cut dresses in plus sizes that look stunning on curvy women. Whether in bright colors, bold patterns, or luxurious materials, our cocktail and evening dresses prepare you for any festive occasion.
• For leisure and vacations, you need comfortable yet stylish dresses. Airy maxi dresses with summery prints are the right choice. If sleeveless dresses make you feel uncomfortable, pair your favorite dress with an elegant blazer, a casual cardigan, or a light blouse depending on the occasion.

How to Find the Right Dress Online?

When searching for plus-size dresses, you may notice limited options in some stores. However, we offer a wide range of dresses in various cuts, colors, and styles. To avoid a bad purchase, know how to dress flatteringly and which body parts you want to emphasize. Here are some tips: Bright and bold colors, as well as large patterns, draw attention and highlight specific areas. Conversely, dark colors and small patterns have a slimming effect on your silhouette.

Dresses for plus sizes must be well-tailored to perfectly showcase your curves. If you have wide hips and thighs, opt for fitted dresses that highlight your waist while hiding problem areas with a flowing skirt. Women with a fuller upper body can wear loose tunic dresses with narrow, well-fitting jeans. Always try to emphasize body parts you are happy with.
At Ulla Popken, you'll find dresses in plus sizes ranging from 10 to 36, with some pieces even available up to size 38. Browse our extensive selection and find your new favorite dress for the upcoming season.

A Variety of Dresses in Plus Sizes

Ulla Popken offers a wide range of dresses, including variations with different necklines, sleeve lengths, and lengths, as well as knit and woven dresses.

The Ulla Popken shopping team is constantly searching for inspiration to expand our collection and adapt to current trends. While traditional sources of inspiration include fashion runways or museum visits, modern influencers and bloggers now play a significant role in shaping trends and styles. Streetwear has also become a major influence on the design of our plus-size fashion.

The Right Material for Dresses

Choosing the right material is crucial for plus-size dresses to ensure comfort and a perfect fit. Punto di Roma is a popular choice, as it hugs the body without revealing imperfections. This material can be styled casually or formally, depending on the occasion.

For everyday wear, jersey fabrics are ideal. Natural materials like viscose or linen are particularly comfortable as they allow breathability. When buying dresses, look for flowing fabrics that aren’t too light, as lightweight materials tend to highlight problem areas.

Hiding Problem Areas with the Right Dress

Our designers pay close attention to the proportions of our customers when creating dresses. Problem areas such as the tummy, arms, thighs, hips, or bottom are elegantly concealed through thoughtful designs. Large dress surfaces are often broken up with seams, pleats, or decorative elements to flatter the figure. Comfort is also a priority, with features like slits or cuffs ensuring freedom of movement.

According to designer Kathrin from Ulla Popken, the main goal is “to make the customer 100% happy.” Dresses are designed to flatter the curvy figure, emphasizing beautiful proportions like the neckline or waist. Kathrin recommends A-line dresses or sheath dresses with draping, as these styles create a feminine silhouette and visually minimize wide thighs. X-shaped dresses, which are fitted at the top and flared at the bottom, also flatter many body types.

Dresses in Various Designs

Print dresses are on-trend: Minimal prints are great for casual wear, while floral patterns—whether large or small—are popular. Decorative patterns like paisleys and border prints also set special accents. Currently, graphic and blurred floral prints, including tie-dye looks, are trending.

The Right Fit for Dresses

Finding the perfect fit for plus-size dresses is always dependent on your body type and individual shape. At Ulla Popken, tops are generally flared while bottoms tend to be cut straighter. This design takes into account that women with narrow legs and an O-shaped upper body differ from those with an X-shaped figure. For women with an O-shape, empire dresses with a seam just below the bust are recommended. Highlighting the underbust line flatters both your hips and your tummy.

The right dress length for plus sizes depends on your figure. Based on your height, the best lengths are knee-length or mid-calf styles. A common question customers ask is: “Which dress suits my body type best?” Here are some tips for support:

•  Women with an X-shaped figure should emphasize their waist with fine belts or waist seams.
• Women with a V-shaped figure and a broader upper body should opt for shorter tunic dresses with a lengthening V-neckline.
• Women with an O-shaped figure should choose figure-flattering dresses made from sturdier, non-clingy materials.

As a rule of thumb: A beautiful neckline draws attention away from many problem areas.

At Ulla Popken, you can find plus-size dresses in a variety of sizes. Depending on the dress cut, they are available in single or double sizes. Woven dresses are typically offered in single sizes for better fit, while knit dresses do not require the same precision. Generally, the tighter or more tailored the dress, the more likely it is to be offered in single sizes. Double sizes are better suited for relaxed, casual dress styles.

The Right Underwear for Your Dress

Our designer Kathrin recommends wearing shapewear underneath your dress. The right underwear, though often invisible, creates a great overall look! Shapewear is essential for the perfect fit of your dress. Avoid lace, embellishments, or printed underwear, and instead choose seamless, skin-toned bras and undergarments.

The Perfect Layering Piece for Your Dress

Looking for the perfect piece to throw over your dress? Ulla Popken offers a wide selection of layering options. Light bolero cardigans or wrap cardigans are ideal. For special occasions, a blazer is always a great choice. For a casual look, denim jackets, leather jackets, or trendy biker jackets work well. Blouson jackets are a current must-have and can be styled with almost any dress type. Depending on the style or cut of the dress, short jackets, cardigans, or long chasubles can be layered effortlessly.

Shoes and Accessories for Your Dress

Ulla Popken also offers a variety of shoes and accessories. Shoes should always be comfortable. Sneakers, especially white ones, are currently very trendy and pair wonderfully with a denim dress. A long necklace always complements a dress well, as it visually elongates your body.

The Latest Dress Accents

Currently, the focus is on sleeves, which are richly adorned with ruffles or flounces. Ruffles and flounces are must-haves for dresses this season. Pearls should be placed subtly for elegant accents. Dresses with choker necklines—where a thin fabric strip decorates the neck - are also very trendy. Additional details like smocked accents give the dress a fresh, playful touch.

To maintain your dress, care should be easy. Most dresses are machine washable at 30°C (86°F). Jersey dresses don’t require ironing, but if visible creases appear, light ironing is recommended. Dresses with foil prints or jacquards should be professionally cleaned. Ulla Popken ensures that most dress models are easy to care for and can be washed at home.

Evening Dresses for Plus Sizes

Ulla Popken offers a wide variety of evening dresses for special occasions in plus sizes. From floral prints and maxi dresses to batwing sleeves and wrap dresses - there’s a perfect style for every silhouette. You can find stunning evening dresses in XXL sizes. V-necklines emphasize an hourglass figure and elongate the neck. Details such as pearl embellishments at the waist create eye-catching accents. Evening dresses with voluminous skirts provide a beautiful balance for the figure and visually lengthen the waist. A flared hem is always a good choice to make the hips appear smaller and create a counterbalance. Vertical lines, such as side darts or seam lines, are always flattering as they elongate and visually slim the body.

Casual Dresses for the Office

Are you looking for the perfect businesswear dress for the office? Dresses made of slinky material are perfect for long hours of sitting. Wrap dresses are another excellent option because their ruching at the waist naturally accommodates folds from sitting. Sheath dresses are also ideal for the office as they contour beautifully to your body. The dress length is equally important: a sheath dress ends just above the knee, allowing you to show some leg and appear taller.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plus-Size Dresses

Which shoes can I wear with my plus-size dress?

The best shoes for your dress depend on your personal taste and the occasion. Flat sneakers pair perfectly with an airy summer dress, while flowing maxi dresses look great with sandals. Elegant high heels are ideal for completing a look with a figure-hugging sheath dress.

Which dress is suitable for a fuller midsection?

If you want a dress that flatters a fuller midsection, we recommend an A-line dress that flows outward from the bust. You can also choose a dress that is fitted to the waist and then falls fluidly.

Why are flowing fabrics advantageous for plus-size dresses?

Flowing fabrics are ideal for plus-size dresses because they gently drape over your body while offering the freedom of movement you need to feel comfortable in every situation. Viscose, in particular, is a popular material for plus-size dresses due to its soft and breathable qualities.