Flattering Silhouettes for Plus-Sizes

Banner text "Guide to Silhouettes" with tagline, "we size up glamour" on black background.

With so many special occasion dresses available, knowing which silhouette works best for your figure can make shopping a lot easier — and a lot more fun! From the flowing elegance of a Ball Gown to the sleek drama of a Mermaid or Trumpet style, each silhouette creates a different look and highlights different features. Sydney’s Closet helps you explore the unique lines and shapes of each style so you can find the dress that complements your curves, balances your proportions, and makes you feel confident and radiant. Discover your ideal silhouette across all our brands — Sydney’s Closet, Celebration’s by Sydney’s Closet, Michelle Bridal by Sydney's Closet, Tease Prom by Sydney's Closet, and Johnathan Kayne for Sydney’s Closet.

Expert Tips

Take accurate measurements before you shop, it’s the first step to finding a dress that fits perfectly. Use our How to Measure guide for step-by-step instructions.
Understand your shape to help you choose silhouettes, necklines, and waistlines that flatter your figure. Find your body type to see which styles highlight your best features.
Smooth lines and confidence go hand in hand. Wearing shapewear under dresses or gowns, especially fitted styles can help enhance your silhouette and give you a polished finish.
A flattering dress should make you feel confident, not restricted. Look for silhouettes and fabrics that complement your body type while keeping you comfortable all night long.

A-Line

This classic and flattering formal dress is called an A-Line because it creates a graceful “A” shape: fitted through the bodice, tapering at the waist, and gently flaring over the hips into a flowing skirt. This silhouette naturally draws the eye upward, elongates the body, and skims over the hips for a balanced, figure-flattering look.

This figure-friendly silhouette:

Balances proportions for apple and pear-shaped figures.
Accentuates the waist for hourglass shapes.
Adds volume to the hips for inverted triangle shaped bodies.
Adds curves and shape to straight, rectangle body types.

Shop A-Line Dresses

Plus size classic and simple wedding dress. Style SC5347 by Sydney's Closet. Strapless sweetheart neckline with pleated bust and pleated off-the-shoulder sleeves. Exposed corset boning on a basque waist with full A-line skirt, box pleats, pockets and a long train. Available in black or ivory in curvy sizes 14-32.

Ball Gowns

No formal dress says “fairy-tale” quite like the Ball Gown. Similar to an A-line, it features a fitted bodice and nipped waist, but the skirt flares out even more, creating dramatic volume and a truly princess-worthy silhouette. Layers of crinoline give the skirt fullness, drawing the eye upward and creating a balanced, figure-flattering look for any special occasion — from prom to winter weddings, military balls, or black-tie events.

This elegant silhouette:

Creates even more balance for apple and pear-shaped figures.
Accentuates the waist for hourglass shapes even more dramatically.
Adds extra volume to the hips for inverted triangle shapes.
Enhances curves and shape for straight, rectangle body types.

Shop Ball Gowns

Fitted

Looking to show off your curves? A Fitted dress is a sleek, figure-hugging style that contours the body from the bodice through the skirt, creating a sexy, streamlined silhouette. This design hugs your shape on top and bottom, highlighting your natural curves while offering a polished, elegant look for any special occasion.

This form-fitting style:

Accentuates the waist and highlights curves for hourglass figures.
Hugs the hips and enhances the natural shape of pear bodies.

Shop Fitted Dresses

Sydney's Closet SC5319 White. Sweetheart neckline, mermaid/fitted silhouette, ruched to a middle seam, horsehair hem, center back zipper, fully ruched front and back to mid thigh.

Mermaid & Trumpet

There’s something undeniably sexy and sophisticated about a Mermaid or Trumpet silhouette. These form-fitting styles hug the bodice and hips before flaring out at or below the knee into a dramatic fishtail, creating a glamorous red-carpet look.

These sleek silhouettes:

Highlight curves for hourglass figures, especially those that are tall and have even proportions.
Accentuate the hips on pear-shaped figures.

Shop Mermaid & Trumpet Dresses

Empire plus size formal dress with spaghetti straps, pleated bodice with knot detail, pockets and slit. Available in gold, onyx black and ruby red. SC7414 by Sydney's Closet

Empire Waist

If you love a romantic, timeless look, an Empire Waist formal is a dreamy choice. This classic design features a high waist seam just under the bust, flowing into a long, loose skirt with no defined waistline. The silhouette creates an elegant, elongating effect while offering comfort and ease for any special occasion.

This high-class style:

Lengthens the body, giving the illusion of added height for petite figures.
Gently skims the midsection while creating an elegant, elongated silhouette, great for apple and pear shapes.

Shop Empire Waist Dresses

Common Silhouette Questions

What is a silhouette?

A silhouette is the overall shape or outline of a dress. Different silhouettes (like A-line, Ball Gown, Mermaid, Fitted, and Empire) highlight different features of your body and can completely change how a dress looks on you.

How do I know which silhouette is right for me?

Start by identifying your body type. Then consider which features you want to highlight. Use the Sydney's Closet Fit & Flatter Tips see which shapes naturally flatter your figure.

How do I know what my body type is?

Start by taking your measurements, note the widest and narrowest points of your body. Compare them to common body types to see which one matches you best.

How do necklines affect my body shape?

Necklines can draw attention to your best features and create a flattering silhouette. Whether it’s a sweetheart, V-neck, or halter, the right neckline enhances your shape, check out the Sydney's Closet Neckline Guide for examples.

How do I make sure a dress will flatter my curves?

Look for dresses that create balance. Silhouettes that highlight your favorite features, flattering necklines, strategic waistlines, and supportive fabrics help create a polished, proportioned look. Our Neckline Guide, Waistline Guide, and Fabric Guide break down all the details.

Can one silhouette work for multiple body types?

Yes! Many silhouettes, like A-line or Ball Gown, are versatile and can flatter a range of figures. Small adjustments — like neckline, waistline, or fabric choice — can make the same silhouette work beautifully for different body shapes.

EXCLUSIVELY PLUS SIZE