19 Fashion Tricks Curvy Women Swear By

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1. Choose A Bra With The Right Band Size Before Anything Else

A band that’s too loose or too tight throws off how every single top fits, even before you pick an outfit.

Do It Like This: Measure around your ribcage where the band sits, and match that number to a real size instead of guessing.

This is less annoying when you use a bra sizing kit to figure out your true fit without stepping foot in a store.

2. Wear A Wrap Top Instead Of One That’s Boxy

A wrap top pulls in at the waist all on its own, so it shows your shape instead of hiding it under extra fabric.

Try This Way: Grab a wrap top the next time you’re picking something for the day.

3. Pick A Jean With Extra Stretch Instead Of A Rigid One

Stretch denim moves with your body all day, but rigid denim can dig in and leave marks by the afternoon.

Consider This: Check the tag for spandex or elastane before buying, and skip the 100% cotton pair.

4. Choose A Dress With A Defined Waist Instead Of A Straight Cut

A dress with a seam or shape at the waist shows your curves, but a straight cut can hide them under a shapeless line.

Start This Way: Reach for a dress with a fitted waist instead of one that hangs straight down.

5. Wear A Bralette Under Sheer Or Thin Fabric

Sheer fabric can show more than planned, but a bralette with a little coverage keeps things smooth and comfortable underneath.

Here’s What To Do: Grab a bralette to wear under any top that feels a little too see-through.

6. Pick A Skirt That Sits On Your Waist Instead Of Your Hips

A skirt sitting right at your natural waist shows your shape, but one that sits low on the hips can add bulk in the wrong spot.

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Begin With This: Check where your skirt sits, and pull it up to your natural waist if it’s landing too low.

7. Choose A Blazer With A Single Button Instead Of Several

One button at the waist gives a blazer a defined shape, but too many buttons can pull and gap across your middle.

Use This Simple Trick: Look for a single-button blazer the next time you’re shopping for one.

8. Wear Shapewear Under Fitted Dresses For A Smooth Line

Shapewear smooths out any lines or lumps under a fitted dress so the fabric lies flat instead of clinging in weird spots.

Give This A Try: Slip on a pair of shapewear shorts under your next fitted dress or skirt.

You could keep it simple if you use shapewear shorts to smooth things out under any snug outfit without extra fuss.

9. Pick A Bootcut Or Wide-Leg Pant Instead Of A Skinny One

A little flare at the bottom balances out curvier hips and thighs so nothing feels squeezed or tight.

Start Small With This: Reach for a bootcut or wide-leg pant instead of a skinny one this week.

10. Choose A Top With A Deep V-Neck Instead Of A Crew Neck

A V-neck draws the eye down and elongates your upper body instead of cutting straight across your chest.

Here’s A Quick Way: Grab a V-neck top instead of a crew neck the next time you get dressed.

11. Wear A Belt That Sits At The Smallest Part Of Your Waist

A belt placed right at your natural waist shows off your shape instead of just adding a strip of fabric around your middle.

One Thing That Helps Is: Find your smallest point and buckle the belt right there instead of down at your hips.

12. Pick A Fabric With Stretch Instead Of One That’s Stiff

Stretchy fabric moves with your body through the day, but stiff fabric can pull, gap, or feel tight by lunchtime.

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Here’s A Low-Stress Way: Feel the fabric before buying, and choose stretch over stiff whenever you have the option.

13. Choose A Swimsuit With Extra Support Built Into The Top

A swimsuit top with real support, like underwire or wide straps, holds everything in place better than a thin, flimsy one.

The Less Stressful Way Is: Look for a swimsuit top with built-in support instead of a basic triangle style.

14. Wear A Cardigan That Buttons Instead Of One That Just Hangs Open

A cardigan with buttons lets you close it at the waist for shape, or leave it open when you want a different look.

If You Want To Keep It Easy: Grab a button-front cardigan instead of one with no closure at all.

15. Pick A Pant With A Higher Rise Instead Of A Low One

A higher rise sits above the hips and holds everything in smoothly, while a low rise can dig in and create a gap in back.

Start By Doing This Instead: Reach for high-rise pants instead of low-rise the next time you shop.

16. Choose A Top That’s Fitted On Top And Loose On The Bottom

A top that’s fitted through the chest and looser at the hip skims over your curves instead of clinging everywhere at once.

Instead, Try This: Look for a top with this kind of shape instead of one that’s the same fit all the way down.

17. Wear A Structured Bra Under Backless Or Low-Cut Tops

A structured bra with the right support keeps everything in place, even when a top shows more skin than usual.

The Easy First Step Is: Grab a bra made for backless or low-cut styles instead of trying to make a regular one work.

18. Pick A Print That’s Placed Strategically Instead Of All Over

A print placed in just the right spot, like at the waist or shoulders, draws the eye where you want it to go.

If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Look for a top or dress with a print placed at the waist instead of one covering the whole piece.

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19. Choose A Coat That Nips In At The Waist Instead Of One That’s Straight

A coat with shape at the waist follows your curves, but a straight coat can hide your shape under a big rectangle of fabric.

Here’s The Shortcut Version: Reach for a coat with a defined waist instead of one that hangs straight down.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)