Confidence & Curves: Finding Flattering Tops, Dresses and More

Looking for clothes to complement your curves? We're happy to advise. 

From tops to trousers, dresses to accessories, we're great at picking out pieces that give a boost of confidence. 

Before we dive into some of our go-to pieces, let's look at the main tips and tricks that can help us to pick out the most confidence-enhancing pieces. 

Celebrating our favourite features can help us feel more confident and positive about our bodies as a whole. Maybe you have a great pair of legs, so mini dresses and heels are a great go-to for harnessing clothing confidence. Or perhaps a plunging neckline is the best way to show off the parts you feel best about?  

Whatever makes you feel most beautiful, choosing clothes that highlight those areas allows your favourite features to take centre stage.

Don’t push yourself to wear anything that doesn’t feel right for you and your body. Whether you’re enjoying an event or powering toward success at work, the last thing you want is to be distracted by unnecessary body consciousness.

So, wear clothes that feel good on your body, whether that’s comforting textures and loose fabrics that allow you to move freely, or fitted pieces that feel snug and cinching. Everyone is different when it comes to what feels most comfortable, so follow your own instincts. 

The number one piece of advice we can give is to always wear pieces that you feel excited about. And not just for special occasions, but for a casual coffee or a day at work, too. Whether that’s dopamine dressing with your favourite colour (red is the colour associated with confidence, btw), picking out a pattern that you adore, or adding an accessory that brings an extra pop of personality to each outfit. 

We love a dress here at Joe Browns, and these are some of our favourites for plus size style.

Structured dresses are perfect for defining your silhouette. Think of the classic fit-and-flare midi dress of the fifties, offering a cinched-in waist exaggerated by an A-line skirt to create an effortless hourglass.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, boho dresses are loved for their floaty, flowing look. If you’re someone who dislikes feeling tight or constricted in clothes, this style of dress can be so freeing. Allowing you to move and flow in your own way, the only thing boho dresses don’t allow room for is insecurity.

Wrap dresses are another figure-accentuating favourite for plus size physiques. They’re wonderful for cinching with their waist tie, plus they offer fabulous adjustability in fit if you’re someone whose size fluctuates. Lastly, the striking V-neckline draws attention upward, perfect for making a statement necklace a focal point.

If you’re not a dress girl, jeans and a nice top might be more of a go-to for you. So, here are some of our plus size top choices (pun intended). 

If you usually gravitate toward longer layers, don’t overlook cropped styles! When paired with high-waisted trousers, they’re a fantastic way to highlight your waist and create a balanced, modern look. Pair a knotted blouse or a cropped t-shirt with high-waisted trousers or a maxi skirt to lengthen the legs, cinch the waist at its smallest point and create an hourglass shape. 

A loose blouse with an empire waistline, often called a peplum top, is another perfect way to create an hourglass. Offering comfy freedom of movement around the midsection while still offering definition to the silhouette, it’s truly the best of both worlds.

For a longer version of this style, try tunic tops. With the same empire waistline and flowing structure extending to the upper or mid thigh, you can pair them with skinny jeans or leggings for that satisfying in-and-out curvaceous shape. 

Bardot tops are famous for their off-the-shoulder style. This draws attention upwards, bringing focus to your beautiful face and neck. To add to the upward focus, pair your bardot top with face-framing dangly earrings or a charming choker-style necklace.  

Bardot styles aren’t the only option when it comes to statement necklines, though. Asymmetrical necklines are another fabulous way to draw focus with a unique look. Think diagonal lines, single straps and more for an edgy look that’s sure to turn heads. 

Layering with a blazer is a super flattering option for plus size style. Thanks to their tailored fit, they create instant in-and-out cinching that always looks gorgeous. Plus, when you opt for a blazer with a statement collar or slightly padded shoulders, you create volume in the upper part of the body, ideal for emphasising your frame. 

Combine this with wide-legged or flared trousers, and you’re onto a super symmetrical and curve-tastic winner.