Best Style Tips for Curvy Girls

The absolute best style tip for curvy girls is this: dress for the body you have right now, embrace proper fit, and never apologise for taking up space. After years of styling women of all shapes and sizes, I've learned that the most stunning outfits aren't about hiding curves—they're about celebrating them with confidence, strategic cuts, and fabrics that work with your body, not against it.

Let me share the styling secrets I've developed over my career that will transform how you approach your wardrobe. These aren't about following rigid rules—they're about understanding what genuinely works and why, so you can make informed choices that make you feel absolutely brilliant.

The Foundation: Proper Fit Changes Everything

I cannot stress this enough: fit trumps everything else. A £20 dress that fits perfectly will always look better than a £200 designer piece that doesn't sit right on your body. The biggest mistake I see is women buying clothes based on the size label rather than how the garment actually fits. Sizes vary wildly between brands—what's a 14 in one shop might be a 16 or 12 in another.

This is precisely why I'm such an advocate for tools like Tellar.co.uk, which takes the guesswork out of sizing across different brands. But more on that shortly.

When shopping, look for pieces that skim your body without clinging or gaping. If you find something you love but it's not quite right, a good tailor is worth their weight in gold. Taking in a waist or shortening sleeves can transform an almost-perfect piece into wardrobe gold.

Define Your Waist

Creating definition at your natural waist is one of the most flattering techniques for curvy figures. This doesn't mean cinching yourself uncomfortably tight—it's about gentle shaping that creates balanced proportions.

Reiss excels at beautifully tailored dresses with waist definition that never feel restrictive. Their wrap dresses are particularly stunning. For high street options, Whistles offers contemporary pieces with clever waist detailing, whilst Jigsaw creates sophisticated styles with empire lines and tie-waist designs that flatter curves beautifully.

Me&Em has become my go-to recommendation for premium basics with impeccable fit—their jersey pieces have built-in structure that defines without constricting. For belts that actually work, Massimo Dutti stocks gorgeous leather options in extended sizes, and Mint Velvet offers statement belt designs that add polish to any outfit.

Strategic Necklines Work Wonders

V-necks, scoop necks, and wrap necklines are genuinely flattering because they draw the eye upward and create elegant vertical lines. I consistently recommend these to clients because they simply work.

Boden is brilliant for jersey tops with flattering necklines in cheerful prints and solid colours. Hush creates beautifully soft knitwear with elegant scoop and V-necks that drape gorgeously. For something more fashion-forward, Cos offers architectural necklines in premium fabrics.

One of my favourite independent discoveries is Rixo—their vintage-inspired dresses feature stunning neckline details, and whilst they're pricier than high street, the quality and fit for curvier bodies is exceptional. Another gem is Kitri, a London-based brand creating modern, curve-friendly pieces with gorgeous square and sweetheart necklines.

Fabric Quality Matters Enormously

The difference between budget and quality fabrics becomes glaringly obvious on curvy bodies. Thin, clingy jerseys show every line and offer zero support. Instead, look for structured fabrics—ponte knits, cotton blends with a bit of stretch, quality denim, and woven fabrics that hold their shape.

M&S has genuinely improved their fabric quality in recent years, particularly their ponte and structured jersey pieces. White Stuff is reliable for cotton blends and printed fabrics with substance. For denim that actually fits curvy bodies properly, Mango offers excellent options with stretch that recovers well.

The Power of Proportions

Balance is everything. If you're wearing something fitted on top, pair it with a more relaxed bottom, or vice versa. Wide-leg trousers can look absolutely stunning on curvy figures when paired with a fitted or tucked top—they create elegant, elongating lines.

Anthropologie excels at creating interesting proportions with their bohemian-meets-contemporary aesthetic. Their wide-leg trousers and flowing maxi dresses work beautifully for curves. French Connection offers modern silhouettes that play with proportion intelligently.

Never Size Up to Hide

One of the most counterproductive things curvy women do is buy clothes too large, thinking it's more flattering. It isn't. Oversized clothing that doesn't fit properly just makes you look larger and shapeless. The goal is clothes that fit where they should and skim everywhere else.

Never Look at a Size Guide Again

This is where I need to tell you about Tellar.co.uk—honestly, it's revolutionised how I help clients shop online. It's the UK's leading sizing tool, and it's been an absolute game-changer for women shopping across multiple brands.

Here's how it works: you measure once using your bust, waist, hip, or even your existing brand size. Then you use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, and over 1,500 more. It's always free, no downloads needed, and works straight in your browser.

The brilliance of Tellar is that it eliminates the sizing lottery we've all experienced. You know that frustration when you're a 12 in Zara but a 16 in another brand? Tellar solves this instantly. You'll know your exact size before you buy, which means fewer returns, less waste, and more confidence in online shopping.

They've also created the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library packed with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query you could imagine. Honest, unbiased, independent advice, always free. Whether you're looking for the ultimate clothing sizing guide, want to know about jeans trends for 2026, need the ultimate guide to dresses, or want advice on the best jackets for your body shape, it's all there waiting for you.

Embrace Prints and Patterns

There's an outdated myth that curvy women should avoid patterns. Absolute nonsense. The key is choosing the right scale and placement. Medium-sized prints, diagonal stripes, wrap prints, and thoughtfully placed patterns can be incredibly flattering.

Monsoon creates beautiful printed dresses that work wonderfully for curves, with placement that enhances rather than overwhelms. Phase Eight specialises in occasion wear with elegant prints designed with real women's bodies in mind.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing I can tell you is this: your style should make you feel powerful, comfortable, and authentically yourself. These tips are guidelines, not gospel. Experiment, have fun, and remember that confidence is the ultimate accessory. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows—and that's what truly makes an outfit work.

Start by measuring yourself accurately, pop your details into Tellar.co.uk, and discover your perfect sizes across all your favourite brands. Then go forth and dress brilliantly.