While my usual look is Starlet Bombshell, there are times when I envy ladies who can pull off Bohemian. I usually find that trend doesn’t flatter my curves, and I end up looking more frumpy than fabulous. I still attempt time and time again to find a maxi dress. Most of my attempts resulted in empire waists that made me look like I was expecting, and spaghetti straps that could barely contain me and made me look like I was nursing. I had all but given up, until I found this dress by Jennifer Lopez for Kohls. It is the perfect fit for me (it always amazes me how JLo’s clothing fits me so well, considering we could no be more different in body shape). This dress is no longer available, but I wanted to offer a few tips for curvy Starlets who want to give maxi dresses a try…
- Find one with wider straps. Many maxi dress have thin, barely there straps (or none at all). That’s fine for the small chested population… but if you’re full busted, then wear a supportive bra, and wear straps that are wide enough to cover it. Trust me, you’ll feel so much more comfortable.
- Pick a more natural waist, or one that’s a little wider. If you’re apple/strawberry shaped, and you are a little fuller in the middle, an empire waist can easily fall into a maternity look (and no one wants that unless they are actually pregnant). Just like a wide black belt can be your best friend, so can a wider or natural waist dress. Remember, you can always add a belt to define your waist.
- Darker colors and bigger patterns are slimming.
- Open necklines are flattering for full busts. A v neck is the most flattering, but just avoid high necklines.
Get this look:
- Dress: Jennifer Lopez for Kohls (no longer available)… here are some similar dresses from Kohls: here & here.. and Modcloth: here, here, & here
- Earrings: BaubleBar
- Shoes: (not seen) Forever 21
- Clutch: Talbots (not longer available) similar here
- Details on my makeup look coming tomorrow!
This post/video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. All products mentions were purchased by me unless noted with an asterisk (*). This post contains affiliate links, that means that if you purchase any of these products, I receive compensation, through no extra charge to you. That income will go towards making ES even better.
This post was also featured on IFB’s Links a la Mode with some amazing bloggers…
Links à la Mode, July 9
- Alysalovely: Why to Watch the Astronaut Wives Club
- Amethyst Honey: The Zodiac Dresser | Cancer By Dolce and Gabbana
- Attire Club: Fashion in the Balkans | Bucharest Fashion Week Spring 2015
- A Vogueaholic | My Fashion Diary: Red, White, Blue & Chic | Happy Birthday America
- Bookish & Belle: Everyday Shoes – A Video Lookbook
- Chic on the Peak: Celfie
- Classified Closet: 5 Steps to Writing the Perfect Summer Bucket List
- Denchibitionist: Orange Juice
- Everyday Starlet: Fashion or Bust | How to Wear a Maxi Dress When You’re Curvy
- Excuse Me, I Am French: Snakeskin Details
- Fashion Blender: Old Friends, Colourful Classics
- Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: Dream of the 90’s
- Les Assorties’: #BOB | Katherine Tabinowski
- Musings of a Fashion Designer: Bloggers Eid Spreeeee!!!
- Purushu Arie: Illustration – Meryl Streep Graces Neuejournal Cover
- She Got Her Own: 30 Days Yoga and Fitness Challenge
- Tales of Two: Aspen Chic | Runway to Real
- That Paki Blog: Thoughts on Clothes for Eid and Eid Campaigns
- The Outfit Repeater: YouTube Collab Ideas You’ve Never Thought Of
- We Are Ready Made: Couture Club
SPONSOR: Shopbop sale, red bikinis, cupcakes and cashmere, Tarin Thomas, Joanna Constantine, Emanuel Ungaro, Alexa Wagner, blue dresses, black blouses, anna sui, bella freud, Adina Reyter, Ca & Lou, Paul & Joe Siste
Biana Perez says
I love how full coverage the maxi is up top!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Sarah Blodgett says
Me too, that’s my favorite thing about it! 🙂
Miriam Goh says
You look absolutely amazing dear! Thanks for the tips. I have problems looking for the perfect maxi dress without looking pregnant!
xoxo
Miriam
http://www.miriammerrygoround.com
Sarah Blodgett says
I sympathize!… glad I could help! 🙂
Kellie says
You look beautiful in this dress! I love the pattern, its not ‘too much’ like some patterns are with maxi dresses
xx
http://kbeautyandlife.wix.com/kbeautyandlife BEAUTY | NAILS | LIFE | ADVICE
Sarah Blodgett says
Thanks so much!!!
Suzanne Carillo says
This is gorgeous on you.
bisous
Suzanne
Sarah Blodgett says
Thanks so much!
Crystal Dench says
Hi Sarah,
I came across your blog from IFB Links a la Mode where my blog was featured too.
Great post- I love the floral print of this maxi!
– Crystal x
http://denchibitionist.com
Sarah Blodgett says
Awesome! Congrats on the feature!!! Thanks so much!!! 🙂
Alyssa Renee says
This maxi dress looks great on you! =)
~Alyssa~
shesalyssarenee.com
Follow Me:
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Sarah Blodgett says
Thanks so much!!!
Lady B says
Hon, this dress was simply made for you! It nips in your waist deliciously and skims over your curves in a real flattering way. Kudos to JLo and her team for this winning number!
Sarah Blodgett says
Thanks so much! I love JLo and her clothes, they are so easy to wear!
A Cup of Tea with Kelsey says
Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the tips- I’m always afraid of the maternity look, plus I’m short which makes finding a maxi dress even more challenging. Still looking for the right one!
Sarah Blodgett says
I find many maxi dresses too long for me, and I’m definitely not short… they really should make clothes in a variety of lengths as well as widths!
therealanab says
Beautiful! The way this dress plays up your curves and nips in your waist, is perfect and reads classic Hollywood bombshell. All around winner!
xo
A
Sarah Blodgett says
Aww Thanks so much, that is the ultimate compliment!!!! <3