Challenge the sizing and beauty norms of the notoriously ‘picky’ fashion industry, launching her own range of underwear designed specifically to help larger busted women find well-fitting sexy lingerie, and unrivalled selfie skills – Ashley Graham qualifies as a modern-day style icon for many reasons.
But one of her most undeniable talents is dressing boldly and with confidence, rocking the kind of clothes that curvaceous women often feel nervous about buying.
And bodycon dresses – probably the most unforgiving of high street staples – are among her favourite go-to looks.
They can be tricky to wear right, yet she does it with flair for both night and day.
So, we’re taking inspiration from the plus-size supermodel’s wardrobe and sharing five of the simplest styling tricks that’ll help you finally embrace bodycon dresses as daywear. Take a look.
5 Styling Tricks To Wear Bodycon Dresses
#1: skirt length
When you’re unsure about flashing too much flesh, midi lengths will give you the coverage you like without sacrificing style (they’re currently mega trendy).
Shorter lengths also work perfectly for winter, especially when paired with leather riding boots. Mix it up by also adding fishnet or patterned tights. You’ll only see a flash of them at the knees but it’ll make sure your outfit doesn’t accidentally veer off into dreaded dowdy territory.
#2: bold colors
Black is no doubt the most tempting colour if you’re not feeling overly confident about wearing bodycon – even Graham herself is fond of a dark shade for evening wear.
It can come across a little too formal at times, though, whereas brighter shades like red, blue or green are way more day-friendly. And remember, you can always break it up with some clashing accessories.
#3: stylish layering
Layers will instantly make you look stylishly casual, and let you gently ease your way into showing off your figure.
Blazers, checked shirts, cardigans and scarves – you can basically throw whatever you fancy on top of your dress. There are lots of simple tricks to getting it right as well, like mixing fabrics and lengths. Just play around with what you’ve got until you find an outfit that works for you.
#4: eye-catching accessories
The figure-clinging form of bodycon can be intimidating at times – accessories are an effective method of drawing eyes away from problem areas you aren’t so happy about having on display.
Longer lengths of delicate chains drape delicately from your neck, subtly pulling the attention towards your cleavage, whilst belts can help narrow your waist.
#5: comfortable shapewear
You don’t have to go all out Kim Kardashian-West with shapewear. Sure, her hourglass silhouette looks perfect in photos, but that military-grade suck-in armour she’s wearing underneath doesn’t seem comfortable.
Tights which contain shapewear elements around the waistband are a good daytime alternative that, unlike more restrictive Spanx options, won’t entail stripping off every time you head for the bathroom.
Ultimately, Graham always looks good because she wears everything with confidence. Even if you’re not at bikini-selfie level quite yet, fake it till you make it and bodycon dresses will soon be one of your wardrobe favourites.
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