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8 Ways to Dress Up a Bodycon Dress
Stella Green - December 09 2021
A bodycon dress is a closet staple. At Bella Barnett, it’s one dress that we couldn’t live without. The beauty of a bodycon dress is that it’s one of the most versatile styles to experiment with. Whether you’ve been drawn to the style thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian West or if you simply appreciate its figure-hugging silhouette, a bodycon dress has something to offer almost every body type. A bodycon is a dress that will make you look and feel amazing.
While a bodycon dress can give you a confidence boost, it can be intimidating to wear. Not everyone is used to show off their figure, and a bodycon is guaranteed to make you the center of attention. It’s all about how you style your dress and make the outfit your own. Once you master the art of dressing up a bodycon dress, it’ll be your signature style for every occasion.
We’re sharing eight of our favorite ways to dress up a bodycon to give you a celebrity-inspired look that will take you from cocktails with your girlfriends to your next exotic vacation.
1. Layer for The Colder Months
It’s easy to think of a bodycon dress as a summer style for the warmer months. You can take your favorite bodycon dress and make it a transitional piece with the help of layering. The right outerwear piece can give your bodycon dress a whole new look. A denim jacket will make your bodycon dress more laidback and relaxed, while a tailored blazer will turn your dress into an office-appropriate look.
If you’re heading out for a special occasion, a cape can add an extra touch of drama to your look. A leather jacket can give your bodycon dress an edgy feel. Adding an extra layer will keep you warm when the temperature drops and help cover up any insecurities.
2. Invest in Shapewear
One of the best – and easiest – ways that you can dress up a bodycon dress is by investing in shapewear. A bodycon dress can be unforgiving to your curves and make you feel insecure. Shapewear is your best friend. It’ll enhance and lift what you already have, helping you create the illusion of an hourglass shape.
Your bodycon dress will flatter your curves and give you the confidence you never knew you had. Never leave home in a bodycon dress without shapewear!
3. Show off Your Waist
If you have it – flaunt it! A bodycon dress will naturally contour itself to your curves, accentuating your shape. If you want to take your dress to the next level, experiment with a belt to draw attention to your waist. It can help balance out a plunging neckline or puff shoulders.
A wide belt can help pull in your waist and give you a more flattering silhouette. If you choose a minimalistic style in a solid color, it’s easy to mix and match with your favorite belts to find a style that works for you and your figure.
4. Play up Your Best Features
We all have a feature that we love. It might be the shape of your arms after spending months in the gym or your supermodel-worthy legs. Whatever your best feature is, find a bodycon dress that makes it the center of attention. Bodycon dresses come in every shape and form, whether you’re a fan of the halter neck or strapless silhouettes.
When you find the right bodycon dress for your figure, it’ll become even easier to style. You can dress up your bodycon dress by focusing on your favorite feature. Whether it’s adding body shimmer to your shoulders or a platform heel, you can take your bodycon dress to the next level.
5. Keep It Minimalistic
When in doubt, keep your outfit simple and minimalistic. What we love about a bodycon dress is that you don't need to overthink it.
Keep your look classic and elegant by adding one or two accessories. Depending on the neckline, a dainty pendant necklace or statement earrings can be the perfect way of dressing up your look without overpowering the dress. You want to keep all the attention on your voluminous curves.
6. The Higher The Heel, The Better
Most of the bodycon dresses that you’ll find are also mini dresses. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your legs and add a few extra inches to your height. One of the easiest ways to elongate your silhouette and give the illusion of slimmer legs is by wearing stilettoes.
You want to choose a heel height that you’re comfortable wearing, but that will add a few extra inches to your legs. Nude heels are the perfect choice as they’ll tone your legs, giving the appearance of endless length.
7. A Clutch Is The Perfect Plus-one
Finding a bag to wear with your bodycon dress can feel difficult. Tote bags can overpower your bodycon dress and draw attention away from your signature piece. With a bodycon dress, less is more.
A clutch bag is a perfect plus-one for any bodycon dress. A small bag adds an effortlessly chic feel to your look. Bonus points if it’s a mini bag!
8. Don’t Forget about Your Hair
Your hair is a quick way to transform any look. One of our favorite ways to dress up a bodycon dress is with an updo hairstyle. An elegant chignon or French twist can elevate your look, giving you a sophisticated outfit that works for any special occasion.
An up-do is the perfect choice for any bodycon dress, helping to balance your look without taking attention away from the dress itself. Whether you’re wearing a strapless or full-sleeve dress, don’t forget to incorporate your hairstyle into your outfit. It’s an easy way to take your outfit from zero to ten in the blink of an eye.
