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What is a Bodycon Dress? 6 Best Ways to style & rock a bodycon

by Frank and Doll January 31, 2022 10 min read

What is a Bodycon Dress? 6 Best Ways to style & rock a bodycon

When it comes to fashion, trends come and go every other day. From crop tops to bellbottom jeans, fashion is always on the move, and what was ‘in’ yesterday is always gone tomorrow. However, something that’s stayed in the fashion world since its increase in popularity in the 90s is the bodycon dress. So what is a bodycon dress?

What is a Bodycon Dress? 

A bodycon, short for “body-conscious” or “body-confidence,” is a popular style of dress characterized for its figure-hugging fabric and seductive style designed to show off a woman’s curves. Now more than ever, this dress style is hot in the fashion community, and it looks like it’s going to stay that way for a while.

Today, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know in regards to the bodycon dress, including how to style it, wear it for your body shape, and overall how to rock it to feel like the goddess you are. Let’s get started.

History Of The Bodycon Dress

bodycon dress navy frank and doll
Stunning Bodycon Dress Navy

To start, the bodycon first came into the light of the fashion world in the early 1990s thanks to Hérve Peugnet. The reason people took such a liking to this sultry dress style is that these dresses were designed to hug a woman’s figure at a time when loose-fitting dresses were the biggest hub-bub. Suddenly, it was a trend to feel good in your skin and show it off in a tight dress, and that’s a trend we’re still empowering women with even today (and we love it!). 

However, for a while, after this dress style came into the light, it was shunned by many and considered to be cheap and trashy in comparison to other dress styles. But thankfully, in this decade, we’ve learned to recognize the beauty of it all over again, and it has been worn for many different refined occasions, even including weddings. 

What Do You Wear Under A Bodycon Dress?

Now, because bodycon dresses are form-fitting, the question of what to wear underneath often comes into play, and honestly, your typical panties and bra might not cut it. Traditionally, bodycon dresses are worn with light coverage panties and bras to help camouflage your undergarments in your dress and not leave any panty lines. 

However, this belief aside, the best way to truly rock a bodycon or any piece of clothing, in our opinion, is to feel totally confident in what you’re wearing. We are firm believers in the fact that beauty is far more than just how you physically look but how you feel on the inside. Therefore, if a certain kind of panties or bra will make you feel more confident than the recommended, it’s best to opt for those, despite society’s standards (aka - you do you, girl). With that said, here are a few of our top picks for what to wear under your bodycon that will keep your confidence thriving.

Wearing Panties under a bodycon dress

Starting with panties, there’s a variety of different panty styles out there that you can wear under a bodycon (and no, it’s not just thongs). Here are a couple of different ideas that you can choose from. 

1. Thong/G-string

The first style is a thong or G-string. Ladies, I know- not the most comfortable style in the world or with the greatest coverage, but the reason they are so popular is that they aren’t very noticeable and don’t have visible panty-lines, even in a skin-tight dress. These styles also tend to sit lower on the waist, making them harder to see overall. Therefore, if you’re looking for absolutely no panty line whatsoever, these styles are going to be your best friend. 

2. Boyshorts

Now, if thongs and G-strings just aren’t cutting it for you and you would feel more comfortable in something with a little more coverage, boyshorts can be a great option for wearing under a bodycon as well. Something to keep in mind with this style is that if they are made with heavy material, lines will show through your dress easier, but if they are light, they will be unnoticeable. Therefore, if you choose to go with boyshorts, it’s best to opt for a lighter style if you want to keep the lines to a minimum.

What Bra should I wear under a bodycon dress?

For bras, since the bodycon is so form-fitting, you’ll want to find a good bra to hold up your girls just right and make them look and feel perky. For this, you can choose a traditional bra or a strapless to get the job done. Here are some popular bra ideas to consider. 

1. Adhesives

When it comes to a bodycon, most women steer clear of making it evident that they are wearing a bra and want to make their bust appear more naturally round and full (guilty). Because of this, the most popular type of bra that women typically consider for a bodycon dress is an adhesive bra. These types of bras have no straps and are a ‘peel and stick’ design instead of an over-the-shoulder design. This can make your girls stand up and appear naturally perky without any hint of bra support. 

On the other hand, if your breasts are on the bigger side, adhesives aren’t always the best option for you, as they do better for small breasts due to weight. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of options for our big-breasted ladies, like clear straps. 

2. Clear straps 

Now, if you need a little more support than an adhesive bra, a clear strap bra should get the job done. This type of bra is simple, easy, and timeless and is a great way to add the extra support a traditional bra brings without making it too apparent that you’re wearing one. Honestly, this is always a great alternative and never fails to get the job done successfully. 

 

Shapewear

And finally, another popular undergarment to use with a bodycon is shapewear. If you are unfamiliar with the term, shapewear is a base layer to your bodycon and helps to compact your figure to give the appearance of a smoother shape and a more flattering silhouette. From your waist, tummy, booty, or thighs, shapewear comes in a variety of different sizes and firm control options to meet your personal needs. And no, shapewear is not something to ever be ashamed about wearing. If it makes you feel more confident to wear it, then really, what’s the shame? You are beautiful, and you deserve to feel that way all the time, regardless of how you get there. So you do you, honey, and don’t let anybody stop you from channeling that inner tiger! 

What Do You Wear Over A Bodycon Dress?

Now that we’ve gone over what to wear under your bodycon, how about over? Well, since a bodycon, helps to flaunt your beautiful natural shape, you definitely want to leave the dress to be the main focus of your look. However, to truly complete your outfit and make it pop, you’re going to want to pair it with some awesome accessories as well. So whether you’re going for a dressy or casual look, here are some ideas of what to wear over your bodycon that will add a little extra pizzazz.

1. Coats or jackets

To start, let’s be real - a bodycon isn’t going to be the warmest article of clothing you’ll ever wear, and you definitely don’t want to be cold when you’re out and about. So it’s time to layer up! And layering your dress with a trench coat, a shrug sweater, or a fitted blazer will keep you looking stylish and warm no matter where you go. Not to mention, it also allows you to flaunt your bodycon even in the winter easily, so who’s the real winner? 

2. Shawls or wraps

Next, if you want to add a little extra flair to your bodycon, a shawl or wrap is perfect. The best thing about this look is that you can either dress up your look more or keep it casual, depending on the style of shawl or wrap you choose. For example, to add an extra glow, a sparkly or colorful shawl is the way to go. For a more casual and elegant look, keep it plain and simple with just a solid color. Either way, a shawl or wrap is a great way to add a warmer layer when a coat is too much. 

3. Belts

And lastly, adding a belt to your bodycon is a great way to add a little extra fashion to your look! Not only does it bring back all the 1950s Audrey Hepburn vibes, but belts can also serve you in a number of fashionable ways, including adding an extra touch of texture and style. However, belts are also a popular accessory with bodycon because they help to accentuate your waistline even more so than it already is. Either way, if you ask us, it’s a win-win and not something you could ever go wrong with!

How to Make a Bodycon Look Good for Your Body Shape

Side on of the beautiful alice bodycon dress navy
Side on of the beautiful alice bodycon dress navy

Now, one of the most beautiful things about us women is that our bodies all come in so many gorgeous shapes and sizes, and no two are alike (which makes you one of a kind, honey!). And the best thing about a bodycon is that it has no rules when it comes to shapes, so truly any woman can wear it and rock it! However, there are definitely some tricks you can use when choosing your bodycon that can help to accentuate your natural figure more so than others that we wanted to share with you. Let’s go over some. 

Apple figure 

To start, if you have an apple shape figure, it typically means your upper body is bigger than the lower body. For this beautiful shape, it’s best to choose a bodycon that highlights your legs. Therefore, a short dress or a dress with a slit would be the perfect style to look for.

Pear figure

Next, if your figure is more of a beautiful pear shape, this typically means you have a wider hip area. Therefore, to balance out your look, it is best for you to choose a bodycon dress that has a pattern at the top. This is also a great figure to add a wrap or shawl to, as it helps to flatter your figure even more so. 

Straight figure

Next, if your shoulders and hips are about the same width, you fall into the gorgeous straight-shaped category. For those with this body type, it’s best to choose a dress choice that will highlight your shoulders and hips at the same time. For this, a good choice might be a side ruched dress or a dress with large patterns or ruffles. This will help to flatter your silhouette and enhance your natural shape for a more attractive look. 

Hourglass figure

And lastly, if you have a smaller waist with hips and shoulders of equal size, you fall in the category of the hourglass shape. For this figure, dresses that cinch around your wait or that can make use of belts are an excellent choice for you. This will help to accentuate your natural curves and make your waist appear even thinner than before. 

Overall, no matter what dress you choose, you are bound to look absolutely gorgeous, but we hope that this guide can help to give you a little insight on how to accentuate and enhance your natural beauty easier.

How to Wear a Bodycon Dress Plus Size

Now, there are absolutely no size rules when it comes to wearing a bodycon. Anyone that wants to wear a bodycon should wear one regardless of size, shape, or weight and needs to remember how beautiful they are no matter what. However, there are definitely a few tips and tricks to follow when picking out the right bodycon for your unique shape. Let’s go over them. 

1. Try out shapewear

Now, we talked a little bit about shapewear above, and it is no different when it comes to plus sizes. Shapewear is a great way to accentuate your curves and smooth down any bumps or bulges and help boost your confidence. Thankfully, there are many different kinds of shapewear out there that can meet any and all needs for your personal smoothing preferences and are worth looking into if you’re feeling self-conscious or unsure in your dress.

2. Consider the color

As you know, ladies, colors can make or break your look, and some colors should be steered away from because they can make you look bigger. For that reason, the best colors to opt for are solid colors such as black or grey. These colors are excellent at creating an elegant and slimming look for a plus-size figure and compliment your gorgeous shape the most. You’ll also want to avoid any crazy color combos, if possible, as it can have the opposite effect on your figure (which we definitely don’t want!).

3. Opt for smaller prints

Next, in terms of patterns, you can definitely make prints look good on a bodycon, and they can even help to hide bumps and bulges. However, you’ll always want to aim for a smaller print design, as larger print can make you look heavier. 

4. Belts are a great accessory

Next, as we mentioned above, a belt is a great accessory to your bodycon that can add a whole new dynamic and also help your waist look more cinched than before. Not to mention, wearing a belt can help to cover a protruding tummy while distracting the eye away, helping you to feel more confident overall.

5. Make sure you pick the correct size

And lastly, you always want to make sure you’re choosing the correct size regardless of if you’re wearing bodycon or not. You want to choose something that hugs your shape but doesn’t suffocate it. Therefore, whatever size you normally wear is what you should aim for with a bodycon to meet the correct fit that you can flaunt beautifully.

In Conclusion - The Bodycon dress

In conclusion, a bodycon dress is a beautiful, timeless piece that will truly never go out of style. Whether you choose to style it with some accessories or wear it as is, a bodycon dress is a great way to boost your confidence and strut your stuff like the goddess you are. The most important thing to remember, despite anything you read online or in magazines, is that you are beautiful inside and out, and no matter your size or shape, you can rock a bodycon dress just as well as anyone else. So throw on your favorite red lipstick and matching pumps and get out there and show the world what you got! That red carpet is waiting for you, so what’re you waiting for? You go, girl! 


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