Curvy Dresses

Clothing in the fashion industry can be incredibly confusing, especially when brands release vanity sizes or oversized silhouettes that fit completely differently than normal. 

However, when it comes to plus-size boutique dresses, this category generally refers to clothing size 14 and up. Depending on the brand, plus-size may start from sizes 12 to 18. Most stores that cater to inclusive sizing will carry up to a size 26.

So, if you see that certain curvy boutique dresses are labeled just 16 versus a 16W, there will be a difference in the shape of the silhouette. The plain 16 is categorized for Misses sizing, which is cut a little smaller. Anything with a “W” after the number is designed for plus-size figures. These tend to be a little thicker in the waist while allowing extra room for thighs and hips, particularly in plus-size boutique dresses.

If you’re worried about the difference when buying these sizes online, we recommend measuring yourself and comparing the numbers to the available size chart for every piece of clothing you’re considering.

Another way stores may label plus-size boutique dresses is with letters instead of numbers, including XL, XXL, and XXXL. While you might think that 2XL and XXL mean the same thing, they’re referring to different categories in clothing selections. The XL sizes are Misses sizes, and the numerical XL (1XL, 2XL, 3XL) are Plus-Size sizes.



The easiest way to compare these two is by replacing the letters with numbers. Typically, XL fits a size range of 10-14, and a 1XL will fit sizes 14-16. At The Willow Tree Boutique, we offer sizing guides on every product page to help you figure out the best fit.

While the style “experts” will tell you that a specific plus-size boutique dress looks best on you, we don’t believe in putting you in a box. However, if you have particular assets you want to highlight or areas you want to minimize, some silhouettes can help. One of the most common choices for plus-size women is the fit-and-flare dress, as it can define your waist and obscure your hips to accentuate an hourglass silhouette. 

Remember that not everyone has the same shape, so what works for one woman might not be the right look for you. We recommend trying on a few dresses you already own to discover which makes you feel the most confident and beautiful. Once you know which silhouettes make you shine, you can buy curvy boutique dresses of those styles.

If you still need help deciding on the right plus-size boutique dress for your figure, our team is here to help. Shoot us a message, and one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be there to guide you.