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Classical Concert Dress for Full Figure Women
Classical concert dress for full figure women is not always easy to find. But let's face it, not all classical musicians come in size 0 and bra size 32 B!
Music doesn't discriminate by size, but unfortunately some concert dresses do! As a full figured woman, it can be tough to find performance wear that fits the concert standard, is flattering to your figure, and is comfortable to play in.
Luckily classical musicians have one thing going for them already, concert dress is typically black. Black is well-known to be slimming and flattering on all body shapes. Here are our favorite concert dresses for full figure women plus some more simple tips that will give you a top-notch performance outfit.
Why we like it - The Retro Glam Lace Dress
What we would change - Although some, if not all orchestras, allow for shorter knee length dresses, the-violin.com recommends finding an ankle length to mid-calf length dress. That way you will always be dressing within the guidlines no matter what orchestra you are playing with. Also, if you are looking for comfort this may not be the dress for you. The fabric tends to be stiff and uncomfortable.
Why we like it - The Jessica London Plus Size Maxi Dress With Surplice Front
When looking for concert dress for full figure women, remember the tips below for a better fitting, more flattering dress!
Dress Tips Avoid attention where you least want it. If you carry your weight up top, keep your neckline and bustline simple. No large embellishments or heavy bead-work. Besides being unflattering to your bustline, embellishments could get in the way of your performance. If you are trying to thin out your top half, a drop waist is another style that will help to elongate your waist and define the area between the bustline and hips. If you are short or want to elongate and thin your lower half, avoid shirts or waistlines that hit at or below the hip. Most all the experts agree that an A-line silhouette (also known as the Princess cut) highlights an hourglass figure the best. This means that the sides of the dress will hug your curves, flaring out just at or below the waist. Longer dresses can have the effect of elongating your body and making you look thinner. Plus they drape nicely while seated, and you never have to worry about what people can see from seated down below the stage.
Shirts and Skirt Tips Looking to go with a separate top and bottom?Try an A-line cut for your skirt. It slims your bottom half and flatters your top. Length of shirt - longer will elongate your torso giving you more of a waist, and you can move freely while playing without worrying about your shirt riding up in the back. Sleeves - required for most orchestras, and more flattering to the full figured musician. 'v' necks (but avoid showing cleavage, after all we do want the focus on the music!) Jackets are great for moving the eye downward. Plus they help to cover up those annoying sweat marks that happen to even the best of us while playing. Look for fitted blouses, wrap-around shirts. Make sure the blouse is not too tight or else the buttons could gape while arms are up in playing position.
Concert dress for full figure women should not be baggy, short, and high necked.
When choosing concert dress consider how it might fit or look when you are seated and playing your instrument.
As a classical musician, remember to also avoid high slits when shopping for your new performance wear. Check out Professional Concert Dress for a complete list of appropriate concert dress standards.
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