What Does Bodycon Mean In Fashion?

Bodycon is short for "body-conscious." It's a women's dress and fashion style that accentuates the body’s curves rather than covering them up. A bodycon dress is tight and hugs the body, usually made of body-hugging, stretchy fabric that fits over a female’s silhouette seamlessly. 

The first to introduce the world to bodycon dresses was Herve Peugnew, the designer behind the Herve Leger brand in the early 1990s. Ultimately, this dress is intended to make people feel good about themselves while feeling comfortable at the same time. 

Band Aid Dress vs Bodycon Dress

A close relative to the bodycon dress is the bandage dress (aka band-aid dress). Both are form-fitting styles designed to hug a woman's curves, but with a subtle difference: The bodycon dress doesn’t provide shaping or support, like a bandage dress does. The bandage dress meaning comes from the fact that it has fabric layers, which help shape the figure. 

Are Bodycon Dresses Appropriate For My Event?

In a time when body-shaming is rampant, especially on social media, it's tough to answer what's appropriate and what's not appropriate for an event. While some may not consider a bodycon dress suitable for some formal events, it may be best to ask the event organizers what the dress code is for the event. 

Your bodycon look with a plunging v-neck line is most-definitely the perfect for a night out or a cocktail party. However, you might want to show fewer curves, say, if you're packing a pew at church, right? Ultimately, it's up to you and what you feel most comfortable in.

How to wear bodycon at work

Your HR professional can help you understand if you've got a dress code at your company. Wearing a blazer or cardigan over your body-con dress may help downplay the snug fit while still allowing you to wear your favorite dress at your 9-5.

How to wear bodycon dress to a wedding

A way to add some flair to your dress is to add a shawl or wrap, which adds a layer, whether to keep you warm or to make the snug fit a little more discreet. Accessories are always helpful. Try a fun belt that will add to the accentuation of your waistline. 

Are Bodycon Dresses Flattering?

There is no size limit for a bodycon dress or any fashion for that matter. Fashion is all about how you feel, and if you feel good, you look good, period.

Many women wonder how to make their bodycon dress more flattering, and the number one bodycon dress hack is: shape-wear. Shape-wear for bodycon dresses can smooth lumps or bumps that all women have, no matter their size or age. 

Shape-wear is a base layer under a bodycon dress that offers support. It’s like a second skin that shouldn’t be visible. They come in light, medium, and firm control, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether camisole or tank tops, waist cinchers, bodysuits, slips, or control-top panties, there are shape-wear types for any problem area that someone may be looking to correct when wearing their favorite bodycon or bandage dress. 

It is worth mentioning that shape-wear is an option, and it’s important to wear what is most comfortable for you and not what you think you should wear. 

Bandage Dress and Bodycon Styling Tips

Bodycon dresses are back in style and, frankly, here to stay for the foreseeable future. It’s no secret that we could all use some tips on how to style bodycon dresses well. After all, don’t we all want to look our best? 

First, choose a dress that fits your body type perfectly. The point of a body con is to hug your curves, so don’t purchase one that is too loose, as it won’t look flattering. Many women enjoy purchasing a bodycon with a stronger material that won’t cling everywhere. A ribbed body con adds personality to the dress, while one with paneling can look more structured. 

A great way to make your bodycon dress appropriate for any occasion is with layering. A denim jacket or even a sheer wrap are two fun ways to change the look of your dress. Always accentuate your best features. If you love your shoulders, opt for a halter-neck or strapless dress. For someone with legs to die for, wear a shorter body con. Highlight what is best for you. Ultimately, confidence is always the most important accessory to take with you with every outfit and is always the best way to style a bodycon dress for every woman.  

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