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Our Guide To Bodycon Dresses

Our Guide To Bodycon Dresses

A bodycon dress, or “body conscious” dress, is a popular style of dress that is designed to show off your curves and your natural figure. A bodycon dress features close-fitting fabric and stretch materials, ensuring that the dress is comfortable as well as on trend.

When looking for a dress for any occasion, Kohl’s is the place to shop for a statement piece that elevates your look. Whether you’re looking for a bodycon dress, a maxi dress or a fit-and-flare dress, Kohl’s is sure to provide you with women’s dress options that easily work with your wardrobe.

Our Guide To Bodycon Dresses

What is a Bodycon Dress?

Bodycon dresses are typically made of a stretchy, jersey-like fabric. They are designed to show off your original figure. However, with the use of lighter materials, bodycon dresses make you feel more comfortable and relaxed while wearing them. 

Women of any shape or size can easily wear a bodycon dress, as they are precisely designed to trace your original silhouette without being too tight that it makes you feel uncomfortable.

How Does a Bodycon Dress Compare to Bandage & Sheath Dresses?

Other types of form-fitting dresses are available, and it’s important to know the difference between the types to know which one works best for you.

While bodycon dresses provide a close fit, bandage dresses provide an even closer fit that’s more like a second skin. Bandage dresses work to support and shape your curves, whereas bodycon dresses simply outline your figure. To offer that support, bandage dresses tend to be made of heavier materials, while bodycon dresses are lightweight and stretch with you as you move.

Sheath dresses are another style of dress that’s similar to bodycon dresses. While both dress types provide a form-fitting silhouette, sheath dresses are a bit more relaxed, and not as snug. Sheath dresses also tend to be made of woven materials that offer a little stretch, but not as much as a bodycon dress.

Bodycon Dress Styling Tips

How Long Should a Bodycon Dress Be?

Many bodycon dresses tend to fall around the knee or the midthigh. The most important thing is to find a look that you like! It’s common for bodycon dresses with lower necklines to offset that focus with a longer length, and vice-versa, so be sure to consider all aspects of your dress when creating your outfit.

What Type of Material is Best for a Bodycon Dress?

Typically, bodycon dresses are made from synthetic blends such as polyester, spandex and rayon, which all lend the garments their form-fitting silhouettes. This also means, though, that bodycon dress fabric can be on the thinner side. This is great for warmer weather, or for events where you’ll be moving around. Conversely, a bodycon dress crafted from a cotton blend is likely to be a little bit thicker and a bit warmer while still breathable and comfortable.

Can you Wear Shapewear with a Bodycon Dress?

Absolutely! Shapewear and body control garments fit underneath a bodycon dress, so use it with confidence.

Should You Wear Heels or Flats with a Bodycon Dress? 

Heels and pumps work well with a bodycon outfit because they work to accentuate your height along with the silhouette of the dress itself. That being said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing flats with a bodycon either.

Our 6 Favorite Bodycon Dresses This Season

1. Fall into Seasonal Style in a Women’s Nine West Turtleneck Bodycon Dress

Choosing a bodycon dress with a turtleneck design connects to transitional times of the year. This bodycon dress is a great option for these occasions, as it keeps you comfortable and stylish all year long.

The sleeveless design enhances the look. With a length that hits just below the knee, the dress offers coverage that’s ideal in many situations, making it a work-to-weekend essential.

2. Create a Casual Vibe in a Juniors’ SO® Strappy Bodycon Midi Dress

Dresses don’t always need to be strictly a formal wardrobe option. This juniors’ SO bodycon dress works as a versatile piece in your closet. It can be dressed up for special occasions or dressed down for wear when hanging out with friends on the weekend.

The squareneck design with spaghetti straps lends a classic look. A secure back elastic waistband, complete with a drawstring closure, guarantees an ideal fit. For a formal look, pair the dress with heels and jewelry. For a casual outfit, match it with canvas sneakers and a denim jacket. This dress is also available in plus size, ensuring you find the option needed for your body type.

3. Tie Your Formal Look Together with a Juniors’ Almost Famous Ruched Side-Tie Bodycon Mini Dress

When dressing for a special event, wear this juniors’ bodycon option from Almost Famous. It offers a sophisticated look that makes it perfect for a wedding, a formal dance and more.

The cowlneck with spaghetti straps offers immediate appeal that will make this dress a favorite. The side-tie drawstring helps you achieve the perfect fit and feel. Lastly, the satin construction lends an elegant, refined style that’s always in fashion.

Look for it in plus sizes as well.

4. Wrap Up Your Outfit with a Juniors’ Lily Rose Knotted Side-Wrap Bodycon Dress

Another style of bodycon dress to consider is a side-wrap dress. This juniors’ option from Lily Rose is ideal for wear when making an impression is important.

A V-neck silhouette with spaghetti straps provides classic appeal. The tulip hemline enhances the look. A side-wrap design with knot detailing brings it all together. It’s also available in plus sizes, ensuring you pick up the right option for you.

5. Make an Impression in a Nine West One-Shoulder Bodycon Dress

You’re sure to turn some heads in this women’s one-shoulder bodycon dress from Nine West. With this dress in your closet, you’re sure to be ready for any evening event where eye-popping style is essential.

The one-shoulder, asymmetrical neckline makes an immediate impact. A comfortable jersey construction means you feel as good as you look. Find it in plus sizes, too.

6. Immediately Elevate Your Look in a Juniors’ Almost Famous Ruched Front Drawstring Bodycon Dress

Step into style when you rock this cute juniors’ drawstring bodycon dress by Almost Famous. The ruched details and pullover design of this dress make it a fashionably easy option for those special occasions.

Two front drawstrings provide an ideal fit, as well as subtle style. The soft jersey construction keeps you always feeling great.

When getting ready for any occasion, shop the entire collection of women’s dresses at Kohl’s, and find the outfit essential you need to make an instant impact!