Best plus size dresses: maxi, party and evening dresses for curvy women

Dressings for curves isn’t as tricky as it once was. The weird bunching and gapes of the past have been replaced by designs that flatter and celebrate a larger silhouette.

In fact, there are hundreds of options right here on the digital high street, all suited for work, play and everything in-between. If you’re a serial snooze-button hitter (guilty as charged), you’ll know nothing is sartorially simpler than chucking on a dress when you’re rushing out of the door in the morning.

A complete outfit in one, the right piece can take you from the boardroom to the bar, look cute for your weekend schedule or turn heads at that big party coming up in your calendar.

From minis to midis and maxis, whatever you have on the cards, our edit of the best plus size dresses to bag right now has you covered.

Credit cards at the ready…

ASOS Edition Curve extreme sleeve sequin mini dress

Sizes: 16 - 30

Paint the town (tomato) red and claim the dance floor in this stunning kimono-sleeved mini, finished with thousands of shimmering sequins.

image

£165 | ASOS | Buy it now

Shop all ASOS Curve dresses

Pink Clove Black Bell Wrap Leopard Midi Dress

Sizes: 16 - 28

They say a leopard never changes her spots, and why should she when her pattern is so pretty? The new neutral, this animal print midi is an ideal look for those days when you want formal with a side of flair.

image

£21.60 | Pink Clove | Buy it now *On sale from £36

V by Very Curve Angel Sleeve Viscose Midi Dress - Ditsy Print

Sizes: 14 - 26

Whether you're looking to inject spring vibes into your work or weekend wardrobe, this pretty floral midi will do the trick. Finished with floaty angel sleeves, a keyhole back and an elegant slit over the left leg.

image

£32 | Very | Buy it now

image
  • Read more

10 best plus size raincoats and jackets for women

Chi Chi Curve Analyn Dress​

Sizes: 18 - 26

For a label known for its decent range of plus sizes, Chi Chi London certainly doesn't disappoint. This gorgeous midi length dress works well for a range of events from meetings to first dates. Just add a statement necklace and heels.

image

£55 | Chi Chi London | Buy it now

See all plus size dresses from Chi Chi London

New Look Curves Black Leather-Look Wrap Mini Dress

Sizes: 18 - 32

There's no reason to shy away from the latest trends - as long as its cut right for curves. Embrace the leather-look with this mini from New Look's in-house collection.

Cinched in with a belt, it's an outfit that means business.

image

£25.99 | New Look | Buy it now

Shop all plus size dresses at New Look


Simply Be wrap front midi dress with angel sleeves in gold shimmer

Sizes: 16 - 32

A flattering dress that's perfect for a big night out, this shimmery sleeved number makes the most of your curves. Add statement earrings or a belt to ramp up the glamour.

image

£35 | ASOS | Buy it now

Neon Rose Tiered Floral Print Midi Dress

Sizes: 14 - 26

The next time you think you have 'nothing to wear' you'll be glad you bagged this bright and breezy short-sleeve midi in your online shopping basket.

image

£39 | Simply Be | Buy it now

Maxi dress with ruffle hem in leopard print​

Sizes: 18 - 24

Nod to the incoming season in this lightweight leopard print dress with a ruffle hem.

image

£79 | ASOS | Buy it now

Curvissa Breton Stripe Dress

Sizes: 14 - 28

Plus size isn't an afterthought at Curvissa, it's the main focus. Designed exclusively for the curvy woman, all pieces range from 14 up to 32.

You can't go wrong with a Breton stripe, especially at the weekend. This knee-length dress features monochrome stripes and a preppy white collar.

image

£27.99 | Curvissa | Buy it now

H&M+ Chiffon dress

Sizes: 3XL, 4XL

With more than a little Rixo-style about it, this floaty chiffon number from H&M's plus collection is the effortless style statement your wardrobe has been looking for. Pair with a light knit for cooler Spring days.

image

£34.99 | H&M | Buy it now

Shop all H&M+ dresses

Anna Scholz Metallic Georgette Short Sleeve Boho Dress

Sizes: 16 - 28

Sure it's on the pricier side, but we're yet to find anything that comes close to the magic of this star-print maxi by plus size designer Anna Scholz. Made in 100 per cent polyester.

image

£225 | Anna Scholz | Buy it now

Violeta Midi Floral Dress

Sizes: 14 - 22

You may think black is slimming, but it can wash out paler complexions. Get the same effect with dark shades like plum and navy without that stark look. This lined shift dress is perfect for wearing when the seasons are in flux thanks to the airy flared skirt and full length sleeves.

image

£79.99 | Mango | Buy it now

Shop all Violeta dresses

Bimba Women’s Blue Denim Shirt Dress

Sizes: 10 - 26

On the hunt for the perfect denim dress? Stop the search, because we've found it at Amazon. The ultra-flattering A-line design features three-quarter length sleeves and a front button opening to the waist. Available up to size 26, there is also an option for custom sizing to ensure you get the perfect fit.

image

£25.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

See all plus size dresses from Amazon

Plus Equals The Eye Spy Dress

Sizes: 14 - 42

Keep all eyes on you on your next big night out in this kooky Bardot dress. Looks best under the sparkling light of a disco ball.

image

£75 | Plus Equals | Buy it now

See all plus size dresses from Plus Equals

Annalisa Checked Maxi Dress

Sizes: 14 - 30

Keep the sleeves on this monochrome check dress down for cooler days and roll back once the mercury rises. That's the beauty of this dress, it's so versatile.

image

£79 | Navabi | Buy it now

Studio 8 Althea Embroidered Dress

Sizes: 16 - 26

Get the blues in the most stylish way possible with this pretty party dress.

image

£79 | Phase 8 | Buy it now *on sale, was £160

See all plus size dresses from Phase 8

Zara Black Pleated Mini Dress

Sizes: 16 - 20

Our love/hate affair with Spanish retailer Zara can finally come to an end now that the store has begun releasing pieces in a XXL (it previously didn’t go past XL, comparable to a UK14).

Depending on the cut and volume of the dress, we reckon it could fit up to a size 20. Make no mistake, there’s still LONG way for Zara to go when it comes to plus size fashion, but this is an encouraging fashionable step forward in the right direction.

The SS20 collection is full of fun whimsical dresses to see in the new season and beyond. Our fave? This date night-ready LBD which comes with a ruffled high neck and full sheer sleeves.

image

£29.99 | Zara | Buy it now

Don’t have time to trawl through the website for the right size? Find the best Zara dresses currently in XXL below – you’re welcome.

Read more

25 Best plus size clothing brands and websites