I
t’s the question we find ourselves asking most mornings: what to wear today?
The answer is almost always a dress. Forgiving and flattering on all body shapes, a great frock (or three) should always be waiting in the wings in everyone’s wardrobe.
In design terms dresses are nearly perfect (although most of them could do with more pockets), offering an entire outfit in one piece.
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There’s a style to suit every taste and flatter every body, and the selection is only becoming more exciting as more brands and designers actively make their collections more size-inclusive instead of just offering a separate collection for plus size shoppers.
British high street sizing charts categorise a dress size 18 and above as plus size. Making dresses for curvier shoppers isn’t simply a case of sizing up the existing collection. It’s about designing specifically with a plus size customer in mind, from the initial sketch to investing in plus size fit models for toiles that address concerns and preferences.
While some designer brands offer extended sizes, the vast majority can be found on the high street with price tags to match – welcome news for your bank balance.
To that end we’ve rounded up the best frocks for every occasion this season, from garden parties and BBQs to formal looks for the office and big events like weddings and birthdays.
Bid farewell to baggy sacks masquerading as dresses, gaping chest areas and tugging hemlines down over hips. Our haul of the best dresses to buy right now will mean you’ll never look forlornly into your wardrobe again.
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Karen Millen Plus Structured Crepe Forever Midi Dress
Karen Millen
Sizes: 18 – 24
Karen Millen has always managed to get office and occasionwear right, one of the reasons everyone from Kate Middleton to Eva Longoria love the brand so much. If you’re looking for a cheerful dress to add to your workwear rotation, we love this light crepe midi dress in egg-yolk yellow. The clean lines and structure are perfect for formal settings while the capped sleeves means you won’t overheat in rising temperatures.
Buy now £159.20, Karen Millen
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ASOS DESIGN Curve washed satin volume sleeve midaxi dress in abstract print
ASOS
Sizes: 16 – 30
Bold washes of colour on a light and airy silhouette – what’s not to love? ASOS’s design is so easy to wear whatever day of the week. The scoop back exposes just the right level of skin to remain appropriate. We’ll wear it with white trainers down the pub for a slap-up Sunday roast.
Buy now £50, ASOS
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Boden Sweetheart Linen Midi Dress
Boden
Sizes: 6 – 22
Sweetheart necklines are endlessly flattering on all body shapes, but especially for anyone who takes a plus size, framing the chest in a flattering silhouette. This black midi dress features the cut and comes in breathable linen, the perfect fabric to wear in summer as well as during transitional weather. If it’s still cold out, add warmth with a cosy cropped cardi and thick denier tights.
Buy now £84, Boden
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Never Fully Dressed Summer Check Wrap Dress
Never Fully Dressed
Sizes: 6 – 26
Spring is the season for florals (obvs) and wholesome checks in bright colours. NFD nails the brief with this wrap dress that comes with an extra flounce for an extra element of fun. We like the idea of pairing with bold contrast colours to really make your OOTD sing.
Buy now £99, Never Fully Dressed
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Monsoon Print heritage embroidered heritage smock dress black
Monsoon
Sizes: S – 2XL
Black may be a safe bet, but you can add colour and pattern to your look to mix things up. If you’re looking for a sartorial spring refresh, this embroidered smock has plenty of elements to keep things interesting. You can dress it up or down according to temperatures and the lighweight feel means it’s perfect for taking on holidays too.
Buy now £59, Monsoon
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ASOS DESIGN Curve 2 piece off shoulder pencil wrap tuck faux feather midi dress in sage
ASOS
Sizes: 16 – 28
Got a wedding in the diary? Feel glamorous in the photos in this faux leather and feather pencil dress that’s ready to party on the reception dance floor.
Buy now £80, ASOS
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Erdem Evie Dress Brealey Linen
Erdem
Sizes: 6 – 22
Prairie-style with a pinch of Erdem edge, this cotton poplin dress hits all the right style notes for spring. Patterned in an Old Masters-style floral print the ruffled shoulders add structure to the shoulders while the stretch waist pinches you in at your smallest. We love it most for the generous hidden pockets in the side seams.
Buy now £995, Erdem
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Boden Tiered Tulle Maxi Dress
Boden
Sizes: 6 – 22
When you want to feel princess-like, this tiered dress from Boden hits the mark. It comes in a dark blue hue that’s as flattering as black. Add heels and accessories and feel ready to go to the ball.
Buy now £119, Boden
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Warehouse Plus Satin Colour Block Column Midi Dress
Warehouse
Sizes: 18 – 24
For a sleek, frill-free look that you don’t often see in plus size, head to Warehouse where you’ll find this column dress that promises to stand out in wedding snaps. With a block streak of coloured satin on the front and black on the reverse, it’s an edgy look that will work well for city centre dos.
Buy now £47.20, Warehouse
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Reformation Danika Dress Es
Reformation
Sizes: to 3XL
Shift into workmode with help from Reformation. It’s burgundy-coloured dress is as smart for the boardroom as it is for post-work drinks in the bar. Falling to midi length and with a collared neckline, it’ll make you look your finest.
Buy now £278, Reformation
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ASOS DESIGN Curve viscose sweetheart neckline split front midi dress in lemon print
ASOS
Sizes: 16 – 30
When life gives you lemons, what else is there to do but use them as a print for your new season dress? There are no sour notes in this design which pairs a sweetheart neckline with a thigh split. Fun in the sun, all but guaranteed.
Buy now £36, ASOS
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Monsoon Hattie embellished wrap dress blue
Monsoon
Sizes: 8 – 24
A wrap dress is one of the easiest styles to carry off. Monsoon’s version, named Hattie, comes in beautiful blue with an embellished gauze overlay that’s hard to say no to. It’s pretty enough to wear with just a sliver of accessories, but a nice pair of heels and dainty clutch bag are essential extras.
Buy now £105, Monsoon
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Rixo June in Tomato Palm
Rixo
Sizes: 6 – 20
The cult fashion brand offers fancy frocks in UK sizes 6 to 20. With a square neck and flared skirt, the June cut is ideal for attending summer and Indian summer nuptials. The tomato palm print is a timeless look that won’t date, so you can whip it out for warm weather events when the occasion calls.
Buy now £275, Rixo
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Monsoon Annalissa sequin midi dress black
Monsoon
Sizes: 8 – 24
A sweetheart neckline is one of the most flattering styles, especially for those with bigger busts to consider. This showstopper from Monsoon shows off a comfortable amount of skin, balanced with floaty 3/4 length sleeves and a swishy midi skirt made for twirling across dancefloors. The sleek black stays within comfort zones but is ready to party with gold-coloured sequin embellishments, dotted from head to toe.
This design is part of Monsoon’s S.E.W Sustainable line which uses mindful materials that are kinder to the environment and have a lower environmental impact.
Buy now £65, Monsoon
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ASOS EDITION Curve broderie blouson sleeve midi dress with contrast embroidery
ASOS
Sizes: 16 – 30
Play Little House of the Prairie in this high-necked dress finished with broderie anglaise in a contrast navy stitch. The full sleeves and midi length are perfect for end-of-summer days and early autumn weddings.
Buy now £72, ASOS
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Reformation Juliette Dress Es
Reformation
Sizes: 18 – 24
Live a Dolce Vita summer all year round in Reformation’s lovely floral print dress which comes with a thigh-high split to give your pins some breathing (not to mention dancing) room.
The form-fitting dress runs on the smaller side, so opt for a size up if you’re not sure what’s right for you.
Buy now £278, Reformation
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ASOS DESIGN Curve off shoulder fold wrap pleat midi dress in red
ASOS
Sizes: 24 – 30
Serving night the opera vibes from Pretty Woman, this off-shoulder midi dress is making a serious case to jump right into your online basket, especially if you have a glam reception to head to soon. One for guests comfortable making a statement, it would be a big mistake to miss out. Huge.
Buy now £42.50, ASOS
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Rixo Melanie dress in Leopard Spot
Rixo
Sizes: 6 – 24
Rixo’s entry into plus size dressing has come just in time for party season – and we couldn’t be happier. The cult dresses are now made for a more inclusive audience and top of our list is this mixed pattern midi, fusing two of our favourites together – velvet and an animal print. There’s no way you can have anything but fun in this frock.
Buy now £335, MyTheresa
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Lovedrobe Luxe Plus pleated satin midi dress with twist back detail in navy
Lovedrobe
Sizes: 18 – 32
Midnight blue is a winning alternative to black and teamed here with an Empire cut (under the chest, the smallest part of any body), offers an elegant take on party dressing. Vertical pleats help to lengthen the body, drawing the eye downwards. Although it has a slight sheen, it’s a plain look which means you can go to town on the accessories.
Buy now £105, ASOS
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Monsoon Zoey embellished star midi dress in recycled polyester black
Monsoon
Sizes: 8 – 24
Channel fireworks at each and every gathering in your diary with this star sequinned party dress available at Monsoon. Featuring a mesh overlay on top of a black slip, the short sleeved dress falls to midi length and will look best paired with heels.
Buy now £75, Monsoon
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Flounce London Plus long sleeve mini wrap dress in hot pink sequin
Flounce London
Sizes: 18 – 22
Stop traffic in this hot pink mini that has party time written all over it. The wrap style cuts across the chest, minimising the look of larger boobs while the full length sleeves offer welcome balance.
Buy now £60, ASOS
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