It’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 of 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.
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 upwards-riding hemlines. 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 Size Trailing Floral Woven Plunge Maxi Dress
Sizes: 18 - 24
Got a wedding to dress for? It is possible to find beautifully tailored options on the high street if you head to Karen Millen. Take this dress as a prime example: structured yet feminine with lace trims and sunset florals, it's a pretty look to wear for the 'I do's'.
Buy now £137.40, Karen Millen
Never Fully Dressed Dreaming In The Clouds Denim Dress
Sizes: 10 - 28
A good denim dress is an easy throw-and-go option when you're in a rush. NFD's offers a bit more decoration than usual with tropical-themed embroidery and a scalloped neck and hem in contrast indigo thread. One to wear practically everywhere.
Buy now £149.00, Never Fully Dressed
Monsoon Animal print dress black
Sizes: S - 2XL
It's a mob wife's world right now, and if you're up for embracing the look - miles more fun than 'clean girl' - then animal print is where its at. Leopard, though loved, is done to death. Change stripe with a chic zebra instead and rule the urban jungle.
Buy now £70.00, Monsoon
Reformation Le Marais Velvet Dress Es
Sizes: 18 - 26
A little black dress should be part of every woman's sartorial playbook. Reformation's velvet number is lifted with a hint of white at the bandeau neck, adding lightness to the look.
Buy now £348.00, Reformation
M&S Pure Cotton Printed Bardot Midaxi Beach Dress
Sizes: 8 - 24
Get ready for warm weather and long-awaited holidays in M&S's uber-chic beach midaxi. It's perfect for hot climes as it's made from cotton while the full sleeves and bardot neckline offer classic appeal. Team with sandals and a wide-brimmed floppy hat.
Buy now £39.50, M&S
Boden Smocked Waist Shirt Dress
Sizes: 6 - 22
There's nothing like a crisp blue and white-striped dress to feel like spring is on its way. Manifest warmer weather and bluer skies in Boden's shirtdress. The long sleeves shield against chilly weather, while the 100 per cent cotton means it'll remain breathable as the mercury rises.
Buy now £125.00, Boden
ASOS DESIGN Curve ruched long sleeve plunge crinkle beach maxi dress in khaki
Sizes: 22 - 28
Dial up the glamour whether you’re on a beach or at a five-star resort with this crinkle maxi dress. The perfect outfit to throw on and go over a one-piece or bikini, it’ll look as good in the sun as it will dancing into the wee hours.
The low-v neck is super flattering while the thigh-high split offers a sexy flash of skin without being OTT. Add some gold jewellery and stylish flats, and you’re good to go.
Buy now £32.50, ASOS
Little Mistress Sequin Velvet Wrap Dress
Sizes: 22 - 26
Lots of wrap dresses fall to midi length, but when you want to turn up the heat and show off your pins - only a mini will do. This frock is made for partying with velvet and sequins ensuring you shine from dusk to dawn. The long floaty sleeves balance out the dramatic neckline and hemline so you won’t look out of kilter. Add some heels and you’re good to go.
Buy now £66.50, Simply Be
Chi Chi London Plus Size V Neck Floral Wrap Midi Dress in Multi
Sizes: 22 - 26
In need of a semi-formal frock for a big event? Chi Chi London is an excellent port of call with plenty of options in the plus-size department. This satin-look wrap dress adds a bright floral print to the look which is both celebratory as well as distracting from lumps and bumps you might feel self-conscious about. Fluttery sleeves balance out the long skirt, which skims the shins.
Buy now £56.25, Chi Chi London
Flounce London Plus long sleeve mini wrap dress in hot pink sequin
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 £27.00, ASOS
ASOS EDITION Curve sequin wrap mini dress in white sequin
Sizes: 22 - 28
Take your fashion cues from the Princess of Pop, Kylie Minogue and make a play for this white sequinned wrap dress, made for Spinning Around under disco balls. The glam look comes with a matching tie belt and spacious balloon sleeves with nipped-in cuffs.
A little commotion, please, for this stunner.
Buy now £130.00, ASOS
Ulla Popken Colorful Rainbow Print Wrap Look Midi Dress
Sizes: 16 - 38
If this dress could speak, it would yell “party time!”. Streaked with candy-coloured hues and finished with a fun frilled hemline, this wrap is what to reach for when you’ve got a big party beckoning in the calendar. The tie-waist is adjustable while fluted sleeves give the silhouette 70s appeal.
Buy now £120.00, Ulla Popken
