We Found the Best Plus Size Dresses to Upgrade Your Wardrobe for Spring

Dresses are some of our favorite pieces in our wardrobe. While they’re an obvious go-to for more formal occasions like weddings and date nights, they’re also an effortless option for daily wear. Much like a romper, you don’t have to think about choosing a corresponding top and bottom when slipping into a dress. 

Shopping for plus size dresses means finding styles that not only offer an inclusive size range but also have lots of styling potential, allowing you to customize the fit when possible (we love a wrap dress for this reason) and easily layer pieces together for more coverage if that’s your preference. 

With this in mind, we set out to find the best plus size dresses, considering options that fit well, are comfortable for all-day wear, and have loads of versatility.

Best Plus Size Dresses Under $30

Amazon Essentials Women’s Surplice Dress

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

The Amazon Essentials Women’s Surplice Dress is another one of our favorite budget-friendly plus-size dress options. This under-$15 dress comes in sizes up to 6XL and is constructed from a lightweight and breathable rayon material with a timeless wrap silhouette. The style also comes in over 15 different colors and prints, so there are plenty of options to choose from based on your preference and the occasion.  

Sizes: XS-6XL | Materials: Rayon, elastane | Colors and Prints: 16 

Cider Floral Sweetheart Split Maxi Dress

Cider

Buy on Shopcider.com

For another budget-friendly option, we also love this dress from Cider, which has enough versatility to work for the office, as a wedding guest dress, or brunch with friends — it would even look so cute styled with a pair of sneakers for a more casual look. 

This maxi dress features puff sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder for styling versatility and a sweetheart neckline for an added shaping effect on the bodice. The skirt also has a high slit, which makes it easier to move in and much more breathable on those warm muggy days.

Sizes: 12-26 | Materials: Polyester | Colors and Prints: 3

Old Navy Waist-Defined Midi Dress

Old Navy

If you’re looking for the best plus-size dresses under $30, we adore this Old Navy Waist-Defined Midi Dress, which is currently on sale for $28. The dress is constructed from 100 percent cotton, comes in three adorable prints and in sizes up to 4XL with regular, tall, and petite fits available. We especially love the smocked waist-defining design with is not only flattering but offers plenty of stretch for added comfort.

Sizes: XS-4XL (regular, tall, and petite) | Materials: Cotton | Prints: 3

Best Plus Size Wedding Guest Dresses

Showpo Andrina Midi Dress

Showpo

Buy on Showpo.com

For a wedding guest dress that has especially low cost-per-wear potential, consider the Showpo Andrina Midi Dress. This dress features a corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline and the skirt drapes across the body in a wrapped manner. It’s available in seven different solid colors and boasts a midi length that makes it versatile enough for any season. 

Sizes: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Colors and Prints: 7 

Lulus Molinetto Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Lulus

Buy on Lulus

If you love the nap dress trend and want to wear a similar style to an upcoming wedding, consider the Lulus Molinetto Navy Blue Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress. This dress features a lace overlay with lots of ruffles waiting to flutter on the dance floor. With its floral lace and whimsical silhouette, it’s an excellent option for spring nuptials, and one of those dresses you can definitely repurpose for a tropical vacation. 

Sizes: XXS-3XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex, cotton, nylon | Colors and Prints: 5 

Baccal Maxi Wrap Dress

Baccal  

Buy on Baacal.com

The Baccal Maxi Wrap Dress is one of the most versatile options on our list, as it can easily be worn for a daytime wedding guest look, but also can be repurposed for other occasions like bridal showers, baby showers, brunches, and vacations. 

The dress is constructed from a lightweight and flowy poly material and has an extra-long waist tie that allows you to customize the fit to your preferences. It also features a true wrap closure — so it’s not restricting in any way — and fun puff sleeves for an added statement. 

Sizes: 1-5 | Materials: Poly | Colors and Prints: 7 

BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress

Anthropologie

Buy on Anthropologie

If you love the look of a classic slip dress and are looking for something a little dressier that you can wear to formal events, we love the BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress. Available in plus sizes 16 through 26, this satin dress is constructed from comfortable and breathable polyester material and features a cowl neckline with spaghetti straps that layer beautifully with a high-quality cardigan if you prefer more coverage. 

Sizes: 16-26 | Materials: Polyester | Colors and Prints: 8 

Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress Es

Reformation  

Buy on Reformation

The Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress Es is another one of our favorite plus size satin dresses. We love this option because it’s a versatile option that can work for special events — including as a spring wedding guest dress — and is also a great option for more formal date night settings.

The dress comes in sizes 14 through 24 and is constructed from a buttery, soft and lightweight silk charmeuse. It features a flattering wrap skirt silhouette, adjustable tie straps, and has a stretchy back detail that allows it to fit snugly in the bodice. Should you need any alterations done, Reformation offers them free of charge with purchase. 

Sizes: 14-24 | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Colors and Prints: 2 

Showpo Nandini Midi Dress

Showpo

Buy on Showpo.com

The Showpo Nandini Midi Dress features a modern spin on a timeless classic. This denim dress comes in sizes up to 16 and is constructed from a comfortable denim material in two washes. The short-sleeve dress features a slightly retro collar and a zipper closure that starts at the hem and ends at the neckline, making it ultra-easy to slip into, too. It’s versatile enough to wear with sandals, sneakers, or wedge heels and is an excellent base layer for a warm spring day. 

Sizes: 2-16 | Materials: Denim | Colors and Prints: 2

Showpo Willa Midi Dress

Showpo  

Buy on Showpo.com

The Willa Midi Dress from Showpo is one of our favorite plus size dresses for spring and summer wardrobes. Available in sizes up to 16, it is made from a comfortable and lightweight cotton fabric in six different colors options. It features a slip dress silhouette with a sweetheart neckline and a drawstring bodice that allows you to customize the fit, too.

Sizes: 0-16 | Materials: Cotton | Colors and Prints: 6 

Best Plus Size Work Dresses

Eloquii Flare Tweed Mini Jumper

Eloquii 

Buy on Eloquii.com

We love the Eloquii Flare Tweed Mini Jumper as a work dress because it has so much styling potential. The dress is constructed from a polyester non-stretch tweed material in a contrasting black and white pattern. It features a square neckline and back with a timeless fit and flare silhouette. You could wear it on its own with a pair of black tights and heels, pair it with a blazer for more coverage, and even layer it on top of a turtleneck bodysuit for a preppy feel. 

Sizes: 14-28 | Materials: Polyester | Colors and Prints: 1 

Lane Bryant Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress

Lane Bryant

Buy on Lanebryant.com

The Lane Bryant Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress is another excellent option for the office. This plus size work dress features a silhouette inspired by a button-down shirt with a structural collar and sleeves. Constructed from a stretchy cotton material, the shirt dress features a cinched waist with a matching tie belt for added styling, and a more custom fit. We love this option because, in addition to its office-friendly style, it features a trendy illustrative floral print that is great for spring and summer.  

Sizes: 12-28 | Materials: Cotton, elastane | Colors and Prints: 1 

Good American Belted Body Dress

Good American 

Buy on Goodamerican.com

If you love the look of a knitted dress, we recommend adding the Good American Belted Body Dress to your work wardrobe. This sweater dress comes in sizes up to 5XL and is constructed from the softest almost cashmere-like rib knit fabric.

Designed to hug the body and accentuate the waistline with a built-in wrap belt, this V-neck knit dress features slightly slouchy sleeves for a more casual yet still sophisticated feel. It has a lot of versatility and can be worn with heeled booties for a more dressed-up ensemble or with sneakers if you have a casual work environment. 

Sizes: 2XS-5XL | Materials: Viscose, polyester, nylon | Colors and Prints: 1

Nemidor Plus Size Boho Floral Print Casual Maxi Dress

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

For an easy spring or summer work dress for those especially warm days, consider this Nemidor plus size floral print maxi dress from Amazon. This casual dress features a comfortable scoop neckline, fluttery short sleeves, an elastic waistband and a ruffle hem skirt.

It has an effortless feel that you can easily pull on, whether you’re going into the office, have brunch plans, or need a versatile vacation dress. Available in sizes 14 through 26 and 17 different colors and prints, this dress is lightweight, breathable, and most ideal for a hot summer day — while still offering plenty of coverage.

Sizes: 14-26 | Materials: Polyester | Colors and Prints: 17 

Eloquii Mixed Stripe Ribbed Dress

Eloquii  

Buy on Eloquii.com

We also love the Eloquii Mixed Stripe Ribbed Dress, which features a bold design with contrasting black and white stripes on one side and colorful stripes on the other. Available in sizes 14 through 32, this dress is constructed from a stretchy cotton and acrylic blend yarn that is lightweight and breathable despite its sweater-like feel. Wear it on its own with a pair of comfortable sandals or a pair of loafers for the office, or layer it with a denim jacket and sneakers for more casual outings. 

Sizes: 14-32 | Materials: Cotton, acrylic | Colors and Prints: 1 

Best Plus Size Linen Dresses

Ellementree Short Linen Wrap Dress

Etsy

Buy on Etsy

One of the best ways to get the ideal dress fit is to work with a dressmaker who can take your exact measurements and create a personalized garment. Ellementree is a designer on Etsy who carries a variety of linen dress styles, including this shirt linen wrap dress, which is our personal favorite.

This style comes in an impressive 32 different colors, features a sleeveless wrap silhouette, and is hand constructed from a gorgeous linen material. While the seller offers sizes up to 4XL, there is an option to add custom measurements if you want a more personalized fit. 

Sizes: XS-4XL | Materials: Linen | Colors and Prints: 32 

Ulla Popken Sleeveless Button Front Linen A-Line Dress

Ulla Popken

Buy on Ullapopken.com

Go bold with the Ulla Popken Sleeveless Button Front Linen A-Line Dress. This garment is constructed from a lightweight linen blend that gives the construction a little more durability and helps prevent the wrinkles that so often come with a 100 percent linen garment.

Available in sizes 12 through 32, this dress comes in a bright Kelly green hue or a funky botanical print and features button detailing all the way down the bodice to the skirt. It’s an effortless dress style that will surely get tons of wear in the spring and summer months.  

Sizes: 12-32 | Materials: Viscose, cotton, linen | Colors and Prints: 2 

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Best Plus Size Exercise Dresses

Girlfriend Riley Sweetheart Dress

Girlfriend Collective 

Buy on Girlfriend.com

Girlfriend is one of our favorite brands for plus size athleisure — and their Riley Sweetheart Dress is at the top of our list for the best tennis dresses. This adorable workout dress is sustainably made from recycled plastic water bottles and spandex, designed for medium-impact activities, and has a built-in bra for added support.

Available in sizes up to 6XL and five different color options, the dress also has pockets on the inside of the shorts (so, in addition to being stylish, it’s actually functional for tennis) and a flexible yet compressive feel. 

Sizes: 2XS-6XL | Materials: Recycled plastic water bottles, spandex | Colors and Prints: 5 

The 28 Best Plus Size Bras of 2024

Halara Backless Cut Out Twisted Side Pocket Dance Dress

Halara

Buy on Thehalara.com

From tennis to the ballet bar, the Halara Backless Cut Out Twisted Side Pocket Dance Dress is another one of our favorite plus size tennis dresses. This option is available in 10 different colors and comes in sizes up to 4XL with both regular and long styles to choose from.

The dress features a cut-out racerback design for support and comfort, plus a chic twist-back detail for added style. It also has built-in shorts with pockets and a built-in bra with removable pads for more custom coverage. 

Sizes: XS-4XL in regular and long styles | Materials: Not listed | Colors and Prints: 10 

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Spanx The Get Moving Zip Front Easy Access Dress

Spanx 

Buy on Spanx

If you prefer a straight style tennis dress, consider the Spanx The Get Moving Zip Front Easy Access Dress. This dress comes in sizes up to 3XL and is constructed from a sweat-wicking and stretchy nylon material that is both flexible and compressive, providing a smoothing and sculpting finish.

The dress comes in three different colors (including classic white) and has a high neckline with a zip-up closure and free-cut hems to prevent digging. It also has a hidden back opening that makes it easier to remove when you have to use the bathroom, which is a major game changer when it comes to exercise dresses. 

Sizes: XS-3XL | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Colors and Prints: 3 

How to Pick the Best Plus Size Dresses

Styling Potential

When shopping for plus size dresses, Kam Throckmorton, a stylist with over 20 years of experience dressing plus size women, says to look for pieces you can layer and style in interesting ways. “If you fall in love with a sleeveless dress but feel more comfortable with your arms covered, layer it over a shirt or even another dress that has a complimentary sleeve,” she explains. “It shouldn’t be about covering your body but rather about ways you can create different looks with the limited offerings in the plus-size world.” 

Dressy vs. Casual 

Since there are more limited options when it comes to plus size dresses, Throckmorton also says not to get too caught up in labeling dresses as fancy or casual. Instead, consider styles that have a lot of versatility and allow you to dress them up or down. For example, the Eloquii Mixed Stripe Ribbed Dress from our best spring and summer dress category feels a bit more casual with a pair of slide sandals and a denim jacket layered on top. However, you can easily add a pair of heels — whether it be a stiletto pump or a wedge sandal — and style it with a clutch purse to make it feel a little more elevated for a night out. 

Consider Alterations 

It’s important to remember that dresses can be altered to meet your ideal fit and styling preferences. With this in mind, Throckmorton says don’t settle for something you don’t love. “As a plus-size woman myself and having spent a lot of time with plus-size women in dressing rooms, it’s easy to compromise and buy something you don’t love just because it fits,” she notes. 

Alterations are a great way to customize a piece that has potential but needs some customization to make it work for you. For example, if you love the structure of a blazer but get hot easily, Throckmorton says you can have the sleeves removed and make it a vest.

When considering alterations, it’s also worth considering the designs you like in straight sizes, and looking for the same qualities — like style or construction — in plus size. “With things like tailoring and styling, you can create the same look as brands that don’t offer plus sizes,” Throckmorton explains. 

Draping Effect

When trying on dresses, Throckmorton also recommends looking at the fabric draping, which can influence the overall fit and feel of a garment. “If something is meant to be flowy, make sure the fabric allows it to flow; If it’s meant to hug your curves, make sure the construction of the garment and the fabric give you the look you desire,” she explains. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most flattering dress for plus size? 

When considering dresses that are flattering on any body, Throckmorton says it’s all about symmetry. “Humans are attracted to symmetry, and the best way to achieve that with clothes is to highlight the smallest part of your body and then make sure your top and bottom appear the same size,” she explains, noting that the goal is to have a more balanced silhouette. 

In her 20-year career as a stylist, Throckmorton has worked with thousands of women and says that the most common body shape is an inverted triangle, which means the shoulders are wider than the hips. “Most women are shocked to learn the best way to balance that shape is to draw attention or create visual weight to their hips,” she notes. 

While there are several flattering dress styles for plus-size bodies, Throckmorton says the wrap dress is the most universally flattering. She says to look for one — such as the Baccal Maxi Wrap Dress or the Ellementree Short Linen Wrap Dress — that has some flexibility, allowing you to tie it either at the waist or a little higher, with some movement at the bottom. 

What is considered plus size for a woman? 

Unfortunately, there isn’t an industry standard for plus sizes, so this one is a bit tricky. For many brands, anything size 16 and up is considered plus size. However, some brands begin their plus size range at 12. In addition to numbered sizing, some brands carry alpha sizes with plus sizes ranging from XL through 6XL and greater. 

What dress trends are in style for spring 2024?

There are several popular dress styles for spring 2024. “I am seeing a lot of dresses that take up space and have movement,” says Throckmorton. She notes that these styles tend to have fabric that swishes when you walk and silhouettes that make you want to twirl. The Old Navy Short-Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress puts a more minimalistic spin on this trend and is an excellent option for daytime wear. We also love the Ulla Popken Sleeveless Button Front Linen A-Line Dress, which has plenty of that fabric swish while also balancing out the figure with a cinched waistline. 

Practicality is another popular trend for this season, and many are opting for an all-black monochrome look as a result. We love the Good American Belted Body Dress with a pair of black heels for the office. The Old Navy Short-Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress in black is another more spring and summer-friendly way to wear this trend. 

More illustrative floral prints — especially bolder styles — that feel hand-drawn are also popular this season. To get the look, we love the Ulla Popken Sleeveless Button Front Linen A-Line Dress in the navy blue botanical print, or the Lane Bryant Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress. 

Take Our Word For It 

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best plus-size dresses, Jessie reached out to Kam Throckmorton, a stylist with over 20 years of experience dressing plus-size women, for her insights and expertise. Through her conversation with Throckmorton, Jessie learned some styling tips for plus-size dresses that go beyond fit and size range. She also gained insight into some of the best dress styles for plus sizes and some of the trends worth considering this season. From there, Jessie researched dozens of dress options across multiple brands — including some of our favorite tried-and-true plus-size clothing companies like Lane Bryant and Eloquii — before narrowing down the top picks.

Meet Our Expert

Kam Throckmorton is a stylist with over 20 years of experience dressing plus-size women.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education