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, graduations 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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ASOS EDITION Curve volume flare sleeve Grecian cut out maxi dress in rust
Sizes: 18 - 30
Late summer and early autumn wedding guest dress conundrums are sorted thanks to ASOS’s Grecian cut dress. Made from soft, wrinkle-resistant lyocell, fluttery sleeves and a front skirt split mean you won’t overheat if we’re lucky enough to get an Indian summer.
Buy now £140.00, ASOS
M&S Collection Pure Cotton Checked Midi Shirt Dress
Sizes: 10 - 22
You won’t go far wrong with a gorgeous gingham print. This sweet green and white palette is perfect for darting around town in with short sleeves and a breezy skirt to keep the cool vibes flowing.
Buy now £35.00, M&S
Monsoon Sicily Spot Print Dress Black
Sizes: 8 - 24
One of Monsoon’s best-selling dresses of the summer, this simple spot print dress is the perfect piece for all kinds of occasions, from the races and weddings to supper with the parents. The retro look features a fit-and-flare skirt topped with a fitted bodice and hidden side pockets. Buy now, love forever.
Buy now £130.00, Monsoon
Erdem Gathered sequinned crepe de chine gown
Sizes: 8 - 22
Erdem’s elegant sequinned gown is fit for any red carpet-worthy event with glittering sequins that will catch in the light. It’s finished with red sequin floral bouquets, standing out against its pale pink backdrop. Exquisite.
Buy now £3695.00, Net-A-Porter
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
Monsoon Kaia cornelli dress blue
Denim is back on top in the fashion stakes, thanks to one Ms Knowles. Prepare to live in Monsoon's Western-style Kaia dress all spring long; the mid-blue and midi length flatter all shapes while the cornelli embroidery and an exposed zip keeps things interesting without creeping into Little House on the Prairie territory.
Buy now £85.00, Monsoon
LK Bennett Maud Neon Garden Print Organic Cotton One-Shoulder Dress
Sizes: 6 - 20
Accept every garden party invite that comes your way, safe in the knowledge that LK Bennett's floral print dress will see you through. The blue and green design is cut as a one-shoulder piece and comes with a coordinating belt to cinch in the waist.
Buy now £83.00, LK Bennett
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 £89.00, Never Fully Dressed
Hope & Ivy Arna Cotton Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Sizes: 10 - 28
Why pick one colour when you can have them all? This multi-hued midi is easy to finish with accessories thanks to the rainbow shades involved in the pattern. A sweetheart neck shows off a little skin, while the 100 per cent cotton keeps the whole show breathable, making it suitable for wearing in high temperatures.
Buy now £66.50, Simply Be
Monsoon Talia tea dress orange
Sizes: 8 - 24
Weddings, graduations, birthdays and the races; there's few special occasions this tea dress can't be worn. The generous sizing, empire line and blouson sleeves offer a flattering fit, while the floral print adds elegance and interest. Pair with straw coloured accessories.
Buy now £160.00, Monsoon
Zara Woman Embroidered Midi Dress
Sizes: XS - 2XL
If there’s any time of year to wear broderie anglais with abandon, it is summer. Channel wholesome girl-next-door vibes in this sleeveless midi made from 100 per cent cotton.
Buy now £69.99, Zara
Zara Collection Print Shirt Dress
Sizes: XS - 2XL
A dress to match a holiday state of mind, this cotton button-up piece is the perfect thing to slip into when you’re feeling pangs of wanderlust. Zara’s 2XL size can fit up to a size 20, but it’s best to check measurements before buying - or keep the receipt handy.
Buy now £55.99, Zara
