A good dress goes a long way. It’s a complete outfit in one and makes you look polished even though they’re effortless.
They can be worn alone with a pair of sandals in the summer or paired with tights and a cropped jumper when the weather gets cold. Is it any wonder most of us think of them as the ultimate wardrobe hero?
For women with curves in particular, they’re an easy choice for everyday wear as well as an instant go-to for occasion dressing. No squeezing into separates and wondering if you’re coordinated: choose the right frock and it will do all the hard work for you.
Minis and midis undoubtedly have their benefits, but a maxi is a great option for the moments you want to feel elegant and elevated- quite literally as the longer length will help to make you look taller. They’re also a safe length for places like the office and holidays in countries where modest clothing is the norm.
Whether you’re looking for new staples to boost your wardrobe ahead of the incoming season, or you’re seeking a knockout number for the wedding or big party coming up in your calendar, there are plenty of options to choose from.
We’ve rifled through the Internet’s digital racks to cherry-pick the best options to buy now.
Shop below
Rixo Lois Silk-Mix Midi Dress
Sizes: 16 - 26
Rixo London’s collab with London-based creative Abisola Omole has given plus-size wearers a wealth of new designs that are all begging to be added to basket. This all-black piece has a vintage appeal with a collar and five buttons on the bodice before the A-line skirt that drops to maxi length. The waist ties are adjustable so you can tighten or loosen them as suits you. Wear with brightly coloured footwear to break up all that black.
Buy now £265.00, Rixo
River Island Plus Silver Sequin Maxi Dress
Sizes: 18 - 28
Turn heads in this shimmering maxi number from River Island. The all-over sequins are broken up by floral appliques and fine chain embellishments to give it a twist from the usual mirrorball style.
Buy now £180.00, River Island
ASOS DESIGN Curve long sleeve crochet bodice satin maxi dress in black
Sizes: 18 - 30
Bringing together two of summer’s biggest trends - that is, crochet and the slip dress - this maxi is the perfect piece to reach for when the weather starts to take a turn. It’s also the sort of thing that will translate well from the office to after-work events. Style it like ASOS with gleaming metallic accessories.
Buy now £56.00, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Curve ruched long sleeve plunge crinkle beach maxi dress in khaki
Sizes: 16 - 30
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
ASOS DESIGN Curve plunge cami-waisted pleated maxi dress in red
Sizes: 16 - 30
Made for sipping cocktails somewhere hot and sunny, this tomato red maxi is dream packing fodder for your next trip away. The low neckline and side split allow you to flash your tan while still remaining modest enough for family functions. The straps are also adjustable for extra security if you’re pairing it with a strapless bra.
Buy now £58.00, ASOS
Little Mistress Plus Bridesmaids Bardot gathered maxi dress in mesh in blue
Sizes: 18 - 28
Whether you’re off to a wedding or a black-tie event, this elegant maxi with a thigh-high split will have you dressed for the occasion. The gathered bust offers structure while the full skirt drapes flatteringly as you walk. Channel Old Hollywood with red lips and hair in curls.
Buy now £95.00, ASOS
Karen Millen Plus Size Liquid Sequin Woven Halter Dress
Sizes: 18 - 24
For nights out and special occasions where you want to feel glamorous, reach for this stunning sequinned halter from Karen Millen. The warm rose gold hue is flattering on most complexions and the skirt falls to just above the ankle, making legs appear tapered. Wear with a strapless bra and wedges and feel red carpet-ready.
Buy now £45.00, Karen Millen
Religion Maxi Dress
Sizes: 12 - 24
An office-appropriate dress that you can also reach for at the weekend, the leopard print on this maxi gives it a timeless quality. The viscose shirt dress comes with a tie belt to cinch in the waist and add shape.
Buy now £105.00, Simply Be
COLLUSION Plus slash neck maxi dress in digi blur print in multi
Sizes: 20 - 30
A fun take on the 90s tie-dye trend, this full-length dress uses a digitised floral print to make a colourful splash in any wardrobe. Finish the grunge look paired with sandals or a pair of Docs.
Buy now £25.99, ASOS
Nasty Gal Plus Size Strappy Beaded Maxi Dress
Sizes: 18 - 26
This beaded frock is a year-round wonder, working for summer festivals as well as autumnal nights on the town - just add a biker jacket or a cardi.
Buy now £95.40, Nasty Gal
Mango Halter-neck open-back dress
Sizes: 4 -26
A pristine white maxi for a sleek no-fuss look. The halter style features an open back, making this a nice holiday wardrobe option. Also available in red.
Buy now £29.99, Mango
Rixo Abisola Strappy Knit Dress
Sizes: 6 - 26
Also from the Rixo London x Abisola Omole collab is this knit maxi with a geometric colour block bodice to add some fun to the full-length look. The wide straps mean it’s fine to wear with your usual bra while the scalloped trims add a pretty detail. Slip it on and get ready to strut your stuff.
Buy now £285.00, Rixo
Simply Be Navy Multi-Ways To Wear Maxi Bridesmaid Dress
Sizes: 16 - 32
Officially a bridesmaid dress, the dark tone of this dress means it can actually be worn after a wedding or to another big event altogether. The straps can be rearranged to alter the look to keep things looking fresh. Falling to ankle length, the stretchy polyester dress will look as good with flats as it will with heels.
Buy now £70.00, Simply Be
In The Style Plus exclusive volume sleeve wrap maxi dress in mixed spot print
Sizes: 18 - 28
Monochrome, in the right hands, can be just as dopamine-spiking as multicolour. In The Style has taken the two flagship neutrals and remixed them with a fun polka dot to add a twist to work wardrobes everywhere. The slightly artsy print smacks of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s painted pumpkins, a line you are welcome to use when the compliments inevitably come rolling in.
Buy now £55.00, ASOS
