The Best Plus Size Formal Dresses For 2019
We’ve rounded up the chicest plus size evening dresses of the new year.
Half the fun in attending a formal event is dressing up, which means picking out the perfect dress. There are so many gorgeous plus size dresses out there for every style and event. If you're looking for a formal dress to wear for a wedding, a black tie evening, a cocktail party (or any other occasion, TBH), we have you covered. We rounded up some amazing plus size formal dresses that you will obsess over in the new year.
For cold weather events in the winter, turn to warmer (but still dressy) fabrics, like velvet. Velvet is popular this year (and every year), so the options are endless. Sequins are also a festive option for a party or a fall/winter wedding — a bit of shimmer is the easiest way to dress any garment up, no jewelry needed. Lace is also a favorite for special occasions. It's the ideal combination of sweet and sexy. Whether maxi, midi, or mini dresses are your thing, plus size designers are offering a range of gorgeous options — not to mention some swoon-worthy silhouettes. We hunted down classic vintage options that are nipped at the waist with a-line silhouettes (an eternally gorg shape for all women). We also found a plethora of options that are more body-hugging, like sheath dresses that will show off your curves (if that's more your style).
Keep reading to find the dress that will make your next evening out one to remember.
Jason Wu X ELOQUII Crepe Embellished Fit and Flare Dress
We are huge fans of Jason Wu, who is one of the new classic American designers. He produces well-made, timeless pieces that are polished and fresh. This Wu dress for Eloquii completely exemplifies that. It has a classic silhouette but boasts unexpected embellishments.
Shop the Jason Wu X Eloquii Crepe Embellished Fit and Flare Dress in Totally Black for $189.95 at Eloquii.
Lace Evening Dress with Pleated Skirt
Anyone who loves Kate Middleton's timeless style will die over this long-sleeve combination lace dress, and if you think it looks familiar, it does. It's quite similar to a white long-sleeve combination dress by Self Portrait that Kate wore to a movie premiere in London. This dress comes in both white and black, so if you're on the hunt for something to wear to a wedding, the black option will do the trick. For other events (any movie premieres in your future, perhaps?) the white one will do the trick.
Shop the Eloquii Lace Evening Dress with Pleated Skirt for $169.90 at Eloquii.
Lace Fit and Flare Midi Dress
Add a boudoir-inspired dress to your evening wear collection with this black lace fit and flare midi dress. We love the way its black lace is juxtaposed against a nude underlining, and those black sheer flutter sleeves are the perfect touch. Because it’s both nude and black, this is a dress that could work in any season. Just add tights in the winter for extra warmth, of course.
Shop the Lane Bryant Lace Fit and Flare Midi Dress for $89.95 at Lane Bryant.
Velvet and Satin Ruffle Swing Dress
This black velvet swing dress will work for almost any formal event during the colder months. It has a flattering v-neck, pretty satin flutter sleeves at each shoulder, a hidden back zipper, and a knee-length hemline that will look great on just about any frame. Trust us, it will end up being one of your go-to little black dresses (and in our opinion, you can never have too many of those hanging in your closet).
Shop the Lane Bryant Velvet and Satin Ruffle Swing Dress for $89.95 at Lane Bryant.
Curve Kimono Pleated Velvet Maxi Dress
Glamour girls, this one is for you. This kimono velvet maxi dress would look amazing paired with chandelier earrings for a wedding — especially in teal, to match the rich shade of this gorgeous gown. With a pleated skirt and winged sleeves, you will definitely make a statement. Plus, it's so much less expensive than you’d think.
Shop the ASOS Design Curve Kimono Pleated Velvet Maxi Dress for $87 at ASOS.
Paper Dolls Plus Bardot Crochet Dress with Fluted Sleeve
Love a bodycon dress? Try this charcoal crochet off-the-shoulder dress that hits right at the knees. It's lined throughout, but leaves skin peeking through in all the right places (like your neckline, arms, back, and hemline). This feminine dress is just revealing enough.
Special Occasion Black Sequin Skater Dress
We don’t know about you, but flirty, long-sleeve skater dresses have become a go-to of ours for daily wear (both for work and play). This dressed up, evening appropriate option is perfect for formal events, as it combines a soft black wrap top with a black sequin skirt. Pair it with black tights, a cute pair of black heels, and you will be good to go.
Burgundy Velvet Ruffle Wrap Dress
Holiday parties, winter weddings, a romantic night in: This adorable dress was made for every cozy occasion. In a festive, rich shade of burgundy, a beautiful velvet fabric, and a feminine surplice style, this dress is not to be passed up. We're obsessed with the pretty ruffle detail at its neckline, and basically everything else about this dress.
Nostalgic Dynamic Embroidered Dress
You can never go wrong with a black shift dress, especially one that's embellished with tan embroidery and pretty black beads. This one's sheer flutter sleeves, scalloped hemline, and scoop back are also interesting touches. Pair it with black t-strap heels and a red lip for a vintage-inspired look.
Through the Bluebells Lace Dress
A dreamy lace dress will never not be a good idea, especially if you're someone who loves the flower child aesthetic. This dress comes in green, red, and white, and you might want to stock up. It has a v-neck, wide, lacy angel sleeves, and it’s nipped at the waist to make you feel like an earth angel. Wear it with loose waves parted at the middle and you'll really look the part. There's one last thing that makes this dress amazing: It has hidden pockets!
Shop the Modcloth Through the Bluebells Lace Dress for $99 at ModCloth.
Lace Bodice Maxi Dress in Lagoon
This gorgeous jewel tone shade of blue goes perfectly with the regal style of this chic gown. It has a lace bodice, a layered floor-length skirt, a high neckline, and lace cap sleeves. Wear it with your hair up, a pair of stud earrings, and you will look every inch the polished, beautiful woman that you are.
Love Siren Dress
Show off your shoulders in this bold red dress, which features a halter neck, cutouts and ruffles at the shoulders, a nipped waist, and a faux wrap skirt. It’s sophisticated with just the right amount of flirt, and perfect to wear for a formal night out on the town.
Eliza J Lace Inset Gown
You can never go wrong with black, especially on a floor-length slim sheath gown with long lace sleeves. It has tasteful modern touches, like subtle shimmery sequins on the sleeves, and small lace cutouts at the waist. These small (but amazing!) features make this gown feel classic and conservative, yet youthful and fun.
Shop the Eliza J Lace Inset Gown with Sequin Mesh Sleeves and Jewel Neck for $268 at Nordstrom.
Adrianna Papell Beaded V-Neck Gown
We totally picture this Adrianna Papell dress worn at a formal wedding. It’s sophisticated and glamorous without being fussy. Plus, with its pretty color palette — from the cool shade of gunmetal to the intricate all-over beading — it's almost reminiscent of the night sky.
Xscape Metallic Embroidered Velvet Gown
This stunning long-sleeve gown has a black velvet skirt with a metallic bodice. Its gold embroidery, iridescent rhinestones, and fit make it a no-brainer.
Floral-Print Fit-and-Flare Dress
Ever since Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana started making feminine dresses with gorgeous red rose prints, we've been trying to find something similar with a much lighter price tag. Enter this White House Black Market Plus rose-printed dress, which combines a retro, 1950s-inspired silhouette with a beautiful, feminine floral print. We also love that subtle, super feminine sweetheart neckline. For the full Italian screen-siren effect (we’re thinking Sophia Loren), pair it with bold matte red lipstick, black winged cat eyeliner, and a touch of blush.
Embroidered Velvet Shift Dress
Although it has a simple silhouette, this short-sleeve shift dress from White House Black Market is anything but basic. In a rich teal velvet fabric with a tonal blue and teal floral embroidery, this dress (which also features delicate scalloped lace at the hemline) is ideal for a festive holiday party. It's season-appropriate without screaming "holiday."
Off-The-Shoulder Dip Hem Dress
This stunning mermaid-style body conscious dress will come in clutch for many occasions, but how perfect would it be for a country club wedding or seaside affair? The navy and white palette is perfect for spring and summer, and the off-the-shoulder neckline and white waistband contribute the perfect glamorous touches. Keep the navy and white theme going and pair it with strappy white sandals for a chic look from head to toe.
Shop the Quiz Curve Plus Off-the-Shoulder Dip Hem Dress for $59 at Lord & Taylor.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Scalloped Lace Dress
If you like an all-American look, this Lauren Ralph Lauren lace scalloped dress will do the trick. It's a solid option for weddings, cocktail parties, and you’ll be able to keep it in your closet for years and years to come. It's just the thing to pull out when you feel like you don’t have anything to wear (because we've all been there, many, many times).
Shop the Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Scalloped Lace Dress for $180 at Lord & Taylor.
We hope you love these dresses! Just so you know, Livingly may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.
