12 PLUS SIZE OCCASION DRESSES
Finding a dress to wear to a wedding or any special occasion is stressful, but if you’re plus sized?! Forget about it - it is SO hard, and I don’t think people talk about it enough! I tried on and reviewed 12 plus size occasion dresses, perfect for the wedding guest who’s looking to feel comfortable and confident! Below you’ll find my full reviews on each dress, and whether or not I think they’re worth the spend. As a reminder, I am 5’8 and typically wear a size 18W, sometimes a 20W. I am more of an apple shape, with an apron belly and flatter booty. I am also higher waisted, leaving my torso longer.
I found all of these at Nordstrom, which historically I feel has always had the best formal occasion plus size dress options online. You’ll see there’s one dress that is sold out from Nordstrom, but I was able to find it on a few other sites and I’m so excited about that!
I’ve also gathered my favorite undergarments here!
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If you want to see these dresses in action and how they move, make sure you watch the video here!
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: SIZE UP IF YOU’RE BUSTIER IN THE CHEST, OTHERWISE IT RUNS TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? DAYTIME WEDDING, EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL), DRESSY SPRING OCCASION, ANY COCKTAIL ATTIRE
I was so bummed that the snap of this Sam Edelman dress popped immediately, but other than that I loved it! I am a 42DD so if you’re in that range or higher I’d consider sizing up! I love the colors of this dress and think it’s perfect for so many spring occasions! I am wearing the 2X, for reference.
2. DRESS (18W) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? DAYTIME WEDDING, EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL), DRESSY SPRING OCCASION, ANY COCKTAIL ATTIRE
This dress was SO FUN the moment I put it on! I felt almost, I don’t know… whimsical in it! The sleeves and the movement are a vibe, for sure. It also comes in a beautiful pink color that I would love as well! It runs true to size and I am in the 18W, for reference.
3. DRESS (2X) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL), GALA/EVENT (COCKTAIL), MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, WEDDING GUEST, WEDDING PARTY, ANY MORE FORMAL EVENING COCKTAIL EVENT
This dress is beautiful and so elegant. I love the color, and it comes in so many more! The detail of the lace is fantastic and the fit is so incredibly comfortable. I am new to this brand, Kiyonna, but as you’ll see, I am a superfan. By the way, I wouldn’t probably wear these shoes with this, although I don’t mind it… I just had them on during this try on and wasn’t paying attention! This dress runs true to size and I’m wearing the 2X, for reference.
4. DRESS (2X) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL), GALA/EVENT (COCKTAIL), MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, WEDDING GUEST, WEDDING PARTY, ANY MORE FORMAL EVENING COCKTAIL EVENT
When I ordered this, I didn’t realize how much of an antique vintage vibe it has but I love it so much! The lace detailing is impeccable and I felt SO GOOD in this dress. Highly recommend! It runs true to size, and I’m in the 2X, for reference. Another Kiyonna win!
5. DRESS (M/18W) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL), GALA/EVENT (COCKTAIL)
This dress BLEW MY MIND. I was not expecting to love it so much, but OH MY!!! It fit my body SO incredibly well. This would be perfect for an evening wedding with cocktail attire, or any fancy cocktail occasion. It runs true to size and I’m in the “medium” - keep in mind, Citi Chic uses a different sizing system as follows: XXS=12W, XS=14W, S=16W, M=18W, L=20W-22W, XL=22W-24W, XXL=24W-26W
These shoes are from Lane Bryant and I love how subtle they are! They’re wide width, too. (FYI I do not have a wide foot, but these do okay on me… even though they are a little loose).
6. DRESS (18W) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? DAYTIME WEDDING, EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL), GALA/EVENT (COCKTAIL)
This dress! I wasn’t sure about this color at first, but I actually really like it. It comes in other colors as well so make sure you check it out! I am surprised that this fit actually worked on my body, because so often it doesn’t! I loooooved this. I am wearing the 18W, for reference. Also, clearly this needs to be steamed - whoops!
7. DRESS (18W) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: A LITTLE GENEROUS ON TOP, TRUE ON BOTTOM
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL or FORMAL), GALA/EVENT (FORMAL)
I wanted to love this dress so much, but the fit just wasn’t right for me! The top was too big. I love the color, and it actually comes in black as well! I am a 42DD for reference and am wearing the 18W here.
8. DRESS (2X) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? DAYTIME OR EVENING WEDDING (COCKTAIL or FORMAL), GALA/EVENT (FORMAL), ANY SPRING DRESSY OCCASION
I’m not usually a fan of sleeves like this but I loved this dress! It fit and felt incredible, and it also comes in black! It runs true to size and I’m in the 2X. This is one of those unicorn dresses you could wear to a formal wedding for sure but you also could dress it down for more of a daytime wedding look!
9. DRESS (2X) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (FORMAL), GALA/EVENT (FORMAL)
This DRESS… omg. It is like a dream come true, as silly as that sounds. Apparently I’m not the only one who felt this way, because it’s already sold out from Nordstrom. I was able to find it here, here, and here though! All available in different size ranges and on sale, so grab it while you can!
I’m telling you… a plus size long formal gown with sequins that hugs you in all the right places and makes you feel like an actual princess IS VERY HARD TO FIND!!!! I can think of so many places I would have worn this to! It runs true to size, and I am in the “medium” size 18W, for reference. Citi Chic uses a different sizing system as follows: XXS=12W, XS=14W, S=16W, M=18W, L=20W-22W, XL=22W-24W, XXL=24W-26W
10. DRESS (2X) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE, slightly generous
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (FORMAL), GALA/EVENT (FORMAL), MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
This dress is beautiful and honestly, elegant. It also comes in black which I LOVE. It has a bit of a vintage vibe and I love it so much. Can definitely see anyone wearing this to a formal wedding, but also I think it’s my favorite Mother of the Bride dress option out of this bunch! I think it runs a little generous, but you’d do okay in your regular size. I am wearing a 2x, for reference.
11. DRESS (2X) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE, slightly generous
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (FORMAL), GALA/EVENT (FORMAL), MOTHER OF THE BRIDE, WEDDING PARTY, FORMAL WEDDING GUEST
This one is ANOTHER WINNER - for real, this will never go out of style. Not only that, but it fits well and has POCKETS! Yes, pockets. I am wearing the 2X, for reference. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
12. DRESS (18) | SHOES
SIZING RECOMMENDATION: TRUE TO SIZE
WHERE TO WEAR? EVENING WEDDING (FORMAL), GALA/EVENT (FORMAL), WEDDING PARTY, FORMAL WEDDING GUEST
Alright, I’ve been eyeing these Mac McDuggal dresses for years and wondering if they’d ever fit my body right. I took the plunge just this review, and I was pleasantly surprised! The only note I have is that the top was too big and exposing my chest, but really all it would need is a little snap which is easy to add. This is the priciest brand I’ve featured, and unfortunately it is extremely hard to find well fitting long, formal, sequined gowns like this without breaking the bank. If you are looking for something like this, it’s definitely worth a try!