We have all experienced that panic of getting invited to a wedding, party, fundraiser, or other fancy/fancy-adjacent event and knowing you now have to find the right thing to wear. If you are plus size, you know that this panic is even more intense because finding casual clothes is challenging enough and now I have a dress code to adhere to?! It can be so stressful! But don’t worry — we are here to help!!

We are going to show you 3 levels of occasion looks on 3 different plus size bodies. For reference, here are our typical sizing details:

ASHLEY: 5’8 | 18W/20W | 2X | 42DD

JESS: 5’2 | 16P | 1XP | 38DD

CAROLINE: 5’7 | 26/28W | 4X | 50B

Before we get started, let’s break down the 3 most common occasion dress codes — this information is pulled from an article on www.brides.com (linked here)

Semi-Formal/Dressy Casual

Part of dressing for a semi-formal or dressy casual occasion is paying close attention to when the event will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are recommended, while light colors and airy fabrics work best for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats)

Cocktail

It's a balance between elegant and comfortable and fancy and pared-back. Instead of a floor-length dress, women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi look

Black Tie Optional/Formal

This dress code is slightly less formal than a black-tie event. For women, the outfit choices remain the same: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit

SEMI-FORMAL/DRESSY CASUAL

dress (B) | shoes | Strapless bra (42DD) | shapewear (3X)

This dress BLEW me away! I had no idea it would be so elevated but the fabric is beautiful!! It also has pockets, which is the best! I recently wore this to an evening dinner party but I absolutely think it would be perfect for a daytime or evening wedding. I typically wear a size B at Arula but sometimes in dresses I can do an A. I’m wearing this dress in a B but it was really loose in the chest, I definitely would have been better in the A! I paired it with my nude heels from Abercrombie which I’ve had for over a year and they still continue to be my favorite! This strapless is wonderful and fits great - I love Torrid so much for their bras! My Spanx shorts are an absolute must have for me, they’re like wearing a slip but with shorts!  I’m wearing the 3X and I love how these are basically like slip shorts.. comfortable with very light level of compression and they prevent chafing! Don’t forget, you can use code ASHLEYDXSPANX for a discount on full-price Spanx items at checkout!

TOP (XL) | SKIRT (X) | SHOES

I’m not always the biggest fan of dresses because navigating length can be such a challenge,  so when I can I LOVE finding a good skirt and top to style!  This skirt was EVERYTHING, when I saw it hanging in the store I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.  I’m wearing the X here because it’s all they had and it fits comfortably for wear but I wouldn’t mind sizing up to the A for a little extra length and movement! This top is actually a tee from Abercrombie but it’s the same material and fit as one of their bodysuits which are me and Ash’s absolute FAVORITES! And these shoes are just the most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned, I feel like my inner 60s vixen comes out every time I put them on and I never hate that vibe!

DRESS | RECOMMENDED SHOES

When I saw this 3/4 Sleeve Flounce-Hem Midi Dress on Lane Bryant’s website, I knew it would be perfect for a Dressy-Casual event dress! I got the rose floral print, which I think will be perfect for a fall daytime wedding! There’s also a white version with pink, burgundy, and blue flowers that would be so great for a bride to wear to a wedding shower or any guest to wear to a baby shower! And if you’re not feeling a print, it also comes in a solid blue! Because it’s Lane Bryant, you know that there are going to be great sizing options. This dress comes in sizes 12-28 and in Regular, Petite, and Long length options. I got mine in a size 28 Regular, and it fits great! I have a slightly smaller bust, so there is a bit of room in the chest, but it doesn’t bother me at all - I could have gotten a 26 for a more fitted look. The biggest pleasant surprise when I unboxed this dress was feeling the fabric — it’s a luxe satin, so it feels really expensive and fancy. I also love that Lane Bryant regularly does sale promotions, so you’ll likely be able to get it at a discount! I didn’t have any currently available shoes on-hand for this try-on, so here is a pair I would recommend with this look!

COCKTAIL

DRESS (XXL) | sHOES | Strapless bra (42dd) | shapewear(3x)

This dress is SO good because it works for so many different occasions! It comes in several colors! The XXL is a bit too big on my chest, but there are straps if I want to add them. I’ve tried the XL and it was too tight in my hips, but fit perfect in the chest. I absolutely love the pleats on this dress and it hugs in the right places! Wearing my Spanx shorts again here in a 3X! Don’t forget, you can use code ASHLEYDXSPANX for a discount on full-price Spanx items at checkout! Wearing my Torrid strapless bra here in a size 42DD. Shoes are from Abercrombie as well! This is perfect for a cocktail wedding or occasion, and could even be dressed up further for semi-formal! 

bodysuit (1X) | skirt (similar) | blazer (16p) | shoes

Ok, this look has me FEELING myself, Y’all. I don’t get the opportunity to dress up in a cocktail vibe very often but wearing this had me telling my husband he was taking me out! It’s maybe not the traditional option for cocktail attire but I think the vibe was exactly right! A little sassy, a little professional and whole lot of BABE! The skirt is a 16 from ASOS and I’m absolutely obsessed with how comfortable it actually is. Unfortunately, it is currently sold out, so here is another faux leather mini skirt and here is a longer faux leather skirt that are similar! The blazer is my trusty Lane Bryant in a 16P.  We stumbled on this last year and it’s been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe ever since!  I’ll never get enough of the fit and comfort. This bodysuit is the viral baby from amazon in a 1X and YOU GUYS!!!! It’s SO good!  It’s comfortable and it actually has structure and support without feeling suffocating. I don’t have to wear a bra with it normally but I did here just for modesty more than anything else! Shoes are from Amazon as well!

DRESS | RECOMMENDED SHOES

For my Cocktail dress, I am finally trying the brand Ivy City Co! I have wanted to try this brand for so long, and this was the perfect opportunity! I was looking for something that felt like a good transition from summer to fall since the weather in Georgia isn’t quite cool yet. I grabbed this Callie Dress in brown (it also comes in navy) in a size 5X (compatible to a Torrid 28) - it fits true to size on me! It’s super comfortable and has a beautiful faux wrap style with some wavy ruffling details. It’s so beautiful! I am so looking forward to trying on more pieces from this brand in the future! I didn’t have any currently available shoes on-hand for this try-on, so here is a pair I would recommend with this look!

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL/FORMAL

Dress (18) | Shoes | Bra (42dd) shapewear

I die over this dress. It is just complete and total perfection. I actually found it in the spring and still love it so much! Citi Chic makes some of the best occasion dresses. This one keeps coming in and out of stock, so I made sure to link some other beautiful options as well if you’re looking for something like this! I’ve found Citi Chic runs true to size, and I’m in the 18! You definitely would wear this to a black tie occasion, formal event, or red carpet! Once again, I’m wearing my trusty Spanx shorts (3X) and my favorite Abercrombie heels! You can use code ASHLEYDXSPANX for a discount on full-price Spanx items at checkout!

JUMPSUIT (20) | SHOES

HELLO AGAIN Rainbow Jumpsuit!  I don’t know if y’all remember a while back when Ash and I ordered this for a try on and I completely fell head over heels for it?  If I could wear this one things to every formal event for the rest of my life I would and I would do it happily.  It’s SO fun!  I know it might seem a little loud but ladies, sometimes you need to just SHINE!  I feel so comfortable and SO confident every single time I slip this baby on.  Let your inner disco queen out and BE the moment in this one!  For reference here I’m wearing the 20 and could size down to the 18, maybe even the 16 but other than it being loose on the top, it’s actually the right kind of roomy so you have a lot of room for preference here! Shoes are from Amazon!

DRESS | RECOMMENDED SHOES

When looking for a Black Tie Optional/Formal dress, I am always going to try to prioritize feeling chic but comfortable while also being able to wear a bra with straps if possible. This Velvet gown from the brand Kiyonna at Nordstrom is checking all of my boxes. This dress is available in sizes 0X (10-12) - 5X (30-32), which is AMAZING. I was so impressed by this brand and their size range on all their dresses! I will definitely be keeping this brand in mind for future events! I am wearing a 4X and it fits perfectly and is seriously so comfortable. It also has pockets! This dress is the most expensive of the 3 I am trying, but after trying it on and feeling how great the quality is, I really do believe it’s worth every penny! I have a Black Tie Optional wedding to attend at the end of this month, and I will be wearing this dress with some dressy flats (I am not a heels girlie), some gold jewelry, and a cute clutch bag! I didn’t have any currently available shoes on-hand for this try-on, so here is a pair I would recommend with this look!

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