When it comes to party season, it’s hard to go wrong with a little black dress. Timeless, versatile and ever-appropriate for a diary full of evening occasions, the wardrobe essential is a failsafe option that garners plenty of wear. But if, like me, you’re not so little, finding the perfect LBD can prove challenging – plus-size black dresses are few and far between in designer fashion, and silhouettes that flatter a fuller figure can be even harder to come by in vintage or second-hand shops.
Whether you’re shopping for a plus-size party dress with sleeves, or you’re simply after a black dress that can be the workhorse of your evening wardrobe, fret not. I’ve found the best curve-friendly black dresses in stores this season and tried them on for size so you can save yourself the struggle. Below, the best plus-size black dresses for chic Christmas, NYE and year-round party looks.
- The strapless silhouette: Reformation St Louis Velvet Dress, £248
- For a New Years Eve night out on the town: Skims Soft Lounge Knit Maxi Dress, £88
- The sweetheart dress with sleeves: Rixo Annina Satin Dress, £295
- For glitz and glamour: Oseree Lumiere Plumage Feather Dress, £480
- For floor-sweeping drama: Max Mara Aldeno Maxi Dress,
£ 1,140£798 - The all-occasions pick: Abercrombie Stretch Satin Column Midi, £100
- For cosy style: Raey Knitted Wool Cocoon Dress, £595
- For a hooded moment: Rotate Stretch Hooded V Neck Dress, £270
- The sculptural show stopper: Issey Miyake Assemblage Pleated Dress, £1,435
- The short and sweet staple: Club L London Seductress Velvet Square Neck Dress, £45
The show stopper
Sheer, sculptural, and knitted with those signature concertina pleats, Issey Miyake’s dress is one that makes a statement. The genius construction comes in one size that truly does stretch to fit all, and worn alone or layered over other pieces, its cool form makes for a striking silhouette. Be sure to style it with a body suit if naked dressing is not your thing.
The fun feathered black dress
Proof that black doesn’t have to mean boring, Oseree’s feathered maxi is elegant and extravagant in equal measure. The backless cut and stretch fabrication make room for a few sizes more than the XL endpoint, so if you’re worried about fit, rest assured that this one is forgiving. While the matching gloves have tighter cuffs that can be tricky on larger arms, they still look super chic worn just below the wrist.
The cosy dress for cold nights out
The versatility of Skims soft lounge dress means it is easily dressed up or down, with a figure-hugging cut and ribbed knit that are ideal for chilly nights out on the town. It’s a dress I’ve worn through fluctuations in size and weight, and it always manages to flatter with its sculpting, weighty fabric.
The conservative pick
With a form-fitting bodice and billowing hemline, Reformation’s Sai dress brings understated drama to your evening affairs. Classy and a little bit conservative, it’s cut with plenty of stretch in a cosy cotton rib, so size down for the best fit.
The failsafe co-ord
When all else fails, a pair of quality separates has never steered me wrong. I’m loving a pop of red at the minute – or mulled wine burgundy, to be exact – that brings a touch of Christmassy chic to the plain combo of a roll-neck and miniskirt. Calzedonia and Better Tights are great for thick-thigh friendly hosiery that fits properly and comfortably from hip to gusset and heel.
After some more plus-size party dress inspiration? Stocking UK sizes 16 through 28, brands like Reformation and Rixo are a good port of call. On the high street, Aym Studio and Club L London are great go-to for party dresses up to a 3XL, and Reiss has long offered sophisticated styles up to a UK size 18. Elsewhere, like at Matches’ own brand Raey, you’ll find smaller sizing runs but with relaxed, oversized cuts that make room for bigger bodies.
As someone in between sizes (16-18 for reference), I’ve had fruitful searches when considering size labels, but better luck by paying more attention to fabrication and cut. It’s how I’ve discovered some “straight” sized pieces from Rotate Birger Christensen, Max Mara and more, each far more accommodating than they might seem at first glance. Below, more great finds for your wardrobe.
