33 Plus Size Dresses for Engaged Gals

For your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and beyond!

Updated 04/09/18

Byron Lars Carissima Sheath Dress — Courtesy of Anthropologie

Plus size brides-to-be, we’ve just made shopping for the perfect occasion dress easier! Now that you’re engaged, celebrations abound—we’re talking about an engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner (to name a few). You might have a few smaller celebrations planned with a various friend and family groups—some might even take place on zoom. There are also those extra wedding-related events like a post-wedding brunch and a honeymoon! For all these occasions, you will undoubtedly need a gorgeous dress—err, likely two or three at least! Thankfully, plus-size dress options run the gamut this year, from feminine designs to casual styles and elegant classics.

“When thinking about wedding-related events, I always say go for the silhouettes that work best for you,” Danielle Williams Eke, 11 Honoré’s design director, tells Brides. “Don’t feel like you have to try something new silhouette-wise. Let the details of the dress and the styling help you stand out for your special day.”

Meet the Expert

Danielle Williams Eke is the Design Director of the luxury size-inclusive retailer, 11 Honoré. With a specialty in extended sizes, Williams Eke pioneers patterns, fits, and silhouettes for the plus-size consumer and spearheads the design team and production of the retailer’s private label, The 11 Honoré Collection.

For a laid-back attire for an engagement party or bridal shower, Williams Eke recommends easy silhouettes like a wrap dress or fluid midi in elevated casual fabrics like stretch linen and textured organic cotton. For dressier looks suited to a rehearsal dinner or wedding-day brunch, she favors figure-accentuating fits including V-necklines, halters, and waist-cinching sheaths as well as unique details such as ruching, asymmetric hems, or a voluminous silhouette.

Ready to shop for a plus-size occasion dress? Discover 33 of our favorites for every style and budget ahead.

01 of 33

The Bridal Shower Midi: Mara Hoffman Adelina Dress

“This flirty off-the-shoulder midi dress by Mara Hoffman is the perfect look for a bridal shower,” Williams Eke tells Brides. “The textured organic cotton gives the dress some added interest. Pair this dress with cute espadrilles and a beautiful statement necklace to highlight your décolleté.”

$350

https://11honore.com/products/adelina-dress-1

02 of 33

Best V-Neck: BHLDN Caron V-Neck Crepe Dress

This V-neck dress is perfect for a dressier celebration, be it an engagement party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. It’s an excellent second-look style as well if you’re looking for a simpler late-night look.

$148

https://www.bhldn.com/products/caron-dress-ivory?plus_img=true&size_type=plus&via=Z2lkOi8vdXJibi9Xb3JrYXJlYTo6Q2F0YWxvZzo6Q2F0ZWdvcnkvNWYzZTk0MzdlMzY0ZGU2M2FmMDRmNTdj

03 of 33

Best Pearl Dress: Eloquii Pearl Cuff Dress

Pearls always feel unique and sophisticated, with this long-sleeve dress being no exception. It’s a stylish choice for any bride-to-be in favor of unique detailing.

$109.95

https://www.eloquii.com/pearl-cuff-dress/1249043.html?dwvar_1249043_colorCode=1

04 of 33

Best Bohemian Design: Reformation Bayley Dress

This midi dress is perfect for brides craving a romantic, boho sensibility—it’s our top pick for an outdoor celebration such as a garden party or alfresco fete.

$298

https://www.thereformation.com/products/bayley-dress-es?color=Ivory&via=Z2lkOi8vcmVmb3JtYXRpb24td2VibGluYy9Xb3JrYXJlYTo6Q2F0YWxvZzo6Q2F0ZWdvcnkvNWJlNjFhN2ZmMzViZTIwNGQxMzE4MTQy

05 of 33

Best Floral Print: Tanya Taylor Sasha Dress

Between the cheerful floral print and voluminous sleeves, this feminine dress screams festive! Style yours with a delicate sandal as an offset to the voluminous design.

$495

https://www.tanyataylor.com/collections/dresses/products/sasha-dress-scattered-blossom-alabaster-white-multi

06 of 33

Best Budget: Lulus One Wish White Lace Midi Dress

An all-lace number is quintessentially bridal, and this midi style is the ultimate modern rendition. Even better, it’s under $70!

$66

https://www.lulus.com/products/one-wish-white-lace-midi-dress/465282.html

07 of 33

Best Sleeve Detail: LIKELY Alia Dress

For your moment in the spotlight, no detail feels fresher than a bold puff sleeve. The rounded neckline and flounder skirt beautifully balance the drama, making this dress a modern classic.

$228

https://www.shopbop.com/alia-dress-likely/vp/v=1/1558327772.htm?

08 of 33

Most Romantic: Faithfull The Brand Clement Midi Dress Nadya Floral

Courtesy of Faithfull The Brand

No rule says every bridal look has to be white. This floral print dress is incredibly romantic for a bridal shower or luncheon.

$159

https://faithfullthebrand.com/collections/dresses/products/clement-midi-dress-nadya-floral

09 of 33

Best For Casual Engagement Parties: 11 Honoré Chrissy Shirt Dress

“The 11 Honoré Collection shirtdress is perfect for a laid-back engagement party,” says Williams Eke. “The stretch linen is an elevated casual fabric and makes it easy to wear. This easy silhouette can be styled up with a cute wrap-heeled sandal, statement earrings, and a wide-brimmed hat. The versatility of this dress means you can also wear it for years to come!”

$568

https://11honore.com/products/chrissy-shirt-dress

10 of 33

Best Sequin Dress: Mango Sequin Dress With Belt

You’ll shine your bridal brightest in this sequin number! We love it for a festive bachelorette or after-party look.

$129.99

https://shop.mango.com/us/plus-size/dresses-and-jumpsuits-short/sequin-dress-with-belt_87075640.html

11 of 33

Best For Summer: A New Day Sleeveless Smocked Waist Dress

For a casual celebration or party in the summer, this sleeveless midi is perfection. It’s feminine and lightweight—two features we love for a wedding celebration in the heat.

$27.99

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-sleeveless-smocked-waist-dress-a-new-day/-/A-81522309?preselect=81245223#lnk=sametab

12 of 33

Best Something-Blue Detail: Christy Dawn The Dawn Dress

What’s sweeter than a ditsy floral print for a bridal celebration? We love a touch of something-blue, too!

$218

https://christydawn.com/collections/all/products/the-dawn-dress-extended-white-and-blue-floral

13 of 33

Best Off-The-Shoulder: Torrid Ivory Lace Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress

Classic and elegant, this off-the-shoulder lace dress is perfect for a formal celebration or civil ceremony at City Hall. The perfect modern take on timeless lace.

$70.78 (originally $108.90)

https://www.torrid.com/product/special-occasion-ivory-lace-off-shoulder-bodycon-dress/11742854.html?cgid=Clothing_Dresses_ShopByOccasion_SpecialOccasion

14 of 33

Best For A Zoom Bridal Brunch: Dôen Sterling Dress

What could be better for a virtual party on Zoom than a loungeable dress with special details? The eyelet neckline and puff sleeves will stand out on screen while feeling ultra-comfy thanks to the tented shape.

$238

https://shopdoen.com/collections/dresses/products/sterling-dress-salt

15 of 33

Best Convertible Dress: Diarrablu Sustainable Uda Dress

For the bride-to-be who loves options, it doesn’t get better than a convertible dress. This one can be tied 19 different ways!

$215

https://diarrablu.com/collections/dresses/products/sustainable-uda-dress-blanc

16 of 33

Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

Keep things simple but sophisticated in this satin charmeuse slip dress. If your taste skews minimal, this design is a dream.

$168

https://www.bhldn.com/products/cali-dress-ivory?plus_img=true&size_type=plus&via=Z2lkOi8vdXJibi9Xb3JrYXJlYTo6Q2F0YWxvZzo6Q2F0ZWdvcnkvNWYzZTk0MzdlMzY0ZGU2M2FmMDRmNTdj

17 of 33

Best Floral Bridal Shower Dress: Dolce & Gabbana V-Neck Floral Dress with Ruching

Williams Eke says, “Make a statement at your bridal shower in this Dolce & Gabbana exploded floral dress. This femme dress features ruching making the fit extra flattering and a v-neckline that helps show a little skin. Because of the bold print, I would style this dress simply with an interesting stud earring and a sleek strappy sandal.”

$1,557 (originally $2,595)

https://11honore.com/products/v-neck-floral-dress-with-ruching

18 of 33

Most Timeless: Black Halo Madeline Sheath Dress

If simplicity speaks to you, this bright white sheath is stunning. We love it for a bridal luncheon or engagement party dinner number.

$375

https://www.shopbop.com/madeline-sheath-dress-black-halo/vp/v=1/1542868327.htm?

19 of 33

Best Lace Detail: Byron Lars Carissima Sheath Dress

What’s more quintessential than lace for a bride? This belted style gives off modern vibes while feeling timeless and elegant.

$258

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/byron-lars-carissima-sheath-dress4?category=plus-size-dresses&color=011&type=PLUS&viewcode=c&quantity=1

20 of 33

Best Black & White: Who What Wear One Shoulder Long Sleeve Dress

Go graphic with a black and white dress for a bridal celebration. This one-shoulder design guarantees a stand-out moment.

$36.99

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-one-shoulder-long-sleeve-dress-who-what-wear/-/A-81910114?preselect=81828695#lnk=sametab

21 of 33

Best Dress With Pockets: Amsale Deep V-Neck Dress

If the timeless elegance of this waist-cinching dress weren’t enough, it has pockets! The ultimate detail for sealing the deal.

$385

https://amsale.com/collections/little-white-dresses/products/lw152

22 of 33

Most Dramatic For Rehearsal Dinner: Carolina Herrera Raglan Mini Dress

“The rehearsal dinner calls for this chic Carolina Herrera high neck mini dress. The voluminous sleeve with tie details makes this otherwise classic shift dress silhouette stand-out,” says Williams Eke. “I love the idea of pairing this dress with a knee-high boot to accentuate the mini length, a pair of blingy earrings, and a bold lip.”

$1,790

https://11honore.com/products/raglan-mini-dress

23 of 33

Best Black Party Dress: H&M Puff-Sleeved Dress

LBD lovers, look no further than this sequined dress for your bachelorette or after-party. The puffed shoulders are fun and on-trend, while the A-line shape is comfortable and classic.

$39.99

https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0934990001.html

24 of 33

Best Eyelet Detail: Anthropologie Ophelia Eyelet Mini Dress

For summertime celebrations, this eyelet mini dress is breezy and chic. Pair it with flats for a laidback feel, or dial it up with stilettos.

$158

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/ophelia-eyelet-mini-dress?category=plus-size-dresses&color=011&type=PLUS&viewcode=c14&quantity=1

25 of 33

Best Bustier Detail: Hilary Macmillan Bustier Dress

Highlight your neckline and waist in this buster silhouette by Hilary Macmillan. The bodice provides structure, while the skirt flows beautifully with every step.

$195

https://www.hilarymacmillan.com/collections/extended-sizes-1/products/bustier-dress

26 of 33

Best Cocoon Silhouette: Universal Standard Sonya Satin V Neck Dress

Comfort and elegance combine in this satin dress by Universal Standard. The lustrous caramel hue is gorgeous for a party in the fall.

$168

https://www.universalstandard.com/products/sonya-satin-v-neck-dress-caramel

27 of 33

Best For Formal Parties: By Watters Mattea Gown

For the fanciest of bridal celebrations, this full-skirted midi will hit a high note. Romantic details abound, from the shirred sleeves to the dipped neckline and lace accents.

$895

https://www.bhldn.com/products/mattea-gown?plus_img=true&size_type=plus&via=Z2lkOi8vdXJibi9Xb3JrYXJlYTo6Q2F0YWxvZzo6Q2F0ZWdvcnkvNWYzZTk0MzdlMzY0ZGU2M2FmMDRmNTdj

28 of 33

Best Tiered Dress: LOFT Plus Tiered Midi Dress

Even for the most casual parties, a bold pop of color is so fun for brides! In a tiered midi shape, it doesn’t get more effortless.

$79.99 (originally $98)

https://www.loft.com/loft-plus-tiered-midi-dress/557364?skuId=30834590&defaultColor=3343&catid=cat3750039&selectedColor=3343

29 of 33

Best Asymmetric Shape: Coyan Dua Dress

Master easy elegance in this asymmetric dress by Coyan. You can style it in various ways—cinched at the waist or loose and flowy.

$995

https://coyanstudio.com/collections/collection-one/products/dua-dress-ivory?variant=29273694830689#image-11843669819489

30 of 33

Best Wrap Dress: Kiyonna Tuscan Floral Wrap Dress

Springtime brides most certainly deserve a fun floral moment. Enter this wrapped number with sweet puff sleeves and a bow-tie detail.

$108

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/kiyonna-tuscan-floral-wrap-dress-plus-size/5651020?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FPlus-Size%20Clothing%2FDresses&color=green%20songbird%20print

31 of 33

Most Glamorous: Lavish Alice Satin Corset Dress

You’ll channel old Hollywood glamour in this satin corset dress by Lavish Alice. We love it for a rehearsal dinner or unexpected after-party look.

$160

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/lavish-alice-satin-corset-dress-plus-size/5817774?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FPlus-Size%20Clothing%2FDresses&color=clay%20beige

32 of 33

Best Animal Print: We Are Kin The Juliet Midi

If you thought bridal events and animal prints didn’t mix, think again. Really go for it in this black and white number—it’s unexpected and undeniably bold.

$133

https://www.wearekin.co/store/zebrajuliet

33 of 33

Most Unique: Azeeza Plath Dress

“Opt for a unique wedding day look with this voluminous gown by Azeeza,” Williams Eke suggests. “This 100% silk gazar dress features a high neck that ties in the back and a cascading asymmetrical hem that is sure to bring drama (the good kind) on your wedding day. The high-low hem calls for an exciting shoe, either bedazzled or in a pop color. Finish this look off with a glam drop earring.”

$1,495

https://11honore.com/products/plath-dress

Shopping FAQs

Considering a plus-size occasion dress? We’ve answered three common questions when shopping for this style.

What is the best plus-size occasion dress? When celebrating your upcoming wedding, you’ll want to choose a plus-size occasion dress that makes you feel comfortable, elegant, and special. This can be a casual cotton midi, lace-adorned sheath, or satin maxi with pretty embellishments. It all depends on your personal preference and style of party.
Do you have to wear a white plus-size dress for bridal celebrations? Absolutely not! White plus-size dresses are fabulous for feeling your most bridal, but floral prints, bright colors, and sequin styles are equally stylish for various events.
How do you style a plus-size occasion dress? Every plus-size occasion dress calls for amazing accessories—it’s all about personal preference. A pair of heels works any time of year, whether you prefer a classic and simple design or festive detailing like bows or sequins. Delicate sandals, flats, and sneakers are great for casual spring and summer moments, while stylish boots and booties are great for fall or winter parties.