Have you ever shown up to a fancy event and felt like the best dressed person there? If you have, congrats. I’ve never quite felt that way, but it’s become my new goal. And thanks to so many plus-size cocktail dresses that are currently available, there might just be a self-awarded best dressed trophy calling my name. I just have to choose a dress first. (Once you see them all, you’ll realize how difficult a task this actually is.)
Whenever I’m trying to find a “cocktail dress,” I think about what makes these dresses fall under that category. First, obviously, I ask myself if I could wear this to a cool cocktail party. I never go to cocktail parties, so my idea of them is probably much more Gossip Girl and less realistic. Regardless, if I determine I could wear the dress to a chic cocktail party, it gets put into the cocktail dress category. But because it’s spring, and these need to be spring cocktail dresses, there’s an added layer. I have to make sure the dresses are weather-appropriate and won’t look like I’m trying to get a winter frock into a spring party. It’s more complicated than it sounds, OK?!
So, behold, my list of plus-size cocktail dresses that I have deemed both cocktail-party-worthy and spring appropriate. I’ve picked 19 of the cutest dresses from some of my favorite brands, so I hope the next time you’re looking for a cute AF cocktail dress to wear to your next soiree, you’ll consult this list and find exactly what you want.
Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects the pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)
1. Off Shoulder Slouch Maxi Dress — $230 at JIBRI
Available in sizes 10-28
2. Unforgettable Guest Fit and Flare Dress — $119 at Modcloth
Available in sizes 8-26
3. Mono Sleeve Midi Dress — $103 at ASOS
Available in sizes 12-24
4. Leopard Print Dress — $79 at Addition Elle
Available in sizes X-5X
5. Dual Ruffle Sleeve Dress — $32.70 at Ashley Stewart
Available in sizes 10-36
6. Hermia Midi Dress — $136 at Anthropologie
Available in sizes 18-26
7. Bow Shoulder Fit and Flare Dress — $119.90 at Eloquii
Available in sizes 14-28
8. Lace Midi Wrap Dress — $139.99 at Roaman’s
Available in sizes 12-28
9. Zoey Dress — $109 at Premme
Available in sizes 12-30
10. Workplace Worth Sleeveless Dress — $89 at Modcloth
Available in sizes XXS-4X
11. Studio Cape Dress — $109.95 at Eloquii
Available in sizes 14-28
12. Anaya Bardot Maxi Dress — $92.49 at Simply Be USA
Available in sizes 8-20
13. Tiered Midi Dress — $76 at ASOS
Available in sizes 12-24
14. Bat Sleeve Maxi Dress — $260 at JIBRI
Available in sizes 10-28
15. Surplice Ruched Skirt Dress — $35.70 at Ashley Stewart
Available in sizes 12-26
16. RACHEL Rachel Roy Foil Midi Dress — $149 at Addition Elle
Available in sizes X-3X
17. Mini Skater Dress — $119 at ASOS
Available in sizes 12-24
18. The Filthiest Dress Alive — $91.81 at Cutting Shapes Club
Available in special sizes. See their sizing chart here.
19. Brilliant Motivation Sleeveless Dress — $75 at Modcloth
Available in sizes XXS-4X