Hey there! This post contains affiliate links. Using my links means I earn a commission, which helps me create more rad content. More on affiliates here.
Today on my blog, I’m sharing all about plus size black formal dress ideas. I know how frustrating it can be to find high quality and gorgeous plus size black formal dresses that I actual WANT to wear, when so many low quality options show up when I search Google.
So today, I’m pulling from my years of experience as a plus size fashion bigger to share where to shop for plus size black formal dresses.
This blog post is all about plus size black formal dresses.
My Fave Plus Size Black Formal Dress Ideas
Before I get into sharing the best brands and picks for putting together a plus size black formal dress outfit, I wanted to share a few of my tips when it comes to shopping for plus size black formal dresses:
- QUALITY: It can be tempting to go with a lower quality dress that’s cheaper, but I promise you the fabric will likely not hold up to the test of time. Online photos can be deceiving, and cheaper dresses often don’t have the construction or quality fabric needed to look good at a formal event. I always recommend in investing in a piece like a plus size black formal dress, because you’ll likely wear it a LOT — and to events where you need and WANT to look your best.
- FABRIC CONTENT: I always recommend checking what fabric a plus size black formal dress is made out of. If a dress is made from 100% non stretch material (ex: silk or rayon) then that dress is gonna be a bit more uncomfy. I always like to see at least 3% of a fabric contain stretch fibers, like nylon, mesh, spandex, etc, so it’s easier to wear.
- DRY CLEANING: You can definitely find a plus size black formal dress that can be machine washed in your home, but I really recommend getting your plus size formal dresses dry cleaned. If you have to wash it at home, be sure to use gentle detergent, wash on cold and hang dry — but only if the garment care instructions say home machine washing is ok! If the tag says “dry clean only,” then you better believe it!
Ok, let’s get into my list on plus size black formal dress outfit ideas — and where the heck the best places to shop are!
Xoxo,
Brianne
#1 Brand: Plus Size Black Formal Dress: David’s Bridal
First up on my list of plus size black formal dress outfit ideas, we have David’s Bridal! This Florida-based brand has been a go-to brand for many a formal dress, and they’ve really upped their plus size offering. From classic and sophisticated black formal dresses for an evening event to more fun and trendy black plus size formal dresses, David’s Bridal has it all!
- Sizing: This brand makes plus size formal dresses in up to a size 30W, but a good number of dress options stop at a size 24 — and some junior and prom styles stop at a size 20!
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
#2 Plus Size Black Formal Dress Brand: Amazon
Next, I wanted to share all of these GORGEOUS plus size black formal dress outfit ideas and inspirations from Amazon! Because Amazon carries a bunch of different brands, each of these dresses have a different size chart.
- Size Information: Check the size chart on each dress or gown — oftentimes the size chart is on the last image
Snag this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Tulle Puffy Sleeve Glittery Black Dress
This next plus size black formal dress from Amazon is so gorgeous, it deserved it’s own listing on my post! I saw this dress and IMMEDIATELY thought of the Florence Pugh dress that went viral this last year. This dress isn’t exact, but it definitely has the same sexy romantic fairytale vibes!!
I would style this plus size black formal dress with delicate jewelry, maybe a drop necklace that has a long chain to dange in the deep v neck of the neckline? I’d snag a bold red for my lipstick and get strappy black heels!
- Size Chart Heads Up: Sizes 2 to 26 are available
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Lace & Beads High Low Maxi Dress | $210 +
How gorgeous and almost avant garde re these next plus size black formal dress outfit ideas?!?!? I would style each of these dresses with its own statement bag or mini clutch in a bright color, and I would also probs wear my hair up for all of these — as the dresses are so detailed! (Plus, long hair can get staticky on satin or mesh fabric, in my experience!)
For all of these plus size black formal dress outfits, I’d probably wear a chunky or block black heel.
- Size Chart FYI: Up to a size 20
Check out this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Maren Gown | $2,099+
This next plus size black formal dress is from one of my fave indie designers, Hannah Caroline Couture! This brand was founded by Hannah Nodskov, a plus size fashion designer out of Nebraska! I love HCC because you can buy a already-designed plus size black formal dress, or you can work with Hannah and her team to design your dream dress.
- Sizing: All sizes! Truly! Because Hannah makes all of her gowns for clients in Nebraska (made in the USA!), she can do any size.
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Cierra Gown with Textured Tulle Skirt | $1,799 +
This is another gorgeous glittery plus size black formal dress from Hannah Caroline Couture! I’d style this dress as shown, with a bold red lip and moody 1920’s inspired makeup and hair! Best of all, the skirt is long enough on this dress that you don’t HAVE to wear heels — even better, Hannah and her team can make it as long or as short as you need, so no need to head to a tailor to shorten this formal gown if you’re a shortie like me!! 🙂
- Size Chart Heads Up: Any and all sizes! See the posting above!
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Cowl Neck Black Satin Slip dress | $88 +
Sometimes, you just want a gorgeous slip dress 00 and Nordie’s is here to deliver! This plus size black satin slip dress is SUCH a critical part of any wardrobe, as a LBD (Little Black Dress) can be worn anywhere!
I’d style this little black dress for plus size babes in a variety of ways! I’d layer up fun accessories in bold hues (pink clutch anyone?!) for a fun night out with the girls, or keep things more sophisticated and elegant with minimalist and simple gold jewelry for an event.
- Size Chart FYI: Formal dress available in up to a 3X
Check out this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: REVOLVE x Selkie Ritz Gown | $399 +
Next up, you know we have to add Selkie to the mix! This plus size floor length black formal dress from Selkie is GORGEOUS and oh-so romantic! I’d style this dress as shown, with my hair up (well, I have a pixie cut, so I’d slick it back). I’d probs go more glam with my makeup, just because I’m a full-face girl, but you could def do a makeup-no-makeup look!
- Size Information: Up to a 6X
Snag this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Puff Off-The-Shoulder Dress | $260+
How GLAMOROUS is this next plus size formal dress from ASOS?! I love the off-the-shoulder sleeves! I’d style this as shown (I love a slicked back ponytail!), and I’d def add a cocktail ring or wo for fun!! (Aren’t the models nails and hands gorgeous in the photo?! Love that!)
- Sizing: Up to a size 24
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Leg Slit V-Neck Sparkle Plus Size Evening Party Dress with Sleeves
Va va VOOM! Look at that leg slit, besties! This next plus size formal black dress is so fun! I actually own this dress in the emerald green color, and I love it! It’s perfect for weddings and formal events where you want to be a bit more dressed up, but you don’t want to go too far! (Plus, it makes for a great base for a variety of plus size Halloween costumes!)
I styled my dress with a bold red lip (lol, seeing a trend here?), along with dangly earrings and my hair up. These sleeves are gorgeous, and you can def add a fun ring int there. While the black strappy stiletto heels on the model ARE gorgeous, I’d go with a black block heel or wedge heel — so I can dance all night long!
- Size Information:
Snag this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Simple Black Plus Size Spaghetti Strap Gown
Next up on my list of plus size black formal dress options, I am LOVING this stunning black plus size spaghetti strap dress from Amazon. It’s simple and chic, and that slit is very oo la la!!!! 😉
I’d style this plus size black formal dress ensemble as shown, with dangly costume jewelry, glam makeup and soft curls! I love the strappy metallic stiletto, and I’d def snag a metallic heel shoe with a wedge or block heel!
- Sizing: Up to a size 26, which on their size chart is a waist measurement of 44.5 inches
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: City Chic USA
Next up, there were SO MANY black plus size formal dresses at City Chic USA, that I couldn’t choose just one. I’ve reviewed this brand on my TikTok, and I am a HUGE fan of City Chic! The structure and design are really made for plus size people, especially if you’re shorter and/or apple shape! 10/10 recommend this brand, and I love the black plus size semi-formal cocktail dress I got from them last year!
- Size Chart Heads Up: Up to a size 24
Shop this plus size formal dress outfits here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Metallic Pleated A-Line with Slit | $249.95 – $269.95 +
This next gown is from David’s Bridal, and I LOVE IT! I personally own this plus size black formal dress, and I had a BLAST wearing it for upscale evening dinners on my recent vacation to a resort. It is longer (so tall babes rejoice), and I did have to shorten it a bit for my 5’4″ frame. My busty self looked FABULOUS in this dress, and I loved wearing it.
(Plus, the silver stripes catch the light and make this a super fun dress to wear while dancing!)
- Sizing: Up to a size 22
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Shoulder Long Formal Party Dress Evening Gown
Next up, we have this black plus size formal gown — and I LOVE this dress. It has a bit of stretch with a sort of sheen that looks like scuba fabric. I wore this black formal dress as part of my “Dark Queen” Halloween photoshoot, and I love the little V in front.
This mermaid cut is gorgeous, but not so restrictive I couldn’t walk, lolol. This is a great event dress if you know you’re going to be dancing, moving, walking, hugging, etc!
- Sizing: Up to a 3X with a 38.33 inch waist
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Venus Velvet Gown | $999 +
Another plus size black formal dress from Hannah Caroline Couture (more on the brand above), and I wanted to be sure to include this more modest (but stilly sexy AF!) option. I love wearing velvet to a formal event, because the fabric really contrasts against a sea of satin! A great way to stand out without being loud, imho!
Also, while I LURVE that high slit on the model — you can get your custom HCC gown with a less dramatic one! 😉
- Size Information: Hannah Caroline Couture makes plus size formalwear in ALL sizes (truly), with no additional cost for any size!
Snag this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Off Shoulder Sleeveless Bodycon Ruched Evening Pencil Party Maxi Dress
Next up, we have this Grecian goddess plus size black formal dress that is SO fun! This is giving me glam red carpet or even upscale resort vibes! I love how this plus size formal outfit has been styled with large glittery earrings and chunky bracelets! Even better – FLAT shoes! In my own experience, I’ve found this “Grecian Goddess” type of silhouette on plus size formal wear really lends itself to flat strappy sandals! (Even better if they’re metallic or have some glitter — even straps that lace up the calf! So fun!)
- Size Chart FYI: Up to a 5XL with a 40 inch waist
Check out this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Black Stretch Velvet Floor Length Gown | $429 +
Next up, we have Sydney’s Closet! This plus size formal wear brand is known for its prom dresses and pageant dresses, but they have great formal wear options for adult occasions as well! I love how classic their dresses are — they’re so timeless but still current, ya know?
- Sizing: Up to a size 28
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: One Shoulder Ruched Chiffon Bridesmaid Party Dresses
How elegant is this plus size black formal dress?! I love the fabric that trails down over the back. I’d style this plus size formal outfit with my hair down and slightly curled (as shown) or in a high top bun, with my hair slicked back.
Because this floor length formal gown has a few layers, I think you could easily wear a wedge heel that’s not very high, or even flats!
- Size Chart Heads Up: Up to a size 26, with a 41 inch waist
Shop this plus size formal dress in black here!
Plus Size Black Formal Dress: Elegant Sequin Long Sleeve Solid Sexy Evening Party Maxi Long Dress
Finishing up my list of black formal dresses in plus size, we have this elegant black gown! I love the dramatic sleeves, and this is a great option for someone who wants to be glam, but who doesn’t feel comfortable showing a lot of skin!
I would DEF wear my hair up for this plus size outfit, and I love how it’s styled with big bold sparkly jewelry. I would def do that, too!
- Size Information: Up to a 5X
Snag this plus size formal dress in black here!
This blog post was all about plus size formal dresses in black!
What to read next —>
- 12 Places to Buy Unique Prom Dresses
- Black Plus Size Wedding Dresses
- Where to Buy Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults (Not Prom)
- 20+ Best Plus Size Cocktail Dresses | Where to Shop
- 27+ BEST Plus Size Homecoming Dresses
YOU are invited! Come join VIP!
Want more content like this? Then I recommend joining my fashion-focused email list is here! If you want to stay up-to-date on posts from The Huntswoman, I recommend joining me on your favorite social media platform (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter).
Finally, my business and career email list HERE!!
I have two email lists because folks have different interests! For lovers of this post, I recommend joining both lists and following me on Twitter, where I share a lot of blogger tips and info!
