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Today on the blog, I’m sharing a guide on where to shop for plus size cocktail dresses! I love getting dressed up for a fun event, buuuut finding plus size cocktail dresses in-store can be super challenging.
In this blog post, I’m highlighting 7+ brands to shop [including my review and personal experience in my guide!].
Note: This blog post was originally published on November 19, 2021. It was last updated on August 21, 2023. While I try to keep my blog posts and guides as up-to-date as possible, things like item availability and brand size charts, etc, may change!
This blog post is all about plus size cocktail dresses!
Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail dresses can come in a range of styles, so in this blog post I’ve been sure to note:
- Plus Size Cocktail Dresses for Weddings
- Plus Size Cocktail Dresses with Sleeves
- Plus Size Cocktail Dresses on Amazon
I’ve also endeavored to include information on sizing, so you know where to shop!
Real Quick – What Makes a Dress a “Cocktail Dress?”
From Wikipedia: “A cocktail dress is a dress suitable at semi-formal occasions, sometimes called cocktail parties, usually in the late afternoon, and usually with accessories.”
(Hot tip: Because the definition varies, I make sure to check with the host to see if my outfit is a fit. I will LITERALLY send the dress I’m thinking of. And, if I can’t do that? I go a little bit more “dressier”! Better to be overdressed than underdressed, as my Uncle Lou once told me!!)
#1 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: City Chic Online
City Chic is a plus size brand that carries super fun plus size cocktail dresses! They’re the first place I look for an event OOTD!
I would head to City Chic if you’re looking for a plus size cocktail dress with sleeves, or a dress for a wedding! This brand is my personal go-to for plus size cocktail dresses. I love the fit and construction of their clothing!
Note: The brand has two websites – one for Australian customers and one for folks in the USA – so be sure to shop on City Chic Online if you’re in the USA.
Hot Tip: The brand has two websites – one for Australian customers and one for folks in the USA!
Shop all of City Chic’s plus size cocktail dresses here!
The brand carries plus size cocktail dresses in up to a size 24. They have great options. for evening cocktail parties, as well as dresses for afternoon or day-time events (lots of floral prints)! They also have a LOT of options for folks looking for a plus size cocktail dress with sleeves.
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here!
Below, I’ve shared some of my favorite plus size cocktail dresses from the brand!
Plus size cocktail dress or garden party dress here!
Navy blue plus size cocktail dress
Shop here!
#2 Brand Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: Boohoo
Next up on our list of plus size cocktail dresses, we have Boohoo!!
Boohoo has great plus size cocktail dresses with long sleeves, as well as fashion forward and trendy options. In the past, I have slept on Boohoo – but no longer! They have so many options for plus size cocktail dresses, especially super trendy options.
- Sizing: Boohoo carries plus size cocktail dresses in up to a size 24!
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here.
Shop this silver plus size cocktail dress here!
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#3 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: ASOS Curve
Next up on the guide to finding the perfect plus size cocktail dress, we have ASOS Curve! ASOS is a company based in the United Kingdom, and they have super trendy dresses!
I was surprised by the number of options ASOS has for folks looking for a plus size cocktail dress with sleeves!
- Sizing: Most dresses at ASOS are available in up to a size US 24.
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here!
#4 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: Eloquii
Following those two fabulous plus size brands, we have Eloquii next on the list of where to shop for plus size cocktail dresses.
Eloquii is known for creating staple pieces that are also super on-trend, which is stellar – because who only wants a dress for one season?! The brand makes plus size cocktail dresses with long sleeves, as well as fabulous cocktail dresses for plus size wedding guests!
- Sizing: Most plus size cocktail dresses at Eloquii are available in up to a size US 28, some up to a US size 32
Right now, Eloquii has some fabulous plus size cocktail dress options for summer and spring. Many of their plus size cocktail dresses have long sleeves, and are made with scuba knit – a fabric that I’ve found has body/volume and retains warmth. I love taking photos in scuba knit dresses, buuut I wouldn’t wear them to a party where the sun will be out. It can get sweaty, lol.
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here!
Below, I’ve shared some of my fave finds from Eloquii!
Details here.
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#5 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: Amazon
Next up on my list of plus size cocktail dresses, we have Amazon! Now, Amazon carries a LOT of different brands, and their size charts differ. Always be sure to check the size chart of each image, to make sure the cocktail dress with fit!
Below, I’ve shared some plus size cocktail dress options from Amazon that are great staple wardrobe pieces. These come in a variety of colors (including black)!
Red plus size cocktail dress
#6 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: David’s Bridal
In the last few years, David’s Bridal has really stepped up their plus size dress game, and they have such a solid range of plus size cocktail dress options!
- Sizing: David’s Bridal makes most of their dresses in up to a size 24.
I would head to David’s Bridal if you’re looking for a cocktail dress for a more upscale event, or if you’re looking for a cocktail dress for older women. (I think you can wear what you want at any age, but I know that finding a cocktail dress if you’re over 50 can be hard! There’s specific style lines one might be looking for, and David’s Bridal has those pieces!)
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here!
#7 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: PrettyLittleThing
It took me doing research for this guide to learn that PrettyLittleThing carries a LOT of plus size cocktail dress options! I would go with PTL if you’re attending a fashion forward event with people serving LOOKS.
I had no idea!
- Sizing: The brand carries plus size clothing in up to a size 24.
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here!
Here are some of my faves from PTL!
Velvet plus size cocktail dress
#8 Brand with Plus Size Cocktail Dresses: Kiyonna Cocktail Dresses with Sleeves
When looking for a plus size cocktail dress, many plus size babes are looking to wear them fo a wedding or other event that their older relatives might be at.
While I’m not afraid to be the scandalous family member at a party…. I totally go to events where I need something that shows less skin. Finding a modest cocktail dress can be hard!
Enter Kiyonna!
Kiyonna has a great offering of plus size cocktail dresses, many fitting “modest standards” a lot of folks look for!
- Sizing: Up to a size 24
Shop plus size cocktail dresses here.
This blog post was all about plus size cocktail dresses!
What to Read Next —>
Are you looking for more plus size fashion guides like this one?
Check out the following blog posts:
- 7+ Unique Plus Size Wedding Dresses
- Plus Size Formal Wear for Adults – Not Prom!
- Where to Shop for Plus Size Mother of The Bride Dresses
Plus Size Tips in Your Inbox!
Looking for more plus size fashion tips? About once a week, I send the best plus size tips + outfit ideas to my readers!
Subscribe here!