Shopping for formal attire can be a dreaded pain in the butt. Pounding the pavement for a dress that fits into your budget, fits the event's dress code, and, most importantly, fits you perfectly is far from easy. But when all the pieces fall into place, the relief of nailing your glamorous ensemble can make you feel unstoppable.
Navigating the waters of retailers that may or may not cater to your size shouldn't have to be part of the journey. To help you find a dress that's going to work just as hard as you do to make a great impression, we're swatting away the LBDs and wraps and supplying 13 styles to step your night-out look to a 10.
That slit takes this gown from dinner-table appropriate to after-party ready.
Fame and Partners Penny, $299, available at Fame and Partners.
All eyes on me, please.
Missguided+ Roll Neck Longline Jersey Dress, $30.60, available at Missguided.
You'll be pulling out this pretty maxi for every spring and summer shindig.
ASOS Curve Wedding Maxi Dress, $119, available at ASOS.
Get ready to dazzle.
BB Dakota Plus Firoella Sequined Dress, $138 $103.50, available at Bloomingdale's.
This satiny crepe frock is made for all-night comfort.
Lanvin Gathered Satin-crepe Dress, $1,690, available at Net-A-Porter.
Don't let the sweetheart neckline fool you. This dress is as bad as you want to be.
Nicole Mason x Addition Elle The Janet Bodycon Dress, $170 $127.50, available at Addition Elle.
Accessorize this sultry number with a silver clutch in one hand and a martini in the other.
Modcloth Lady Love Song Dress, $89.99 $62.99, Modcloth.
This slinky halter number is available up to size 22W.
Xscape Beaded Halter Dress, $259 $181.30, available at Lord & Taylor.
Exhibit A on why jumpsuits should be your new formal attire go-to.
Hackwith Design House Ella Jumper, $1,475, available at Hackwith Design House.
The unique fanned out bandeau over the bust on this gown is an easy update to a plain strapless number.
ASOS Curve Red Carpet Bandeau Maxi Dress with Heavy Fold Peplum, $111, available at ASOS.
A pared-down dress doesn't have to omit being fun and flirty.
Eloquii Fit & Flare Cutout Dress, $99.90, available at Eloquii.
Made to match with a bold red lip.
Forever 21 Plus-size Two-strap Dress, $24.90, available at Forever 21.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?