The 9 Best Places to Shop for a Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dress
The majority of women in America wear a size 16 or larger, but there’s still a major lack of fabulous plus-size clothing brands, especially for special occasions, like your cousin’s wedding. It can be frustrating to have friends recommend fun new brands—only to find they go up to a size 18 (if that). So, to stave off those feelings of disappointment here are nine retailers that make gorgeous plus-size wedding guest dresses that aren’t just oversize LBDs or shapeless caftans.
RELATED: 12 Affordable Plus-Size Brands Every Curvy Girl Should Know
1. ASOS
This U.K.-based retailer is one of our absolute favorite places to pick up so many different things—trendy shoes and bags, swimwear for those with long torsos or big busts, fun maternity wear—but it also has a phenomenal selection of plus size clothing, including formal dresses perfect for any dress code, in sizes 12 through 26. Even better? The majority of ASOS’s offerings are under $150. There are cute bridesmaid dresses and simple chiffon frocks, as well as sequined wraps and brightly patterned minis, so you’ll be sure to find something to fit your personal style.
2. Anthropologie
Anthropologie only started offering extended sizes (through 26W) in early 2019, but it proved to be such a hit with shoppers that they’ve continued to expand the collection each season. Of course, that means adding a slew of gorgeous dresses infused with the retailer’s eclectic, boho vibe. Most of the colorful styles are appropriate for a cocktail or semi-formal event, but there are definitely options for black or white tie events as well. Most frocks come in under $300 (there are a ton of cute options between $100 and $150, too), including some more classic or timeless pieces from Anthro’s wedding-specific line BHLDN.
3. Eloquii
While we typically head over to Eloquii to shop for more casual pieces, the plus-only label also makes majorly enviable occasion-wear. Ready for the good news? Everything is under $160 and comes in sizes 14 through 28. There are tons of brightly patterned midi dresses, satin and sequin jumpsuits and each season’s new releases always include a few classically chic black formal options you can pull out for just about any event on your calendar. (Hot tip: You can also find some of the brand’s best pieces at Nordstrom.)
4. 11 Honoré
For shoppers looking to splurge on a designer number that’s guaranteed to impress, we recommend checking out 11 Honoré. The luxe site sells only plus-sizes 10 through 26 from high-end brands like Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Diane Von Furstenberg and Brandon Maxwell (a favorite of both Lady Gaga and Meghan Markle. As such, the price point is higher than the other stores on this list—dresses run from about $150 for more casual options up through $4,000 for gala-ready gowns—but we can’t think of any other site that has such an ample selection of plus-size designer pieces.
5. Adrianna Papell
You may not know this brand by name, but you’ve likely seen Adrianna Papell formal sheaths and sequined gowns while scrolling through Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s or even Anthropologie. The label was launched in 1980 with the goal of creating beautiful occasion-wear for all women, not just those with big budgets and small waists. The designs definitely skew to the formal side, with sequins, embroidery and beading in abundance, but there are also some casual options for cocktail or beach weddings (like the floaty floral number pictured above). Prices start at about $150, though you can often find dresses on sale if you’re working with a tighter budget, and cap at just under $400. And everything is available in sizes 14 through 26 (you can shop size 12 frocks or smaller on site as well).
6. Show Me Your Mumu
Despite its quirky name, Show Me Your Mumu is a phenomenal destination to find party frocks and bridal party dresses. Sizes range from an XXS through 3X, and almost everything is under $200. Dresses with sequin detailing or lace overlay will cost you a little more, but if you’re looking for a solid-hued or floral number you can wear for multiple events, this is a great place to start. There are also a ton of colors to choose from, including timeless shades like blush pink or black, in addition to trendier hues like sage green, burnt orange and deep plum.
7. Nordstrom
Oh Nordstrom, we love you so. The retailer has an ever-growing collection of plus-size styles, from size 14/XXL through 28W/4X, including activewear, workwear, denim and, of course, wedding-ready dresses. There are certainly some sexy party-ready options available (peep the Lavish Alice mini above), but the majority of Nordstrom’s wedding guest options have a more modest, classic vibe. Think intricate lace sleeves and longer hemlines more in line with Kate Middleton’s style and less Kate Moss. Because Nordstrom carries such a wide variety of brands, prices range from under $100 up through $1,000 for designer duds.
8. ModCloth
ModCloth is best known for its adorable retro vibe. But even if you don’t count Zooey Deschanel or Reese Witherspoon as your style icons, this site has a ton of classic, non-quirky designs to peruse, too. Almost every piece is under $200 and most frocks are available in the brand’s full size range, from 00/XXS to 28/4X. ModCloth’s selection is definitely on the more casual side, better for semi-formal or dressy occasions rather than black tie affairs, but there are a handful of fancier options if you’re a big fan of the brand.
9. Rent the Runway
OK, so you can’t actually buy pieces from Rent the Runway (unless the site is having a sample sale), but if you don’t want to clutter your closet with yet another wedding guest dress you’ll only wear once or twice, rentals are definitely something to look into. Anthropologie and Eloquii also offer rental subscription boxes, but Rent the Runway has two major pluses the other two don’t: One-off rentals and a vast selection of formalwear. Sizes only go up to a 22 (fingers crossed RTR expands its size range soon), but you can score stunning designer pieces from brands like Badgley Mischka, Marchesa Notte and Christian Siriano for a fraction of their retail price. We also love that you can add a second size, free of charge, if you’re unsure about how any given item will fit.
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