Where to Buy Plus Size Formal Dresses in Australia

If you’ve ever tried purchasing a plus size formal dress in Australia, you already know it can be like a major project. Whether it’s for a marriage, a fancy dinner, the races, or a black-tie work event — locating something that suits and flatters can feel like searching out a needle in a haystack. Not to mention, the stress of hoping it arrives in time, or worse, shows up and doesn't fit right.

The good news? The Australian style scene is now finally waking up to the fact that fashion doesn't stop at a size 12. From on-line boutiques to nearby designers and famous stores, there are actually many more options than ever for curvy ladies to look and sense top notch in formalwear. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the best places to buy plus size formal dresses in Australia.

1. Hello Curve – www.hellocurve.com

Let’s kick things off with a star player in the plus size fashion game — Hello Curve.

Hello Curve is an Australian focused full on-line boutique that celebrates curves, self belief, and looking fabulous at any size. Their collection consists of the entirety from fashionable maxi attire to chic cocktail numbers, jumpsuits, or even curve-hugging midi styles perfect for weddings and unique occasions.

What sets Hello Curve apart is the attention to fit. Their dresses aren’t simply upsized versions of straight-size designs — they’re crafted with curvy bodies in mind. Think stretchy fabrics wherein it matters, structured tailoring within the right spots, and cuts that skim rather than hold. They convey sizes from 14 as much as 30, so that you’re sure to discover something that feels made for you.

Another major plus? Their website is a breeze to shop — filters for occasion, size, and colour make it easy to find your dream dress fast. And they actually show their dresses, including stunning plus size evening dresses, on plus size models, so you’re not left guessing what it’ll look like on a real body.

Shipping is fast within Australia, and returns are super easy, so there’s no stress if something doesn’t work out. Honestly, it’s one of the best spots online if you want a formal dress that doesn’t just fit, but wows.

2. City Chic – www.citychic.com.au

If you’ve shopped plus size in Australia before, you’ve probably heard of City Chic. They’re one of the bigger players in the game, and their range of formal dresses is pretty impressive.

From flirty fit-and-flare frocks to dramatic full-length gowns with lace, sequins and bold colours, City Chic knows how to do occasionwear. Their sizing runs from 14 to 24, and they tend to favour bold prints, cinched waists, and flattering necklines — all things curvy girls love.

One thing that makes City Chic stand out is that they have brick-and-mortar stores all across Australia. So if you’re someone who prefers to try things on before committing, this is a big win. You can walk into a store, get help from staff who understand fit, and walk out with a dress that makes you feel like a queen.

Also, they often have sales — and who doesn’t love a good deal?

3. Taking Shape – www.takingshape.com.au

Another local brand really worth finding out is Taking Shape. While their everyday variety leans a bit extra towards the mature or workwear side, they do have some remarkable unique occasion pieces including plus size wedding guest dresses in case you understand where to look.

Their formal patterns tend to be more conventional — suppose elegant black dresses, flowy silhouettes, and luxe fabric like chiffon and velvet. If you're no longer into short-term trends and tight cuts, and need something undying, that is a strong alternative.

Taking Shape additionally gives in-store experiences with stylists, which may be a godsend in case you need assistance locating the right form in your body or simply want a second opinion from a professional.

Sizes run as much as 24 or 26, and they have dedicated ranges for taller and shorter women too.

4. Myer & The Iconic – Department Stores Done Right

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, department stores like Myer and online giants like The Iconic have come a long way in terms of plus size formalwear.

While they stock a mix of brands, many now carry inclusive labels like Avenue, Forever New Curve, Review Curve, and Cooper St Curve — all offering formal dresses designed for size 14 and up.

The bonus with shopping here? Variety. You can browse a couple of manufacturers, patterns, and fee factors in one move. It’s also perfect if you're brief on time or simply need to examine exclusive needs without hopping from website online to website.

The Iconic is particularly great for online shoppers — they offer fast delivery, easy returns, and Afterpay, plus you can see real customer reviews and even user-uploaded photos. That makes choosing your perfect dress much easier.

5. ASOS Curve – Trendy UK Style with Aussie Shipping

ASOS is based in the United Kingdom, but it is worth a mention because their Curve & Plus Size range is stunning for fashion-forward curvy girls.

ASOS Curve offers the whole range of formal wear from floor-length gowns to plus size cocktail dresses. Their dresses are available in sizes 16–30. Their cuts tend to be younger, bolder, and more on-trend — think thigh-high slits, puff sleeves, bright colours and metallics.

The shipping to Australia is real fast, and the returns process is equally easy. It's a great place to look at if you're after something a bit edgy or out of the box.

6. Showpo Curve – Flirty and Fresh

Showpo is another Aussie label that has started embracing body inclusivity extra severely in recent years. Their Curve range offers formal attire in sizes 16–20. They frequently function patterns on their dresses which are amusing, girly, and made for celebrating.

Signature looks include wrap clothes, flirty ruffles, lovely floral prints, and slinky fabrics. Their cuts are often flattering on fuller figures. They cleverly use dress patterns that show off the waist whilst floating over the belly and hips.

They don’t have a massive variety (yet), however it’s worth checking in now after which — specifically around the celebration season when they drop new styles.

What to Look for When Buying a Plus Size Formal Dress

Shopping plus size doesn’t suggest compromising on style — however there are some key things to keep in the mind to make the process smoother:

• Fit is everything. Look for attire with in-built shape in the bodice, stretchy fabrics within the right places, and silhouettes that stabilize your overall proportions.
  

  

  
  

• Undergarments matter. A great bra or shapewear can make a good dress look amazing — so don’t skip this step.
  

  

  
  

• Think about fabric. Top fabrics for plus size formal wear include chiffon, stretchy crepe, and jersey as they are comfy for wearing throughout the day, and they move beautifully.
  

  

  
  

• Size charts are your friend. Every brand fits a little differently, so take your measurements and check the chart before buying.
  

  

  
  

• Try it on at home. Make your house your fitting room by ordering early and trying on multiple styles. If the online options are not suitable, you’ll have time to search in stores!
  

  

  
  

Conclusion

With the list of options above for finding plus size formal dresses in Australia, you can browse and shop to your heart’s desire before settling on that perfect dress. Make sure that you feel good and confident in your chosen option as your inner confidence will upgrade your overall look that much more.

With brands like Hello Curve joining the plus size formal wear market, we are confident that plus size women in Australia will find it easier and easier to dress up for events. So next time you’ve got a formal event on the calendar, skip the stress — jump online, try a few styles, and find something that makes you glow.

Because curves deserve couture too. 💃