Fashion can have an “out with the old, in with the new” feel to it, but if the resurgence of flats and flared jeans have taught us anything, it’s that the trends of yesteryear are back and stronger than ever — with a bit of a modern update.
Wondering what exactly to look out for when it comes to trends for spring 2023? We’re all about dresses that play with texture (like knit options), proportions (drop-waist, puff sleeve, bubble skirts, etc), and draping (like ruched dresses, and slip dresses). Bright colors and metallics are also huge for spring. Don’t be afraid to be bold and stand out with these looks.
Plus-size folks can participate in any and all trends, thanks to a growing list of legacy retailers and up-and-coming brands offering more options in more sizes. We know how it can feel a little intimidating to wear certain styles, even if you LOVE the look of them. But trust us — wear the dress. Rock the look! Even if it is just for yourself, in your room, in front of the mirror, don’t dim your light (when it comes to fashion, or otherwise).
If that didn’t convince you, may we get off our lil soapbox and let you know we’ve also rounded up our favorite of-the-moment plus-size dress trends and found 24 options that embody them perfectly? Here are some of our favorite plus-size dresses that you’ll be seeing this spring.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Slip dresses are effortlessly sexy. You can wear a classic satin slip style with lace accents (which is a nod to the lingerie origins of the style), or choose a more modern approach to the trend that incorporates fun prints and patterns, and embellishments, such as chains, sequins, and feathers. Wear this style whenever you want to make someone fall head over heels for you, or if you want to receive compliments all night long. It exudes an effortless confidence that’s irresistible.
Shop Macy’s
And Now This Satin Chain-Strap Slip Dress, $, available at Macy’s
Shop Target
Ava & Viv Sleeveless Satin Dress, $, available at Target
Shop ASOS
Collusion Satin midi cowl neck midi with matching shrug, $, available at ASOS
Shop Dia & Co
11 Honoré Cree Slip Dress, $, available at Dia & Co.
Knit dresses are not only for winter — you can wear this style in all four seasons. From the ultra-cozy and warm oversized sweater dresses like the Ulla Popken Knit Dress to the sleek and body-hugging ribbed Knit Dress from Fashion To Figure, you can feel comfortable and stylish.
As the weather gets warmer, be on the lookout for loose knit mini dresses, too.
Shop Fashion to Figure
Fashion to Figure Lorena Ribbed Knit Sweater Dress, $, available at Fashion to Figure
Shop Cider
cider Jersey U-neckline Contrasting Split Knitted Midi Dress, $, available at Cider
Shop Ulla Popken
Ulla Popken Fully Fashioned Rib Knit Dress, $, available at Ulla Popken
Shop H&M
H&M Knit Dress, $, available at H&M
Sheer dresses are one of the hottest trends, and one we love to see in plus sizes. The versatility of a sheer dress is unmatched. Wear it with a slip of the same color, or style it with pants (another favorite trend we are seeing everywhere). You can bare it all if you want, or go for an option that has sheer panels for that sneak peek of skin.
Shop Good American
Good American Mesh Midi Dress, $, available at Good American
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Maxi Printed Mesh Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Shop Skims
Skims Jelly Sheer Rhinestone Dress, $, available at Skims
Shop Berriez
JRAT X BRZ Peek-a-Boo Sheer Layer, $, available at Berriez
One trend you’ll see a lot of in both dresses and tops (hello peplum), is the drop waist. Drop waist dresses were first introduced to us in the 1920s when flapper dresses were all the rage. The style lowers the waistband, which gives the illusion of elongating the torso. It’s a silhouette that looks incredible on every body. After the flapper dress era of the 20s, the drop waist trend made a resurgence in the early 2000s and is now back in full force in 2023.
Shop ASOS
ASOS Curve boucle mini smock shirt dress with pephem, $, available at ASOS
Shop Verishop
Buxom Couture Polka Dot Drop Waist Dress, $, available at Verishop
Shop Anthropologie
Bhanuni Jyoti Tiered Short-Sleeve Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop Venus
Venus Polka Dot Maxi Dress, $, available at Venus
If you haven’t noticed already, Y2k fashion has been dominating the runways, and another trend from that era that we’ve seen everywhere is the bubble hem trend. Yes, the dresses that you remember seeing your favorite celebrity wearing at the MTV music awards of the 2000s are hot again. This time they are way more sophisticated and wearable than their predecessors. We love the playfulness of this style and invite you to get glam and take up space with this trend.
Shop PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing Puff Sleeve Puffball Hem Dress, $, available at PrettyLittleThing
Shop Revolve
Selkie The Puff Dress, $, available at Revolve
Shop City Chic
City Chic Ada Dress, $, available at City Chic
Shop Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart The Giselle Bubble Dress, $, available at Ashley Stewart
We love how the draping and ruching trend deftly accentuates the wearer’s frame. These styles celebrate your plus-size body and can be body-skimming or loose-fitting. From casual to work-appropriate and everything in between, this trend is super versatile and timeless.
Shop Shapellx
Shapellx Fit Everybody Smooth Ruched Shaping Dress, $, available at Shapellx
Shop Kiyonna
Kiyonna Betsey Ruched Dress, $, available at Kiyonna
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Ruched One Shoulder Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Shop 2020AVE
2020AVE Woven Ruched Dress, $, available at 2020AVE
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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