Looking for stylish formal dresses in Australia when you’re plus sized is arguably not easy. There are options, but many of them deserve to be on the frumpy and outdated sales rack. And to stack up the difficulty, the prices for those dresses are definitely not outdated. The good news? The fashion world is slowly (but surely!) catching up, and there are now quite a few amazing places — both online and in-store — where you can find gorgeous plus size formal dresses that actually fit well and look amazing.
Whether you’re off to a wedding, graduation, gala, or fancy dinner, I’ve put together a list of the best spots to shop for plus size formal dresses across Australia. And yes, I’ve included the much-loved Hello Curve, because they truly deserve a shoutout.
1. Hello Curve – Your Friendly Online Go-To
Let’s start with the star of the show. Hello Curve is a dedicated plus size online store that feels like it gets us. No weird sizing, no awkward cuts — just stylish, well-made clothes that are designed with curvy bodies in mind.
Their formal dress collection is always on point, ranging from flowy chiffon maxis to fitted glam gowns and elegant wrap styles. Sizes generally go from 16 up to 30, and they do a great job of showing dresses on actual plus size models — not a size 10 model in a padded suit (you know what I’m talking about!).
One of my favourite things about Hello Curve is that it’s Australian-centric, and shipping is super convenient. Plus, their customer support is true and useful, it seems like there’s someone in the back of the screen understanding and assisting you.
Best For: Affordable glam, state-of-the-art and traditional styles, smooth on-line buying.
Website: hellocurve.com
2. Taking Shape – Classic with a Twist
Taking Shape has been around for a while, and it’s a bit of a staple in the Australian plus size fashion world. While some of their everyday wear leans toward the more mature side, don’t sleep on their Evening & Occasionwear section.
They offer a mix of soft, elegant silhouettes and bold prints — perfect if you want something comfortable and statement-making. There’s the option of shopping online with them, or visiting one of their many stores available across Australia. This is especially helpful if you’d like to try many designs in one shot, before you buy.
Sizing: 12–24, with some pieces going up to size 28.
Best For: Mature elegance, comfy but stylish, in-store fitting.
Website: takingshape.com.au
3. Forever New Curve – Romantic and On-Trend
Forever New launched their Curve line a while back, and thank goodness they did. Their plus size variety is virtually lush, and no longer only a replica-paste in their straight-size designs.
Every girly girl’s dream, their formal wear collection includes all elements of feminine dressing. They include lace, pleats, puff sleeves and a choice of floaty fabrics. Their shade palette is normally tender and romantic, with the time-to-time jewel-tone colour pop.
Sizing normally goes as much as a 22, and their fit is quite true-to-size (even though a few patterns are more perfect to hourglass or pear shapes, only a heads-up).
Best For: Weddings, lawn parties, stylish dinner dates.
Website: forevernew.com.au
4. City Chic – Bold, Flattering, and Everywhere
If you’ve ever Googled “plus size dresses Australia,” you’ve definitely seen City Chic pop up. They’ve built their entire brand around curvy women, and their formalwear is one of their strongest points.
Expect sexy suits, flattering cuts, and formidable shades. Their lace styles, peplum clothes, and bodycons are best for cocktail nights or any occasion where you need to show heads. They actually have a dedicated “Glam Dresses” section to make your life less difficult.
City Chic has online buying and physical shops all throughout Australia, so whether you’re in Sydney, Perth, or a nearby town, possibilities are there’s one not too far from you.
Sizing: 14–24 (once in a while 26).
Best For: Party-prepared glam, cocktail activities, curve-hugging styles.
Website: citychic.com.au
5. ASOS Curve – International Vibes with Fast Shipping
Ah, ASOS. The holy grail of endless fashion options. Their Curve section is one of the best you’ll find online, with hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of options. You’ll find everything from formal gowns to jumpsuits to slinky slip dresses.
One of the things I love the most is the huge range of patterns — minimalist, boho, edgy, extremely-feminine — whatever your vibe is, they possibly have it. They additionally stock up on plus size manufacturers like Yours, Simply Be, Glamorous Curve, and their own in-house labels.
Shipping from the UK is surprisingly fast, and returns are usually painless. Just make sure to examine reviews and check the size guide — ASOS sizes can vary a chunk from one brand to another.
Best For: Variety, style-ahead alternatives, finances-friendly formal looks.
Website: asos.com/au
6. Birdsnest – A Hidden Gem for Curvy Dress Shoppers
Birdsnest is a super charming Aussie retailer based in Cooma, NSW, but don’t let the small-town origin fool you — their online store is packed with gems.
They have a dedicated Plus Size section, and their formalwear tends to skew elegant and wearable. Think timeless rather than trendy, but they do throw in some fresh styles too.
The best part? Their styling videos and body shape filters. You can literally filter out dresses by what flatters an apple form, pear form, and many others., which takes so much of the guesswork out of buying.
Sizing: Up to size 24 (from time to time 26 depending at the emblem).
Best For: Friendly service, body-shape guides, timeless styles.
Website: birdsnest.com.au
7. Esther & Co – Luxe, Lace, and Curve-Approved
While Esther & Co isn’t a dedicated plus size store, their Curve Collection is totally worth checking out. They do romantic, glam, and ultra-feminine styles that are great for formal occasions.
Lots of lace, flowing fabrics, and floor-length gowns — perfect if you’re attending a wedding, awards night, or anything a little extra. Their photos show the dresses on curve models, which is always a big bonus.
Sizes go up to 24, and their quality is pretty reliable — not super high-end, but a notch above fast fashion.
Best For: Lace lovers, weddings, boho-glam vibes.
Website: esther.com.au
8. The Iconic – Endless Options, Super Fast Delivery
You really can’t go wrong with The Iconic when you need a dress in a hurry. Their Plus Size section is massive, and they stock everything from casual to formal to super glam. Brands include A&CO Curve, Calli Curve, Atmos&Here, Isabelle Quinn, and more.
Their filtering system makes it easy to narrow things down, and returns are usually easy if something doesn’t work out. They also offer same-day or next-day delivery in metro areas — a total lifesaver for last-minute dress stress.
Best For: Emergency clothes, heaps of alternatives, smooth returns.
Website: theiconic.com.au
Conclusion
Buying a plus size formal dress in Australia doesn’t have to be a struggle anymore. From online gems like Hello Curve to big-name staples like City Chic and Forever New Curve, there are now real options that are actually stylish, comfortable, and flattering.
And consider — it’s now not as hard as in the past locating a dress that fits. It’s about finding a dress that makes you feel like youl. Whether you adore complete glam, tender romance, or something in between, the precise plus size formal dress is absolutely out there anticipating you.
So move ahead, bookmark some of those shops, have a scroll, and treat yourself to something appropriate. You deserve to feel wonderful— curves, confidence, and all. 💃✨
