I'm a Plus-Size Fashion Expert—See 5 of the Best Dresses I've Tried This Year

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@SARABROWNDESIGN FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK

Style Notes: My friends are probably sick of me telling them how much I love a knitted dress, but I do—I love a knitted dress! I’m so here for the combo of comfort and style. I love the fit flexibility you get with knitwear pieces, and they always seem to hang with a lovely weight. This dress is made from silky smooth yarn and is incredibly soft to wear. It’s also quite a fine knit so shouldn’t be too warm. I love the abstract marble-style print and the zesty colours. This dress also comes in a pink and black colourway if lime and navy aren’t your thing. Karen Millen has quite an extensive range of plus-size options, and I would suggest trying them out if you’re looking for a more premium high-street item. 

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@SARABROWNDESIGN FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK

Style Notes: I picked this dress out as a colour-blocked option. This would make a fabulous wedding guest look with its frill sleeves and bold hue. With the shirred-back waistband making it comfortable to sit and spend all day in, you could put this on in the morning for the ceremony and still feel happy dancing in it at midnight. I love where the neckline hits, as it makes it easy to find a bra to wear with it. And those ruffles… Need I say anymore?

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@SARABROWNDESIGN FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK

Style Notes: I’m a firm believer that sequins are not just for Christmas or festivals. Their statement-making, shimmering joy deserves to be enjoyed all year round. Silver sequins are a classic, and I especially love the different-sized discs used on this dress. It gives me Paco Rabanne vibes. This dress is probably the sexiest of the bunch I’ve picked out for you, as it has a high slit at the side and open sides with ties. I’ve paired it with a sheer layer underneath to enable me to wear a bra with it, but I think it’s time to invest in some super-strong boob tape so I can wear this in its sexiest original form. Imagine this dress on the dance floor or shimmering during golden hour when you’re walking to dinner on holiday. I’m not saying it’s perfect for every occasion, but having said that, think about it layered with a crisp white shirt—so fabulous!

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@SARABROWNDESIGN FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK

Style Notes: I was drawn in by the print of this dress but was won over by the embroidered details. I love the added texture. With crochet set to remain a popular trend this summer, I love how Never Fully Dressed has taken that technique and turned it into this colourful print. When it’s warm, I become a little obsessed with natural fibres, so I love the fact this dress is 100% cotton, making it more breathable and cooler to wear. Personally, I’ll be pairing this with even more crochet, a crochet bag and maybe even a crochet hair accessory. I’m a maximalist, and that’s how my brain works, but if you’re into a more pared-back style, this would look stunning paired with all-white accessories for a fresh summer-occasion outfit. 

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@SARABROWNDESIGN FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK

Style Notes: This dress might not be for everyone, but there’s no denying it’s a statement. In fact, it’s a statement I really want to make. Bigger bodies can wear things that make them even bigger—take up the room you deserve! If I saw this dress on a size 10, I know that I would be obsessed, so I’m super excited to see it in a plus-size range too. The mini length along with the racer-style straps give this pouffy dress contrast, and I love its vintage feel. You can really live your true Barbie life in this dress.