Plus Size Formal Dresses for Galas, Balls and Weddings

The best plus size formal dresses match the event's dress code first, floor length for black tie, galas and most balls, then give you structure where you want it, such as a defined waist, an A-line skirt or sleeves. Plan the underlayers and shoes with the gown, since a long formal night is hard on both.

A formal event can mean hours of standing, sitting, eating and dancing, so the right gown is the one you forget you're wearing. This guide starts with the event, then covers silhouettes, sleeves, black tie, what goes underneath and the shoes and wraps that get you through the night.

Match the gown to the event

Start with the invitation. The dress code and the type of event set the length and the level of shine, and the style choices come after. Here's how the usual formal events compare.

• Black tie wedding: floor length is the norm. Rich fabrics like satin, crepe, velvet and beading. See black tie attire for what the code covers.
• Gala: usually floor length, sometimes a very dressy cocktail length if the invitation says cocktail. Sparkle is welcome. More in what to wear to a gala.
• Military ball: floor-length gowns are the usual choice at a formal ball, but check the invitation and the unit's own guidance. Military ball dresses covers the details.
• Formal dance or prom-style event: floor length or a dressy midi, with more room for color, sequins and fun.
• Formal wedding as a guest (not black tie): floor length or an elegant midi in a dressy fabric. Plus size wedding guest dresses covers the full range of wedding dress codes.

When the invitation says "formal" without more detail, a floor-length gown is the safest choice for an evening event.

Plus size evening gown silhouettes

Plus size evening gowns come in every shape, and there's no single right one. The best fit is the silhouette that gives you structure where you want it and room where you want it. Three styles cover most events.

A-line gowns

An A-line gown is the classic plus size gown for good reason: it defines the waist, the skirt moves easily when you walk and dance, and it suits every formal dress code. Look for a gown with a fully lined skirt, which hangs better and feels smoother against tights or bare legs.

Chiffon A-lines are light and floaty for spring and summer; satin and crepe A-lines look richer in fall and winter.

Wrap and surplice bodices

A wrap or surplice bodice crosses over at the front in a V. It adjusts at the bust and waist, which helps when your bust and waist are different sizes on a brand's chart. The V-neck opens up the neckline and suits a fuller bust.

Check how the wrap is fastened. A true wrap with a tie gives the most adjustment; a faux wrap with a hidden zip stays put all night. Either way, a lined bodice or a modesty snap at the crossover keeps the neckline where you want it.

Sequin and beaded gowns

Sequin gowns are made for galas, New Year's Eve and black tie. A stretch sequin fabric moves with you and is usually more comfortable than rigid beading on a stiff base. Look for a gown with a soft lining, because sequins on the inside of a seam can scratch.

A simple cut with all-over sequins looks sleek; a sequin bodice with a chiffon skirt is lighter and easier to sit in.

Plus size formal dresses with sleeves

Plus size formal dresses with sleeves are easy to find now, and they're worth looking at even if you've never worried about your arms. Sleeves add warmth in a cold venue, polish in photos and a bit of drama.

• Long sleeves: sleek and elegant, especially in velvet, crepe or stretch sequins. Right for winter galas and black tie.
• Flutter sleeves: light and soft, they cover the top of the arm without adding warmth. Good for summer weddings.
• Sheer sleeves: chiffon or mesh sleeves give coverage with a light, dressy look.
• Cap and short sleeves: a neat middle ground for spring and fall.

In winter, a long-sleeve velvet gown is the warmest formal option and looks rich at night. For daytime and less formal winter plans, plus size winter outfits has more cold-weather ideas built around dresses.

Plus size black tie dresses

A plus size black tie dress is a floor-length gown in a rich fabric. Satin, crepe, velvet, heavy chiffon and beading all suit black tie; casual fabrics like cotton or jersey don't. Keep the cut elegant and let the fabric carry it.

Black, navy, emerald, burgundy and metallics are classic black tie colors, and a jewel tone stands out in a room of black. A column gown in crepe, an A-line in satin and a long-sleeve velvet gown are all reliable black tie choices. Add statement earrings or a clutch with some shine, and keep everything else simple.

What to wear underneath

The foundation layer decides how comfortable you are by 10 p.m.

Start with a bra that suits the neckline and fits well: a strapless or convertible style for strapless and off-shoulder gowns, a plunge for deep V-necks, and a full-support underwire for everything else. Try it on with the gown before the event, not on the day.

A slip helps a gown glide over the body instead of catching on tights or skin, and it adds a smooth layer under thin satin or chiffon. Shapewear is optional. If you like it, choose it for comfort: a breathable fabric, a waistband that stays put without rolling and a size that lets you sit, eat and dance. Anti-chafing shorts or a smooth slip short are useful under a long gown on a warm night.

Shoes, wraps and a long night

You'll be on your feet more than you expect, so choose shoes for the whole night, not the first hour.

Block heels and low wedges are kinder than stilettos on lawns, dance floors and long receptions, and a floor-length gown hides most of the shoe anyway. If your feet are wide, look for heels sold in wide (W) widths and a strap that adjusts. Break new shoes in at home for a few evenings first.

A wrap covers your shoulders in air-conditioned rooms and on the walk outside. A long chiffon or satin wrap suits summer; a velvet or faux-fur stole suits winter. Evening wraps covers the options by season.

Before the event, put on the full outfit, gown, underlayers, shoes and wrap, and sit down in it for twenty minutes. Anything that pinches, rides up or slips will show up there, while there's still time to fix it.