The best plus-size dresses to shop for fall 2023

With cooler temperatures around the corner, it’s time to start adding some pieces with additional coverage to your wardrobe, including long sleeve dresses. However, shopping for cute, comfortable, and cozy dresses as a plus-size woman can be challenging (I know from experience). We’ve compiled a list of the 11 best plus-size dresses with long sleeves from retailers including Torrid, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii so you can spend more time shopping and less time researching. Read on to learn more about our top picks.

1. Lane Bryant Button-Down Bodice Tiered Fit & Flare Dress

Highlights of this Lane Bryant Button-Down Fit & Flare Dress include its self-tie belt and pockets which can be used for storing smaller items. As someone who owns this dress, I liked how the self-tie belt drew attention to my waist without feeling restrictive. Although this dress has a more sophisticated look, it can be dressed down with a pair of sneakers for those casual outings to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. This 100% cotton dress is machine washable and comes in women’s sizes 12-28.

2. Maurices Arbor Floral Smocked Dress

This Floral Smocked Dress from Maurices will add some harvest vibes to your wardrobe. Although this dress is slightly fitted, it flatters my body well. I especially love its sweetheart neckline with its smocked bodice. This dress is available in three colors in women's sizes 0X to 4X.

3. Torrid Festi Chiffon Clip Dot Ruffle Sleeve Maxi Dress

Looking for a dress that’ll make a bold statement with color? Consider adding the Festi Chiffon Clip Dot Ruffle Sleeve Maxi Dress to your cart. Available in women’s sizes M to 5X, it has a v-neck cut, long ruffle sleeves that cuff at the wrist, and is made with both eye-catching and textured chiffon clip dot woven fabric. Whether you wear this dress with a pair of sandals or pumps, you’ll feel like a pink princess when it's wrapped around your body.

4. Francesca’s Regina Paisley Tiered Mini Dress

If you’re looking for a mini dress that still offers coverage, the Regina Paisley Tiered Mini Dress is an excellent choice. This pick will help you add some pastels to your fall wardrobe thanks to its vibrantly colored pattern. You can wear a pair of tights or leggings underneath for added coverage during cooler days or leave it as is for your legs to soak in the sun. It’s easy to put on with its pull-over design and is made with an elasticized waist that is beneficial for those days when you’re on the go and need a stylish dress to wear.

5. Asos Curve Tulle Baby Doll Dress with Pearl Embellishment

If you’re a fan of baby doll dresses, you’ll like the Curve Tulle Baby Doll Dress with Pearl Embellishment from ASOS. Made with polyester and light tulle, this dress creates a light and fairy-like look with its faux pearls which cover every inch, long volume sleeves, and square neck which leaves enough room for one to cover it in glitter or embellish with a piece of jewelry. Available in women’s sizes 12 to 22, this dress will make any night out on the town or birthday party an even more shimmering and splendid one.

6. Universal Standard Iconic Long Sleeve V-Neck Geneva Dress

If you prioritize comfort when dress shopping, you’ll appreciate the Iconic Long Sleeved V-Neck Geneva Dress from Universal Standard. Made from Peruvian cotton blended with elastane, this dress offers a stretchy feel with durable fabric that won’t pill. It also has an assymetrical hemfor some extra flare. Universal Standard is passionate about making the shopping experience equal for every customer whether they wear a size 00 or size 40.

7. ModCloth This Is My Moment Wrap Dress

For a dress with 3/4 sleeves, the This Is My Moment Wrap Dress from ModCloth is a solid choice. Although this black dress is modest in length, it features a plunging surplice neckline that is perfect to show off a long gold necklace. Since it’s a wrap dress, it closes at the side via a tie–don’t worry it’s adjustable. Additionally, its stretchy fabric makes it a great choice for those activities which require lots of movement. The dress comes in women’s sizes XS to 4X.

8. Maeve Bettina Tiered Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses are popular and for good reason. They offer coverage, mobility, and comfort, and usually feature attractive designs, like the Bettina Tiered Shirt Dress by Maeve. This shirt dress contains a button front and puff sleeves which create an ethereal look. Whether you add a belt to cinch in the waist or leave the dress as is, it’s a wonderful option for brunch dates or picnics in the park. Available in sizes XXS to 3X and six prints, this shirt dress will make a great addition to your wardrobe.

9. Wearwell Emily Dress

If you’re looking for a sustainable option, opt for the Emily Dress from Wearwell. It’s made from scrap fabric waste, but aside from being environmentally friendly, the dress contours your shape highlighting your best features, and does so at a modest, below-the-knee length. Since it’s a simple black dress, you can wear it with a pair of statement earrings or vibrantly colored heels for contrast. Whatever you decide, this dress can serve as a staple piece in your fall lookbook. Shop the style in women’s sizes XS to 3XL.

10. Runwind Women Floral Maxi Dress

Add some flow to your fall attire with this Runwind Floral Maxi Dress. If you’re looking for dynamic patterns or want to keep things simple with a solid color, there are more than 42 colorways to choose from. The dress is available in sizes XL to 6XL and is casual enough to be worn at a family gathering yet elegant enough to be worn to a wedding thanks to its loose fit and knot closure.

11. Eloquii Tiered Ruffle Midi Dress With Long Sleeves

If you’re someone who likes dresses with a tiered look, Eloquii’s Tiered Ruffle Midi Dress with Long Sleeves is for you. Its sleeves end right at the wrist and will offer added warmth on particularly chilly days. Despite its non-stretch fabric, the dress has an easy fit so you won’t have trouble putting it on and taking it off. As an added bonus, the dress is equipped with a smocked waistband to accentuate your curves. The dress is available in “Stamped Dots” color which includes various shades of brown and beige and comes in women’s sizes 14 to 32.