fashion

The best places to find stylish size-inclusive dresses for the summer holidays.

Nothing makes you feel like you're on summer holidays quite like throwing on a floaty dress in a lurid colour.

Unfortunately, the Australian shopping landscape is not an inclusive place to look for clothes right now, thanks to the range of sizes available at the majority of retailers. 

Many of us know all too well that feeling of going into a change room only to find a dress is too small. Sending your breasts tumbling over the neckline like some kind of flesh-coloured tidal wave.

But never fear, because there are many labels getting it right when it comes to dress options. 

Listen to the reality of shopping when you're above a size 16 on Mamamia's fashion podcast.

So, here are the best places to find stylish size-inclusive dresses for the summer holidays.

Bohemian Traders

Every time I click into the Bohemian Traders website and scan their dress section, I instantly start picturing myself in season two of The White Lotus, swanning about a resort in Sicily. (Just with slightly less murder).

It's a sea of lovely textured cotton, cotton poplin, and linen in both neutral hues like cream and navy blue alongside brightly coloured prints and patterns.

Bohemian Traders runs from a size XXS to a 4XL and make a point to show their dresses on different body types throughout their campaigns.

Bohemian Traders Shirred Midi Dress. Image: Bohemian Traders.

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17 Sundays

A size-inclusive Australian label usually known for its denim staples, 17 Sundays has also released a range of summer dresses perfect for sunny brunch dates or casual drinks by the pool.

Many of the dresses in their new range come in breathable cotton and feature a relaxed A-line shape, so you know they'll be comfy. The dress details across the range include puff sleeves, lace, and frill hems so you can still feel a little fancy without actually overheating. 

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17 Sundays runs from a size 12 to a size 26.

The Poetic Gypsy

Summer calls for beautifully patterned dresses that are so light and comfortable you'll feel like you're wearing a cloud (except that wouldn't be very practical).

The Poetic Gypsy is a size inclusive brand brimming with options that fit this bill.

In their new range, they have dresses in Moroccan-inspired prints (with elasticised waists for extra comfort), embroidery designs, and button bodice details so you can embrace your inner gypsy.

The Poetic Gypsy runs from a size 10 through to a size 24.

Something 4 Olivia

If I need a summer dress with a little bit of extra flare, I always head to the brand Something 4 Olivia. 

From brightly patterned wrap dresses, to balloon sleeve mini-dresses and warm-toned midi dresses with cutouts (that still allow you to wear a proper bra), Something 4 Olivia always has something a little different on offer. 

The brand runs from a size 10 up to a size 24.

Amelie Midi Dress from Something From Olivia. Image: The Iconic.

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Mahli The Label

Mahli The Label features beautifully handmade dresses that will make you stand out in any crowd. 

From lovely handcrafted caftans in soft pastel shades to babydoll style mini dresses and floaty maxi dresses in a luxe rayon, Mahli The Label is brimming with options for your summer and holiday wardrobe.

Mahli The Label dresses are available in an XS through to a 6XL. 

Zarc

Zarc is a size-inclusive, ethical clothing company based in Queensland (so you know they're across how to dress in extreme heat). 

The brand is a go-to for floaty summer dresses in unique prints, with pieces in 100 per cent cotton and fully lined, that also feature pockets and removable ties so you can always alter the dress to suit your style.

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Zarc dresses have been designed with lots of special touches, including silver lurex thread running through one style to give it an elevated edge.

And the brand stocks sizes from 6 through to 28.

Liz blue and white dress from Zarc. Image: Zarc.

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Pink Dusk

Pink Dust is a range specialising in on-trend pieces in sizes 14 through to 24.

It's very much a go-to brand for trend pieces: think dresses with asymmetric necklines, sleek cutouts, statement sleeves, and sweeping midi-dress designs.

Also, if you're a person blessed with large breasts, I can report from personal experience that Pink Dust is very roomy in that department. 

 Brightside Midi Dress by Pink Dusk. Image: Pink Dust

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Little Party Dress

The name really does say it all, but Little Party Dress really is brimming with frocks in nearly every imaginable colour, style, and shape.

Little Party Dress runs from a size 6 to a size 26 and with each new drop, you're given so many more styles to choose from. 

Think A-line dresses with a three-tiered midi skirt for extra volume, mini dresses with a loose bodice and a summery sunshine print, and holiday looks featuring hidden pockets in a starry print. 

Harlow

Harlow is an Australian label where you'll find summer dresses with a bit more of a classic and sophisticated edge.

Think beautifully crafted dresses in scene-stealing animal prints, classic cut shirt dresses in sleek styles, and the ultimate Little Black Dress but in an easy-to-wear summer style.

Harlow dresses are available in sizes XS (12-14) to XL (24-26).

Orange Sherbert

Nothing will make you want to head off on a summer holiday like trawling through the Orange Sherbert website and taking in the array of brightly coloured dresses with unique and stylish touches.

Think collared mini dresses in eye-catching prints and dreamy midi-dresses with oversized puff sleeves and delicate neckties in every colour of the rainbow.

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Orange Sherbert dresses are available in sizes 6 through to 24.

Orange Sherbert Lulu Midi Dress in green. Image: Orange Sherbert

Laura Brodnik is Mamamia's Head of Entertainment and host of The Spill podcast. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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