14 Supersized Dresses to Wear This Spring

Tell your dresses to go big or go home.

I’ve been wearing a new Chopova Lowena pleated wool skirt this week to walk my dog. Its bright green pleats pump up my personal circumference to about the width of a doorframe, and the elastic string used in its design means my skirt bounces along as I walk down the sidewalk. Wearing it is an instant mood lifter. But it has also become the talking point in my neighborhood; no fewer than three people tend to stop Molly, my hound, and me on each walk, asking about the skirt or complimenting it. 

Katie Ruensumran in Simone Rocha

Photographed by Phil Oh

Listen, that could have its downside, but after a year of almost no physical contact, a little fabric pinching or casual chitchat on the sidewalk is definitely welcomed. That’s part of the allure of big-dress dressing—it inspires familiarity and its fair share of ogling too. 

Lauren Kulchinsky Levison in Molly Goddard

Photographed by Phil Oh

There’s also a deep comfort in wearing something giant and poufy. No tight waists, no sleeves restricting my movement; I just glide around like a brightly colored, crazy cloud. What’s more, if you play your cards right and purchase your big dress a size too large, you can strategically layer an entire outfit underneath. Recently, I’ve been wearing my running clothes—Nike shorts and a black tank—underneath a taffeta Sea dress I bought in the winter. Once 6 p.m. hits, I peel off the dress, and, voilà, ready to hit the pavement. 

Kindness in Loewe

Photographed by Phil Oh

Creative dressers will find other ways to make a giant dress work for them. What’s important to remember is that an oversized frock isn’t just about volume but about interest. Kiko Kostadinov and Marine Serre’s asymmetrical dresses might not have a crinoline-worthy skirt, but they contain layers of bias fabric and the visual appeal to get people talking. Loewe’s mini pouf and Bassike’s cotton number offer the same: clothing that is at once comfortable and a conversation piece. That’s a win-win in my book.

Chopova Lowena Belted Minidress in Split Plaid

$1,895KM20Shop Now

Vaquera V-neck Ruffle Dress

$976FarfetchShop Now

Loewe Puff-Sleeved Minidress

$4,600HarrodsShop Now

Bassike Gathered Cotton Poplin Minidress

$395$198Net-a-PorterShop Now

Molly Goddard Ruffle Tiered Mididress

$2,470Net-a-PorterShop Now

Simone Rocha Scoop Neck Floral Brocade Dress

$2,300Matches FashionShop Now

JW Anderson Sleeveless Bubble Dress

$1,590JW AndersonShop Now

Issey Miyake Vintage Pleated Dress

$1,8001st DibsShop Now

Comme Des Garçons Teddy Bear Dress

$2,275SsenseShop Now

Cecilie Bahnsen Ruffled Puff Sleeve Faille Dress

$1,095Matches FashionShop Now

Vintage Victor Costa Patchwork Floral Dress

$270EtsyShop Now

Sea Taffeta Combo Mididress

$295ShopbopShop Now

Kiko Kostadinov Asymmetric Cut-Out Dress

$2,330$1,165FarfetchShop Now

Marine Serre Asymmetric Mididress

$1,710$855MyTheresaShop Now

This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Steff Yotka