Two plus size casual dress shapes for every kind of day
Everyday casual dresses vary widely by shape: an A-line tee dress skims and moves, a button-front empire dress adds a defined waist. Both have side pockets.
What actually decides your everyday dress shape
Two things decide it: how close you want the fabric to sit to your natural waist, and how long you want the hem. Sleeve length, neckline, pockets, and fabric are close to identical between the two shapes below.
Woman Within casual dresses are built from soft, breathable cotton/poly knit with comfortable stretch, and both styles here have real side-seam pockets sewn into the seam, not patched on.
The two shapes side by side
Here is how the Perfect Short-Sleeve Crewneck Tee Dress and the Button-Front Elbow-Sleeve Knit Dress compare on the things that matter for an everyday pick.
| What | A-Line Tee Dress | Button-Front Empire Dress |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | A-line, no waist seam | Empire waist, full swing skirt |
| Length | 42 inches | 48 inches regular, 46 petite, 44 petite short |
| Neckline | Structured crewneck | Scoop neckline |
| Sleeve | Short sleeve | Elbow-length sleeve |
| Pockets | Built-in side pockets | Side-seam pockets |
| Fabric | Cotton/poly knit | Cotton/poly knit with stretch |
The A-line tee dress: no seam at the waist
The Perfect Short-Sleeve Crewneck Tee Dress skims straight from the shoulder in an A-line, with nothing built in at your natural waist. At 42 inches, it sits above the ankle and moves the way a favorite tee does.
It has a structured crewneck, short sleeves, and side pockets built into the seam. The soft cotton/poly knit is machine washable and tumble dry. Reach for this shape on a day that needs room to move: errands, travel, a walk you did not plan for.
Which one to pick today
If you want nothing at your natural waist, take the A-line tee dress. If you want a defined line under the bust and a fuller skirt, take the button-front empire dress. Both are soft, breathable knit with real side-seam pockets.
Both live in our casual dresses collection. Want it longer and flowier? Try our maxi dresses. Want it shorter? Try our short dresses.
Frequently asked questions
Does either dress have pockets?
Yes. Both the A-line tee dress and the button-front empire dress have side-seam pockets sewn into the seam, not added on, so they hold a phone or keys without pulling the fabric.
I usually wear an 18-20 or 1X, what size should I order?
Start with your usual Woman Within size. Casual dresses run 10W-44W, and the knit in both styles has stretch, so check the Size Chart on the product page if you are between sizes.
Is a longer length available?
Yes. The button-front empire dress runs to 48 inches regular (46 petite, 44 petite short), longer than the 42-inch tee dress. For an even longer, flowier option, look at our maxi dresses.
Can I unbutton the button-front dress?
The buttons run from the neckline through the bodice, so you can open the top partway for airflow or dressing.