Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna

$160.00$50.00
Save 68%

4.8 rating from 214 customers

Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna

$160.00$50.00
Save 68%

4.8 rating from 214 customers
The “throw on and go” maxi customers keep buying in multiple colours—soft, flattering, and finished with pockets. Dress it up with a blazer or wear it with sandals; it packs like a dream for travel.

"I am absolutely in love with this dress, it is so flattering and feels amazing on, I just hope you get it in more colours!!!"

Narelle N. Verified Buyer

"Beautiful dress great fit looking forward to wearing in warmer weather. Looks great with a denim jacket"

Carys C. Verified Buyer

"This dress is buttery soft and feels amazing to wear. The length is perfect and I’m 164cm purchased size 8. It fits beautifully. I’ve worn it out for dinner and to work. Love the pockets as well."

Fiona F. Verified Buyer

"Beautiful soft draping fabric flattering and super comfy… casual or dress it up! Absolutely love it!!"

Jen J. Verified Buyer

"This dress looks just as shown. So flattering with the drop waist, the perfect fit and great material, can be dressed up or down. Wore it to work the other day with a blazer."

Shahira S. Verified Buyer
Size
Australian Owned
Shipped from Australia
Easy Returns

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This item is FINAL SALE and cannot be returned
Description
Designed for versatility, the Essential Maxi Dress blends effortless style with everyday comfort. Crafted from soft, breathable, sustainable modal, it’s the perfect all-day dress—lightweight, flattering, and beautifully easy to wear. A best-selling timeless essential, it features a soft drape, a flattering drop waist, and deep side pockets for practicality without compromising style. Finished at the perfect length, it transitions seamlessly from day to night. Why You’ll Love It: Ultra-soft, breathable sustainable modal Travel-friendly, easy-care fabric Flattering drop-waist silhouette Deep, functional side pockets Perfect, easy-to-style length Comfortable for all-day wear Made without PFAS or harmful chemicals
Shipping

Australia Standard Delivery - $12 (Free over $150)

Australia Express Delivery - $15

New Zealand Standard Delivery - $20 (Free over $200)

International Standard Delivery – $20 (Free over $200)

DHL Express Service - $35 where available

Returns

If you want to return your products you must inform us within 7 days of receiving your order and we must receive your garment within 10 days of submitting your return request in the portal. View our returns policies for more information.

FINAL SALE items cannot be returned or exchanged.

Care Instructions
  • Cool machine wash, 30 degrees
  • Wash inside out with like colors
  • Do not bleach
  • Dry in shade
  • No not tumble dry
  • Do not dry clean
  • Warm iron
Fabric

95% Micromodal, 5% Lyrca

Customer Reviews

4.8

Based on 214 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers describe this maxi as an easy, “one and done” dress that looks polished without feeling fussy—many say it’s become their go-to for everything from workdays to holidays. The fabric gets constant praise for being “buttery soft,” draping instead of clinging, and holding up as an easy-care piece that doesn’t need ironing. Pockets, a flattering cut through the torso/hips, and a length that works for a wide range of heights are the recurring reasons people come back to buy a second (or fourth).

What Customers Love Most

  • Buttery-soft, silky fabric that feels good against the skin
  • Flattering drape that “flows rather than clings,” especially through hips and tummy
  • Versatility: easy to dress up or down (sandals/sneakers to blazer/boots)
  • Pockets (often called out as deep/usable and not bulky)
  • Travel-friendly, easy-care wear (packs well, wrinkles fall out, “no need to iron”)

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • Travel days, cruises and holidays (easy to pack, wear day-to-night)
  • Work outfits (with a blazer or jacket) and smart-casual events
  • Christmas events, dinners and “casual drinks with the girls”
  • Anyone wanting a flattering maxi that skims the midsection (menopause middle/belly bumps) without feeling clingy
  • All-season styling—layering with long sleeves, denim jacket, cardigan, tights and boots in cooler weather

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • Fabric described as “good quality,” “lovely and thick enough not to be see through,” with weight that helps it “hangs perfectly”
  • Easy-care durability notes: “washes well” and “no ironing needed,” plus travel packing where creases drop out overnight
  • Construction details customers notice: “beautifully sewn,” pockets called “deep” and designed so they “don’t add bulk”

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: mostly true to size, with a notable minority sizing up for a more comfortable fit through the fitted bodice/top

Many reviewers say the sizing is “perfect” or “true to size” using the size guide/size chart. Several note the bodice is more fitted and chose to size up (e.g., size 10 often preferring Medium; some sized up for bust comfort or extra length). Length is frequently praised as “perfect” even for shorter heights (around 160–164cm), but multiple petite customers (around 156cm/5'2") mention needing the hem taken up; one reviewer went up a size specifically to gain more length.

What Customers Say

  • "“No need to iron just throw on and go.”"
  • "“I was worried it would be too long - it’s not. Worried it would be too clingy - it’s not.”"
  • "“LOVE this dress. Need I say, ‘it also has pockets’?”"

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers based on customer reviews

Style & Versatility

Can you dress this maxi up or down, or is it only casual?

Yes—this is one of the most repeated themes in reviews. Many customers wore it casually with sandals/sneakers or dressed it up for dinners, work, and events with blazers, jewellery, boots, and denim jackets. Reviewers frequently describe it as an “effortless” one-and-done piece that looks polished without feeling overdressed.

Based on 40 customer reviews

Comfort

Is this dress actually comfortable enough for all-day wear (and travel)?

Comfort is a standout point across reviews, with many calling it “super comfy,” “dream to wear,” and a go-to staple. A large share of reviewers specifically mention it as a travel essential because it’s easy to pack, easy to throw on, and works across different settings on a trip. Several people also mention wearing it for working from home or long days out.

Based on 35 customer reviews
Does the neckline and arm area work with a normal bra?

At least one reviewer explicitly mentions it covers normal bras, and several describe it as feeling secure and fitted through the bodice. Some customers who don’t usually choose sleeveless styles were surprised by how flattering and wearable it felt. If bra coverage is a priority, reviews suggest it works well for typical bra styles.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Performance

Does it really have pockets—and are they usable?

Yes, pockets are one of the most-loved features and are mentioned repeatedly (including “deep pockets” by some reviewers). Most customers say the pockets are practical and don’t add bulk. One reviewer noted they wished the pocket lining held heavier items like a phone more securely, so very heavy items may be hit-or-miss.

Based on 20 customer reviews
Can I wear this in cooler weather, or is it strictly a summer dress?

Reviewers often mention layering it for cooler seasons, including denim jackets, cardigans, blazers, tights, boots, and even a long-sleeve top worn underneath. Others plan to wear it in warmer weather with sandals, calling it an all-seasons staple. Overall, customers report it transitions well across seasons with simple layering.

Based on 12 customer reviews

Fit & Sizing

How does the sizing run—should I order my usual size or size up?

Most reviewers report the dress is true to size and say the size chart/guide worked well for them. However, a smaller group found the bodice more fitted and preferred sizing up (including multiple size-10 wearers who liked a Medium best, and a few who say it “runs small”). If you’re between sizes or fuller-busted, several customers recommend going up for a more relaxed fit on top.

Based on 18 customer reviews
What’s the length like—will it be too long if I’m petite?

Length feedback is mixed: many reviewers across heights (around 160–175cm) say the length is perfect, and some shorter customers were pleasantly surprised it wasn’t too long. That said, several petite reviewers around 156–160cm did need hemming or found it a tad long, especially if you prefer no alterations. If you’re on the shorter side and want a true ankle-length maxi, you may need it taken up.

Based on 12 customer reviews
Is it flattering around the tummy/hips (and does it hide a ‘menopause middle’)?

Many customers specifically call this dress flattering through the midsection and hips, noting the skirt starts around the hips and “skims” rather than clings. Reviewers mention it disguises a belly and doesn’t accentuate asymmetry (one customer with mild scoliosis called out how well it sits). The general feedback is that the fitted top plus flowing skirt creates shape without highlighting bumps.

Based on 10 customer reviews
Does the dress work for different body shapes like curvy, big-busted, or hourglass?

Yes—reviews include customers who are curvy, big-busted, and hourglass saying the bodice fits nicely while the skirt flows without clinging. One big-busted reviewer found a Small fit great, while others preferred sizing up for comfort in the top, so fit can depend on your preferred tightness. Overall sentiment is that the shape is forgiving and flattering on a range of figures.

Based on 6 customer reviews

Material & Quality

Is the fabric soft and does it drape nicely, or is it clingy?

Reviewers consistently describe the fabric as “buttery soft,” “silky,” and “dreamy,” with lots of comments about how well it drapes and flows as you walk. Multiple people said they were worried it would be clingy, but found it skims the body and hangs in a flattering way instead. A few also mention it feels stretchy and comfortable without feeling restrictive.

Based on 30 customer reviews
Is the fabric thick enough that it’s not see-through?

Several reviewers mention the fabric has a good weight and feels substantial, especially through the skirt, and at least one explicitly says it’s thick enough not to be see-through. Some describe it as light/airy while still draping well, suggesting it balances breathability with coverage. A small number note the fabric feels a bit thinner than other Dharma Bums pieces, but they still liked it overall.

Based on 7 customer reviews

Care & Maintenance

Does it crease in a suitcase—and do I need to iron it?

A common travel-related comment is that it doesn’t need ironing and wrinkles fall out quickly after hanging. Multiple reviewers say it packs well and is a “throw on and go” dress, making it popular for holidays and cruises. If you’re buying it mainly for travel, reviews strongly suggest it’s low-fuss for creasing.

Based on 6 customer reviews

Value

Is it worth the price—does it feel like a quality piece in person?

Many reviewers call it great quality, beautifully made, and a staple they’ll wear constantly (with quite a few buying multiple colours). One customer initially questioned the value until trying it on, then felt the comfort and drape justified the cost. Sale purchases are repeatedly described as especially good value.

Based on 8 customer reviews

Shop the Look

I was hesitant to order as I didn’t know the brand and sizing. When I received the Essential Maxi Dress, I was more than pleased. The material is super soft and the fit was just how I had hoped…. Perfect in every way. So comfortable, easy wearing and dress it up or down. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again as this is a quality product. Bravo!
— Carmel C.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
I was worried that this dress would sit right on my belly but the waistline is slightly higher, so it skims the bumps and is really flattering. I love this dress so much.
— Julie J.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
I first purchased this dress in black and loved it so much I then purchased the navy. This is the ultimate comfortable and elegant allrounder. You can dress it up or down. The deep pockets are so handy and secure, fitting mobile phone and car keys in them without even being able to see them. I feel I will be adding more colours to my collection soon! My absolute 'go to' dress.
— Tania T.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
So happy with this purchase - colour is great - fit is great - material is great - Price was great
— Katrina K.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
Wonderfully soft and airy. Beautiful colour and it has pockets!
— Amanda A.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
What a classic piece you can throw in a bag and take anywhere to dress up or down. The fabric is beautiful on you skin. Every-time I wear it, I not only feel comfortable but fabulous and also lots of compliments.
— Jeani J.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
Comfy material, flattering fit, can dress up or down, and.. pockets! Love everything about it and may buy some other colors.
— Jacqueline J.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
Great fit, will be good for my cruise trip in 3 weeks.
— Michelle M.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
Absolutely in love with this dress, it fits me beautifully and the pockets are a bonus! Definitely will be purchasing in more colours. It's a timeless piece!
— Sarah S.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
The dress is very comfortable, fits well and liked it so much I've ordered another.
— Sue S.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 214 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 186 Total 4 star reviews: 17 Total 3 star reviews: 4 Total 2 star reviews: 5 Total 1 star reviews: 2
95%would recommend these products
214 reviews
  • MP
    Melinda P.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 minutes ago
    Versatile dress

    Fit is true to size so comfortable, will great on my upcoming cruise

  • LW
    Lisa W.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'3-5'5
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 days ago
    Such a beautiful and soft dress.

    So happy with this dress. An easy and versatile dress that can be worn on a special occasion or just casually depending on your accessories and footwear.

    I will wear this a lot.

  • SD
    Sylvia D.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 days ago
    Perfect for summer great drape as always

    Straight on high rotation with my coffee version dress them up with some being or down with thongs just so versatile

  • K
    Kaye
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 days ago
    5 Stars

    Great dress

  • FC
    Fiona C.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 days ago
    Gorgeous and comfy

    This is the fourth Essentials Maxi dress I have bought.

    I love them all.

    Dress up or wear casual, they are so comfortable and fit well.

    The plum coloured one (discontinued colour 🥺) is a size smaller and slightly heavier fabric and is currently a bit tight at the top so hardly gets worn. Black navy and now cherry will be on regular rotation with a long sleeve top underneath in winter. So versatile

Dresses & Skirts

EFFORTLESS STYLE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is your Returns Policy?

Please inform us via our Returns Portal within 14 days of receiving your order that you wish to return an item.

Items purchased in sale can be returned for a Store Credit.

When will my order be dispatched?

Your order will be dispatch within 1 business day of your order being place. During busy sale periods your order will be dispatched within 7 business days.

If you require expediated delivery during sale periods, please choose Express Shipping and your order will leave within 1 business day.

What size should I choose?

Our garments are in Australian sizing and are true to size. Please refer to our size guide or contact us at customerservice@dharmabums.com.au for more detailed advice.