Essential Maxi Dress - Navy

$160.00$50.00
Save 68%

4.8 rating from 214 customers

Essential Maxi Dress - Navy

$160.00$50.00
Save 68%

4.8 rating from 214 customers
The throw-on-and-go dress that still looks polished. Soft, flattering, pocket-friendly, and easy to dress up with boots or down with sneakers.

"Love this. I know I’ll get so much use out of it"

Romola R. Verified Buyer

"I love this dress and have it in 2 colours. Very easy to wear."

Liz L. Verified Buyer

"Am getting the black one now as it's so lovely to wear, comfortable, easy and looks fabulous! Am getting SO many flattering comments about this dress."

Jody J. Verified Buyer

"So happy with this purchase - colour is great - fit is great - material is great - Price was great"

Katrina K. Verified Buyer

"This dress is so versatile and comfortable, I love it! Worn casual or dressed up👌 the material is super soft and flattering. The added bonus is it has pockets!"

Karina K. Verified Buyer
Size
Australian Owned
Shipped from Australia
Easy Returns

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Make 4 interest-free payments of $12.50 AUD fortnightly with AfterPay

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

model wears a small 

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

Style With

Customer Reviews

4.8

Based on 214 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers keep coming back to this dress for its “super soft” feel, easy wearability, and the way it flatters without feeling fussy. It’s repeatedly described as comfortable and versatile—worn casually with sneakers or elevated with boots and a jacket—while details like pockets and a smooth, layer-friendly bodice make it even more practical. Fit is often praised as spot-on, though a few note the top runs fitted and choose to size up for comfort.

What Customers Love Most

  • Soft, flowy fabric that feels comfortable all day
  • Versatility: easy to dress up or down (boots, sneakers, jackets, knits)
  • Flattering cut and gathers that create shape
  • Pockets
  • Easy care: washes well and “no ironing needed”

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • Travel and packing light (overseas trips, cruises)
  • Everyday wear that can shift from casual to polished
  • Cooler-weather layering with denim jackets or knits
  • People who want a fitted top with an easy, feminine skirt
  • Days when you want comfort but still want “flattering comments”

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • “Nice material” and “quality” are repeatedly called out alongside softness
  • Washes well and holds up with easy-care wear (including “no ironing needed”)
  • Construction sits smoothly under layers—no “shapes or piping standing out… around the bust area” when worn under knits

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: mostly true to size, with a fitted top (some size up)

Multiple reviewers describe it as true to size and “fits beautifully,” but a few point out the bodice/top is quite fitting and recommend sizing up if you prefer more room through the bust/upper body. Length is praised as “great” and not requiring alterations, and one customer notes it doesn’t accentuate asymmetry from a higher hip.

What Customers Say

  • "“This dress is so versatile and comfortable… the material is super soft and flattering. The added bonus is it has pockets!”"
  • "“I love this dress, the material is so soft and flowy, washes well, no ironing needed…”"
  • "“Am getting SO many flattering comments about this dress.”"

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers based on customer reviews

Fit & Sizing

Does this dress run true to size, or should I size up?

Most reviewers found the dress fits well and is true to size, with multiple customers explicitly saying it fits “to perfection” or “true to size.” However, a few noted the top is more fitted, and one customer chose to size up because of the snugger fit through the bodice. If you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit on top, sizing up may feel more comfortable.

Based on 6 customer reviews
How flattering is the fit—does it help create shape?

Several reviewers say the dress is flattering and helps create a nicer silhouette, including comments about the gathers giving an “illusion of shape.” Others mention it makes them feel taller or slimmer than they are, and that they receive lots of flattering compliments while wearing it. Overall feedback suggests it’s designed to skim and shape without feeling restrictive.

Based on 4 customer reviews
Is the length practical (not too long), or will I need alterations?

Reviewers generally report a good, wearable length, and one customer specifically said it was a “great length” and didn’t require altering (unlike previous purchases). Because length preferences vary by height, this suggests it’s not excessively long for at least some wearers. If you often find dresses too long, reviews indicate this one may be more manageable.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Comfort

Is the fabric soft and comfortable for all-day wear?

Yes—comfort and softness are among the most repeated themes, with several customers describing the fabric as “super soft,” “soft and flowy,” “stretchy,” and “comfy.” Many mention it’s easy to wear and feels great throughout the day, including for travel. Overall, reviewers consistently highlight comfort as a standout feature.

Based on 9 customer reviews

Style & Versatility

Can I dress this up for nicer occasions or wear it casually?

Reviewers repeatedly describe this dress as highly versatile, saying they wear it both dressed up and casual. Customers mention styling it with boots, sneakers, and layering with jackets depending on the occasion and weather. Several people liked it enough to buy another color because it works for so many settings.

Based on 7 customer reviews
Can I layer this with jackets or knits for cooler weather?

Yes—multiple reviewers mention wearing it into autumn/winter with denim jackets, and throwing knits over the top. One customer also liked that the fitted top makes layering easy, without visible shapes or piping showing through around the bust. If you want a year-round piece, reviewers confirm it layers well.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Performance

Does it have pockets?

Yes—multiple reviewers specifically call out the pockets as a major bonus and one of their favorite features. Customers mention the dress is flattering and practical, with pockets adding to the everyday wearability. If pockets are a must-have, reviewers confirm this delivers.

Based on 3 customer reviews
Is this a good travel dress (cruises, overseas trips, packing)?

Yes—customers specifically bought it for travel like a river cruise and overseas trips, mentioning it’s comfortable and versatile for changing weather. Reviewers also like that it can be layered with jackets or knits, making it practical for trips. The easy-to-wear feel is a recurring reason people choose it for travel.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Care & Maintenance

Does the dress wash well, and do I need to iron it?

At least one reviewer highlights that it “washes well” and that there’s “no ironing needed,” which they considered a big plus. Others generally praise the material quality and ease of wear, supporting the idea that it’s low-fuss in day-to-day use. Based on review feedback, it appears to be a convenient, easy-care option.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Material & Quality

What’s the material and quality like—does it feel premium?

Many customers praise the dress for “nice material,” “quality,” and a soft feel, suggesting a generally strong quality perception. One reviewer noted the fabric felt slightly thinner than other dresses they’d bought from the same brand, and hoped quality wasn’t being compromised. Overall sentiment leans positive, with a small note that fabric thickness may differ from other styles.

Based on 5 customer reviews

Shop the Look

This dress! Just wow, dress it up or dress it down. You won’t want to take it off. I bought the black and went back for the navy. Now all my friends are jumping on because they love it too! This is a staple and will be worn on repeat for years to come.
— Tania T.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
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 - Navy
These dresses are amazing! They are super soft, stretchy and comfy. And have pockets! The thing I love the most is that I can throw on any knit over the top for autumn and winter and there are no shapes or piping standing out and coming through around the bust area. I can wear literally anything over the top due to the form fitting top part.
— Stephanie S.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
This dress is so versatile and comfortable, I love it! Worn casual or dressed up👌 the material is super soft and flattering. The added bonus is it has pockets!
— Karina K.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
Love this colour! Love this dress. Nice material!
— Sandy S.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
Am getting the black one now as it's so lovely to wear, comfortable, easy and looks fabulous! Am getting SO many flattering comments about this dress.
— Jody J.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
Great dress / quality, versatile, fab with boots
— Meredith M.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
Love Essential maxi dress , I have a black and navy comfy soft material , washes well, true to size. Fast delivery
— Anita A.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
I love this dress, the material is so soft and flowy, washes well, no ironing needed which is always a plus in my eyes.
— Gemma
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
Wasn’t sure it would be as good as the reviews were saying but sure enough it was true … love everything about the dress. I have just purchased another style to see how that one is. M
— Leanne L.
Essential Maxi Dress - Navy
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.