Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black

$160.00$60.00
Save 62%

4.4 rating from 16 customers

Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black

$160.00$60.00
Save 62%

4.4 rating from 16 customers
The maxi dress you’ll keep reaching for—soft, flattering, and easy to dress up or down (with pockets, too). A true “go anywhere” staple that feels as good as it looks.

"Beautiful soft fabric looks great with just a denim jacket or dress it up with leather jacket belt"

FAYE F. Verified Buyer

"Excellent material and finish. Got the letter size as recommended and it is a perfect fit. Love it!"

Katharine K. Verified Buyer

"Very flattering and a great fit."

Maryanne M. Verified Buyer

"Love this dress it’s a go anywhere anytime put tights on and boots throw a jacket on or wear it dressed up."

Alison A. Verified Buyer

"Love this dress. Dress it up or wear it casual. Just great, the material is so lovely and soft."

Alison A. Verified Buyer
Size
Australian Owned
Shipped from Australia
Easy Returns

Payment options available Afterpay Zip

Make 4 interest-free payments of $15.00 AUD fortnightly with AfterPay

Description
Designed for versatility, the Essential Maxi combines style with comfort. Crafted in a Soft, breathable sustainable modal it is the perfect all-day dress.

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

82% Micromodal, 18% Lyrca

Customer Reviews

4.4

Based on 16 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers describe this maxi dress as the kind of piece that quickly becomes a regular in rotation—comfortable enough for all-day wear, yet polished enough to style up with boots, tights, or a jacket. The fabric is repeatedly called “so soft” and “lovely,” and the fit gets praise for being flattering without feeling clingy. Several reviewers also point out the practical wins: pockets, a versatile black-dress vibe for winter, and a straight hem that’s easy to shorten if needed.

What Customers Love Most

  • Soft, comfortable fabric that feels “so lovely and soft”
  • Flattering fit that’s “spot on” and “flattering without being clingy”
  • Easy to dress up or down for different looks (jackets, belts, boots, tights)
  • Pockets
  • Great material/finish and overall quality feel

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • All-day wear when you want to feel comfortable and still look put-together
  • Winter styling with tights and boots
  • Casual-to-dressy outfits (denim jacket one day, leather jacket and belt the next)
  • Pear shapes and anyone wanting flattering-but-not-clingy fit
  • Anyone who likes a “go anywhere anytime” wardrobe staple

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • “Excellent material and finish” / “great fabric” are recurring quality call-outs
  • Customers repurchase it (“Second purchase of this dress”), suggesting it holds up and stays in rotation
  • Construction detail noted: straight hem makes alterations (shortening) straightforward

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: true to size (with some notes on length for petite shoppers)

Multiple reviewers mention a “perfect fit” and “great fit,” including someone who followed the recommended letter size and found it spot-on. One petite customer (5ft 2, usually size 12) notes it was “a bit long” but easy to shorten thanks to the straight hem.

What Customers Say

  • "“So soft and comfortable, flattering for my pear shape AND it has pockets!!”"
  • "“Love this dress it’s a go anywhere anytime put tights on and boots throw a jacket on or wear it dressed up.”"
  • "“The fit is spot on—flattering without being clingy, and it falls beautifully.”"

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers based on customer reviews

Comfort

Is the fabric actually soft and comfortable, or does it feel stiff/heavy?

Multiple reviewers describe the fabric as “so soft,” “lovely and soft,” and “incredibly soft,” with comfort being a standout theme. Customers also mention it feels good for all-day wear and has a light-weight feel. Overall, feedback strongly suggests it’s soft against the skin rather than stiff or scratchy.

Based on 8 customer reviews
Does it have any stretch, and will it stay comfortable all day?

At least one detailed review notes the fabric has “just the right amount of stretch” and is perfect for all-day comfort. Other reviewers repeatedly emphasize comfort and ease of wear. Taken together, feedback suggests it moves well and stays comfortable for extended wear.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Fit & Sizing

How does the fit run—should I stick to my usual letter size?

Reviewers commonly report the fit is “spot on,” “perfect,” and “a great fit,” with at least one customer noting they bought the letter size as recommended and it fit perfectly. Several also mention it’s flattering without being clingy, suggesting a forgiving, easy fit. If you typically follow the brand’s size guidance, reviewers indicate you’re likely to get a good result.

Based on 6 customer reviews
Is it flattering without clinging to the body?

Several customers describe the dress as flattering, with one noting it’s “flattering without being clingy” and that it “falls beautifully.” Others echo that it’s very flattering and a great fit. This suggests it skims rather than hugs tightly, while still giving shape.

Based on 3 customer reviews
Is the length too long if I'm petite, and can it be shortened easily?

A petite reviewer (5'2") noted it was “a bit long” but also said it’s easy to shorten because it has a straight hem. No other reviews comment negatively on length, but this suggests petites may need a hem depending on preferred maxi length. If you do need alterations, the straight hem should make tailoring straightforward.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Style & Versatility

Can I dress this up and down, or is it more of a casual maxi dress?

Reviewers repeatedly mention it’s a “go anywhere anytime” dress that works both casual and dressed up. Customers specifically note styling it with tights and boots plus a jacket, or dressing it up with a belt and leather jacket/denim jacket. It’s commonly described as a wardrobe staple for multiple occasions.

Based on 4 customer reviews

Performance

Does it have pockets?

Yes—at least one reviewer explicitly calls out that it “has pockets!!” and highlights this as a reason they love it. No reviews contradict this point. If pockets are a must-have feature, reviewers indicate this dress delivers.

Based on 3 customer reviews
Is it suitable for winter layering (tights, boots, jackets)?

Customers specifically mention wearing it in winter and pairing it with tights, boots, and jackets (denim or leather). One reviewer expects it to become their favourite “little black dress” for winter. Based on these experiences, it appears to layer well for cooler weather outfits.

Based on 3 customer reviews

Material & Quality

Is the material good quality—does it feel well made?

Reviewers mention “excellent material and finish” and repeatedly praise the fabric quality (“great fabric,” “beautiful soft fabric”). One customer loved it enough to repurchase, which often signals satisfaction with quality over time. Overall, reviewers consistently describe it as well-made with a nice finish.

Based on 4 customer reviews

Shop the Look

If you're after a go-to piece that feels as good as it looks, the Essential Maxi Dress is it. The fit is spot on—flattering without being clingy, and it falls beautifully. The fabric is incredibly soft, with just the right amount of stretch, making it perfect for all-day. Doesn’t matter what you’re doing this dress keeps you feeling comfortable and confident. A true wardrobe staple!
— Danna D.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
This dress is perfect. So soft and comfortable, flattering for my pear shape AND it has pockets!! I love it.
— Angela A.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Absolutely perfect! The fit, comfort, light weight - all so good highly recommended.
— Marie M.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Love this dress. Dress it up or wear it casual. Just great, the material is so lovely and soft.
— Alison A.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Excellent material and finish. Got the letter size as recommended and it is a perfect fit. Love it!
— Katharine K.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Love this dress it’s a go anywhere anytime put tights on and boots throw a jacket on or wear it dressed up.
— Alison A.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Beautiful soft fabric looks great with just a denim jacket or dress it up with leather jacket belt
— FAYE F.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Super comfortable like all my Dharmabums pieces!
— Belinda B.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Second purchSe of this dress I just love this so much. Fabric style everything is just perfect foe me
— Sylvia S.
Long Essential Maxi Dress - Black
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
Based on 16 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 12 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 2 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 1
81%would recommend this product
16 reviews
  • HE
    Heather E.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'3-5'5
    Body Type Athletic
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    17 seconds ago
    Soft, easy to wear and practical

    For such a simple dress, it looks really polished and put together. Great quality fabric. Doesn't feel too light or heavy. Even with the longer sleeves, I've already worn it in January (Tassie summer) and it's so easy to wear and soft and just love it ! Makes my life so easy not having to think about what to wear all the time. Also looks great with extra layer over top - I have teamed it with a cropped tweed jacket and it looks great! I also love the weight of the fabric - it's really great quality. Thankyou x

  • SD
    Sylvia D.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 weeks ago
    This is my second purchase of this dress love it

    Second purchSe of this dress I just love this so much.

    Fabric style everything is just perfect foe me

  • CS
    claudia s.
    Verified Buyer
    Height 5'0-5'2
    Body Type Slender
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Maxi dress

    Start of skirt seems a bit high

  • KA
    Katharine A.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Waited for this...

    Excellent material and finish. Got the letter size as recommended and it is a perfect fit. Love it!

  • AM
    Angela M.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 months ago
    Best dress ever

    This dress is perfect. So soft and comfortable, flattering for my pear shape AND it has pockets!! I love it.

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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.