Essential Maxi Dress - Black

$160.00$75.00
Save 53%

4.8 rating from 202 customers

Essential Maxi Dress - Black

$160.00$75.00
Save 53%

4.8 rating from 202 customers
The “one and done” maxi customers live in: buttery-soft, flattering, and finished with real pockets. Dress it up for dinner or throw it on for travel—this one earns its “Essential” name.

"Great dress, deep pockets, soft fabric, fitted bodice and flowy skirt."

Melissa M. Verified Buyer

"I love the shape and feel of this dress, so many compliments! Please make it in more colours!!!. Comfort with style and great shape!! Love this dress!!"

LYN L. Verified Buyer

"Great style, size on point and beautifully made. Highly recommend"

lisa l. Verified Buyer

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

Jen J. Verified Buyer

"My friend saw me in this yesterday and said " I LOVE you in this dress! " It's so easy to wear - one and done. Comfortable and soft. I love me in this dress too!"

Rach R. Verified Buyer
Size
Australian Owned
Shipped from Australia
Easy Returns

Payment options available Afterpay Zip

Make 4 interest-free payments of $18.75 AUD fortnightly with AfterPay

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

The model wears a small and is 178cm tall.

Shipping

Australia Standard Delivery - $12

Australia Express Delivery - $15

New Zealand Standard Delivery - $15

International Standard Delivery – $20

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.

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 202 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers keep calling this their new go-to because it’s “ridiculously comfy” while still looking polished enough for work, dinner, and everything in between. The soft, drapey fabric gets constant praise for flowing rather than clinging, and many love that it’s an easy throw-on piece that travels well (no ironing, no suitcase creases). Fit feedback is strongly positive across heights and body types, with frequent notes about the flattering cut and the joy of having proper pockets.

What Customers Love Most

  • Buttery-soft / “silky soft” fabric that feels beautiful on skin
  • Versatility: easy to dress up or down (casual to dinner/work)
  • Flattering cut that “flows rather than clings” (drop waist/“skirt starts at the hips”)
  • Pockets (often called out as a deal-maker, including “deep pockets”)
  • Travel-friendly, low-fuss wear (won’t crease, “throw on and go,” no ironing)

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • Travel and holidays (packing light, “won’t crease in suitcase,” day-to-night)
  • Work days (with a blazer/jacket; office-appropriate and comfortable)
  • Dinner, casual drinks, and day-to-night plans (swap shoes/jewellery)
  • People who don’t usually wear dresses but want something they feel confident in
  • Cross-season styling (boots and jacket in winter; sandals/sneakers in summer)

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • Fabric described as “good quality,” “beautiful,” and “thick enough not to be see through”
  • Holds up as an everyday staple—customers buy multiples and talk about wearing it “all summer long” and getting a backup
  • Construction and drape noted: “hangs really nice,” “flows rather than clings,” and “beautifully made”

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: mostly true to size (with a notable minority sizing up for bust or preferred drape)

Many describe the fit as “perfect” and “true to size,” especially when using the size guide/size chart. Several mention it suits different heights with “great length” (e.g., 175cm ‘perfect length’; 164cm size 8 ‘length is perfect’; 170cm size 10 wearing Medium), while some shorter buyers note it can be full-length maxi and a few had it taken up. Busty shoppers report a comfortable fit (e.g., size small fitting a “big busted” wearer; others choose L/Medium for more room).

What Customers Say

  • "No need to iron just throw on and go. Good dress for travel."
  • "Worried it would be too clingy - it’s not ."
  • "My friend saw me in this yesterday and said I LOVE you in this dress! "

First time buyer and it was SPOT ON! Perfect sizing, fits beautifully, so comfortable, and flattering.. I'm 5,2 and curvy, so I bought an XXL. Seriously the perfect dress.. IT HAS POCKETS TOO. I'm a Dharma Bums convert. Thank you
— Katerina K.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
I never wear dresses as they just don't fit me right and I never feel comfortable. But all that changed with this dress. It's beautiful, fits perfectly and is flattering, and feels beautiful and comfortable. The perfect dress. Can't wait for more colour options.
— Bronwyn B.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
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.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
OMG - love it!! I want one in every colour. Fabric feels great, fits really well. For reference: I’m 174 cm tall, 60kg and size M/12 fits perfectly. Dress it up or dress it down, it’s perfect, not just for young ladies, I’m 60 years old.
— Karin K.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
A friend had recommended Dharma Bums and I ordered the dress, after checking the refund policy, in case I didn't like it! I was pleasantly surprised and amazed at how flattering it was, especially as I don't usually go for sleeveless and immediately took off the tag - this was a keeper :)
— Jennifer J.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
I have wanted to order this for a while, well I must say. I’m beyond happy with this dress, it fits and looks fabulous 🩵 it’s definitely going to get thrashed 👍🏻. I’m a size 8, 173 cm tall and got the size xs. Would definitely recommend it.
— Chris C.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
My friend saw me in this yesterday and said " I LOVE you in this dress! " It's so easy to wear - one and done. Comfortable and soft. I love me in this dress too!
— Rach R.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
I love the shape and feel of this dress, so many compliments! Please make it in more colours!!!. Comfort with style and great shape!! Love this dress!!
— LYN L.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Love this dress, beautiful soft fabric, and the style. Easy with sanals or sneakers and a jacket. A must have this summer
— Karen K.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
Love the fabric, flattering and will definitely become a fav. Perfect for travel - dress up or wear to the beach.
— Tanya T.
Essential Maxi Dress - Black
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 202 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 175 Total 4 star reviews: 17 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 4 Total 1 star reviews: 3
95%would recommend these products
202 reviews
  • S
    Sally
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 days ago
    5 Stars

    Comfortable dress, soft fabric, size up as snug fit.

  • AH
    Amanda H.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Body Type Athletic
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 days ago
    Stunning dress

    Wonderfully soft and airy. Beautiful colour and it has pockets!

  • M
    Michael
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 days ago
    5 Stars

    Beautiful dress and fits really well

  • DP
    Deborah P.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'0-5'2
    Body Type Athletic
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 days ago
    Beautiful maxi dress

    Fits well, soft comfortable material

  • BS
    Brunetta S.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'0-5'2
    Body Type Slender
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 days ago
    Gorgeous dress

    My new favourite. The colour is so pretty, perfect for Xmas

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.