Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt

$160.00

4.8 rating from 193 customers

Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt

$160.00

4.8 rating from 193 customers
The “throw on and go” maxi that actually looks polished. Soft, flattering and travel-ready—with deep pockets and zero ironing drama.

"Great dress, very comfortable, lovely quality"

Pippa P. Verified Buyer

"Love the way it feels, love the way it falls, love the way it fits. It is forgiving in all the right places. My new go-to black dress :-)"

Lia L. Verified Buyer

"Really great quality, flattering fit, bought in the sale. I love this dress."

Emma E. Verified Buyer

"Stunning fit, feel, dress it up or down a must have for anyone's wardrobe."

Linda L. Verified Buyer

"I absolutely love this dress so flattering to dress up or casual wear. This is the 2nd one I have bought as I had so many comments. Dress is so comfortable and stylish"

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

Payment options available Afterpay Zip

Make 4 interest-free payments of $40.00 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

Essential Maxi Dress Cobalt

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% Lenzing Modal, 5% Elastane

Customer Reviews

4.8

Based on 193 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers keep calling this their “go to” because it nails the rare combo of comfort and looking put-together—easy enough for WFH or holidays, but dressy enough for dinners, work and events with the right shoes or jacket. The fabric gets constant praise for feeling “buttery soft,” draping instead of clinging, and holding up well after washing (many mention no pilling and no need to iron). Pockets, a flattering drop/hip-start skirt, and a length that works for a wide range of heights make it a repeat-buy in multiple colours for a lot of customers.

What Customers Love Most

  • Dress it up or down versatility (sandals/sneakers to heels/boots/blazer/denim jacket)
  • Soft, smooth fabric that feels amazing on skin and stays comfortable all day
  • Flattering cut and drape that “skims” the body (not clingy) and suits different shapes
  • Practical deep pockets (often mentioned as secure for phone/keys and not bulky)
  • Easy-care/travel friendly: doesn’t crease, wrinkles fall out, “no ironing needed”

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • Travel and holidays (packing in a suitcase, cruises, overseas trips, ‘throw in a bag’ dressing)
  • Work and smart-casual days (with a blazer/jacket; office-to-dinner)
  • Everyday wear/WFH/weekends (‘one and done’ comfort)
  • People who want a flattering fit that doesn’t cling (apple shapes, curvy bodies, ‘menopause middle’)
  • All-season styling (layering with long sleeve tops/knits/tights/boots in winter; sandals in summer)

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • Washes well and holds up: “washes so well,” “no ugly balling,” and “no ironing needed” come up repeatedly
  • Fabric weight is praised as ‘good weight/heavier’ and “thick enough not to be see through,” while still feeling light/airy for summer
  • Construction and finish noted as well made: “beautifully sewn,” “lovely quality,” and drape/fall described as ‘hangs perfectly’ and ‘moves beautifully’

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: mostly true to size, with a noticeable minority sizing up for bust/closer fit or extra length

Many say the sizing is “perfect” and “true to size” (often noting stretch), but several mention the bodice runs more fitted—especially for bigger busts—so they chose to size up (e.g., size 10 shoppers preferring Medium; others going from L to XL). Length is frequently described as “perfect,” including for shorter heights (160–164cm), though a recurring group around 156cm/5'2" say it’s a bit long and they’ll hem it; one customer went up a size specifically to gain more length.

What Customers Say

  • "“Quite possibly the most perfect dress ever! Dress it up or down. Great for travelling.”"
  • "“No need to iron just throw on and go.”"
  • "“The deep pockets are so handy and secure, fitting mobile phone and car keys in them without even being able to see them.”"

Shop the Look

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 - Cobalt
Oh my gosh, this fabric is just beautiful, so soft and comfortable whilst looking classy and elegant. Love it!
— Tina T.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
I was hesitant to buy a dress from a photo, but I do have multiple purchases from Dharma that I’m very happy with. This dress ! I’m not not tall, or slender, but this dress makes me feel like I am 🤩 love the fabric, the fit, the pockets everything. Love it
— Maree M.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
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.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
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 - Cobalt
I have wanted this dress for so long! Now it’s here and I love love love it 😊. Fits beautifully, feels delicious on and yes…. It has pockets 🤩
— Tracey T.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
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 - Cobalt
Comfy and stylish but low maintenance dress. No ironing and soft relax feel but has style. The low waist before the skirt drape gives shape and the skirt is not to wide in fabric but enough to walk easily, pockets are always good in a flow skirt. Got it in classic black and have now ordered a cherry colour. If some earthy tones are brought out in this style I see myself buying more!!
— True200
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
Great dress, deep pockets, soft fabric, fitted bodice and flowy skirt.
— Melissa M.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
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.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 193 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 169 Total 4 star reviews: 14 Total 3 star reviews: 5 Total 2 star reviews: 3 Total 1 star reviews: 2
95%would recommend these products
193 reviews
  • MA
    Moira A.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Great comfy elevated black everyday dress

    Great to put on when you have nothing to wear and is comfy, elevated and stylish.

  • LG
    Lia G.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Body Type Slender
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 days ago
    So easy to wear

    Love the way it feels, love the way it falls, love the way it fits. It is forgiving in all the right places. My new go-to black dress :-)

  • EB
    Emma B.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 days ago
    Love it!

    Really great quality, flattering fit, bought in the sale. I love this dress.

  • JR
    Julie R.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress Cherry
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'3-5'5
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 days ago
    Cherry Essential Maxi Dress

    Stunning dress, fabric is lightweight, colour is beautiful and the pockets are handy. I receive many compliments when I wear the Essential Maxi Dress in Cherry

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

    Quite possibly the most perfect dress ever! Dress it up or down. Great for travelling. I got extra small and perfect for me at 5 “2

    Its very flattering.

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.