Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna

$160.00$50.00
Save 68%

4.8 rating from 197 customers

Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna

$160.00$50.00
Save 68%

4.8 rating from 197 customers
The throw-on-and-go maxi that still looks put together. Soft, flattering, and travel-ready—with deep pockets and a drape that works from sneakers to heels.

"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. 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

"I am in love with this dress! the heavier weight, silky, smooth fabric allows it to drape over the hips in a flattering way. I'm 171 cm, 65 kg."

Deb D. Verified Buyer

"I love this dress - it fits beautifully, the colour is great, and the fabric feels fantastic. It is going to be worn often. I love that it can be dressed up or worn casually."

Nonie N. Verified Buyer

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

Melissa M. Verified Buyer
Size
Australian Owned
Shipped from Australia
Easy Returns

Payment options available Afterpay Zip

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
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 197 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers keep calling this an “essential” because it’s the rare maxi that feels ridiculously comfortable while still reading polished—easy for work, weekends, dinners, and travel. The fabric gets constant praise for being soft, breathable and “flowy” with enough weight to drape rather than cling, plus it washes well and often needs no ironing. Pockets and a forgiving, flattering cut (especially through the middle and hips) drive repeat buys in multiple colours.

What Customers Love Most

  • Dress it up or down versatility (sandals/sneakers to jacket/heels/blazer)
  • Soft, silky/buttery fabric that feels great against the skin
  • Flattering fit and drape that skims rather than clings (forgiving through hips/belly)
  • Pockets (often described as deep/handy/secure)
  • Easy care for travel: packs well, minimal creasing, “no ironing needed”, washes well

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • Travel and holidays (cruises, overseas trips, suitcase-friendly packing)
  • Workwear with a blazer/jacket (office, smart-casual days)
  • Hot weather and summer days (light, airy, breathable comfort)
  • People who want coverage and a flattering shape without cling (apple shapes, “menopause middle”, curvy bodies, bigger busts)
  • All-season layering (denim jacket, cardigan, boots/tights, long sleeve top underneath)

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • Washes well and holds up: “washes so well”, “no ugly balling”, “no ironing needed”
  • Fabric weight and opacity are appreciated: “good weight”, “thick enough not to be see through”, drapes without heaviness
  • Construction feels premium: “beautifully sewn”, “well made”, pockets described as deep/secure without adding bulk

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: mostly true to size with a notable minority sizing up for a less-fitted bodice or extra length

Many reviewers say “true to size” and report a “perfect fit,” often using the size guide successfully. Several mention the bodice/upper half is more fitted (some sized up, especially with a bigger bust, or to avoid a tight fit), while others love the secure, streamlined top with the flowy skirt. Length is frequently called “perfect,” including by shorter customers around 160–164cm and taller customers around 173–175cm, but a recurring minority (around 156cm/5'2" and below) say it runs long and needs hemming; some also note the torso/waist placement can feel a touch long or sit on the hips depending on body shape.

What Customers Say

  • "“Quite possibly the most perfect dress ever! Dress it up or down. Great for travelling.”"
  • "“Comfortable Stylish Dress that does not require ironing! No ironing and soft relax feel but has style.”"
  • "“The deep pockets are so handy and secure, fitting mobile phone and car keys in them without even being able to see them.”"

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

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 - Burnt Sienna
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 - Burnt Sienna
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 - Burnt Sienna
I love a dress with pockets, this dress has a good weight to it too. A comfortable fit and easy to dress up or go casual. Nicely disguises my bit of ‘menopause middle’. Material feels lovely and thick enough not to be see through. I used the size guide and am happy with the size I picked.
— Lee-Anne L.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
What a great little dress this is. I can dress it up or down. Fabric feels amazing. It has pockets so am in love. It travels well and so is definitely coming to South America with me this Xmas. So happy I want to now buy it in the chocolate. I purchased the small. Fits great and I am big busted.
— Luciana L.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
I received my maxi dress very quickly and I wore it immediately! Silky soft, flattering style and a great price. I’ll be wearing this constantly! I would love to see it in lots of different colours. I’d probably buy them all!
— MRS M.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
Beautiful colour, washed well, can be dressed up or down, I have this dress in so many colours - wear them to work with a jacket
— gemma g.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
Well what can I say but Love love this dress! So flattering!! More colours please… Navy? Chocolate?
— Paula P.
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
Beautiful material, drapes well. Great fit, glides over hips, a steal at the sale price. Would love the other colours too.
— Susan S.
Essential Maxi Dress - Burnt Sienna
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 197 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 172 Total 4 star reviews: 14 Total 3 star reviews: 5 Total 2 star reviews: 4 Total 1 star reviews: 2
94%would recommend these products
197 reviews
  • KP
    Kerry P.
    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
    4 minutes ago
    Perfect!

    I have been looking for a basic black dress that can be casual or dressed up for more formal occasions and this dress couldn’t be more perfect . It will definitely be packed for my upcoming travel OS.

    The dress is fitting at the top so I chose to size up and am very happy with the results.

  • GB
    Grace B.
    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
    3 days ago
    Very comfortable

    Lovely and comfortable. Dress up or dress down

  • T
    T
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Black
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 weeks ago
    5 Stars

    Absolutely perfect

  • 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
    2 weeks ago
    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
    2 weeks 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 :-)

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.