By That Girl Whitney Team
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, That Girl Whitney may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
There’s something so satisfying about finding a cute dress for less than the price of a takeout dinner. Walmart has quietly become one of the best places to do exactly that. Its plus size dress section is full of easy summer styles, and many of them cost less than $25 USD.
Shopping budget dresses online still takes a little strategy. Some styles run large and the photos don’t always tell you which is which. A few minutes with the size chart and the reviews saves you a trip back to the store.
This guide covers the Walmart plus size brands to know, the dress styles worth grabbing, how to shop smart online, and how to make a budget dress look elevated. If you love a good Walmart haul (and we know you do), you’ll find plenty here.
Walmart’s Plus Size Brands to Know
Walmart sells many brands, but its own store brands are where you’ll find the best plus size prices.
Terra & Sky is Walmart’s dedicated plus size brand, and its dresses come in sizes 0X to 5X. You’ll find T-shirt dresses, smocked styles, tiered dresses, and shirtdresses, often at budget prices.
Time and Tru offers women’s and plus size basics, including easy knit dresses that work for everyday wear.
Walmart also carries other labels in extended sizes, and the selection changes by season. Filter the plus size dress section by brand and price to see what’s available in your size right now.
A quick note for Canadian readers: Walmart.ca carries a different lineup than Walmart.com in the U.S., so some of these brands may not be available in Canada. George, Walmart Canada’s house brand, is worth checking there.
Shop it: Terra & Sky T-shirt dress or Terra & Sky smocked dress
Dress Styles Worth Grabbing
Not every budget dress is a winner, but these styles tend to work well for plus size bodies.
T-shirt dresses are the easiest dress you’ll ever own. Look for a cotton style with pockets and wear it with sneakers or a denim jacket.
Smocked dresses have stretchy shirring across the bust or waist that adapts to your shape. They’re comfortable and forgiving on hot days.
Tiered dresses flow away from the body and feel breezy in the heat. They work for everything from errands to a casual summer party.
Shirtdresses look polished enough for work and casual enough for weekends. A tie-front or belted style adds waist definition.
Choose solid colors and simple prints first. They mix with more accessories and look more expensive than busy patterns. Our guide to the best plus size sundresses has more summer styles to compare.
Shop it: Terra & Sky tiered dress or Terra & Sky shirtdress
How to Shop Walmart Plus Size Dresses Online
A little homework before you check out makes budget shopping so much easier.
Read the size chart for each brand. Sizes like 1X and 2X vary between brands. Compare your bust, waist, and hip measurements to the chart, not your usual size.
Check the reviews for fit notes. Look for comments like “runs big” or “true to size,” and pay extra attention to reviews with photos. Some shoppers note that certain styles run large.
Look for fabric comments. Thin fabric is a common complaint with budget dresses. Reviews that mention “see-through” or “thin” tell you whether you’ll need a slip.
Use pickup and in-store returns. Ordering online for store pickup lets you try things on at home, and you can return them at your local store if they don’t work.
Prices and stock change often, so check the live listing before you buy.
Making a Budget Dress Look Elevated
The right finishing touches can make a $20 dress look like it came from a boutique.
Steam out every wrinkle. A crisp dress always looks more expensive than a rumpled one.
Add a belt to a loose dress. A woven or leather belt gives shape and changes the whole look.
Layer something structured. A denim jacket or a cropped cardigan makes a simple dress look styled.
Upgrade your shoes and bag. Leather-look sandals and a woven bag pull the outfit together.
Wear a smooth layer underneath. Slip shorts prevent chafing and add opacity to thin fabric, and our chub rub guide has more tips.
Fit matters more than price here. A dress that skims your body looks more expensive than one that pulls or swallows you, so a quick trip to a tailor to hem a maxi or shorten the straps on a sundress is money well spent. Small fixes like these cost far less than a new dress and make a $20 find look custom.
Cute Dresses on a Budget
Walmart makes it easy to build a summer dress collection without overspending. Start with Terra & Sky for plus size styles in sizes 0X to 5X, choose easy shapes like smocked and tiered dresses, and always check the size chart and reviews before you order. Add a belt or a jacket, and your budget dress looks like a splurge. Your summer closet (and your wallet) will thank you.
Love a good haul? Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for Whitney’s Walmart hauls and plus size outfit ideas, and shop her favorite finds on her Amazon storefront.