Chuck on dresses aren't just a summer fling, they're the best thing to wear when you don't actually know what to put on in autumn and winter too. Think less faff, more fashion, as you literally throw one on and go. I love how they look so nonchalant, as if you haven't tried but still somehow look polished and put together thanks to their breezy, billowy nature and fuss-free design. And did I mention they're super comfortable too? It's part loungewear, but fashionable, and a chuck on dress is as stylish as it is zip-free. Don't believe me? I asked stylist Jess Richardson for her thoughts on the smock dress.
"Not only are smock dresses incredibly cool and easy to wear, they’re also super flattering. A loose, floaty dress is ideal for skimming over any areas you might feel more self-conscious about (especially around the tummy), while showcasing your legs, which are often one of our best features. Throw in a touch of smocking, and you’ve got one of the most flattering styles of the season."
Let me backtrack in case you're wondering what on earth a chuck-on dress is. It is in essence a dress without buttons, zippers or fastening, essentially something you can chuck-on. They're voluminous in shape and oversized, without a pinch of a button or a restrictive strap in sight; some come with shirred busts to add a little definition, but the best smock dresses are nothing but big, beautiful swathes of easy-breezy material.
© GettyYou could call it a nap dress, as it's so comfy, and while it isn't a kaftan, think of it as its sister.
- A chuck-on dress to hide a tummy: M&S Mini Dress, £30 / $69.99
- The chuck-on dress to balance larger hips: Whistles Denim Smock Dress, £119 / $299
- Best chuck-on dress for bigger busts: Boden Jersey Dress, £89 / $149
- The cord dress: White Stuff Cord V Neck Dress, £79 / $150
- Maxi chuck-on dress: Aspiga Brushed Cotton Check Dress, £175 / $250
Jess notes: "An empire waist or A-line silhouette is ideal—elegant, chic, and incredibly comfortable. The waistline sits just under the bust, drawing the eye up and away from the tummy. There’s no tight waistband, just a soft, flattering drape. As we get older, we want comfort without compromising on style."
© ShutterstockYou'll find smock dresses are most popular right now in autumnal checks, cord fabrics and denim. And for party season, think sumptuous velvets, sequins and metallics - because yes, they can be worn for more formal events too. Come Christmas, a red version comes into its own as it looks chic but plenty of room for second helpings of your Christmas dinner.
What’s the best type of chuck-on dress to wear if you have a bigger tummy?
Jess shares her insight; "An empire waist or A-line silhouette is ideal—elegant, chic, and incredibly comfortable. The waistline sits just under the bust, drawing the eye up and away from the tummy. There’s no tight waistband, just a soft, flattering drape."
© Jess RichardsonIf you have a large chest, can you wear a smock dress?
"Absolutely," Jess enthuses. "The key is to look for styles with a square or sweetheart neckline—both are especially flattering for a larger bust. An empire waist works wonders here, too."
What’s the best chuck-on dress style for someone with larger hips?
"If you’re curvier through the hips, draw the eye upward" Jess suggests. "Wide necklines or off-the-shoulder styles help to balance proportions by broadening the shoulders. Opt for an A-line silhouette that nips in at the waist and gently flares out, skimming over the hips."
How I chose the best chuck-on dresses for older women
- Style: You won't find a fastening in sight with this edit. They're all literally chuck-on dresses, ones you can throw on over your head when you're faced with that morning crisis of what the heck to wear.
- Fabric: I've tried to only include autumnal fabrics like cord, velvet and denim, plus thicker cotton.
- Print: As well as block colours, these dresses come in plenty of patterns to suit your style including check, leopard, striped and floral.
Best chuck-on dresses for women over 40
1/11
Boden Maddie Picot Trim Jersey Dress
© BodenWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Fit and flare shape
- Jersey material
- Available in other colour ways
If you have bigger hips, Jess suggests looking for a dress that nips in at the waist and flares at the hips, like this Boden mini dress.
2/11
M&S Mini Smock Dress
© M&SWhy I love it:
- Mini length
- Funnel neck
- Tiered skirt
This is a classic little black dress in a relaxed silhouette that ticks all the boxes for easy dressing.
3/11
Monsoon Joyce Pintuck Embroidered Corduroy Midi Dress
© MonsoonWhy I love it:
- Puff sleeves
- Striking embroidered design
- Available up to a size 24
If you're looking for a cord dress, this is it - it has intricate embroidery, a blouson sleeve and comes in the most warming shade of green.
4/11
Anthropologie Fern Smocked Short-Sleeve Midi Dress
© AnthropologieWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Smocked bust design
- Autumnal brown check pattern
"With a square neck, short puff sleeves, and an elasticated waist panel, this dress ticks all the boxes for flattering a fuller bust," says Jess.
5/11
Whistles Denim Trapeze Dress
© WhistlesWhy I Love It:
- Denim
- V-Neck
- Nipped waist
- Midi length
Denim is always on trend and when in smock form, it becomes a dress you can wear anywhere! I'd wear with brown boots to make it autumnal.
6/11
Warehouse Animal Print Smock Dress
© WarehouseWhy I love it:
- Midi length
- Puff sleeves
- Leopard print
- Available up to size 30
This animal print dress taps into the chuck-on dress feel, with its voluminous aesthetic, soft sleeves and round neck.
7/11
White Stuff V Neck Cord Midi Dress
© White StuffWhy I love it:
- Long sleeves
- Cord fabric
- Fit and flare silhouette
- Also available in burgundy red
This is beautiful autumn dress for casual events, but also easily dressed up while, crucially, being oh so comfy. The cord fabric elevates it to new, chic levels.
8/11
Joanna Hope Frill Shoulder Mini Dress
© JD WilliamsWhy I love it:
- Frill detail
- Bright pink
- Flattering mini length
Larger tummy you want to hide? Jess is a fan of this bright pink dress, with its mini length and power shoulders.
9/11
Phase Eight Nika Dress
© Phase EightWhy I Love It:
- Shimmering silver plisse
- Tiered shape
- Also available in petite
This is a great dress for those winter parties, with a subtle shimmer and an oversized - and comfortable - silhouette.
10/11
Aspiga Laura Brushed Cotton Checked Dress
© AspigaWhy I love it:
- Maxi length
- Breathable brushed cotton fabric
- Check print
Not only does this dress look gorgeously airy, but it's print is perfect for the autumn months moving into Christmas.
11/11
New Look Smock Floral Dress
© New LookWhy I love it:
- Mini length
- V-neck
- Relaxed fit
The gorgeous print errs on the side of retro without being too floral, and the fit skims tummy and hips for a flattering, relaxed shape.
How can you make a chuck-on dress look smart?
I asked Jess for her expert tips on smartening up what is essentially day dress.
"To elevate a chuck-on dress, focus on accessories, layers, and footwear. A pair of oversized gold earrings or a statement necklace with chic ballet flats will instantly add polish. Alternatively, throw on an oversized blazer that hits at mid-thigh, a structured leather bag, and knee high boots for an office-appropriate finish."
You can also try slightly smarter styles, like asymmetric necklines or in more luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet or corduroy .
What’s the most flattering type of chuck-on dress?
Jess notes that these dresses are super flattering, whatever your size or shape. "The beauty of chuck-on dresses is that they’re flattering on every woman, regardless of age or size. Slimmer women—especially older ones—sometimes worry that oversized smock styles will drown their frame, but I’d argue the opposite.
"It’s all about balance. Highlight your best features: show off your legs with a mini, your décolletage with a square neckline, or define your waist with a gently cinched shape. Confidence is always the most flattering thing you can wear!"
Can someone in their 70s wear a chuck-on dress? and which styles are best?
"Absolutely—age is just a number!" Jess laughs. "Many older women feel more self-conscious about their upper arms or legs, so I recommend a midi-length dress with a floaty sleeve that hits at the elbow. Look for breathable, high-quality fabrics like cotton, or silk for a sophisticated, comfortable look. Add simple jewellery and a crisp pair of white trainers, and you’ll look fresh, modern, and polished in seconds."
