Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt

$160.00$40.00
Save 75%

4.9 rating from 8 customers

Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt

$160.00$40.00
Save 75%

4.9 rating from 8 customers
The effortless maxi customers pack first and wear on repeat. Soft, flattering and pocketed, it dresses up with a blazer or down with sandals, sneakers or thongs.

"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

"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

"The fabric in this dress is so soft and comfortable! It has a good amount of stretch and drapes over your body beautifully.. very flattering. I received quite a few compliments when I wore it to work."

Sandra S. Verified Buyer

"Love this dress, very comfortable and flattering, true to size, bought on sale will purchase another one."

Jean Verified Buyer

"A lovely summer dress in a gorgeous cherry colour! Great with sandals or with a jacket and heels. I also got the black!"

Nathalie N. Verified Buyer
Size
This item is FINAL SALE and cannot be returned
Australian Owned
Shipped from Australia
Easy Returns

Payment options available Afterpay Zip

Make 4 interest-free payments of $10.00 AUD fortnightly with AfterPay

Description

Designed for versatility, the Essential Maxi Dress blends effortless style with everyday comfort.  Crafted from soft, breathable, sustainable Lenzing 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
  • Made without PFAS or harmful chemicals

Front body length 128.5cm for a Small, increasing 1cm for each size thereafter

Fit: true to size

Model is wearing a size Small.

Shipping

Australia Standard Delivery - $12

Australia Express Delivery - $15

New Zealand Standard Delivery - $20

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.

FINAL SALE items cannot be returned or exchanged.

Care Instructions
  • Cold gentle machine wash separately, inside out
  • Use a mild washing detergent
  • Avoid using fabric softeners and stain removers
  • Do not wring, soak or bleach
  • Line dry inside out in shade
  • Do not tumble dry
  • Avoid rough surfaces
  • Cool iron inside out if required
  • Do not dry clean
Fabric

95% Lenzing Modal, 5% Elastane

Style With

Customer Reviews

4.9

Based on 8 Reviews

Reviews Summary

Shoppers keep coming back for second and third colours because this dress solves the “nothing to wear” problem without feeling basic. The soft, drapey fabric, fitted top and flowy skirt make it feel comfortable yet pulled together, while the pockets and easy styling turn it into a genuine travel, work, holiday and weekend staple.

What Customers Love Most

  • Super soft, silky, buttery fabric that feels beautiful against the skin
  • Flattering cut with a fitted bodice, drop waist and skirt that drapes or flows rather than clings
  • Easy to dress up or down for work, dinner, travel, holidays and casual days
  • Deep, practical pockets that customers call an “added bonus” and “all-essential”
  • Low-maintenance fabric that washes well, needs no ironing and packs easily for trips

Customers Say These Are Perfect For

  • Travel, cruises and overseas holidays where one dress needs to work multiple ways
  • Summer days, hot weather and Queensland-style warm weather thanks to the cool, light, comfy feel
  • Work or working from home with a blazer, denim jacket, cardigan or long sleeve layer
  • Anyone wanting a comfortable but stylish everyday staple that can go from casual to dinner
  • Wardrobes that need a one-and-done dress with pockets, especially for shoppers who normally “don’t feel as though” they suit dresses

Customer Feedback on Quality

  • Fabric is repeatedly described as good quality, beautifully soft, “lush,” “silky,” “dreamy” and “thick enough not to be see through”
  • Easy-care performance stands out: customers say it washes well, has “no ugly balling,” needs no ironing and wrinkles fall out after hanging
  • Construction and fabric weight are praised, with comments like “beautifully sewn,” “great quality material,” “good weight” and “falls well with weight”

Customer Fit Feedback

Most customers report: Mostly true to size, with a recurring note that the top/bodice is fitted and some customers prefer sizing up for more room or length.

Many customers say it “fits perfectly,” “true to size” or “sizing is perfect,” including shorter shoppers around 5'0–5'2 who were surprised the length worked. A noticeable minority found it a small or close fit through the upper body, bust or torso and were happier sizing up; a few shorter customers needed the hem taken up, while others at 160–175cm called the length perfect. Several mention it suits curvy, apple, hourglass and big-busted shapes because it skims rather than clings, though a few note the form-fitting top can show lumps and bumps.

What Customers Say

  • "“Love the way it feels, love the way it falls, love the way it fits.”"
  • "“Perfect for day to night, slouching or schmoozing.”"
  • "“Comfy so it feels casual but sits so nicely a change of shoes was all I needed to dress this up a little.”"

Frequently Asked Questions

Real answers based on customer reviews

Style & Versatility

Can I really dress this maxi dress up or down?

Yes—this was one of the most repeated themes, with 93 reviews saying it works for both casual and dressier occasions. Customers styled it with sandals, sneakers, thongs, boots, heels, denim jackets, blazers, jewellery, cardigans and long-sleeve layers. Many described it as an easy “throw on and go” dress that still looks elevated and stylish.

Based on 93 customer reviews
Can I wear it across different seasons?

Yes, 23 reviews mentioned wearing it beyond just summer. Customers wore or planned to wear it with denim jackets, blazers, cardigans, long-sleeve tops underneath, tights, boots and knits for cooler weather. Others said it felt cool and light enough for summer, making it a strong all-season layering piece.

Based on 23 customer reviews
Are the colours as nice in person as they look online?

Colour was a frequent highlight, mentioned in 50 reviews. Customers called the blue, cherry, plum, navy, black and other shades stunning, vibrant, rich, gorgeous and true to the images. Many reviewers loved the colours enough to buy the same dress in multiple shades or ask for even more colour options.

Based on 50 customer reviews
Would this work for work, dinner or a special event—not just casual wear?

Yes, 21 reviews mentioned wearing it or planning to wear it for work, dinners, Christmas events, holidays, cruises, casual drinks or special occasions. Customers said it becomes dressier with heels, jewellery, a blazer or a jacket, while still being comfortable enough for everyday wear. This makes it a practical choice if you want one dress that can cover multiple occasions.

Based on 21 customer reviews

Comfort

Is this dress comfortable enough to wear all day?

Comfort is a major strength, mentioned in 105 reviews. Customers repeatedly described it as soft, easy to wear, airy, stretchy, lightweight or “didn’t want to take it off” comfortable. Several reviewers said it became their go-to wardrobe staple for hot days, working from home, holidays and everyday wear.

Based on 105 customer reviews

Fit & Sizing

How does the sizing run—should I order my usual size or size up?

Most reviewers found the sizing accurate or a perfect fit, with 74 reviews discussing fit or sizing positively. However, a smaller group noted that the top/bodice is more fitted and chose to size up for a more relaxed fit, especially through the bust or upper body. If you prefer a close fit, your usual size or the size chart should work well; if you are between sizes, busty, or dislike fitted tops, sizing up may be safer.

Based on 74 customer reviews
Is the dress flattering, especially around the tummy, hips or curves?

Yes, 68 reviews described the dress as flattering, with many customers saying it skims, drapes or “forgives” in the right places. Reviewers specifically mentioned it working well for apple shapes, curvy bodies, hourglass figures, menopause middle and people who usually do not feel confident in dresses. A few customers noted it can be form-fitting on top or show curves, so smoothing underwear may help if you prefer a less body-hugging look.

Based on 68 customer reviews
Will the maxi length work if I’m short or tall?

Length feedback was mostly positive across 29 reviews, including petite customers at 5'0, 5'1, 5'2, 152cm, 160cm and 164cm who said the length worked well or did not need altering. Taller reviewers around 170–175cm also described the length as perfect. A few shorter customers did need hemming or wished for a shorter version, so petite buyers should expect it to be a true maxi and check measurements if they prefer ankle length.

Based on 29 customer reviews
Is the dress clingy or see-through?

Most reviewers said the dress drapes and flows rather than clings, with 16 reviews specifically addressing cling, coverage, curves or fabric weight. Customers appreciated that the fabric has enough weight to sit well, skim bumps and not feel flimsy; one reviewer also said it was thick enough not to be see-through. However, a few found the fit more curve-hugging, especially on the upper body, so fit preference matters.

Based on 16 customer reviews

Material & Quality

What is the fabric like—soft, thick, clingy, or flowy?

The fabric received very strong praise, with 96 reviews mentioning softness, feel, drape or fabric quality. Customers described it as buttery soft, silky, velvety, breathable, flowy and beautiful against the skin, with enough weight to drape well rather than blow around. A few reviewers felt some colours or versions were slightly thinner than others, but the overall feedback was that the material feels high quality and comfortable.

Based on 96 customer reviews

Performance

Is it a good dress for travel and holidays?

Yes, 37 reviews specifically called it a great travel dress. Customers planned to take it to Italy, Vietnam, South America, cruises and other holidays because it is comfortable, versatile, easy to pack and can be dressed up or down. Several also liked that it layers well, doesn’t need much fuss, and works for both sightseeing and dinner.

Based on 37 customer reviews
Does it have pockets, and are they actually useful?

Yes, pockets were a standout feature in 38 reviews. Customers loved that the pockets are deep, practical and don’t add bulk, with one reviewer saying they could hold a phone and car keys without being visible. One customer wished the pocket lining were less stretchy for heavier items, so they are handy for everyday essentials but may not be ideal for carrying very heavy objects.

Based on 38 customer reviews

Value

Is the quality good enough for the price?

Yes, 45 reviews mentioned quality, fabric weight, construction or value in a positive way. Customers called it beautifully made, luxurious, well cut and worth it, and several said it felt like a bargain when purchased on sale. A few shoppers were initially unsure about the price until trying it on, then felt the comfort, drape and versatility justified the purchase.

Based on 45 customer reviews
Do people like it enough to buy more than one?

Yes, repeat purchasing was very common, with 31 reviews saying customers bought another colour, already owned multiple, or planned to reorder. Several reviewers owned two or three versions, and some said they wanted it in every colour. That repeat-buy pattern suggests customers see it as a reliable wardrobe staple rather than a one-off purchase.

Based on 31 customer reviews

Care & Maintenance

Is it easy to wash and maintain?

Care feedback was positive in 11 reviews. Customers said it washes well, is easy to wash and wear, does not need ironing, and that suitcase wrinkles either do not happen much or fall out after hanging. One reviewer also noted no “ugly balling,” suggesting the fabric holds up well with wear and washing.

Based on 11 customer reviews

Shop the Style

Reviews and Counting

This is the second dress of this style that I now own and am loving the vibrancy of this colour for summer. The fabric remains soft and velvety to wear, comfy in the fitted areas up top and plenty of room to run around in the skirt. I am not a big dress fan, but I wear this now on repeat.
— Kath K.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
This is my second purchase of this dress - first the black and now this gorgeous blue! They are comfortable, flattering, have the all-essential pockets, and are actually a great length for me - I’m 5’1, and didn’t have to shorten it!
— Sarah S.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
The colour is stunning and fits well to toss on and go. Purchased mine for under $50, so it was a total bargain too!
— Emma E.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
Great fit. Most gorgeous colour. Drops beautifully.
— Leonie L.
Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 8 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 7
Total 4 star reviews: 1
Total 3 star reviews: 0
Total 2 star reviews: 0
Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend these products
8 reviews
  • KS
    Kim S.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Matcha Green
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 weeks ago
    Love these dresses

    just ordered my 2nd one as they are on sale. They drape nicely & have a nice weight that they don't blow away.

  • SL
    Susan L.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Matcha Green
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Body Type Slender
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Great dress

    Really love this dress. Glad I bought a medium. Small fit. Great colour and fabric.

  • LE
    Leonie E.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Body Type Curvy
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Gorgeous

    Great fit. Most gorgeous colour. Drops beautifully.

  • KC
    Kylie C.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Matcha Green
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'6-5'8
    Body Type Slender
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Fits like a glove

    Really flattering and a great fit in the upper body region. I love the flow from the waist down. A great design!

  • EB
    Emma B.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Essential Maxi Dress - Cobalt
    I recommend this product
    Height 5'9-5'11
    Body Type Slender
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Soft and Stretchy

    The colour is stunning and fits well to toss on and go. Purchased mine for under $50, so it was a total bargain too!

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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.