The Isabelle Collection styling guide is here! packed with useful tips, styling help and FAQ, this guide is your wardrobe essential for your next special occasion featuring Scarlett & Jo.
The Isabelle Collection by Scarlett & Jo is created for women who want to feel elegant, confident, and at ease - no matter if you’re attending a wedding in London or a special event in Edinburgh! With its graceful floor-length silhouette, flattering V-neckline, and draped sleeves, this is a plus-size maxi dress you can wear with pride, knowing it fits, flatters, and feels like it was made just for you.
Below, we’re taking a closer look, helping you discover how to choose your perfect Isabelle dress, how to wear it with confidence, and how to style it to suit any occasion. This is your ultimate styling guide for one of our most popular evening gowns, so you can make Isabelle your own, whether you’re off to a wedding, attending Ladies Day at Ascot or have been invited to a classic British garden party!
Introducing Isabelle
First, let’s learn more about Isabelle.
Every Isabelle dress is proudly designed in Great Britain with Scarlett & Jo’s signature attention to detail, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable from the moment you slip it on.
Here are the standout features that make our Isabelle print plus-size maxi dresses so special:
● Fabric
The classic Isabelle is made from soft polyester for comfort and stretchy elastane for a fantastic fit, while special editions feature delicate velvet flocked mesh overlays.
● Technology
Using the latest in curvy fashion innovation, the Isabelle features our signature POWERFIT® mesh, draping gracefully while moving with you and smoothing gently over curves.
● Neckline & Back
A wrap-effect V-neckline elongates the neck and frames the face, while the soft V-back adds balance and elegance to the silhouette without revealing too much.
● Sleeves
Choose between float sleeves, for a light, breezy feel, or more dramatic angel sleeves, for graceful wing-like movements that draw the eye and turn heads.
● Skirt
The floor-length skirt is designed for confidence, covering the legs while skimming the ankles, creating a statuesque line with plenty of freedom to walk, sit, and dance. That makes Isabelle your perfect partner for weddings, big birthdays and other events – anywhere you want to make an entrance and feel comfortable!
● Colours, Patterns, & Textures
From soft pastels and romantic florals to bold jewel tones, glittering mesh, and rich velvet designs, there’s an Isabelle to suit every mood, season, and occasion. Which is just as well because the Great British weather is so changeable, it’s always a good idea to have a versatile plus-size maxi dress you can call on for any big day.
● Size
Ranging from a UK size 12 up to a size 32, the Isabelle Collection is designed with real women in mind, offering a flattering and comfortable plus-size fit you can feel confident in.
How to Style Your Isabelle Maxi Dress
The great thing about dresses in the Isabelle Collection is that they’re intended to be worn with ease. The dress does all the work, so you can enjoy yourself to the full, whether you’re a VIP ticket holder at the Grand National, a valued wedding guest or the birthday girl!
The stretch fabric skims over your figure - no matter what your size or shape - without clinging, and the floor-length skirt flows with your every move, creating a graceful line without having to pose or position yourself in strategic ways.
The sleeves - whether floaty or angel - add movement and just a touch of drama without fuss, framing your arms beautifully as you walk, dance, or simply sit and take it all in. Stroll along the Thames in London, dance the night away in Manchester or drink in the sunset in Newcastle – the world is your oyster.
The wrap-effect neckline and soft V-back flatter the shoulders and upper body without revealing too much. You don’t need to adjust yourself in the dress; it sits just right and moves with you so you can focus on the moment, not on the outfit.
So, wear your curves with pride. Walk into the room, stand tall, mingle, dance, laugh… you can do it all, knowing that the Isabelle looks good from every angle, and was designed to make you feel comfortable, confident, and unforgettable, every single time.
Where to Wear It
When it comes to the Isabelle Collection, there are no rules. The popularity of this elegant formal wear range comes from the one-of-a-kind design that allows it to be worn anywhere, without ever looking out of place. Here are a few of our favourite situations and scenarios where we feel the Isabelle really shines and delivers elegant beauty:
https://www.scarlettandjo.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/isabelle-teal-blue-peacock-float-sleeve-maxi-dress?variant=48216518656308
● Weddings
The Isabelle is a natural choice as a plus-size wedding guest dress – or even for the bride herself! Our gorgeous ivory edition brings classic bridal beauty, doubling as a romantic, understated maxi wedding gown ideal for an outdoor or destination ceremony. For mothers of the bride or groom, blush shades and soft florals strike the perfect balance, with a strong celebratory tone without the risk of overshadowing. And for guests, we’ve got a huge choice of colours and patterns depending on your style.
● Black-Tie Events
For formal evening events, including galas, fundraisers, and awards nights, the Isabelle is your go-to occasionwear option. Our rich navys and deep magentas ooze sophistication, making ‘chic’ more effortless than ever. Sweeping angel sleeves make a statement that’s just right for a gala or awards ceremony, while the hidden elasticated band integrated into the clever waist design means you can focus on the event, not on your body. And at the end of the day, it’s the event that matters… not your body.
● Beach Holidays & Cruises
On warm evenings abroad, dining al fresco by the ocean, picture yourself in a fun-loving polka dot dress, or a vibrant, eye-catching flower print. Lightweight and airy, your favourite print maxi dress catches the breeze and keeps you cool while looking elegant and photo-ready at the same time. Plus, the Isabelle’s versatility shines on a cruise, with one dress working for formal, semi-formal, and even casual nights depending on how you style it. Keep it cool by adding a chunky belt or dress it up for formal night with some bling.
● Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Dinners
For milestone celebrations - or even just a night out with the girls - the Isabelle stands out beautifully - joyful and flattering - without appearing over-the-top. There’s bold cerise colours and royal blues for a confident pop of colour that commands attention while staying effortlessly elegant. Or there’s more muted tones if you prefer not to be the centre of attention. The ankle-skimming hem and graceful sleeves mean you’re free to dance, toast, and enjoy every moment without any fuss.
Finishing Touches
Our Isabelle plus-size maxi dresses are designed to shine on their own, without any help. However, the right accessories can elevate them even more, while respecting their graceful lines and intricate details. Here’s some inspiration for styling your Isabelle beautifully:
● Shoes
The ankle-skimming hem of the Isabelle is one of its most flattering features. A shoe with a slight lift - even just a few centimetres - raises the hem enough to give a tiny glimpse of leg and keeps the skirt gliding rather than dragging. Stilettos and kitten heels are a natural match; wonderfully delicate and complementary to the elegance of the dress while adding a bit of height. But if stilettos aren’t your friend, a block heel or wedge offers the same lift and confidence, with added stability.
● Jewellery
The wrap-effect V-neckline of the Isabelle gives you complete choice when it comes to jewellery. Some women like to add in a pendant or lariat necklace that matches the shape of the neckline and nestles on the cleavage. Others prefer to let the dress itself do the talking, forgoing the necklace entirely and instead opting for statement earrings. The sleeves draw attention to the arms and hands, so finish the look with a delicate tennis bracelet or a chunkier bangle, a cuff, or a cocktail ring.
● Bags
Pick a bag that mirrors the refinement of the dress without distracting from its style and beauty. A slim clutch keeps things elegant and proportional for formal events while a small fold over bag works for more relaxed and casual occasions. Anything oversized can throw off the dress’s graceful proportions, so be careful here, but don’t be afraid to experiment and find accessories that suit your own preferences. A cool canvas beach bag, for example, would suit a low key polka dot dress.
● Hair & Makeup
The V-back and neckline mean you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to your hair. Wearing your hair down works brilliantly as the design is simple and classic, so you can be sure that even the longest length won’t hide any intricate detailing at the back. You can make your hairstyle the star of the show. However, for a more polished look, you can also wear your hair up - in in a half up, half down style - to draw more attention to the neckline and sleeves, and let them do all the talking.
How to Choose Your Isabelle Plus Size Occasionwear Dress
There are over 100 unique styles to choose from within the extensive Scarlett & Jo Isabelle Collection, so how can you select one that’s perfect for you? When deciding on your Isabelle, we believe there are three important factors to consider:
1. The season
In spring and summer, a lightweight mesh, breathable float sleeves, and fresh orange and pink shades work wonders. For the colder months, opt for richer textures like velvet, deeper tones, and dramatic angel sleeves to match the season’s mood.
2. The occasion
While weddings may call for celebratory soft shades and prints, galas and black-tie events suit darker and more sophisticated hues. For beachy holidays and chic cruises, airy fabrics in bold prints can be styled up or down depending on your vibe.
3. Your personal style
Of course, the most important consideration is yourself! Go with something you truly love, and that you’re excited to wear. Choose the one that makes you feel most like yourself, and elevates your mood. Feeling good about what you wear is important!
Isabelle’s Promise
The Isabelle Collection is for all the moments when you want to feel truly yourself - poised, comfortable, elegant, and ready to shine. Whether you’re walking down an aisle, standing at a podium, laughing over dinner by the sea, or dancing into the night, Isabelle moves with you and helps you feel totally comfortable, confident and at ease in your own skin.
Explore the collection and discover which Isabelle feels like ‘yours’.
Isabelle Collection FAQ
What sizes are available in the Isabelle Collection?
As with all our plus-size maxi dresses, the Isabelle Collection is available in UK sizes 12 to 32.
Is the Isabelle dress true to size?
Yes, Isabelle is true to size. If you aren’t sure which size to order, our size guide is a helpful reference.
Is the Isabelle maxi dress suitable for weddings and formal events?
Yes! The Isabelle dress is a popular choice for weddings, black-tie events, and special occasions of all kinds. Our customers have worn this all over the country, from big birthday parties in Birmingham to summer garden parties in Cornwall and weddings in London.
How should I style the Isabelle dress for a casual occasion?
For a relaxed look, pair your Isabelle dress with a canvas tote, wedges or flats, and minimal jewellery. For a more formal occasion such as a day at the races, add a higher heel, your favourite clutch and some statement jewellery. The floaty fabric makes it perfect for holidays, cruises, and casual garden parties, where we recommend keeping things simple. Just add a simple pair of neutral sandals and your favourite sunglasses!
What’s the difference between float sleeves and angel sleeves?
Float sleeves offer a soft, breezy look, while angel sleeves provide more dramatic, flowing coverage with graceful movement – perfect for making a statement.
Can I wear the Isabelle dress if I have a fuller bust or curves?
Absolutely. The wrap-effect neckline and POWERFIT® mesh are designed to flatter curves and support a fuller bust but won’t dig into your skin or make you feel restricted. We’re all about comfort!
What shoes go best with an Isabelle maxi dress?
Our gorgeous clients have paired Isabelle with just about every shoe style you can think of but we think heels, wedges, or block-heeled sandals are all great options. A small lift helps show off the ankle-skimming hem and keeps the skirt flowing effortlessly. If you need a little inspiration, check out our reviews or browse our social media feeds to see how other customers have styed their purchases.
Is the Isabelle dress travel-friendly?
Absolutely! You can add Isabelle to your suitcase with complete confidence. This design is an ideal choice for destination weddings, cruises, or any special event abroad.