Dresses
Women's dresses for work, weekends and everything in between
A dress is the quickest way to get dressed well. Forcast has been dressing Australian women for work since 1992, and our dresses cover the working week and the weekend that follows: tailored minis and ponte shifts for the office, linen and satin styles for lunches and evenings, and knit dresses for the cooler months. Every style is cut in sizes 4 to 18.
Choose by length and cut
Start with the hemline. Short and mini dresses such as the Hannah Tailored Mini Dress suit tights and boots in winter and flats in summer. Midi dresses sit below the knee and are the safest length for the office, with pleat-waist, panelled, shirt and crossover styles to pick from. Maxi dresses are the ones to reach for in the evening. Then think about shape: fitted panel dresses hold their line through a long day, while bias-cut slips, crossover fronts and dolman sleeves move more freely.
Fabric and fit
Ponte styles like the Sutton Ponte Dress have stretch and recover well, so they suit desk days and travel. Linen and linen blends breathe in the heat. Satin catches the light for evenings. Knit dresses layer easily under a coat when it is cold. Most of the range is designed to be worn on its own, with the shape coming from panels, pleats or a defined waist rather than anything you add.
What to wear with a dress
The same dress can do two jobs. For work, add a blazer and a closed shoe. After hours, swap the blazer for jewellery and a heel. In winter a knit dress works with stockings, knee-high boots and a coat. A blazer in beige or light blue suits pastels and earthy tones; black sharpens jewel colours.
Shop dresses online or in store
Check your measurements against the size guide before you order. Standard delivery is free on Australian orders over $100, and you have 30 days to return or exchange, online or at any of our stores across New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. If you know the occasion you are shopping for, go straight to work dresses or event dresses.
Frequently asked questions
What sizes does Forcast carry?
Forcast apparel is made in Australian sizes 4 to 18, or XXS to XXL, and footwear in Australian sizes 4 to 10. Bust, waist and hip measurements for every size, along with UK, US and EU conversions, are on our size guide.
How long do I have to return an online order?
Online orders can be returned within 30 days of the order date, and in-store purchases within 14 days. Items must be unworn with all tags attached and accompanied by proof of purchase, and a return request has to be lodged before the item is sent back. Full-price items are eligible for a refund, an in-store exchange or store credit; permanently reduced items are eligible for store credit or an in-store exchange. The conditions and exclusions are set out in our return policy.
How long does delivery take within Australia?
Standard delivery is $9.99, and free on Australian orders over $100. Orders are dispatched within 1 to 2 business days, then take 1 to 3 business days to metro areas and 3 to 7 business days to rural areas. Express delivery is $12.99. Every rate and timeframe, including New Zealand and international, is on our shipping and delivery page.