i've bought a lovely (bargain) maxi dress via asos and it does look ok, even at my lardiest (now).
are they really naff? it's not a strapless one, it has thin straps. i mainly wore knee length dresses last summer but i had a fab tan (part real) but this year my health is rubbish so just the thought of exfoliating, moisturising and faffing to make myself feel better in a dress is way too exhausting.