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20 Plus Size Dresses for Summer

  |   By Holly Jackson

Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to stock up on cute dresses! There are tons of great options out there right now. Besides, July 4th sales are around the corner, so now is a great time to pick out your next wardrobe acquisition.

These plus size dresses are all available in a wide range of sizes and include a ton of different looks. I’ve also tried to incorporate sustainably made or US brands when possible. Because more of us are looking for that type of thing and it can be tough to find in plus sizes.


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Most importantly, all of these plus size dresses are fun. Summer can be a great time to try new colors and styles. So, hopefully, this list will inspire you to try something new as well.

Sweetheart Circle Dress in Blue Roses by Vixen by Micheline Pitt

plus size dresses

Sweetheart Circle Dress in Blue Roses
Available in Sizes XS - 4X
via Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Many of my friends purchased this dress, and they all look fabulous in it---despite being incredibly different sizes and shapes. Vixen is a high-quality vintage reproduction line that is made in the USA and has excellent customer service, so it’s hard to go wrong when you buy from them.

Looking Back Sleeveless Dress by ModCloth

plus size dresses

Looking Back Sleeveless Dress
Available in Sizes XXS - 4X
via ModCloth

I have been wearing this dress for several months now and love it! I’ve worn it for everything from going to the grocery store to family occasions and gotten compliments everywhere on it.

Jade V-Neck Shift Dress by Universal Standard 

plus size dresses

Jade V-Neck Shift Dress
Available in 2 Colors
Fits Sizes 0 - 28
via Universal Standard

When it gets sweltering, I want to wear easy pieces that don’t require any fuss. This dress is both elegant and comfortable to throw on. So you can look chic even when you’re drowning in sweat. The cupro fabric means it's also easy to wash.

Curve Embroidered Smock Midi Dress by ASOS Curve 

plus size dresses

Embroidered Smock Midi Dress
Available in Sizes US 12 - 26
via ASOS Curve

This embroidered semi-sheer dress from ASOS Curve is precisely the kind of thing I like to live in during the hottest part of the summer. It would be right at home dressed up with red heels or with flats for a picnic.

Tricolour Ribbed Dress by Violeta by Mango

plus size dresses

Tricolour Ribbed Dress
Available in Sizes 10 - 14
via Violeta by Mango

This 90’s style ribbed dress is the perfect unexpected choice for summer. It could also work going into autumn with the right accessories.

Ginkgo Leaf Midi Wrap Dress in Emerald + Gold by Symbology Clothing

plus size dresses

Ginkgo Leaf Midi Wrap Dress
Available in Sizes XS - 3X
via Symbology

I’ve gotten interested in sustainable clothing lately, which led me to Symbology. They make their clothing in India with sustainable fabrics, by women paid a living wage. And their pieces are gorgeous. I’m saving up for this one.

Keeping on Cutout Dress by ModCloth

plus size dresses

Keeping on Cutout Dress
Available in Sizes XXS - 4X
via ModCloth

It’s rainbow llamas, and I guarantee at least one person is clicking the buy button right now based on that alone. It’s also a lovely part linen blend fabric and affordable enough that you can justify jumping on the cactus/llama trend.

Buttercup-Regina Dress by Miss Candyfloss

plus size dresses

Buttercup Regina Dress
Available in Sizes XS - 4XL
via Miss Candyfloss

I’ve been a fan of Miss Candyfloss for ages, but their fairytale inspired collection showed what they could do in terms of design and editorial style advertising. All of these dresses would be at home on a modern-day princess, but pretty enough to wear as regular sundresses. Their quality clothing company offers fast shipping from Sweden for the same price as some US companies do 10-day shipping!

Two-Tone Knit Dress by Dima Ayad

plus size dresses

Dima Ayad Two-Tone Knit Dress
Available in Sizes 12 - 18
via 11 Honoré

This 70s inspired knit dress would be perfect for a glamorous summer party or if you’ve got a seriously stylish wedding to attend. It is the kind of item you never see made in plus sizes, so thank goodness once again for 11 Honoré.

Fay Pintuck Dress by Anaak

plus size dresses

Anaak Fay Pintuck Dress
Available in Sizes 12/L to 14/XL
via 11 Honoré

This breezy dress would fit in well on any occasion with the right accessories. I love the pin tucked cotton and the tiny clover print that almost reads like polka dots.

Olive Gauze Flutter Sleeve Skater Dress

plus size dresses

Olive Gauze Flutter Sleeve Skater Dress
Available in Sizes M - 6X
via Torrid

When it’s swelteringly hot out, I turn to gauze dresses. Torrid usually puts out a few great options each summer. This basic olive-green version is perfect for running around on hot days when you didn’t want to put on clothes and go outside in the first place.

Mint Green Floral Gauze Skater Dress

plus size dresses

Mint Green Floral Gauze Skater Dress
Available in Sizes M - 6X
via Torrid

This slightly fancier gauze dress also works in the cold shoulder trend. I bought a similar one at Torrid four or five years ago, and it’s still going strong.

Justine Wrap Dress by Leota

plus size dresses

Leota Justine Wrap
Available in Sizes XL - 4X
via Jaci Blue

I had never heard of Leota until earlier this year when I bought one of their dresses at Jaci Blue (my neighborhood plus size boutique). Mine was also a leopard print/floral print mix dress, and I have gotten so much wear out of it. The version I bought is sold out, but this one is similar and would be equally beautiful.

Brigitte Dress in Sacred Heat by Cherry Velvet

plus size dresses

Brigitte Sacred Heart Dress
Available in Sizes S - 4X
via Cherry Velvet

Cherry Velvet makes vintage-inspired dresses plus-size dresses, and their prints are excellent. If you want something that will fit you well and will last for ages, try this less talked about brand.

Nora Dress in Pink Flamingos by Karina Dresses

plus size dresses

Nora Dress - Pink Flamingos
Available in Sizes XS - 4X
via Karina

Everyone I know who owns a Karina dress loves it and calls it their “pajama dress.” These are perfect for when you want to look put together but also don’t want to get out of your nightgown.

Pippa Sunset Plaid Summer Dress by Emily and Fin

plus size dresses

Pippa Sunset Plaid Summer Dress
Available in Sizes 6 - 18
Emily and Fin

I love the idea of plaid for summer, but I also think this plaid could transition to autumn with the right layers and accessories.

Striped Fit & Flare Maxi Dress With Ruffles by Lane Bryant

plus size summer dresses

Striped Fit & Flare Maxi Dress
Available in Sizes 12 - 26
via Lane Bryant

This maxi dress screams summer! It’s very classically preppy, and you could wear it for almost any occasion.

Straw Hat Print Crepe Pleated Empire Dress by Eshakti

plus size dresses

Straw Hat Crepe Empire Dress
Available in Sizes XS - 6X
via Eshakti

This print is unique and utterly adorable for summer! As with all Eshakti dresses, this one is customizable both in terms of size and style.

Endless Summer Maxi Dress by City Chic

plus size summer dresses

City Chic Endless Summer Maxi Dress
Available in Sizes 14 - 24
via Nordstrom

I have trouble finding fabulous maxi dresses, but I love this classic red version from City Chic. Their dresses are made well, last forever, and are perfect for summer.

Tie Front Midi Dress by Leith

plus size dresses

Leith Tie Front Midi Dress
Available in Sizes 1X - 4X
via Nordstrom

This cute striped midi dress will show off some skin but is a classic cut and a seriously cute print that won’t go out of style.

 

What do you think of these plus size dresses? Which style would you wear?

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