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.
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
Sweetheart Circle Dress in Blue Roses Available in Sizes XS - 4X via Vixen by Micheline PittMany 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
Looking Back Sleeveless Dress Available in Sizes XXS - 4X via ModClothI 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
Jade V-Neck Shift Dress Available in 2 Colors Fits Sizes 0 - 28 via Universal StandardWhen 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
Embroidered Smock Midi Dress Available in Sizes US 12 - 26 via ASOS CurveThis 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
Tricolour Ribbed Dress Available in Sizes 10 - 14 via Violeta by MangoThis 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
Ginkgo Leaf Midi Wrap Dress Available in Sizes XS - 3X via SymbologyI’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
Keeping on Cutout Dress Available in Sizes XXS - 4X via ModClothIt’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
Buttercup Regina Dress Available in Sizes XS - 4XL via Miss CandyflossI’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
Dima Ayad Two-Tone Knit Dress Available in Sizes 12 - 18 via 11 HonoréThis 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
Anaak Fay Pintuck Dress Available in Sizes 12/L to 14/XL via 11 HonoréThis 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
Olive Gauze Flutter Sleeve Skater Dress Available in Sizes M - 6X via TorridWhen 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
Mint Green Floral Gauze Skater Dress Available in Sizes M - 6X via TorridThis 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
Leota Justine Wrap Available in Sizes XL - 4X via Jaci BlueI 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
Brigitte Sacred Heart Dress Available in Sizes S - 4X via Cherry VelvetCherry 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
Nora Dress - Pink Flamingos Available in Sizes XS - 4X via KarinaEveryone 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
Pippa Sunset Plaid Summer Dress Available in Sizes 6 - 18 Emily and FinI 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
Striped Fit & Flare Maxi Dress Available in Sizes 12 - 26 via Lane BryantThis 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
Straw Hat Crepe Empire Dress Available in Sizes XS - 6X via EshaktiThis 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
City Chic Endless Summer Maxi Dress Available in Sizes 14 - 24 via NordstromI 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
Leith Tie Front Midi Dress Available in Sizes 1X - 4X via NordstromThis 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?