Plus Size Dresses for Your Summer Wardrobe

Summer is the best time of year to slip into comfortable plus size dresses. They’ll help you stay cool on the hottest days of the year, but it’s important to select styles that are designed specifically with the season in mind.

That means thinking about factors like silhouettes and fabrics, which can contribute to your comfort even when it’s unbearably hot and humid out there. Plus, you want to consider where you plan to wear your dress. Are you headed to the office or a pool party? Here are some options to keep in mind, no matter where the day might take you.

For the Office

Summer dressing for the workplace can be a tricky task. There are the general requirements associated with a professional dress code; you may be limited to certain colors, for example, and probably can’t get away with things like low-cut necklines and above-the-knee lengths unless you work in a very relaxed environment.

If that’s not the case, however, then focus on one very crucial factor during summer: fabric. The right material can make all the difference to your comfort, even when it seems like nothing would make sense but a tank top and a pair of relaxed plus size shorts! Materials like linen and crisp cotton are always ideal; just make sure the dress isn’t too thin or casual. Features like structured silhouettes, collars, and buttons can convey a work-appropriate look.

For Outdoor Events

You never know what the weekend might bring during summer. There are barbecues, pool parties, informal brunches with friends, outdoor movie nights, and all kinds of unexpected adventures to enjoy and memories to make.

The perfect outdoor dress for summer is easier to trace than the one you wear to work because you have far more options. A sleeveless style is ideal if you’re going to be out in the heat and humidity during peak sunlight hours (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). A little light breeze is unlikely to disturb you, but if you prefer the extra coverage you can always slip into a short-sleeve dress instead.

For Special Occasions

It’s always tricky planning for a special occasion during summer. Factors like humidity, wind, and the general prospect of getting all dressed up when it’s pushing 90 degrees can make it difficult to plan for the perfect outfit. One way around that is to pick up a couple of maxi dresses for women.

Opt for one in a solid hue and another with a pattern so that you always have a suitable option depending on where you’re headed. If you’re going to an outdoor wedding, for example, it’s perfectly appropriate to dress up a simple black maxi dress with metallic wedges or flat sandals and a statement necklace. If you’re going to something a little more relaxed, like outdoor jazz under the stars in the city, a patterned dress makes a chic choice.

For Family Days

What about when you’re out and about with the family? Maybe you’re running errands with the kids, spending the day at the park, or strolling around the mall. Whatever is on the agenda, you’ll face it in greater comfort if you’re wearing a dress that doesn’t restrict your movement. That’s key when you’re chasing after the little ones, walking from one floor of a crowded shopping center to another, and making those special memories that you can only really enjoy when it heats up outside.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to have a few no-fail options on hand that you can easily throw on and go when you’re headed out for the day. An easy jersey dress feels buttery soft to the touch and will keep you comfortable through it all. Midi-lengths are always a great choice for family activities. They aren’t too short or too long, so you can guarantee you’ll have plenty of flexibility when you’re on the move. Experiment with fun prints and bright colors to help you make the most of the season!

What Matters Most

Shopping for dresses is a lot like shopping for shoes — almost nothing matters more than your comfort. Sure, style takes precedence at a glance, but you should always make sure that those key elements, like fabric and structure, help you look and feel your best during those steamy summer days. It’s those little details that will make all the difference — and you’ll always have something perfect to wear, no matter what might be on your schedule.

Why you should trust us

As a senior writer for the luckyplussize family team, I've written guides for robes, dresses, babydolls and onesies, among many other categories. With 15 years of sewing experience, including published quilt patterns, I know a lot about textiles and I can find the coziest and most comfortable fabrics for sleeping and lounging. I'm also a plus size woman, so accommodating sizing and a slim fit are very important to me and they form the heart of this guide.