If it’s going to BE hot, we might as well LOOK hot too… These plus size summer outfit ideas are stylish, fun, and most importantly… cool!
If it’s anything like my hometown where you live, you’re probably either sweating buckets right now or you’re hiding inside in the cold AC. Admittedly, I find dressing for colder weather to be a little more fun, but I’ve found 35 adorable plus size summer outfit ideas that make me actually WANT to get dressed.
Today, I’m sharing 35 Adorable Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas so you can look and feel your best this summer.
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Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
Before we dive into this list of my 35 favorite plus size summer outfit ideas, I’d like to introduce myself!
I’m Miranda, founder of The Plus Life, a fashion and lifestyle blog for plus size women. I’m on a mission to inspire and equip plus size women like you and me to live our best lives at any size.
While it can be fun discussing new trends and styles, fashion is truly so much deeper than that.
We use our style to show the world who we are and who we want to be.
I hope these outfit ideas inspire and equip YOU to show up to your life as your best self this summer.
Without further ado, here are my favorite plus size summer outfit ideas. You’ll find a mix of trendier options along with some of my favorite classics. Enjoy!
Note on availability: As you know, clothing items come into and out of stock quickly. I attempt to keep blog posts updated as much as possible but hope the outfit images below inspire your wardrobe choices even if the item itself is currently sold out.
Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas: Athletic Dress
Athletic dresses are EVERYWHERE currently – and for good reason! They’re adorable and comfortable. What more could you want?
This version from Old Navy is available in sizes XS-4X for $45.
Graphic Tee
A graphic tee is always a fun way to show a little bit of your personality on a casual day.
Torrid should definitely be one of your first destinations when shopping for graphic tees. No one does plus size graphic tees better.
From your favorite bands to your favorite Disney characters or just adorable designs like this one, there is something for everyone.
Shop all Torrid graphic tees here.
Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas: Matching Linen Set
If you want to live your coastal grandmother dreams or just exude simple luxury, a matching linen set is a great outfit idea.
Universal Standard is one of the world’s most size inclusive brands with sizes 00-40. US offers stretch linen in a number of colors and styles.
Shop Universal Standard’s matching sets here.
Shop the full Universal Standard stretch linen collection which also includes dresses here.
Everyday T-Shirt Dress: Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
If you already clicked the link to check out this dress, you might be rolling your eyes at me for sharing a t-shirt dress that costs $125.
Trust me, as a frugal gal myself… I would NOT be recommending a dress like this if I didn’t 100% stand behind it.
I own this dress in two colors and it is by far my most worn clothing item. You know those rare days when ALL of your laundry is clean and put away?? THIS is always the dress I grab.
It’s perfect for any casual day – running around with the kids, running errands, a lunch date, etc. It can be dressed up or down and accessorized SO many ways.
Now, of course you can find less expensive t-shirt dresses like this one, but the fit and quality just do not compare. I wore ones like this for years and was replacing them nonstop.
Crochet Detail
Calling all Boho Chic gals! Crochet details are BACK BABY!
This cotton maxi crochet detail dress from Torrid is stunning. With 100% cotton fabric, this dress is the perfect breezy addition to your wardrobe on the hottest days.
Bow Detail
If you’re a girly girl like me, the bow detail trend will definitely be a fun one for you. This pink bow tie back dress from Arula is business in the front and party in the back – just like a classic hairstyle, the mullet.
In my humble opinion, the dress is way more attractive than the mullet, though!
Barbie Inspired Outfit
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you know that Barbie is inspiring EVERYONE currently, and her inspiration is definitely seen clearly in the fashion world.
As someone who LOVES pink, I’m personally pumped to see so many gorgeous pink clothing options available.
This ruffle detail dress from Torrid would be perfect for a Barbie of any shape and size.
One Shoulder Dress
If you’re willing to deal with a strapless bra, the one shoulder dress can be a great plus size summer outfit option.
Admittedly, I’ve seen this style a LOT on straight size fashionistas but there aren’t a ton of options available in plus sizes.
I did find this cute option from June + Vie, a Full Beauty Brand, available online from Target.
If you come across more, send them my way! I’d love to see!
Trench Dress
A trench coat inspired dress is business woman special for sure.
This stunning yellow option from Eloquii screams sophisticated boss lady.
This dress has single-handledly made me rethink my work from home life. I’d LOVE to rock this in a corner office.
Summer Suiting
Speaking of business woman special, summer suits are another great summer outfit idea for plus size women.
Eloquii is always my go to destination for workwear, especially blazers, because they have a wonderful selection of colors, fabrics, and styles.
You can shop this tie-front blazer here and the matching pants here.
Be sure to check out all of the workwear from Eloquii here.
Looking for more plus size workwear inspiration? Read “Where to Buy Plus Size Workwear” here.
Asymmetric Detail
Asymmetric details are everywhere for summer, and they can make an otherwise basic outfit look special.
While the style brings me back to my mom’s outfits in the 90’s, I love it equally as much today.
I’m seeing a lot of asymmetric denim shorts like these, but I chose to highlight this adorable white vest available in sizes 10-32.
Eras Tour Inspired Plus Size Summer Outfit
Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour might be the tour of our generation. When I came across this stunning mult-colored skirt, I immediately regretted my decision to not go.
Do me a favor, and WEAR THIS OUTFIT ASAP if you’re in your Lover Era.
Mini Dress
Mini dresses haven’t always been a staple in the plus size world, but now that we have trendier options available to us we can wear minis just like the skinny gals!
As someone who is only 5’4″ I also appreciate being able to find dresses that aren’t crazy long on me.
This white dress with black embroidery is available in sizes XS-4X for less than $60!
Bold Sleeves
Bold sleeves are SUCH a fun trend for summer. This dress from Anthropologie is available in sizes up to a 3X, and the fit is generous. Many folks, especially with smaller busts, could size down.
If you love the Anthropologie style without the Anthropologie price, you can check out Nuuly.
Nuuly is Anthropologie’s own clothing subscription service with tons of Anthropologie brands and others including Universal Standard and Eloquii.
If you use my referral link to sign up for Nuuly, you can save $20 on your first month!
Ruffle Detail
Ruffle details offer another gorgeous option for women who love a feminine vibe.
This trapeze style dress from Anthropologie is available in several colorways up to a 3X.
This style dress is perfect for the hottest summer days because it is flowy and doesn’t cling to the skin.
Denim Shorts Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
Of course, nothing says summer quite like a classic pair of denim shorts.
This pair from Target’s Ava & Viv line is truly an incredible value. They are a nice longer length at 7″ but they aren’t SO long that they age you.
The fabric is also insanely stretchy and so comfortable. It can be quite a challenge to find plus size denim shorts that actually fit but these are a WIN.
I actually prefer these to much more expensive options.
Check out all Ava & Viv denim here.
Maxi Skirt
While I’ve been loving maxi DRESSES for years, I’m new to the maxi skirt trend and loving it.
While most of the current plus size maxi skirts I’m seeing are flowy/gauzy material, I LOVE this more structured denim option available in sizes up to 28.
Cropped Top Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
Cropped tops are EVERYwhere for summer, and can be styled in so many cute ways.
From experience with my styling clients, I know a lot of plus size women feel self conscious about cropped tops but I think they can look gorgeous!
If you don’t want to show a lot of skin, go for a high waisted jean or skirt with your cropped top.
This red smocked crop top from Old Navy will add a gorgeous pop of color to your plus size summer wardrobe.
Matching Set: Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
A matching set is one of the most versatile plus size summer outfit ideas! You can, of course, pair the top and bottoms together or mix and match them with other basics from your wardrobe.
I also love that this outfit formula can work for all different styles. This blazer with matching shorts is definitely a fancier take, but you can also go with a simple linen set or even matching athletic wear.
Athletic Wear
Speaking of athletic wear, matching athletic sets are a great way to beat the heat in summer especially when you’re out and about.
If you’re comfortable, a matching sports bra with biker shorts is great but you can also snag a matching tank top if you prefer more coverage.
Bike Shorts
Bike shorts are a great casual wardrobe staple because they can be worn in a number of helpful ways.
My personal favorite is to wear them under a maxi skirt or maxi dress for added comfort.
As you see pictured they can be paired with athletic tops or crop tops, but they also look great with an oversized graphic tee.
Torrid offers some of my personal favorite bike shorts. These cotton ones are especially good in the heat since they’re breathable.
Plus Size Summer Outfit Idea: Cargo
I feel like people have been mocking cargo pants for as long as I remember, but this summer there’s a whole new take on the old style.
This pink cropped cargo pant paired with heels and a cute top is such a fun contrast.
For my personal style, I’d pair these crops with a simple tee and sneakers or flat sandals, but that’s what’s great about them. They’re actually pretty versatile!
Chambray Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
Chambray has been one of my personal go-to’s for as long as I can remember.
Something about wearing it makes me nostalgic for summers from my childhood.
It reminds me of picnics and county fairs and farmer’s markets.
This midi length dress with button detail is perfect for folks who like a breezy dress but prefer to wear sleeves.
Corset Inspired Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas
If you’re looking for a sexy summer staple, a corset inspired top might just be for you.
It’s honestly a LITTLE out of my personal comfort zone so I might wear it under a blazer or other top layer to dip my toe in the water.
This corset top from Torrid is available in this cream, black, and pink.
Classic Stripe
There’s nothing more classic than a simple striped top. This button down top from Universal Standard comes in both stripe and solid options and is available in sizes 00-40.
Pair it with great jeans from Universal Standard or even a nice pair of linen pants.
Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas: A neutral classic
If you’re a dress lover, a simple, neutral classic like this white midi dress from Able Clothing will be a dress you wear NONSTOP.
Anytime you want to look put together while feeling like you’re wearing a nightgown, a dress like this will be your go-to.
Able Clothing offers dresses up to a size 3X with plans to expand sizing further in the future. As someone who is a pear shaped with smaller bust and larger hips, I find their sizing to be generous. If between sizes, you can size down.
White button down
A classic, white button down top like this one from Universal Standard isn’t just a summer staple, but a year round staple.
I recommend investing in a higher quality white button down so that it will last for years to come.
You can pair this with pretty much anything else you own – jeans, dress pants, under dresses, over tanks, etc. It’s one of the most versatile pieces you can own.
Wide leg crop
The Colette Cropped Wide Leg Pants by Maeve from Anthropologie are absolutely a wardrobe essential.
While there are a number of fabrics and styles available, the options I linked are a great thinner summer fabric.
These are PERFECT if you are looking for comfort and to stay cool but don’t want to wear shorts.
These can easily be dressed up or down and come in a wide variety of styles.
Love the look of the Colette and want to see more? You can also check out the style in ponte, denim, and other options here.
Plaid
Plaid is another great summer wardrobe staple and reminds me of simpler times.
This yellow plaid dress from Old Navy has a beautiful flutter sleeve and flowy design for comfort.
Floral
In the wise words of the infamous Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada…
“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”
I know this is a summer fashion post, not spring, but I can’t help but include a good floral number year round.
From dresses to tee shirts to accessories, florals look incredible on everyone.
I love the quilted detail and square neck of this blue floral dress from Lane Bryant.
Purple
Color trends come and go quickly, but purple is definitely having a moment for summer.
This violet dress from Lane Bryant is perfect for an outing with the girls.
Plus Size Summer Outfit Ideas: All White Everything
A crisp white outfit is elegant, simple, and beautiful.
Whether you choose a classic white wrap dress like this one from Universal Standard or pair a classic pair of white denim with a white tee, you’ll look put together and ready for whatever the day brings.
Square Neck
A square neck can elevate the look of a simple outfit.
This neutral square neck dress from Lane Bryant is a great everyday dress. The color is perfection.
Summer Friendly Pajamas
Okay, okay. I know pajamas aren’t technically a summer outfit but given that we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping, I couldn’t help but include my favorite plus size summer pajamas.
These come from Target and are available in a number of colors up to a 4X.
If you don’t love shorts, they also come in sets with long pants and sets with capri pants.
I hope you enjoyed this post featuring 35 plus size summer outfit ideas! If you’re inspired by this post and purchase any of these looks, I’d LOVE to see your outfit pics! Feel free to DM me on Instagram!
