Plus Size Summer Dresses

Packing for a vacation or weekend trip is a breeze when you’re closet is packed with a suitable selection of plus size summer dresses. Whether the occasion is a wedding or a party, you will certainly find reason to shop plus size dresses this season. Summer dresses can be flirty and carefree, romantic and billowy, or tailored and conservative. Some dresses can be all of the above with just the right shoes and accessories. Plus size summer dresses are easy to find, pretty to wear, and comfortable. Here are a few key pieces to invest in this summer.

Show off your curves!

• The Little Black Dress- No longer reserved for a special date night, the LBD has made itself front and center in most women’s wardrobes. Consider all the options with that basic little black dress. Worn with beads and leather sandals and you’re ethnic hip, a strand of pearls and you’re classy, gold hoops and a kitten heel- you’re sassy! The little black dress can be thrown together with a pair of flip flops and a hooded sweatshirt and suddenly the look went from sexy and classic to beachy and fun. The styles are endless for one price tag.

• The Kimono Dress- Kimono dresses are huge this season. They flatter, the ¾ flared sleeve is the perfect length for working, and the graceful silhouette is very becoming. Try a kimono dress with a pair of black wedge flip flops for a casual and hip look you’ll love.

• The Tea Dress- Okay, so maybe you don’t do the tea, but you most certainly go shopping with the ladies and have a few frequent breaks outdoors. Garden floral dresses in sheer chiffons and small prints are perfect for plus size ladies who want a romantic and billowy summer dress option. The shorter tea length (hits mid calf) is flattering and provides some coverage from the sun. Worn with pretty sandals and a strand of pearls, a tea dress like this pick from Chadwick’s is the perfect pick for a weekend wedding or bridal shower.

• The Boho Dress- Also known as the hippie dress or the broomstick dress, this crinkled gauze cotton summer dress is breezy and easy to wear. The boho dress is right in style and looks great with the turquoise jewelry and leather thong sandals of summer. With easy washing, and wringing up to dry, a crinkled gauze cotton dress makes the perfect beach or vacation dress. Buy a few boho dresses in different colors. You’ll be surprised how often you grab one for an evening concert in the park, a firework show or movie night. Paired with a denim jacket and you have the perfect urban chic look. Rock them with a pair of cowboy boots for a fun and flirty girl next door look.

• The Shirt Dress- The shirt dress is a perfect staple for the office and for weekend trips to the zoo. Look for a shirt dress in a lightweight chambray fabric. Wear it with brown pumps and a slouched leather belt with some bold bracelets for the workweek. Dress it down on Sundays with a pair of white leather thong sandals and a straw tote. The shirt dress is a seven day a week wardrobe staple, so buy a few in a cut you adore, and you’ll find yourself pulling out this basic whenever you have “nothing” to wear.

• The Sun Dress- Quite possibly the dress that summer dreams are made of. The sundress is innocent, sweet, and filled with feminine charm. From ditsy floral prints to bold geometric colors, the sundress will take you from poolside parties to picnics in the park. Pair flirty sundresses with cute sandals and big sunglasses for a glamourous and bodacious look.

When shopping for plus size dresses, pay special attention to your best features to find the most flattering cut dress. If you’ve got sexy legs, work a shorter dress. If you have a feminine chest, try a sweetheart bodice that opens up your neckline. To draw attention to your waist, look for dresses (such as the kimono) that enhance and whittle the waist with attached ties. Remember, clothing shopping is trial and error. What looks good in the window may not feel the best for your shape. Once you find a style that you feel comfortable and fabulous in, start looking for similar cuts in different fabrics and colors.

You can find some affordable and beautiful plus size summer dresses by shopping some of these online retailers.

• Jessica London
• E Dress Me
• Nordstrom
• Macy’s

If you'd like to be on trend this season, think global. Spring 2008 is all about eco fabrics such as hemp, canvas, linen and basketweave. Expect to see an array of rustic tattoo prints, plant landscapes and bamboo prints on the horizon. Keep your hair and makeup fresh and earthy to complete the look.

Summer dresses are a seasonal favorite. Fill your closet with as many options as you can afford, and enjoy their carefree beauty all season long.

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