As a plus-size girlie, IMO, summer is always the hardest season to dress for. Rather than the endless pretty, wispy summer dresses and cute festival outfits available in standard ranges, those of us with curves are often left to sift through endless web pages of oversized tees, A-line dresses and drab jumpsuits.
Scrolling Instagram is no help either, where I’m spotting my fave celebrities and influencers donning the cutest looks I know I won’t be able to shop in my size. Except, what if I can? This year, rather than being reduced to covering up our bodies or having no personal style to speak of, we’re going to do things differently. And that starts with giving ourselves more options.
I’ve got a catalogue of summer outfits I’m planning to recreate this summer that will look equally as fabulous on a plus-size body as a straight one. I’m thinking of it as my very own Pinterest board to revert to, so I don’t turn my room upside down AGAIN.
And I’ve taken it one step further, turning to the best plus size brands for lookalike pieces and alternative options that go up to a XXL to recreate summer outfits that are cute *and* comfortable for plus size bodies. I’m not even going to get into how annoying it was that this was actually a challenge (brand shaming), but I’m happy to share the love with you.
Keep scrolling for summer outfit inspo and what to shop to recreate some of the chicest looks around this season.
Dua Lipa
From summer date nights to wedding guest dresses and that event in your social calendar you’re kinda dreading where you *have* to turn a look – yep, everyone needs a killer dress. One that you can throw on and instantly feel amazing in. We’re talking about the kind of dress that should be illegal to wear a jacket or coat over the top of! Now, we might not be able to get the Jacquemus original that our Dua loves, but thanks to the prevalence of naked dressing, there are plenty of options available for plus-size girls. It’s our turn to be the moment.
ASOS DESIGN Cap sleeve maxi dress in white floral devore
Fashion Nova Petal Talk Mesh Gown
Free People Cypress Lace Maxi
ASOS DESIGN Stud earrings with oversized floral design
Tiffanie
Blame it on I Kissed A Girl‘s Amy Spalding, TikTok’s Wrong Shoe Theory, or simply the dismal UK weather… but I’m really into pairing my summer outfits with boots RN. Tiffanie’s slouchy off-the-shoulder jumper and rara skirt nails the look perfectly, while giving extra warmth for the unpredictable forecast. While a similar sweatshirt may be hard to find, don’t be afraid to DIY your own by cutting the neckline of an old sweat to achieve this look. I style this to lean into the contrast of texture, colour and heft as much as poss.
ASOS DESIGN Curve off shoulder oversized sweatshirt
Miss Selfridge Tiered mini skirt grey marl
Michael Kors Dara Canvas and Stretch Knit Trainer
Now 50% Off
Adidas Boxhog II Boxing Shoes
Now 17% Off
Bella Hadid
Tank Air basics are 100% slept on, in my opinion. They are a bit on the pricier side but they make up for it with their cinching and lifting abilities. AND, they go up to a size XXL! Follow Miss Bella’s lead and inject a bit of bloke-core to the look with sporty knee-socks and a varsity jacket.
Tank Air Compassionate Baby Tee
New Look Curves Brown Heritage Check Split Hem Mini Skirt
Now 25% Off
Nike Academy Over-The-Calf Football Socks
Cos Pointed mesh slingback kitten heels
Sofia Coelho
Consider this ’fit comfy summer personified. Sofia’s rugby top and baggy sweat shorts made me actually exhale, as it’s perfect for those laid-back, lazy days. And with the right accessories – like her gold hoops and loafers – it easily makes a more polished look. I’d opt for a slightly shorter version of her shorts to keep it more flattering on my wider hips.
Tommy Hilfiger Curve Relaxed Fit Stripe Rugby Polo
Yours Curve Light Grey Elasticated Jogger Shorts
Duke + Dexter Wilde Bow Penny Loafer
Damson Madder Frill scrunchie in navy with gingham edge
Taylor Russell
Taylor Russell is the queen of the ‘no-effort effort’ look. She just makes anything and everything look good! Think you can’t embody that same sentiment? I’m telling you, it’s all about your mindset… and the right accessories, too, obvs. Opting for a butter yellow hue (AKA this season’s biggest colour trend) instantly adds edge, while a cool cap and patent pointed-toe shoes elevate this basic shirt and jeans outfit. With the risk of rain at any moment, don’t forget your trench coat. Again, Taylor has avoided the obvious choice when it comes to colourway, this time opting for olive green over classic beige.
New Look Light Yellow Poplin Cotton Shirt
Now 25% Off
Good 90s Relaxed Jeans
39Thirty New York Yankees Tech Brown Stretch Fit Cap
M&S Collection Cotton Rich Longline Trench Coat
Tze Shin Low
A flared peplum top *and* a bubble skirt? It doesn’t get more Y2K than that. Sure, these might be controversial trends making a comeback, but I for one appreciate not having to suck my stomach in under a figure-hugging ’fit. Plus, the breathability that a floaty skirt offers. Just don’t forget your anti-chafing shorts.
H&M Frill-trimmed strappy top
Black Tennis Pleated Mini Skirt With Shorts Under
Now 30% Off
H&M Bubble-hem mini skirt
M&S Collection Buckle Flat Square Toe Ballet Pumps
Now 25% Off
Alessia Golfetto is the Contributing Curve Editor of Cosmopolitan UK. A digital content creator, model and body positivity advocate, she’s bringing everything plus-size fashion to your doorstep. With an elevated and imaginative sense of style, Alessia is dedicated to inspiring plus-size women to make them feel sexy, comfortable, cool and, most importantly, confident.