Finding a great summer dress in a pinch is not always the easiest — even with a mega online retailer like Amazon. There are hundreds of pages to sort through, and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. But there are so many beautiful dresses to be found for us plus-size folks!
First things first; run, don't walk to the size chart! It is essential that you take a look at the size chart for each item you are interested in. Even within the same retailer, there can be sizing differences between styles. To make sure the dress will work for you, take your measurements. If you feel uncomfortable taking your measurements- that is okay! Grab a dress that you love, and that fits in a way you like. Take measurements of that garment and go from there.
Next, check the description of how it is meant to fit. Oversize, bodycon, fitted? You may want to adjust (size up or size down) depending on how you want the dress to fit you. Remember you are the one in charge here. Also peep the reviews — many include pictures from real-life buyers that will tell you more than the sometimes headless model shots.
Now that you have these tips and tricks under your belt, take a look at some of the best summer dresses that are available right now on Amazon, many up to a 5X. Can anyone say overnight shipping?!
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Drop Women's Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress
Size range: XXS-5X
This tiered maxi dress from Amazon’s The Drop collection is quintessential summertime, especially in the fire orange shade. It also comes in 17 other colors if you want one for every summertime festivity. Wear with your favorite sandals for an easy, pulled-together fit.
The Drop Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress, $, available at Amazon
AMZ PLUS Plus-Size Swing Dress
Size range: XL-5XL
This Amazon find is perfect for when the weather gets hot and humid. The deep v-cut looks terrific on its own or with a tank underneath for more modest occasions. Depending on your height, this dress will fall right above your knees or below.
AMZ PLUS A-Line Knee Length Wrap Dress, $, available at Amazon
SOLY HUX Plus Size Graphic T-Shirt Dress
Size Range: Large - 4XL
This sporty t-shirt dress is as cozy as your favorite oversized tee but structured perfectly to wear solo as a dress. If you are taller, pair this dress with cute bike shorts, leggings, or tights. You’ll be grabbing this dress all summer, we promise.
Soly Hux Plus Size Graphic Print Half Sleeve T Shirt Dress, $, available at Amazon
Floerns Plus Size Satin Party Dress
Size Range: L-5XL
An excellent pick for any summer special occasion. The delicate gathering at the hip makes for a beautiful silhouette. Another bonus is that this dress comes in a variety of different colors and fun patterns — you are bound to find one that suits your style.
Floerns Satin Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Wrap Dress, $, available at Amazon
The Drop Women's Fiona Relaxed Linen Midi Shirt Dress in White
Size Range: XXS-5X
Are you looking for a multi-functional summer dress to take with you on vacation? This midi-length shirt dress from Amazon’s The Drop line might be precisely what you need. The linen fabric is light and breathable, and you can wear it fully unbuttoned as a swimsuit cover-up or buttoned up with statement jewelry for a dinner date.
The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Midi Shirt Dress, $, available at Amazon
Romwe Plus Size Casual Drawstring Bodycon Dress
Size Range: L- 4X
This sexy and trendy style is perfect for a night of dancing. Pair it with some heels or sandals for a more dressed-up vibe, or for an easy festival look, pair it with your comfiest shoes. The drawstring at the bust is adjustable, so you can show as little- or as much skin as you want.
Romwe Plus Size Drawstring Twist V Neck Dress, $, available at Amazon
ROSIANNA Plus-Size Ruffle Swing Dress
Size Range: L-4XL
This mini dress may look simple, but it packs a big impact. With the length being right above the knee and its A-line shape, it makes for a flowy, breathable option for those extra warm days of summer. Our favorite detail of this dress is the ruffle at the bust and the off-shoulder sleeves. Add a bit of shimmer from your favorite highlighter to your decolletage (after applying sunscreen, obvi) and maximize your glow.
ROSIANNA Off Shoulder Strapless Ruffle Mini Plus Size Swing Dres, $, available at Amazon
WDIRARA Shirred Ruffle Hem Dress
Size Range: XXS-5XL
Satisfy your inner princess with this super sweet dress in light purple. (It is the color of royalty, after all) The dress has stretch throughout the bust, a defined waist, and puffy statement sleeves. Wear with tights or frilly ankle socks to play up this youthful style.
WDIRARA Short Sleeve Shirred Ruffle Hem Dress, $, available at Amazon
WOOSEN Striped Printed Dress
Size Range: S-3XL
This sundress is bursting with color. If you love bold, attention-grabbing hues and prints, this one's for you. The bright greens and pinks scream summer. Grab this dress for your beach vacation, and prepare yourself for all the compliments you are bound to receive.
BFFbaby Summer Suspender Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
IN'VOLAND Plus Size Womens Floral Summer Dress
Size Range: 16-28
We picked this belted wrap dress for its versatility. The “Pat6” style in particular catches our eye because of its beautifully delicate ditsy floral pattern. This dress would be perfect for high tea, an outdoor wedding, or engagement party. The dress comes with an inner lining, so there's no need to worry about it being too sheer.
In'voland Plus Size Floral Summer Wrap Dress, $, available at Amazon
SOLY HUX Plus-Size Bodycon Mini Dress
Size Range: L-5X
Velvet is not just for colder months… you can totally feel cool and put-together with this spaghetti strap velvet mini. We love the deep purple option because it really lets the fabric shine. Pair this with some strappy sandals and an embellished clutch.
Soly Hux Plus Size Velvet Spaghetti Strap Cowl Neck Dress, $, available at Amazon
axezoom Midi Dress
Size Range: 4-40
Show off your favorite assets with this tastefully revealing dress. We love the bold red shade for a sultry and sexy look. The plunging neckline and high slit on this dress will be sure to turn heads — and at such a low price point (under $20) you’ve got nothing to lose!
axezoom Plus Size Midi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Xijun Tulle Prom Dresse
Size Range: 0-26
Okay… yes it says prom dress in the title, but don’t let this stop you from grabbing it for other non-prom events! The pale green tulle and delicate floral embroidery remind us of a beautifully lush meadow. The sweetheart neckline and adjustable corset bodice detailing make it feel more expensive than its under $100 price tag.
Xijun Tulle Puffy Sleeve Prom Prom Dress, $, available at Amazon
The Drop Women's Checkboard Print V-Neck Kaftan Maxi Dress by @katiesturino
Size Range: XXS-4X
If you want a casual dress option that pops… scoop up this gorgeous V-neck kaftan from the Katie Sturino x The Drop collaboration. It has an oversized fit that can be worn as is, or belted for a sleeker look. The red and pink checked pattern makes it more modern than your mom's old kaftans — with all of the comforts.
The Drop Women's Checkboard Print V-Neck Kaftan Maxi Dress by @k, $, available at Amazon
The Drop Women's Ombre Print Long Sleeve Dress by @monroesteele
Size Range: XS-3X
The beautiful jewel tones on this ombre dress from Monroe Steele x The Drop reminds us of a refreshing, frozen cocktail at a hip rooftop bar. It’s classy, yet fun and fresh. It's all in the details — check out the lime green buttons on the sleeve, the elasticized back for extra comfort, and the tulip skirting. So fabulous.
Calling all sad indie fangirls, the patron saints of cry-yourself-to-sleep pop have had another bestie moment — and now we can share it. Well, sort of. Taylor Swift’s most recent round of concerts at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium marked the end of Phoebe Bridgers as an Eras Tour opening act; they also marked the very last time Phoebe would be performing her second album, Punisher. All in all, a pretty major deal for anyone who enjoys making themselves sad for fun. To honor the momentous occasion, Taylor donned a piece from Phoebe’s very own jewelry collection for Catbird: the aptly named Give You the Moon Charm, $398, a dainty moonstone orb set in 14k recycled gold, engraved with “Moon Song” lyrics — “I’d give you the moon” — in Phoebe’s own handwriting. She wore the jewel for their very last, and very emotional, live rendition of Red (Taylor’s Version) vault track, “Nothing New.” (Or, at least as international fans hope, the last rendition stateside. Begin the manifestations…).
Phoebe called Taylor her “hero,” Taylor described Phoebe as “a friend that I will never ever stop confiding in and trusting,” and unsurprisingly, their two fandoms collectively freaked out, flooding NYC-based jewelry brand Catbird with demand. Lucky for us, Catbird was listening and has just restocked the charm in both its gold and silver iterations. Interested? You better act quickly — pre-orders end on Sunday, June 4.
As any Swiftie knows, jewelry is a major deal in the TSCU (Taylor Swift Cinematic Universe). In the past, she’s called it out in songs (“your necklace hanging from my neck, the night we couldn’t quite forget”), used it as Easter eggs for upcoming projects, and has even collaborated on exclusive Swiftie-related merch, such as her iconic Red ringdesigned by Cathy Waterman. So, when something like this happens, it’s only natural that our Swiftie senses start tingling — the fandom is rabid with rumors and theories for future collaborations. Given that Taylor honored another artist in the same way the night before — casually donning the $2,250 Crystal Butterflies Chain Necklace from Dua Lipa’s Versace collection — can you blame us? All we can say is watch this space…
More from the Phoebe Bridgers x Catbird collection
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If you plan on hitting the beach or pool this summer, we recommend a few crucial essentials for your look: a swimsuit, some sunglasses, sandals, and a good sun hat. Sure, a beach hat may seem like a superfluous accessory since you’ll also be slathering on the SPF — but, on top of adding an additional layer of sun protection, hats can help keep you cool while pulling your whole beach getup together. The trouble is finding the best beach hats to effortlessly complement your summer ensemble while efficiently protecting you from the sun.
Good thing there’s a sea of chic, affordable options floating around the internet. We were able to pull together a guide to some of the best low-key beach hats that are adorable, comfy, and easily packed. Think everything from classic baseball caps for the athletic types to straw hats for those who want to channel a Euro-boating look and even printed silk headscarves that your great-grandmother would stan — plus, a handful of other perfect top-offs for your beach-ready noggin. Keep scrolling to shop.
Straw hats are the ultimate summer headpieces — they’re lightweight, quick-dry, and available in an array of fabulous silhouettes. Plus, the wide brim slouches ever so perfectly to keep your face shaded from the sun. If you’re limiting yourself to just one beach hat this summer, go with one made of good-ol’ straw.
We’re certainly not mad at seeing this throwback hat — inspired by the fisherman’s go-to topper — return for another moment in the sun. The bucket hats we’re seeing these days are wonderfully floppy and consist of whimsical patterns in summery hues.
You can’t go wrong with a classic dad hat or baseball cap. These beach hats are super-casual and low maintenance, adding just a hint of effortless cool to any outfit.
The visor is the ultimate lightweight beach hat. They’re best suited for sporting activities like frisbee and volleyball because the band keeps eyes shaded and soaks up sweat while still allowing for plenty of ventilation.
For a more romantic beach look, opt for the fluttery silk headscarf or bandana. You can style it by tying it around your head like a babushka or headband, or use it to hold your ponytail together. For a complete day-to-night transition, tie it around your neck after sundown.
Need an even sportier option? These breathable performance sun hats are specifically engineered to cool you down. A few impressive technical details: The sweatbands have a cooling lining. There are strategically placed mesh ventilation holes everywhere. And the UPF 50+ protective brims are made to resist ultraviolet rays.
If you’re simply not a summer person and prefer to go incognito all season long, we’ve got the perfect hat style for you: the oversized, extra-wide brim sun hat. A little theatrical maybe? Sure. But, good luck to the sun — nothing’s getting past this statement hat.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Last year, I got over-the-ear wireless headphones for the first time ever, wanting to prove that the headphones we wear are a vital styling choice. Although I had always been enthused by the way they made people look cool without trying so hard, it had never occurred to me to wear headphones that mimicked the look of a bygone era. My generation did grow up in the time of wired headphones, but it was at the point when the sleek white string of Apple earphones hung over your outfit. As such, I just could never understand why other commuters chose over-the-ear headphones, or even wireless Airpods.
Turns out, I was right: your headphones can make or break an outfit..
Take, for example, Succession’s Kendall Roy, who wears over the ear headphones because he’s trying to tell us he’s hipper than his L-to-the-OG dad, Logan. Listening to Jay-Z while being driven to his dad’s company and dressed in thousand-dollar suits, Roy is trying to be the kind of “progressive” billionaire that attempts to be so cool it’s borderline hilarious. Meanwhile, today’s It girls like Bella Hadid sport wired headphones to channel a nostalgic look, preferring the ones made cool during the Y2K era. Then there’s the stereotypical finance executive look that has made in-ear wireless headphones synonymous with this sector, essentially showing their knack for any tech that’s ahead of the curve.
Headphones are functional. They allow us to be on-the-go, while still jamming to our favorite music. Putting on headphones has always been about being at the forefront of technology. Back in the 1880s, switchboard operators started using 10-pound headphones, with a large one-ear piece and a microphone attached. Throughout the early 20th century, they rapidly developed into more portable devices mainly used by the military. The first wireless headphones came in the 1960s, an era of futurist thinking, allowing people to bring their radio with them. Still, they looked different from the ones we know today, featuring radio antennas and bulky speakers in the ear cups. That same decade saw the release of the Beatlephones, a collaboration between the John Koss audio company and The Beatles that started marketing headphones to teenagers, changing their usage and demographic in the process. Then, came the 1980s, when Sony’s Walkman cassette player upended music and radio listening, transforming it from passive to an on-the-go activity. By the beginning of the 21st century, the rise of iPods brought forth the wired EarPods, making their easily-tangled white strings the protagonists of this era. Similarly, Bluetooth technology revolutionized the way people listen to music and communicate, allowing tech companies to play more with the look and feel of headphones, including the popular Beats by Dr Dre headphones that updated the vintage over-the-ear headphones with a wide range of colors.
I first put on headphones when they were still in their wired era, during the early 2000s. Throughout my wired headphones adoption, I thought the over-the-ear versions would make me cooler, like a relic from an earlier time that was above any innovative technology. But still, I stayed with the wired in-ear headphones from Apple out of habit. Then, on a random day in 2022 — nearly 20 years since I first put on wired headphones — I figured it was time to buy a wireless over-the-ear pair, just for the plot.
Instantly, the pair — a sleek black wireless over-the-ear version with padded ear cups from Zihnic — made any outfit I wore look more commuter-ready than any other accessories I tried before. And to my surprise, it went well with everything from a leather jacket and jeans to a knit top and linen pants. Out of nowhere, putting on the over-the-ear headphones made me look like a woman on the go — with (literally) no strings attached.
As a commuter, it’s my hobby now to see if outfits I see on the subway could be made better with other models of earphones. I’ve seen women carry two-to-three tote bags that keep getting tangled with their clothes, for example. A pair of wireless headphones could make them look like someone who has their life together, while over-the-ear headphones could make them look like they’re straight out of a party at the office.
It’s no wonder brands have put so much effort on the look of their headphones over the years. Apple’s AirPods Max wireless headphones have adopted sleeker looks than older pairs of over-the-ear models, making them more fashionable in the process, with a variety of colors available. Similarly, luxury fashion and tech brands like Montblanc, Bang & Olufsen, Bose have prioritized minimal styles in their versions of over-the-ear wireless headphones, including materials like leather and memory foam. On the other hand, brands like Nothing — an emerging tech company making affordable audio products — have opted to make their wireless in-ear headphones transparent, showing the hardware involved in the buds to anyone who looks at them, making for a rawer look. On the wired front, Sony MDR in-ear headphones have added a metallic sheen to their buds with a variety of colors to choose from, while Apple has stayed true to its white wired headphones for nearly 30 years now, betting on their capacity to blend in.
While most commuters put so much effort in telling the world who they are through their clothes, their headphones probably say as much — if not more — about their personality. Yet, unlike most of our fashion choices, it’s not a decision we put as much thought into beyond their tech aspect. So the next time you think about your headphones, it might be a good moment to consider what they, along with your outfit, tell the world about who you are. If not, just at least consider how they make the outfit — they’ll do it on their own, anyway.
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It's no secret that Refinery29 readers and editors love any excuse to stock up on summer dresses, whether it's for a happy hour, picnic, or fancier event. And when it comes to summer, one fancy event reigns supreme: The wedding. If your calendar is filled with save the dates, you might be thinking about what you're going to wear.
There's a lot to consider when looking for a wedding guest dress, like comfort, weather, and, of course, dress code. So don't leave it to the last minute to peruse for summer wedding guest dresses.
We've compiled a roundup of dresses for black tie events, cocktail parties, casual summer nuptials, and destination beach weddings in a range of straight size and plus size wedding guest dresses. Discover a bountiful array of airy silhouettes in summer's trending colors, like terracotta, cherry red, cool blue, and vibrant lime green.
Ahead, scroll through to find the 24 best summer wedding guest dresses on the market. Then all that's left for you to do is pick out your mani color, throw on a pair of comfortable dancing shoes, and toast to the happy couple.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Dress to impress for black-tie weddings. The formal affair calls for cascading gowns in satin, tulle, and silk fabrics. Feel free to dive into your red carpet dreams of rich gem tones, or opt for a lighter pastel-hued shades. No matter your vibe, there's a range of summer wedding guest dresses perfect for your upcoming formal affairs.
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Get ready to dance all night long with a cool drink in hand in a sleek cocktail dress. Pick a midi-length style with eye-catching details like a one-shoulder neckline, puffy sleeves, or a frilly skirt for a bit more summer pizzazz. Cocktail dresses are tried and true and will have you looking perfectly on theme no matter what.
River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
The styling opportunities are endless when it comes to a casual wedding. You can opt for a mini, midi, or maxi dress in a simple one-tone shade with subtle touches, or you can choose a cheerful pattern. The perk with these wedding guest dress designs is that you can actually wear them to plenty of other non-wedding summer events too.
HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress, $, available at Amazon
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Slide into sandals, wedges, or espadrilles and feel airy and cool in a tropical-colored frock. Lightweight maxis or midis with a flowing skirt not only look dramatic in the summer breeze, but they can also protect you from, ahem, wardrobe malfunctions.
