Fashion

21 Breezy Plus Size Maxis For Summer

by Mariah Carrillo

Few summer staples better evoke breezy, easy warm weather style than plus size maxi dresses. Although for a long time I was afraid I was too short to wear this look, I've been seeing some gorgeous plus size maxi designs lately that have me ready to give this carefree look a try. One of the ultimate one-and-done wardrobe staples, the maxi is a super-simple way to look cool and put together when temperatures start climbing. Plus, I love that the extra length means less time spent shaving my legs in the morning — definitely a win for this lazy girl.

Another great feature of the maxi is its versatility. This is a piece that can be sweet, sophisticated, simple, and anywhere in between. Whether you like your outfits to be dramatic or minimalist, you'll probably be able to find a maxi that works for you. It's so easy to take these dresses from day to evening with just a change of accessories. If, like me, you love to get the most out of your clothes, that sounds like a wardrobe win.

So, if you're looking for the perfect summer piece to add to your closet, check out these 21 fabulous plus size maxis that will make keeping cool this season a snap.

1. Sheer Genius

Sammie Sheer Dress, Sizes S - 3XL, $105, Rue 107

I love the sheer trend; it's a sexy look that can be either subtle or daring depending on your preference, and as a bonus, it allows you to show off cute undergarments as part of an outfit. This stunning wrap maxi from Rue 107 is an ethereal dream, and that coppery shade is sheer perfection (pun intended).

2. Feminine Florals

Muster The Length Dress, Sizes XXS - 4X, $119.99, Modcloth

For a pretty look with some serious impact, this bold floral is a beautiful choice. Light up the night at your next summer barbecue.

3. Side Slit

Neon Side Slit Maxi Dress, Sizes 14 - 20, $34.00, Society Plus

For a simply dramatic outfit, side slit dresses are a great, on-trend solution. Juxtapose the maxi length with your favorite short-shorts for a fun contrast.

4. All Natural

Patterned Dress, Sizes 14 - 24, $49.99, H&M +

For an earthy-but-chic vibe, this geometric, handkerchief hem dress is perfection. The light fabric and voluminous cut mean this maxi will move and breathe like a dream.

5. Free-Spirited Fuschia

Hibiscus Dress, One Size Plus, $89, Zelie For She

It doesn't get much more stunning than this low-cut fuschia masterpiece from Zelie For She. Wear it as the most glamorous swimsuit cover-up ever, or show some skin on your next sexy evening out.

6. Cape Queen

Studio Off-The-Shoulder Cape Gown, Sizes 14 - 28, $159.90, Eloquii

Worn by both superheroes and royalty, the cape is a dramatic wardrobe accessory for any fashion badass. This gown from Eloquii ups the ante with an off-the-shoulder silhouette and bright coral-red shade.

7. Cream Crochet

Long Sleeveless Crochet Dress, Sizes 14 - 24, $105, Addition Elle

Breezy, bohemian romance just got easier with this sheer, lined crochet maxi from Addition Elle. Wear on its own for a simply chic look, or layer on your favorite bangles and pendants for a luxe statement that couldn't be more effortless.

8. Mixed Motifs

Mixed Print Maxi Tea Dress, Sizes 14 - 24, $55, ASOS

If simplicity isn't your style, mixing prints can give stunning results, as this free-spirited tea dress proves. So go ahead; let out your inner wild child.

9. Femme Fatale

Not So Basic Back Detail Maxi, Sizes S - 5X, $36.50, Rebdolls

When you need a sexy look that's sure to get noticed, this bar-backed maxi from Rebdolls has you covered. Who knew long lengths could be this smoldering?

10. Minimalist Maxi

Call Dress, Sizes 10 - 24, $123, Carmakoma

Channel effortless cool girl vibes with a minimalist design in deep, smoky gray. Pair with Birkenstocks for the perfect easy summer outfit.

11. Bold Botanicals

Rosaleen Dress, Sizes 1X - 3X, $304, Rachel Pally

Not all florals have to be sweet. This standout botanical print maxi makes a major statement.

12. Red Hot

Roya High-Low Dress, Sizes 1X - 3X, $118, Monif C.

A maxi might not seem like the most intuitive choice for a night out dancing with your girls, but this high-low stunner from Monif C. could change your mind. The red-hot shade and twirl-worthy shape make this dress a total game-changer.

13. Chambray All Day

Button Through Tencel Dress, Sizes 8 - 28, $107.50, SimplyBe

If you love the chambray trend, declare your denim devotion with an indigo maxi that takes casual dressing up a notch. The button-down detailing means you can make this versatile piece as modest or revealing as you choose.

14. Blush Beauty

Lace Gauze High-Low Maxi Dress, Sizes 00X - 6X, $68.50, Torrid

If the candy-pink hue wasn't enough, this sweet blush maxi also has lovely lace insets for the prettiest summer outfit ever. Plus, the pale shade, gauzy fabric, and sleeveless design are an ideal combination for staying cool in warm weather.

15. Garden Variety

The Venus Cut-Out Dress, Sizes XXS - 6X, $90, Smart Glamour

When a basic maxi just won't cut it, might I suggest this bombshell-worthy floral gown from Smart Glamour? The low neckline and side cut-outs make this piece ideal for showing off summer's golden glow.

16. Great Shapes

Polka Dot Bat Sleeve Maxi Dress, Sizes 0X - 4X, $230, Jibri

What do you get when you add a funky, geometric polka dot print and a dramatically voluminous silhouette? A whole lot of graphic appeal that will seriously upgrade your summer style.

17. Sweet Strapless

Strapless Faux Wrap Maxi Dress, Sizes 14 - 24, $149, City Chic

Avoid unnecessary tan lines with a strapless maxi that shows off your shoulders. The faux wrap style and romantic floral print are an added bonus.

18. Fine Feathers

Iris Rooster Dress, Sizes S - 3XL, $125, Rue 107

This adorable rooster print maxi will have you crowing over your fashionably good fortune. The fun motif injects a delightful note of humor into a classically elegant shape.

19. True Colors

Crochet-Trim Maxi Dress, Sizes 8 - 22, $99.99, SimplyBe

These saturated brights are a must for relaxed resort looks with a statement-making edge. The gathered, flowing skirt contrasts nicely with a more fitted crocheted bodice and halter neckline.

20. Dark Diva

Boleyn Dress, Sizes 1X - 5X, $95, Chubby Cartwheels

If your gothic sensibilities don't take a break just because the sun comes out, this black mesh maxi is for you. Layer over a bodysuit for breezy comfort without the highlighter brights.

21. Handkerchief Hem

Zig Zag Maxi Dress, Sizes 0X - 3X, $29.90, Forever 21

A simple shape meets dynamic geometric motifs in this handkerchief hem maxi. It's packable enough to throw in a carry-on for your next vacation jaunt, but pretty enough to wear out for dinner at your favorite restaurant.

When you want easy summer options with a little extra comfort and a whole lot of added style, the perennial maxi might be just what you're looking for. With all these great plus size designs to choose from, warm weather dressing has never been more effortless.

Images: Courtesy Brands