18 Dreamy Plus-Size Maxi Dresses for All Your Summer Soirees

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When it comes to getting dressed for the sun-soaked days of summer, there’s nothing as effortless as throwing on a maxi dress. Like a flowy frock, it’s an instant outfit on its own yet can be adapted for a multitude of occasions. Top it off with a denim jacket and you have a casual look for a backyard BBQ. Wear the versatile piece as a cover-up over your favorite swimsuit for beach days that transition into boardwalk nights. Or pair a romantic floral number with dressy heels, and voilà—wedding guest attire.

The ankle-grazing silhouette elongates the frame and looks great on every body shape, including plus-size curves. Flattering designs offer everything from fluttery sleeves to waist-defining accents to highlight the figure. If the maxi is on the longer side, try it with a comfortable block heel for a lift and to balance out the proportions. Flat sandals or white sneakers also complement the style and lend an effortless quality.

Whether you're after a casual cotton dress, a relaxed boho style, or something with long sleeves, we gathered the prettiest plus-size maxi dresses from our favorite plus-size clothing brands, as well as some Amazon gems.

Flutter-Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress

Eloquii's silky satin maxi is the perfect wedding guest dress. It has a modest V-neck cut, elbow-length flutter sleeves, and a cinched waist. It comes in light blue, green, and black. Available in sizes 14W - 28W.

Pleated Chiffon Cape Maxi Dress in Mint Green

This super-chic chiffon maxi dress has a dramatic sheer cape and allover pleats. Available in sizes 14W - 22W.

V-Neck Short-Sleeved Plus-Size Maxi Dress in Black

This flowy chiffon gown is black-tie approved and won't break the bank. It has a flattering V-neck cut in the front as well as the back, and is belted with a satin ribbon around the waist for an ultra-feminine silhouette. While black is your safest bet for a black-tie dress code, this dress also comes in 22 solid colors, like pink, purple, and navy blue. Available in sizes 0 - 34.

Plus-Size Cold-Shoulder Floral Maxi Bohemian Dress

The shoulder cutouts paired with a leg slit, a belted waist tie, and a ruffle front elevate this casual maxi dress. All you have to do is add a sun hat, and it's perfect for your summer family road trips.

Frankie Floral Silk Dress

Reformation's bestselling Frankie dress has a square neckline, spaghetti straps, and a floor-length cut. Available in sizes 14 - 24.

Pleated One-Shoulder Dress

This one-shoulder, ankle-length dress adds a touch of mystery to any formal event. It's cinched at the waist to cut your most flattering figure yet. Available in sizes L - 4X.

The Somerset Maxi Dress

Available in a slew of pretty prints, as well as a breezy linen iteration, this flattering frock is one of Anthropologie's bestsellers for a reason: It features a V-neck and smocked waist that flatters just about every body type. And the design is versatile enough to wear for a myriad of occasions.

Curve Linen Utility Maxi Belted Shirtdress

This super-chic maxi shirtdress is made with a breezy linen and is cinched at the waist with a tied belt. Available in sizes 12 - 26.

Satu One-Shoulder Long-Sleeved Maxi Dress

This elegant one-shoulder maxi from Senegalese designer Diarra Bousso is the dreamiest summer dress. It comes in a range of vibrant colors and statement-making graphic prints. Available in sizes XS - 3X.

Women’s Plus-Size Denim Maxi Dress

This casual white maxi dress is made with stretch denim for a cool feel. It features a fitted bodice and flared silhouette. Available in sizes 12 - 36.

Curve Orange Floral Maxi Dress

This showstopping floral chiffon dress is a guaranteed to impress. It has sheer, billowy sleeves and a tailored bodice for an ultra-feminine silhouette.

Utility Shirtdress in Green

This utility-inspired shirtdress has cuffed short sleeves and a cinched waist detail. We love the timelessness of this olive green, but this Maeve style also comes in a bright cherry red. Available up to size 3X.

Women's Plus-Size Villa Capri Maxi Dress

City Chic's Villa Capri maxi dress can be dressed up with a pair of heels, or down with sandals. It has slightly puffed sleeves, a fitted bust, and a flared skirt. Available in sizes 12 - 22.

Sleeveless Smocked Linen Maxi White Sundress

This affordable sun dress from Target is ideal for throwing over a bathing suit, running errands, or dressing up for a fun night out. It has multiple tiers for a layered effect, and also comes in black, orange, and purple. Available in sizes XS - 4X.

Striped Long Maxi Dress with Pockets

Pack this lightweight and relaxed piece for your next beach vacation. This pink-and-white-stripe version is available in sizes S - XXL, but it also comes in 37 different summery colors and patterns.

Plus-Size White Maxi Lace Dress

This bestselling lace maxi dress features a V-neck with sheer three-quarter-length sleeves. While the summery white is popular, it also comes in 12 shades of lace. Available in sizes 14 - 28.

Plus-Size Printed Smocked Maxi Dress

A billowy frock in a boho floral print evokes a laid-back, free-spirited vibe. This short-sleeved option has a contrast smocked waist, too.

Plus-Size Surplice Maxi Dress

A casual stretch-jersey dress is just the thing to reach for in the morning when you don't know what to wear. With a faux wrap front, this affordable Amazon find is flattering and easy to wear. Available in sizes XS - 6X.

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