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The best plus-size summer dresses for 2024
Available in sizes 16-32 ☀️
Summer has arrived and so have the new-in summer dresses. And no spoilers, but there is A LOT to choose from. We're talking minis and maxi dresses, casual styles suitable for picnics in the park and drinks at a beer garden to dressier designs that are perfect for date night outfits or even some epic parties. But the best plus size summer dresses are those that will see you through all of the above and more.
Being curvier comes with a whole other set of demands though. First and foremost, we need clothes that accommodate busts, bums, bellies and the lot, while also feeling *and* looking good in them. It's really not a lot to ask, IMO. That's where we come in. We’ve done the hunting for you and compiled only the cutest, most comfortable, guaranteed-to-have-you-feeling-confident summer dresses available to shop RN. The best part? They all range from a UK size 16 to 32.
Without further ado, here are the best curve dresses to shop on the high street for summer 2024.
Aligne is one of the chicest brands out there, and their dresses are such fantastic quality. This denim number will see you through summer and beyond, becoming a go-to in your wardrobe all year round.
Available in sizes 4 to 22.
Wrap dresses have been hailed as the dress for busty girls, and when the wrap looks this good, we can't resist.
Available in sizes 10 to 32.
We couldn't be happier that Rixo has extended its sizing for selected pieces, including the gorgeous Annora dress. We told ya we love a wrap dress – and fellow shoppers clearly agree as this design is one of the brand's bestsellers.
Available in sizes 6 to 26.
Damson Madder is the IT-girl brand of 2024, and it's not hard to see why. The Penelope apron dress comes in three colours but white corset dresses are having a real moment this season. Peep the adorable bows on the corset bodice, while from a practical POV the adjustable straps make it surprisingly supportive for larger busts.
Available in sizes 6 to 20.
We are so here for the classy retro vibes of this timeless Monsoon fit-and-flare design. Whether you're attending a '50s sock hop or summer wedding, this dress will have you on the best dressed list. Oh, and did we mention is has pockets?
Available in sizes 8 to 24.
M&S Collection Round Neck Strappy Midaxi Smock Dress
With its easy-fit crinkled bodice and floaty silhouette, this lilac smock dress works just as well as a beach cover-up as it does evening alfresco drinks. And for the Swifties among us, this is *so* Speak Now-coded.
Available in sizes 6 to 24.
We’re so impressed by Lucy and Yak’s dedication to inclusive sizing across their range – and their affordable price point, too. Bodies of all sizes deserve to feel stylish without paying a fortune. Top of our wish list is this eye-catching pinafore dress that comes in various lengths and prints.
Available in sizes 4 to 32.
As effortless as it is essential, this stunning maxi dress features a smocked bodice, tiered skirt and contrast ties at the shoulders for added dimension. Just try not to twirl in this number.
Available in sizes 4 to 20.
Who says activewear is only for the gym? We'll be wearing this A&F number everywhere thanks to the built-in legging shorts (goodbye chub rub!) and secret pockets, meaning your phone will always be safe.
Available in sizes 6 to 24.
We’d love to see AllSaints extend their sizing across the board, beyond their current size 16 limit, but some of the brand's oversized styles often accommodate those up to a size 20. Never be put off by the number on a label, ppl! This paisley maxi is giving Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella 2012 in the best way. Unbutton the removal sleeves for endless styling options, cowboy boots optional.
Available in sizes 6 to 16.
Hill House Home’s dresses are timeless and are such incredible quality, you'll be wearing them for years. The vast majority of their designs are super stretchy, and they’ve got a pretty wide sizing range too. The Nap Dress is what the US brand is best known for, with the Cosmina style in this powder blue hue our fave, but they’re all beaut.
Available in sizes 2 to 26.
For those of you who love vintage inspired pieces, Rixo's Shireen is a fuchsia-pink midi dress of dreams. Styled with or without a belt, the dress would be a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe.
Available in sizes 6 to 24.
If you've got your finger on the fashion pulse you'll know bubble hem skirts and dresses are one of this summer’s biggest trends. Get in on the look with A&F's contrasting design.
Available in sizes 4 to 20.
Talk about an absolute bargain statement summer dress. This sunny floral print will make you stand out in all the right ways, and it comes very highly rated on site. The adjustable straps make it well suited to those with bigger busts.
Available in sizes 18 to 30.
Sometimes, less really is more. This simple sundress is elevated by the rich chocolate colourway and makes a nice change from the endless black dresses in my wardrobe. Throw it in your suitcase for easy summer holiday style.
Available in sizes 6 to 24 in petite, regular, and long.
Never Fully Dressed Cream Palm Leaf Emma Dress
Three words: JLo Versace dress. This Never Fully Dressed design gives off very similar vibes to Jennifer Lopez's iconic plunging palm print gown and will have you feeling like a sexy glamazon tropical goddess the second you put it on.
Available in sizes 6 to 28.
Live Unlimited London Colourblock Hanky Hem Midi Dress
You’re not sad, you just need the Hanky Hem Midi Dress in your life. In a classic monochrome colour block, this dress is cut from a lightweight woven fabric that’s so comfortable to wear. Plus, those bra-covering straps are a must for big boob girlies. Yep, we're calling this the perfect warm weather piece.
Available in sizes 12 to 28.
Farm Rio must truly own the blueprints for incredible summer dresses. This gorgeous Rio De Janeiro-printed dress is somehow simple, elegant, and a massive statement all at the same time.
Available in sizes 2 to 20.
Everytime I wear this dress, I get SO MANY compliments. The chocolate colourway toughens up the picnic core gingham print whilst the bows keep things girly. I made the mistake of sizing down for this dress, as I assumed it’d be quite stretchy around the bust area (my fellow big-boobed ladies, you’ll understand the struggle of both needing space but wanting some support too when it’s a bra-less dress!) but I recommend to stay true to size on this one.
Available in sizes 6 to 20.
Mared Parry is an award-winning TV presenter, journalist, social media expert, and former deputy social media manager at Cosmopolitan UK, Red and Prima.
Before pivoting into predominantly social media, Mared worked as a digital journalist for the likes of Heart Radio, OK! Magazine, Fabulous Magazine and many more, interviewing everyone from Glee’s Mr Scheuster (Matthew Morrison) to reality TV’s latest and greatest.
She’s a TV presenter in her home country, Wales, and hosts the award-winning dating show, Tisho Fforc? on S4C’s Hansh, which won Best Social Series at the Edinburgh TV Festival’s New Voice Awards 2023 and was shortlisted for Best Short Form Series at the Broadcast Digital Awards 2023. She has also worked with ITV to host a documentary on ADHD diagnoses in women.
As well as her work as a journalist, Mared is an active campaigner for the protection of children online. After being groomed as a teen, she campaigned for over 6 years for the introduction of the Online Safety Bill, speaking numerous times in Parliament and working closely with the NSPCC, speaking on Sky News, ITV News and on various BBC programmes about her experience. She was also one of five people invited to be present in the House of Lords as the law was passed.
A Cardiff University alumnus, Mared was chosen for one of their 30 under 30 awards in 2023 and also won the additional People’s Choice award. A keen social media queen, you can find Mared on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn, usually sharing videos of the amazing nail art her (very patient) boyfriend has done for her!
Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell is the Contributing Curve Editor of Cosmopolitan UK. The former curve model and digital content creator has worked in the fashion industry, specialising in plus-size fashion content, for six years. Known for her excellent eye for style, captivating imagery and witty sense of humour to match, Lauren Nicole continues to inspire women to live boldly through their clothes.
Find her on TikTok
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