The Must-Have Plus Size Summer Wardrobe Essentials You Need To Build Your Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re looking to refresh your summer wardrobe, I’ve got twelve of my favorite basic pieces that will help you build the perfect summertime looks. This is a list of the twelve things I love to wear during the summer. Some of them have been in my closet for a while, and some are new items. All of the pieces are ones that help me build amazing summer looks.
1. Plain White T-shirt
A plain white t-shirt seems to be on every must-have seasonal clothing list I make. That’s because plain white t-shirts are such versatile pieces throughout the season. This is especially true for the summer. I love the simplicity of a white t-shirt and shorts or the whimsy of a t-shirt paired with my favorite a-line skirt. This shirt is from Amazon. It’s got some stretch to it and is incredibly comfortable. If you’re looking for an alternative you could go with Old Navy or Target for some great quality t-shirts. Regardless of where you get it, a plain white t-shirt is a must have for creating awesome summer outfits.
2. Graphic T-shirt
One of my favorite ways to bring some color into an outfit is by using a graphic t-shirt. Graphic t-shirts can spice up even your most basic pieces. During the summer, I love to pick graphic tees that are bright, bold, and colorful. This graphic tee is from Target and has quickly become one of my favorites. I love to pair it with jeans or a denim skirt for an instantly cool and put together look. So, if you’re looking for an easy outfit idea, pull out your favorite graphic tee to add to your summer ensembles.
3. Tank Tops
Tank tops are evergreen staples that will always have a use in your wardrobe—especially during the summer. The two types of tanks I loved last year, and will be wearing again this year is this high neck tank top and this ribbed crop top tank top. The high neck tank top was a Target find from last year that I completely fell in love with. I love the high neck line and how fitted it is. It’s perfect to wear with a pair of jeans and shorts. The same with the crop top tank top. I got this top from Old Navy and have adored pairing it with skirts for fun and flirty outfits. I suggest you buy them in multiple colors to have lots of options for those quick throw on and go outfit days.
4. White Cotton Button Down
A white cotton button down is a piece that I just started adding to my summer wardrobe as of last year, and I'm a fan. Not only does this piece look great as a cover up piece paired with shorts and a tank or even a bathing suit. Using it as a top with the sleeve rolled a pair of shorts makes a classic look that is ideal for summer.
5. Fun Summer Top
One of the best parts of summer is finding a fun top that not only makes you look good but also keeps you cool. This shirt is one I got last year from Target. I will link some similar ones below. However, when it comes to fun summer tops you really can go with whatever suits your style. For me, it’s something that adds a little pizazz to my overall look. Before you go out and shop, look through your closet and see what fun tops you have that you can add to your hot weather looks.
Similar To The One Pictured
6. Denim Shorts
It’s time to put on those shorts, ladies! When it comes to shorts, I’m all about what’s comfortable. So, this pair of paper bag shorts has been my go-to for quite a few summers. I love them because they’re roomy in the tummy and leg area, but also not too long to where they feel like I’m wearing denim capris. These shorts are my favorite, but choose any pair of comfortable denim shorts you like. Much like jeans, denim shorts are a staple piece for summer and can help you in creating a ton of adorable casual looks.
Similar to one pictured
7. Linen Shorts
Another pair of shorts I love are linen shorts. If you’re looking for something that is going to keep you cool, but is also stylish, these are the shorts for you. I got this pair last year and I love them. I like to dress them up with a nice top and heeled sandals for a date night look. I also pair them with sandals and a tank for something more casual. Linen shorts are a wonderful piece to have in your closet for so many creative outfit possibilities.
Similar to the one pictured
8. Lightweight Trouser
Since I live in such a hot state, I don’t wear a lot of pants during the summer. However, having a pair of lightweight trousers comes in handy when you’re creating a more dressy look during the summer. These lightweight wide leg trousers are from Target. They’re a soft denim material which is a lot cooler than regular jeans. I also love that they’re in a lighter wash which is perfect for summer. I love to keep it simple with these trousers and just pair them with a satin cami or maybe a white t-shirt. These pants are perfect basic piece for creating dressy and casual summer looks.
Let’s move into skirts and dresses. Skirts and dresses are my absolute favorite piece to wear during the summer. If you’re looking for an instant outfit that’s going to keep you cool, a dress is definitely the way to go. Here, I’m going to show you some of my favorites.
9. A-line skirt
A flirty a-line skirt is perfect for summer. They’re not too short like denim skirts can be, while also fitting nicely over the belly. They’re lightweight and make some of the best outfits. I thrifted this one, but I feel it gives you an example of the style of skirt you can get. I love to get ones that flare out but stop about mid thigh to right above the knee. I feel that is a nice length that still gives you coverage, but isn’t too long. Again, this is an item you probably have in your closet ready and waiting for your outfit ideas.
Similar Style As Pictured
10. Halter Dress
This halter dress is the perfect piece if you want something that is cute, casual, and will help you beat the heat. This one is from Old Navy and is in a gorgeous brownish/purplish color. Pair this with a pair of flats for a casual look or a pair of heeled sandals to have a dressier flirty outfit.
11. Square Neck Dress
This dress still goes down as my favorite Amazon find. This square neck ribbed dress is just the right amount of casual with just the right amount of sexy. It’s a wonderful layering piece for a casual daytime outfit or worn all alone with a strappy heel for a sexy evening look.
12. Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses have been on trend for a while and are another summer staple. Ones that are made of lightweight flowy fabric make adorable pieces for the summer. So when I went looking for one last year, I found this one that is absolutely stunning. This flowy halter top maxi dress is so amazing. I got it from Amazon and it comes in a ton of colors. This color is a melon/coral color which I feel is perfect for summer. It only goes up to x-large, so be aware of that. This dress is amazing for casual or dressy affairs. I wore this for a casual day of lunch and going out to the farmer’s market last summer, and I also wore it to a garden party and it worked for both. Having a fun and lightweight maxi dress is a perfect piece to throw on when you need a nice outfit this summer. So, if you’ve had dreams of wearing a flowing dress on the beach, as the wind blows through your hair and you feel like the main character of a romantic novel—then this is the dress for you.
Summer is a great time to play with colors, basics, and fun dresses to build some amazing outfits. With these simple pieces, you can create lots of unique and cute outfits you’ll have on repeat all summer long. Until next time: stay bright, live true, and be vividly you.