I’m a Plus-Size Editor—Here Are 15 Items I’m Buying for Summer

I’m all about simplicity during warmer weather. Picking an outfit can be time consuming—not to mention sweat-inducing. So any piece that I can just grab from my closet and throw on is my best friend, which brings me to this linen dress from Reformation. Overlooking the hefty price point, this buttery yellow eye-catcher is just what I need to stay stylish and cool all summer long. Leaning more into the cottage core aesthetic with its mock corset and delicate bow atop the bust, this dress screams casual city strolls and bottomless brunches with the gals.

When the weather reaches an unbearable point, there’s only one thing I hate more than the sweltering heat—thigh chafing. I usually pair any dress I wear with shorts for a bit of security, but after experiencing the worst chub rub one summer, I’m always desperate for extra protection when the season rolls around. These shorts, in particular, have unique cooling properties to prevent chafing and are available in several color options with sheer coverage, so no clashing with your OOTD. Did I mention that they reportedly don’t roll or ride up?

If you sense one common theme throughout this list, it will be linen. A while back, I wore my very first pair of linen pants and have been basically living in them ever since. With its breathable construction, linen is the ultimate go-to material for summer days. Now riding on a linen high, I’m searching for the next pair I’ll eventually wear into the ground. These cropped, wide-leg pants from Maeve are rated almost a full five stars, and I’ve been influenced with little to no convincing. Plus, they come in several fun prints and colors to match whatever vibe you’re going for this summer.

From teenie-weenie bikinis to modest swim dresses, Old Navy is the place for chic and affordable swimwear to suit every style this season. And I can't forget to mention their impressive size range that goes up to a 4X (roughly a US 28/30) in all their offerings. This red gingham print bikini is just what I need to hit the beach this summer, and I'm obsessed with the scooped neckline and adjustable shoulder straps. "It can be hard to find bikini tops that fit on a bigger chest and still look great. This one does! Definitely recommend for something secure and stylish," writes one happy Old Navy shopper. I'm sold.

As a wide, flat-footed girlie, finding cute (and sensible) shoes for everyday wear is no easy feat. Enter these trending ballet-inspired sneaks from Vivaia, which were recently seen on A-listers Bella Hadid and Charli XCX, and put to the test by a few of our editors. Executive Editor Dara Katz and SEO Editor Marissa Wu, both gave these relaxed but elevated sneakers their stamp of approval, noting they're wide and flat foot-friendly, breathable enough to wear during the summer *and* offers a good amount of comfort and support. Color me impressed.

This may be my shopping addiction talking, but if I love an item enough, I will purchase it in another color—in this case, another print. The black striped iteration of this dress has been my favorite piece to flounce around in this spring, and now I have my sights set on this floral beauty for the summer. This dress provides more than enough room around the bust and hip area, and with the right accessories, can be transformed for any occasion. It truly is the perfect shirt dress, and I'm not exaggerating.

If it's not linen taking over my closet this summer, it's crochet. Some people may feel it's best to avoid knitwear of any kind in the heat, but I've found that crochet pieces can be just as breathable as linen, so it's safe enough to rock even on scorching days. This short-sleeve, cropped cardigan from J.Crew is made from a lightweight knit, and can be dressed up or down—from slow-moving beach days to a night out on the town.

As much as I adore tossing on a flowy dress or linen pants during the summer, I also really love just throwing on a great pair of simple denim shorts. These loose shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch are lengthier than your average cheeky pair, and buyers report they run slightly large, fit perfectly snug around the waist and are a godsend for gals with bigger thighs. Sun's out, thighs out.

After shuffling through my closet quite a few times, I’ve come to the realization that I don’t have many ensembles that are close to occasion-worthy. I like to believe that my style leans more on the relaxed, casual side with some elevated pieces here and there, but my preference for comfort above all else doesn't always work. I’m getting older, and late nights that once consisted of bar hopping are now fancy dinner parties with strict-ish dress codes. While this dress doesn’t scream full-on elegance, it can be elevated with a set of heels and sleek accessories. An added bonus? It's made from a breezy (you guessed it) linen fabric, so I don't have to sacrifice comfort to look polished, either.

I'm currently on a mixed metal kick thanks to Pinterest, and Mejuri, a brand known for their high-quality, low-price jewelry pieces, has a gorgeous assortment of versatile silver-and-gold options, like these double hoops. Customers note they're perfect for sporting everyday and doesn't clash with other jewelry. Plus, these contrasting stunners were recently spotted on The White Lotus's season three standout star, Aimee Lou Wood, and are surprisingly still in stock. As her lovable character Chelsea would put it—it's fate.

More linens for summer? Groundbreaking. Vests are one of the many style choices currently taking up space in my mind in the best way possible. They’re incredibly versatile and have me dreaming of a Parisian summer vacation I never knew I needed. I find this one a tad more elevated than an average vest, with gold outlined buttons and an adjustable strap at the back. J’adore.

If I'm not plugging other editors for shoe recommendations, I'm dutifully scrolling through ASOS's wide-fit selections eyeing their latest for the season. Available in this natural stone hue—and a deep cherry—these mid block mule heels will be going with me to every summer soiree I have on the agenda. They're slip-ons, so no messing about with a thin strap and they're the perfect heel height. New summer shoe secured!

I'll never get tired of dainty bows and ribbons trending in fashion (thanks, Simone Rocha), and this denim vest from Eloquii checks all the boxes for the perfect summer top, IMO. It's crafted from a comfortable stretch denim, so I don't foresee myself feeling stuffy while wearing it, and I can't get over the functional bow ties down the front. Need I say more?

We've raved about niche Australian handbag brands before here at PureWow, and I just discovered another that's just as rave-worthy. Started in 2009, The Horse is a contemporary accessories brand bringing clean and modern designs to your fingertips. I've specifically had my eye on the brand's coveted Clementine bag after seeing it come across my IG feed a few times, and spotting it in the wild on the shoulders of NYC fashionistas. The bag is designed from a soft textured leather, which gives it the curved, slouched shape at the center, and is available in six shades, including this luscious, deep coffee color. I'm particularly fond of the bag's nifty magnetic top closure and reportedly spacious interior. I predict we'll be seeing a lot more of this brand in the future.

What's better than a crisp, white button down? A crisp, white button down with a pop of color. This 100 percent cotton surf shirt from Anthro is cutesy, summery and overall, a great pick for the season. The playful embroidered cherries on the scalloped hem are a fabulous detail, and I can see myself wearing this top to lively summer BBQ's or a day spent lounging by the pool. It'll team exceptionally well with that gingham bikini, don't ya think?