Summer Event-Ready Dresses for Plus-Size Fashion: My Top 8 Picks as a Size 18 Writer
As the summer event season is in full swing, the quest for occasionwear that shines at warm-weather weddings, turns heads at garden parties, and holds up in the heat is ongoing. In this article, we explore some standout pieces from various brands and discuss the most size-inclusive options for plus-size summer event dresses beyond a UK size 16.
Stunning Summer Dresses
The Niara gown from the Rixo x Billie Bhatia collection is a beautiful piece crafted from lightweight crinkled chiffon and cut on the bias, draping beautifully across the body. The Maira cotton mini dress from the same collection, also available up to a UK 26, demonstrates that occasionwear doesn't have to come with a midi or maxi hemline to be considered formal.
Ganni offers a satin gathered dress that comes in four different shades, featuring a round neckline with dainty tie details, a subtle ruching along the bodice, and a thigh-high slit. Farm Rio's Flower Tapestry Dress, a vibrant, tropical-inspired piece with a tapestry-style motif, is available in mini and midi versions, with sizing going up to a UK 20.
A Size-Inclusive Summer
Size inclusivity remains inconsistent across the industry, with many brands still falling short of offering flattering, well-made, trend-conscious pieces beyond a size UK 16. However, there are some brands that stand out for their commitment to size inclusivity:
City Chic
Available through Macy's, City Chic offers a wide range of plus-size dresses starting from UK size 16 and above. Their collection includes maxi dresses, lace-sleeve sheath dresses, pleated dresses, and statement pieces like sequin tops, all combining modern styles with quality fabrics.
Goddiva
Goddiva provides elegant and trendy plus-size occasion dresses such as bardot pleated maxi dresses, scalloped lace & velvet maxi dresses, and one-shoulder evening maxi dresses. Their pieces are well-suited to formal and summer event occasions and offer sizing inclusive beyond UK 16.
Jenny Yoo (for formal/wedding event dresses)
Although primarily known for bridal gowns, Jenny Yoo emphasizes inclusive sizing with garments available up to size 32 US (approximately UK 28), reflecting a broad commitment to plus-size fashion-forward formalwear.
While Ganni offers stylish plus-size pieces up to UK 16, they currently do not extend beyond this size in their summer event dress range, representing a good but limited inclusion. Brands like Proud Poppy cater to extensive size ranges (up to size 30 Australian, roughly UK 26-28) and provide fashionable dresses that can fit summer event needs with contemporary designs, though specific styles were not detailed in the results.
Embracing Body Positivity
The author believes in dressing for one's body, not the number on the label. The dresses mentioned in this article demonstrate that there are options available for plus-size individuals to feel confident and stylish at summer events. It's important to remember that size inclusivity is an ongoing issue in the fashion industry, and there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has access to well-made, fashion-forward, and size-inclusive pieces.
Additional Notable Mentions
- The Cerelia Dress from Reformation is a romantic, old Hollywood-inspired piece with an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline, delicate ruching, and sweeping A-line skirt.
- The Flower Tapestry Dress from Farm Rio is a vibrant, tropical-inspired piece with a tapestry-style motif.
- The Pleats Please Issey Miyake's micro-pleated set is a sculptural and effortless piece, made from a featherlight fabric that moves fluidly with the body.
- Georgia Hardinge's Waterfall Dress is a head-turning piece with soft, sculptural pleats, available in both midi and full-length versions. The dress is made from certified recycled polyester and comes in four shades, with a size range running from UK 4 to UK 22.
- The author advocates for dressing according to one's body, not a label number, as demonstrative of the variety of stylish summer dress options available for plus-size individuals, such as the Niara gown from the Rixo x Billie Bhatia collection and Ganni's satin gathered dress.
- Size inclusivity is an ongoing issue in the fashion industry, with many brands like Ganni only offering plus-size options up to UK size 16, while companies like City Chic, Goddiva, and Jenny Yoo cater to a broader range, providing plus-size fashion-forward formalwear and occasion dresses.
- Contemporary home and garden retail spaces can also contribute to a sustainable lifestyle by offering eco-conscious products, such as the Pleats Please Issey Miyake's micro-pleated set, made from featherlight, recycled fabric.
- Fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden retail spaces should continue to prioritize size inclusivity and sustainability, as well as stock diverse styles that align with the unique needs of their customers, ensuring everyone feels confident and can express their personal style during summer event seasons.
