Grab your passports girls because this summer we’re off to dress -tination Simply Be. They’re a one way ticket to looking absolutely gorgeous this summer and beyond in plus size dresses for daywear, nights out and all occasions in between.
The great thing about so many plus size dresses at Simply Be is that they can be dressed up or down which makes planning your outfits so easy, especially when it comes to packing for your holidays and weekends away. Whether you love mini, midi or maxi styles, they’ve got you covered with a huge range of dresses for every shape, size, style and budget. I’ve picked out some of my favourites to style up and show you just how easy they are to wear day to day this summer.
THE PLUS SIZE OCCASION DRESS
I must begin with most beautiful dress that I have ever worn; a bold statement, yes but so very true. I feel like the best version of myself wearing the Joanna Hope Pleat Gypsy Maxi Dress and I think that the happiness radiates from within when you see me wearing it.
I’m sure you all know by now that a Bardot neckline is one of my FAVES to wear and the great thing about this maxi dress is that it does stay down off your shoulder should you choose to wear it like I have; if you prefer, you can wear it slightly on the shoulder too.
I styled mine with some white espadrille wedges for a summer special occasion look but you could easily add a barely there strappy heel or a flat jewelled sandal with it, some dainty sparkly jewellery and a clutch.
THE PLUS SIZE MAXI DRESS
If you love the look of a maxi dress but want something less dressy than the Joanna Hope one for day to day or nights out on holiday then the Multi Print Bandeau Maxi Dress is a fantastic option. I really like the mixed animal print and combined with the colour palette, it is giving me all of the African savanna vibes.
I have worn this maxi dress so many times since I got it because its really easy to just chuck on and go, no matter what I’m doing. When Al and I are having an impromptu date night and I want to look put together quickly, I can dress it up with wedges and chunky jewellery and for on casual summer days when I want something light to wear to run errands in, go shopping or out for lunch, I can stick some shades on with my flip flops and feel equally as put together. I’m not wearing any makeup in the images of this dress and I’ve just blasted my hair off with the hairdryer so it just goes to show you how confident I really do feel wearing this look. That’s what it’s all about; feeling confident and comfortable in yourself and your outfit.
A maxi dress really is a great way to build your confidence with wearing dresses. If you’re someone who feels stuck in leggings all of the time but you would love to wear a dress, I tend to recommend going for a maxi dress and working your way up the hem lines. That way, you’re still getting the coverage that trousers give you but you’re dabbling in new territory and from there, I think its easier to go for something a little shorter and shorter. Sure you could jump straight into one of short dresses that I love to wear but taking the long road seems a little less daunting and it ensures that you’re not missing out on gorgeous dresses like this beauty.
Aside from the gorgeous print, its comfortable, soft and stretchy jersey fabric makes this one of the most easy to wear, go-to dresses in my wardrobe, especially on hot, humid summer days when I just want to feel free and relaxed.
THE PLUS SIZE SKATER DRESS
Another go-to for when I want to feel so carefree and chilled out in my outfit is a plus size skater dress as it is a classic style that I’ve worn for years and years and I know that it suits me so much. Many people think of what suits them as being what they think looks great on their shape and figure and while that does come into it for me, I tend to think of what suits me as what makes me smile and what makes me feel and look happy when I’m wearing it. A skater dress definitely does that for me and the Lemon Print Wrap Skater Dress from Simply Be is certainly one that makes me smile when I wear it.
Yellow is such a happy colour and the fun lemon and floral print really pops against the black dress with the white spots. Lemon prints on fabric are big news right now and this is the best garment I’ve tried in this print because not only is the print lush but the shape, cut and fit of the dress is gorgeous, as is the feel of the fabric. It’s a soft and stretchy jersey that feels so comfortable to wear day or night.
I wore this when I went to the press night of Rock Of Ages with my boyfriend and I’ve worn it when meeting my friends for lunch too. It’s really versatile and could easily be dressed up or down, especially with my White Oversized Denim Jacket which I’ll be sharing with you in a post over on my WhatLauraLoves Instagram soon. For such a bold print, this dress is really adaptable to different situations; it could even be worn as workwear if your office isn’t too strict; I could imagine it with some black tights, a blazer and some pumps come autumn too!
THE PLUS SIZE TEA DRESS
If the lemon print dress wasn’t playful enough then the try the Glamorous Curve Heart Print Skater Dress on for even more of a fun and flirty look. The heart print design across the dress is gorgeous and a really lovely way to wear pink and hearts without it being too cutesy and in your face thanks to the black backdrop and the more artistic shape of the hearts. I like to think of it as grown up girlie. The shape adds to this vibe with pretty ties at the bust and a v neckline which is a style that I love to wear.
A plus size tea dress is another one of those styles that can be dressed up or down whether you pair it with sandals like I did or pop it on with strappy heels. This one will see you through to the autumn too as although the material is lightweight, you could always wear it with cosy black tights and heels.
THE PLUS SIZE SMOCK DRESS
On hot summer days, particularly on holiday, I like fabrics that are so light they feel as though I’m not wearing them. Thick, heavy fabrics can often feel quite restrictive and I can get hot and bothered easily. I hate that feeling and I’m sure so many of you do as well! That’s why I picked out the Lime Polka Dot Button Through Dress as its a great option for those of you who want a dress thats as light as air to wear. Just like the Glamorous Curve Heart Print Skater Dress, this dress is made from a woven fabric too, except this one is a smock shape with a drop waist.
Whenever I see a plus size smock dress online, it tends to be in plain, neutral colours but this one is different as it is in a gorgeous navy blue with lime polka dots all over it. When my partner first saw this dress he said, ‘Wow I love that! Are you going to wear that tonight?’ which is always a good sign. While I certainly dress only for me, it does give me an added boost when I know that he likes something that I’ve put on.
This style is different for me as it has a button fastening down the front which I wouldn’t usually go for as I’d worry that it would pull and wouldn’t sit right but I went up a size and the fit on it is great actually. That’s the thing with Simply Be, they really know curves and that’s reflected in the cut and fit of their gorgeous clothes. Its a short short dress so perfect for warm summer days but equally, I could see this carrying me through to the colder weeks ahead with some tights and a little cardigan or jacket too.
For the summer though, I styled it up with some Lime Platform Sandals for a bold, eye catching look. Neon colours are really driving the trends right now and its one that I’m totally getting on board with. When worn with black or navy, the neon colours really pop without me feeling as though I’m a walking highlighter! I love how fun and summery this trend is and my favourite shade of neon has to be lime as I’ve dabbled with a few different hues this season and its the one that I feel the happiest wearing.
THE PLUS SIZE WRAP DRESS
The last look that I have put together for some plus size outfit inspiration gives a millennial nod to a 90s fashion trend. Wearing a dress over a t shirt or jumper was BIG NEWS back in the day and over the last year or so, that look has been coming back with force. I’ve seen sassy, almost lingerie style slip dresses worn over white t-shirts which looks epic and pinafore dresses over polo neck jumpers which have given me a bit of inspiration for the look that I have put together.
Wearing the Black Strappy Wrap Skater Dress over the top of the high necked Cropped Neon Lime Sweatshirt is a great way to wear the trend on cooler summer days. The neon lime is a very statement colour and I was surprised to find that I felt so confident in it. I thought that I might feel a little self conscious wearing such a bright colour but not at all. In fact, I felt very on trend and stylish; check me out!
The strappy wrap dress is one of those pieces that’s great for wearing to the beach at home or abroad as its so lightweight and feels barely there. It makes a great layering piece too be it with a kimono over the top or a t shirt or jumper underneath. I found the sizing to be pretty generous up top so that’ll be great news if you have an ample bust, otherwise, I’d recommend going down a size. Its also available in grey marl too which I’m so tempted to buy as it’ll look gorgeous with white trainers and the western style denim jacket that I already have from Simply Be!
The great thing about these plus size dresses and many more from Simply Be is that you can really dress them up or down in a number of different ways to create a look thats perfect whatever the occasion or time of year. Theres so much to choose from in sizes 8 to 34, making Simply Be the go-to dress-tination when you need a new outfit!
I’d love to know which look and plus size dress style is your favourite, let me know in the comments!
Laura you look amazing in all the dresses.. I think my fav is the occasion dress. The colour is just gorgeous.
Love your confidence.. keep doing what your doing and well done to Al for fantastic pics
Jen x
It seems they do have a lovely range of dresses. I love the heart dress that’s pretty!!
Holy shitttttttt the 90s look is by far my favourite. You look absolutely blooming amazing. Omg like i don’t know if it’s your hair in it the clothes the confidence holy shit but you are flippin glowing. Absolutely lovely photos but 90s look my all time fav xxxx
So many gorgeous dresses! I love the dresses from Simply Be, I’ve ordered a few for my holiday.
The first blue dress is my favourite, such a pretty style and colours
You look terrific in every single one of those. They all look good on you but you are absolutely glowing in the long blue dress, it suits you perfectly.
A bgreat variety there and you wear them all well. I adore the blue and white one and I think that woudl suit my shape. Mich x
The skater style dresses look incredible on you! Love the one with the hearts especially. Love the long dresses too, especially the blue one! 🙂
We love the tea dresses especially the one with the lemons and the lemon clutch! So cool!
Oh I love them all except the neon. Neon scares me as like to be incognito. Xx