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28 Summer Outfit Ideas That Will Highlight Your Curves

Looks inspired by your favorite tastemakers.

By Marina Liao and Eunice Bruno

May 4, 2020

plus size outfit ideas from street style stars and fashion influencers

Cindy Pineda, Javiera Del Pozo, and Stephanie Carter

Fact: You can wear anything you want. Confidence and comfort over everything, right? Right. And if you do want to accentuate your body type and highlight your curves, there are a few style tricks to do so. We reached out to several tastemakers, including Musemo Handahu and Kristina Zias, to get their best summer outfit ideas for curvy women—and the #OOTDs are fire. Not to mention, they're super easy to recreate. From bright colors to monochromatic looks, your favorite trends are featured in this outfit inspiration post, making it so much easier for you to translate them into your wardrobe. These curvy fashion stylists, influencers, and icons have tried out these super chic outfit ideas and have reported on their go-to warm weather looks. Celebrate your gorgeous self with fashion that accentuates your amazing features as we head into the warmer months. Ahead, the looks you'll want to (and most likely will) live in all season long.

woman in shorts and a button down

Musemo Handahu

Outfit Idea: Oversized Prints

"When I'm curating my warm weather pieces, I always like to check out the menswear [section] for some cool oversized shirts. This avocado print shirt from ASOS is an attention getter and one of my favorite finds to date!"—Musemo Handahu of misslionhunter

ASOS floral top, $40

Athleta trouser, $89

Rejina Pyo sandal, $535

Studio 33 bag, $98

woman in floral jumpsuit and straw bag

Allison Teng

Outfit Idea: Cute Jumpsuits

"I love a good jumpsuit. This one has the cutest ruffles and an off-the-shoulder neckline. I love the way the wide-leg fit gives it almost a dress-like look." — Allison Teng of curvygirlchic

Prada headband, $235

Tanya Taylor jumpsuit, $595

Simon Miller thong sandal, $390

Sensi Studio leather trimmed tote, $420

woman in floral dress

Hannah Godown

Outfit Idea: Floral Dress and Sneakers

"I love all of the spring and summer dresses I'm seeing this season. You can style them casually with a simple white sneaker like Vans or dress them up!"— Hannah Godown of hannahgodown

Bottega Veneta sunglasses, $440

Tanya Taylor dress, $495

Vans sneakers, $50

woman in dress sitting on the floor

Micaéla Verrelien

Outfit Idea: Keep Your Pieces Light and Breezy

"This look is very light and refreshing. I love dresses for the spring/summer and because while we are in quarantine, I can wear this flowing dress in the house and I can wear it outside for my daily walks. Everything for me leads to comfort. For the warmer months having outfits that are pretty and lightweight are key!"—Micaéla Verrelien of micaelaverrelien

Faithfull the Branddress, $190

By Far leather sandals, $400

Mejuri pearl hoops, $75

woman in red dress walking down the street

Nabela Noor

Outfit Idea: Silky Fabrics

"I love playing with silky fabrics and sexy silhouettes in the spring/summer time. I felt the most confident in this look for a fun date night."— Nabela Noor of nabela

Topshop ruched dress, $55

Proenza Schouler sandals, $675

Studio Amelia bag, $420

woman walking in printed floral dress

Tanesha Awasthi

Outfit Idea: Printed Dresses

"A dress like this is my favorite warm weather go-to because it's polished but still practical for whatever the day brings. Printed dresses transition easily from season to season with a simple swap of shoes and accessories."—Tanesha Awasthi of girlwithcurves

Reformation dress, $248

Steve Madden boot, $112

Brahmin bag, $245

woman in leather jacket, floral dress, and chanel bag

Katie Sturino

Outfit Idea: Accentuate With a Belt

"This Veronica Beard dress is one of my all time favorites. The slit hits at the right place and VB knows how to accentuate the body."—Katie Sturino of katiesturino

Veronica Beard dress, $695

Halogen jacket, $119

Lele Sadoughi headband, $150

Chanel handbag, $4,600

Free People western boots, $148

woman with wine glass in one shoulder black dress

Javiera Del Pozo

Outfit Idea: Classic With Confidence

"I love to keep my style clean, neutral, a little classy, and a little sassy. Simplicity is key most times and all you need is a little confidence if you want to stand out! There's a reason why having a little black dress won't go out of style! Carry yourself like you own the place, and you're good to go."—Javiera Del Pozo of javierittaaa

Pretty Little Thing dress, $25

Brinker & Eliza earrings, $108

Tibi sandals, $645

woman walking down the street in floral dress

Stephanie Carter

Outfit Idea: Floral Maxis

"While florals at this time of year may not be groundbreaking, you just can't beat a staple floral maxi dress! I adore this one from Sister Jane who do the dreamiest dresses. I love the freedom maxi dresses give you, and when you pick the right shape you can still highlight your waist and define your curves!"—Steph Carter of future_bloom

Gucci bag, $2,590

Sister Jane dress, $100

Schutz boot, $275

Isabel Marant belt, $160

woman in a colorful dress in white boots

Nicole Ocran

Outfit Idea: Style With White Accessories

"Spring/summer dressing will forever be a favorite. I love florals, pinks, and dressing joyfully in color. If you're worried about brights or colors in general, now is the best time to dip your toes in for a real mood-lifter. The principle I'll always live by is: Wear what makes you happy. For me, that's beautiful dresses and anything with a bit of vibrancy!"—Nicole Ocran of nicoleocran

Samøe Samøe shirtdress, $160

Cult Gaia bag, $378

Balenciaga boots, $1,190

woman in white shirt dress, neon green tights, and white sandals

Kiah Torres

Outfit Idea: Pops of Neon

"Neon tights? Who does that? ME!"—Kiah Torres of reztothecity

ASOS cotton dress, $30

Etsy tights, $14

SHOP IT

Senso sandals, $169

SHOP IT

Jacquemus bag, $475

lemon printed dress with converse on laughing woman

Jessica Kelley

Outfit Idea: Dress With a T-Shirt

"I basically live in the arctic, so I'm always so excited to bust out all my spring and summer dresses that I've been stockpiling all winter while waiting for the day it's above freezing. I'll risk a little bit of frostbite for a cute dress!"—Jessica Kelley of therealmrskelley

Madewell t-shirt, $16

Gabby Skye dress, $98

Rebecca de Ravenel earrings, $325

Converse sneakers, $50

woman sitting in a mint look

Habiba Da Silva

Outfit Idea: Flattering Neutrals

"[I call this] queen of the jungle. This two-piece is so unique and flattering. I can't go anywhere without turning heads in this one."—Habiba Da Silva of lifelongpercussion

Habiba Da Silva ife scarf, $30

Sophie Buhai earrings, $475

Jil Sander shirt, $1,150

Weekend Max Mara trouser, $325

BP. sandal, $60

woman in black jumpsuit

Denise Mercedes

Outfit Idea: All-Black Ensembles

"For me, warmer looks consist of crop tops and high-waisted jeans. It's my favorite outfit to wear. I also love strapless jumpsuits during the spring and summer time. They're super fun and stylish." —Denise Mercedes of denisemmercedes

Nic + Zoe trouser, $152

ModCloth blouse, $55

Manolo Blahnik mules, $865

Marge Sherwood bag, $465

woman in white coveralls surrounded by greenery

Alex Michael May

Outfit Idea: Go Monochromatic

"Nothing feels as fresh to me as white and cream—especially head to toe! I love mixing the textures of leather and silk with this bodysuit and high-waisted paper bag pant, and I kept it monochromatic down to the boots. There is something so elevated and polished about wearing one hue, and choosing structured pieces takes it to the next level."—Alex Michael May of alexmichaelmay

Universal Thread boiler suit, $40

Ganni leather boots, $475

Lana Jewelry earrings, $295

woman in plaid pants and band tee sitting on outdoor steps

Erika Aguilera

Outfit Idea: Rock Band Tees

"I love an edgy look! You can't go wrong with an eye-catching print like plaid and rock band tees! Your style is a reflection of your personality. Wear it with confidence because if you feel good, you look good! Style it and own it."—Erika Aguilera of erikaaguileraa

Torrid fleetwood mac tee, $40

Rachel Comey plaid pants, $495

Free People boots, $188

Marc Jacobs bag, $375

woman standing by subway station

Kelly Augustine

Outfit Idea: Leather Looks

"For me, warmer weather doesn't necessarily mean throwing on a sundress. I'm more of a pants girl, and I love to find fun ways to pair tops with them. I balance leather pants with bra/crop tops, and mega-distressed jeans with open, belted dresses."—Kelly Augustine of kellyaugustineb

Altuzarra olivisi double-breasted jacket, $1,895

Eloquii faux leather tank, $60

Veda leather leggings, $798

Jacquemus leather mule, $670

woman laughing in a white blazer and jeans

Kristina Zias

Outfit Idea: Effortless Layers

"My spring/summer style is all about effortless layers. I love suiting sets in linen fabrics and pastel colors. Right now my go-to is high-waisted jeans paired with crop tops! I love showing women that you can wear a crop top at any size!"—Kristina Zias of kristinazias

Vince Camuto jacket, $159

Leith scoop-neck bodysuit, $35

NYDJ straight leg jeans, $109

Tod's loaders, $595

Missoma earrings, $149

woman in striped tee and jeans

Josie Wass

Outfit Idea: Classic Tee and Jeans

"It doesn’t get more classic than a tee and mom jeans. I like to spruce it up with a scrunchie or hair scarf, my favorite bag, and a pair of dirty sneakers!"—Josie Wass of aplusfatshion

Tanya Taylor knit top, $275

Madewell jeans, $115

J.Crew woven bag, $185

André Assous sandals, $98

Velvet Canyon sunglasses, $190

woman in white blouse and jeans

Cindy Pineda

Outfit Idea: Puffed Sleeves

"As the temperature rise it's all about stylish comfort; from a silky dress with a metallic bag to a blouse with puffy sleeves and jeans."—Cindy Pineda of cidscloset

Gucci cateye sunglasses, $320

Reformation pinto top, $148

Madewell jeans, $98

Linea Paolo wedge sandals, $130

Clothing, Yellow, Turquoise, Dress, Blue, Aqua, Day dress, Shoulder, Teal, Pattern,

Courtesy of Victoria Monitzer

Outfit Idea: Bright Colors

"We are in such a bright color cycle in fashion and most of my summer looks reflect that. This summer ensemble is full of neon and printed accents that flatter every part of my body, without hiding my curves. I'm proud of my curves and never want to hide them under boring clothes."—Victoria Monitzer of Rosewood Avenue

Prologue cami, $18

ASOS skirt, $36

Coach belt bag, $89

Nike sneakers, $110

Jeans, Green, Clothing, Photograph, Red, Blue, Denim, Beauty, Photo shoot, Footwear,

Courtesy of Howell Designs

Outfit Idea: Off-the-Shoulder Top

"I'm in love with these jeans. They are high-waisted, which is complementary to my shape and my waistline. The stretch and pocket placement make my butt look great. The wide leg gives me some airy comfort for warmer temperatures. I paired it with this afro-centric crop top. Most would say 'plus size women' shouldn't wear crop tops, but I find myself throwing caution to the wind—especially when I have a piece that I know I'll look great in. For me, I like to highlight my shoulders, so off-the-shoulder tops are something I reach for often. Highlighting the attributes that you love will always have you leaving the house feeling and looking good."—Chastity Garner Valentine of Garner Style

Amur crop top, $398

Good American jeans, $175

Zara sandal, $70

woman walking in floral romper

Maxey Greene

Outfit Idea: Dress With Sneakers

"I'm a huge fan of feminine florals in the warmer months. My favorite thing is pairing a dress with sneakers. Specifically my Keds! It's my go-to spring/summer uniform."—Maxey Greene of maxeygreene

Modcloth floral romper, $59

Keds sneakers, $45

Chloé crossbody, $890

Loewe sunglasses, $360

Clothing, Shoulder, Pink, Green, Dress, Turquoise, Fashion, Footwear, Waist, Joint,

Courtesy of Rochelle Johnson

Outfit Idea: Crop Top and Maxi Skirt

"This is one of my favorite summer looks because it's colorful, and bright. I love the way the top accentuates my waist and the layers in the skirt elongates my stature." —Rochelle Johnson of Beauticurve

Ganni wrap top, $115

Kenzo midi skirt, $370

Dior bag, $3,350

Mango sandals, $42

Clothing, Shoulder, Little black dress, Dress, Beauty, Fashion, Snapshot, Waist, Fashion model, Photo shoot,

Courtesy of Crystal Clement

Outfit Idea: One-Shoulder Top and Satin Skirt

"I love this outfit because it's so clean. I feel sexy without being too revealing and it's comfortable. The slip skirt is body skimming so it shows off my natural curves and feels airy, so it's great for walking around the city in the summer. I can never buy enough tanks and this skinny strapped top lets me show off my shoulders. The hint of skin around my midsection is more of the 'meet and greet' instead of a full blown crop. I think anyone can wear this and feel chic and effortless."—Crystal Clement of crystal_alexis

Aerie crop top, $18

White House Black Market midi skirt, $110

Chloé bag, $2,050

Maryam Nassir Zadeh wedges, $444

Clothing, Dress, White, Shoulder, Little black dress, Footwear, Joint, Cocktail dress, Shoe, Sheath dress,

Courtesy of Sarah Tripp

Outfit Idea: A Matching Set

"This top and skirt set is so nice, I bought it twice (I have it in navy and white). I'm expecting my first baby in the fall, so finding pieces that are comfortable and trendy for summer is key! I love this set because it comes in sizes XS to 4XL, is budget friendly, and comes in a few colors. It's not maternity, but the smocking is perfect for curves—it hugs my shape without being tight."—Sarah Tripp of sassyredlipstick

Abercrombie smock crop top, $49

Garage Clothing smock skirt, $30

Sole Society bag, $60

Tory Burch slide sandals, $228

Clothing, Fashion, Beauty, Street fashion, Footwear, Dress, Pattern, Design, Leg, Photo shoot,

Courtesy of Sarah Chiwaya

Outfit Idea: A Dress and Booties

"I'm so glad Veronica Beard has expanded their size range to include plus. When I first created my #plussizeplease movement, they were high on my personal brand wishlist. This dress is so good for summer because the fit is spot on and the ruched detail on the front is totally adjustable, so the cut works for a variety of heights and body shapes."—Sarah Chiwaya of Curvily

Veronica Beard dress, $650

Brixton hat, $64

Free People booties, $168

White, Street fashion, Photograph, Clothing, Shoulder, Eyewear, Cool, Snapshot, Fashion, Black-and-white,

Courtesy of Jessica Torres

Outfit Idea: Trendy Animal Prints

"I tend to shop for dresses that allow me to look chic, but are especially very comfortable. Before I purchase anything online, I read about the materials. I want to make sure that I'll look good and be able to move in it. This extra research also helps me in deciding if have to size down or up for an item. At the moment I am very into black and white animal prints." —Jessica Torres of thisisjessicatorres

Ganni mini dress, $250

Susan Alexandra micro bag, $189

Zara mule sandals, $60

•••

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Marina Liao Marina Liao is the fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covers celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducts original interviews with industry insiders.

Eunice Bruno Eunice Bruno is an Accessories Assistant within the Hearst Women’s Fashion Group.

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