Three models wearing plus-size beach dresses.

What Makes a Perfect Beach Dress?

Just like any vacation locale, there’s an unofficial uniform for spending a day (or a week, if you’re lucky) at the beach. For Paris or London, you might want to invest in a sleek all-black ensemble. If you’re headed to the desert, a bohemian dress will do the trick. And for anywhere tropical, plus-size beach dresses are a must. The question remains, though—what, exactly, makes a perfect beach dress? (Allow us to investigate.)

First and foremost, a beach dress should be incredibly easy to slip on over your swimsuit—even after you’ve taken a dip in the ocean and gotten yourself covered in sand. Look—no one has time to struggle putting their clothes back on before you head from the beach to dinner. This means that loose silhouettes and light fabrics are your best bet here. Think: flowy maxi dresses or smocked minis. These are pieces that make getting dressed a breeze.

But ease is only one piece of the puzzle. Plus-size beach dresses must (must!) also be comfortable enough to wear all day. Perhaps you’d rather stroll along the shore than sunbathe in your bikini. In that case, your outfit has to cool and comfy. On hot and sunny days, it’s never a smart move to wear anything thick, tight, or itchy—so lightweight dresses that feel almost like you’re wearing nothing are key.

Of course, perhaps the most important aspect of a beach dress is its versatility. These beauts have to go from wadded up at the bottom of your tote bag to looking incredible at beach-front restaurant. Whether you’re taking a break from the ocean to grab a quick lunch or don’t have time to change your ‘fit before dinner, you shouldn’t have to worry. Plus-size beach dresses look just as cute on the sand as they do at the table. And you shouldn’t accept anything less.

From adorable mini dresses to sleek maxis, there’s a beach dress for every kind of tropical vacation—even if that means sitting in your backyard with an inflatable pool. As long as you feel cute, cool, and comfortable, you really can’t go wrong.

Here at Unruly, we’re committed to featuring plus-size pieces we genuinely love and want to share with you. We’re connected to an affiliate revenue program, which means we might make a small commission when you buy products through our shopping guides. This in no way affects pieces we choose to feature, and it never will. (Confused? We’d love to answer any questions you have about this. Email us at beunrulyinfo@gmail.com!)

1. Easy Shirtdress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $119.95 from ELOQUII


2. Daily Practice by Anthropologie Friday Cross-Back Midi Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $118 from Anthropologie


3. Plus-Size Clip Dot Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $27.99 from Forever 21


4. Tiered Tie-Neck Tie-Dye Plus-Size Midi Swing Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $46 from Old Navy


5. V-Neck Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $24.99 from H&M


6. Pink Stripe Challis Smocked Tiered Midi Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $69.50 from Torrid


7. Signature Tunic

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $148 from See ROSE Go


8. Embroidered Cotton Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $129.99 from Mango


9. Plus-Size Gingham Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $29.99 from Forever 21


10. ASOS DESIGN Curve Sleeveless Smock Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $22 from ASOS


11. Drama Shoulder Jersey Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $99.95 from ELOQUII


12. Halter Dress in Poppy

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $278 from WRAY


13. Plus-Size Satin Ruffle Wrap Maxi Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $32 from Missguided


14. Only Curve Oversized Shirt Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $48 from ASOS


15. Forever That Girl Effie Eyelet Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $228 from Anthropologie


16. ASOS DESIGN Tie-Shoulder Lace Smock Mini Sundress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $40 from ASOS


17. Plus-Size Tie-Dye Print Maxi Shirt Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $36 from Nasty Gal


18. Tie-Dye Super Soft Hi-Low Maxi Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $79.50 from Torrid


19. Plus-Size Ruffle-Trim Cami Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $29.99 from Forever 21


20. Super Soft Hi-Lo Maxi Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $75.50 from Torrid


21. Reva Tie-Dye Dress

A model wearing a plus-size beach dress.

shop the look — $79.95 from A’Beautiful Soul