A model wearing a blue and white dress from Anthropologie.

The Anatomy of a Truly Great Fourth of July Dress

Backyard BBQs, pool parties, days at the lake—July Fourth looks different for everyone. But no matter what your plans for the summer holiday might be, you can never go wrong with a seriously cute dress. (Any excuse to shop, right?) Of course, plus-size Fourth of July dresses have specific details that set them apart from other frocks in your closet. There’s an art to choosing the perfect look—and luckily, we’ve mastered it.

First and foremost, the weather plays a huge part in selecting a dress for July Fourth. In most locales where the holiday is celebrated, temperatures are incredibly high—which means keeping cool (while looking hot) is important. Sleeveless and short-sleeve dresses work well here, as do breathable fabrics and flowy silhouettes. If you’re going to opt for a maxi dress, make sure that it’s breezy and comfortable enough to sport in 90 degree temps. And for those who insist on wearing long sleeves in the dead of summer, try choosing a mini dress to help keep yourself from overheating. A cold cocktail can only do so much to help keep you cool, bb.

Another factor to consider? Your proximity to water. If your July Fourth plans include hanging out by the pool, ocean, or lake, try a dress that’s easy to throw on atop a swimsuit. Even if you don’t end up getting in the water, you’ll still be prepared—and look ridiculously cute the entire day. (This is where looser silhouettes come in handy once again.)

Then, of course, there are the classic colors we typically sport on the holiday. Plus-size Fourth of July dresses don’t necessarily need to boast red, white, and blue—but opting for one of these hues (or a combo) makes things feel extra festive. Go for a blue floral, red gingham, or a classic white dress. Print or solid, you’ll look totally on-theme.

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. Sophia Dress in Tea Cup Floral

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $264 from WRAY


2. Dress With Smocking

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $24.99 from H&M


3. Plus-Size Gingham Drop Hem Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size red dress.

shop the look — $9.60 from Boohoo


4. Maegan Dress

A model wearing a plus-size white dress.

shop the look — $248 from Reformation


5. WHIT TWO Gingham Tiered Midi Dress

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $228 from Anthropologie


6. Marina Dress in Carolina Blue Gingham

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $169 from Lisa Says Gah


7. Gingham Tie-Strap Plus-Size Swing Dress

A model wearing a plus-size red dress.

shop the look — $47.99 from Old Navy


8. Tie-Dye Skater Dress

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $52.12 from Torrid


9. Plus-Size Floral Tie-Strap Cami Swing Dress

A model wearing a plus-size red and blue dress.

shop the look — $17.60 from Boohoo


10. Sally Dress in Tea Cup Floral

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $245 from WRAY


11. WHIT TWO Banana Leaf Tunic Dress

A model wearing a plus-size red dress.

shop the look — $198 from Anthropologie


12. River Island Plus-Size Tiered Smock Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size white dress.

shop the look — $44 from ASOS


13. Flowy Striped Dress

A model wearing a plus-size red dress.

shop the look — $99.99 from Mango


14. Yours Exclusive Shirred Bardot Mini Dress

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $38 from ASOS


15. Striped Tiered Maxi Swing Plus-Size Sundress

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $47.99 from Old Navy


16. Halie T-Shirt Dress

A model wearing a plus-size red dress.

shop the look — $75 from Universal Standard


17. Vintage Sleeveless Dip-Dye Plus-Size Shift Dress

A model wearing a plus-size blue dress.

shop the look — $32.99 from Old Navy


18. Marina Dress in Tuscany & Fern Gingham

A model wearing a plus-size blue and pink dress.

shop the look — $169 from Lisa Says Gah


19. Slub-Knit Plus-Size T-Shirt Dress

shop the look — $32.99 from Old Navy