Resist the urge to throw out everything in your closet and start anew this summer. While we understand it’s tempting to want to toss out old pieces you feel you can’t make look fresh and fun again, perhaps the issue isn’t the item of clothing itself, but rather a lack of inspiration on how to style it. So instead of abandoning your once-loved black jumpsuit or floral mini dress, take a few moments to peruse all the plus-size summer outfits from Instagram’s finest. You’ll likely find yourself viewing your wardrobe in a new light—and full of possibility.
Because summer is a season to embrace bright colors and the entire gorgeous landscape of fashion’s most stunning prints, there’s no reason to shy away from bold looks. Even if your wardrobe is made up of neutral pieces, you can easily elevate your ensembles with a trendy neon bag or statement sunglasses. Take a second look at some of the items in your closet you feel could use a second chance. Perhaps they’ll look brand new (and cute as hell) with a few summery accessories—or amplified by a tropical, gingham or polka dot pattern. There are infinite ways to freshen up your favorite pieces if you can harness a little bit of inspiration.
Of course, we don’t expect you to go on the journey alone. Plus-size summer outfits abound, and rounding up a curated selection to fit every style is probably a task with which you wouldn’t want to be saddled. So, we did it for you. Bask in all the summer outfit inspiration you could ever need below—then turn to your own closet and get started creating some unforgettable summer ensembles.
1. White Dress & Pink Accents
why we’re obsessed
A simple white dress is a summer classic—but amped up with pink bow-adorned heels and a ridiculously cool bag, and it becomes a hot look we just can’t get over.
2. Bright Printed Top & Patterned Trousers
why we’re obsessed
Pattern mixing is no easy feat, but this outfit is a perfect example of just how fun it can be. A fruity blouse and subtly patterned pants? Yes, please.
3. White Button Down & Bike Shorts
why we’re obsessed
Just because an outfit is minimalist doesn’t mean it can’t totally pack a punch. We’re so into belting an oversized button-down and pairing it with oh-so-cool bike shorts.
4. Pink Gingham Dress & White Heels
why we’re obsessed
While gingham can work for just about any season, it’s especially cute for summer. This pink gingham frock checks all the boxes—and paired with some white heels, it’s just about perfect.
5. Casual Tank & Comfy Shorts
why we’re obsessed
Not all summer outfits have to be something totally wild or out-of-the-box. If you’re just hanging out around your house this season, pairing a simple tank with some comfortable shorts (and cute sneakers, of course) is low-key a seriously cool look.
6. Summery Dress + Button Down Shirt
why we’re obsessed
This look is flirty meets edgy in the best way possible. By pairing a cute summer dress with a cool short-sleeve button-down, you create an outfit that’s effortlessly chic.
7. Simple White Blouse & High-Waisted Jeans
why we’re obsessed
Simple? Yes. Absolutely adorable and perfect for summer? Also yes. White blouses and high-waisted jeans are a match made in heaven—and an outfit combination that requires very little effort first thing in the morning.
8. Polka Dots & More Polka Dots (!)
why we’re obsessed
If you’re wanting to ease yourself into pattern mixing, a good option to try first is pairing two similar patterns in different colors. You can’t go wrong with polka dots (or stripes if you prefer).
9. Matching Blazer & Shorts
why we’re obsessed
OK, this look is seriously so damn good. Suiting is one of the cutest trends right now, and by subbing shorts for trousers, you can give your favorite suit looks the perfect summery upgrade.
10. Oversized White Dress & Booties
why we’re obsessed
Yes, we’re including another short white dress look—and for good reason. An oversized white dress paired with booties is a cute summer look that allows you to get even more use out of your favorite cold-weather shoes.
11. Puff Sleeve Blouse & Floral Pants
why we’re obsessed
Shorts, skirts, and dresses are all summer staples, but some days you just want to wear the dang pants. Pairing a fun puff sleeve blouse with floral pants is the perfect way to stay summery and keep your legs covered up at the same time.
12. Easy Off-the-Shoulder Dress
why we’re obsessed
Some days it doesn’t pay to go outside—but you might still want to dress up a little. In cases like this, throwing on a sexy (and cozy!) off-the-shoulder dress is a go-to move.
13. Bright Maxi Dress & Statement Earrings
why we’re obsessed
Summer is the best time to experiment with color, and this look is truly a bright and fun inspiration. Green and orange are a match made in heaven, but there are so many other cute color combos perfect for the season. Root through your closet and jewelry drawers and see what you can come up with.
14. Tank Top & Wide-Leg Pants
why we’re obsessed
This outfit is the perfect combination of preppy and trendy—and a good reminder that yes, wearing a sweater tied around your shoulders can totally look cool.
15. Animal Print Swimsuit & Sunnies
why we’re obsessed
In the summer, a swimsuit and sunnies definitely counts as an outfit. Animal print is practically a neutral these days, so feel free to have fun with your look and add some bright sunglasses or a patterned cover-up.
16. Knit Top & Flow-y Pants
why we’re obsessed
Not only are the colors of this ensemble ridiculously cute (and perfect for summer), but it just goes to show you that you can wear knits even when it’s hot outside. Try a knit tank top and tie it up to crop it a little.
17. Graphic Tee & Denim Shorts
why we’re obsessed
Any pair of denim shorts can be instantly elevated with a cool graphic tee. This outfit is a prime example of taking a simple pair of high-waisted shorts and making them look effortlessly cool with a bold tee.
18. Striped Dress & Nautical Accessories
why we’re obsessed
Ah, the feeling of summer. This outfit simple exudes it. A blue striped dress paired with a straw hat and bag (plus some adorable sunnies) is enough to make anyone feel like they’re on a much-needed vacation.
19. Bright Blouse & Tropical Shorts
why we’re obsessed
There’s nothing quite as joy-inducing as a bright and fun ensemble. Pairing your brightest blouse with some cute tropical shorts is a surefire way to make any dreary day a little bit better.
20. Crochet Matching Set
why we’re obsessed
This creamy crochet matching set is simple and neutral—but definitely not boring. For those who love minimalist style, let this ensemble be your guide to the perfect summer look.
21. Jacket Dress & Bright Accessories
why we’re obsessed
Elevate any neutral outfit to a new level with a few bright accessories. A jacket dress with a green bag and sunnies? Sheer perfection.
22. Pastel Cardigan & Floral Skirt
why we’re obsessed
While pastels are often reserved for spring, they can be easily transitioned into summer. Add a straw bag or some oversized sunglasses to make your favorite pastels ideal for the next season.
23. Animal Print Dress & Lace-Up Sandals
why we’re obsessed
Both animal print dresses and lace-up sandals are a perfect fit for any summer wardrobe, but paired together, and you’ve got an ensemble that’s timeless, adorable, and on-trend—all at the same time.
24. Romper & Belt Bag
why we’re obsessed
The best part about a romper is that it’s two pieces in one—making it majorly easy to get dressed while still looking like you put in effort. You can elevate any romper into a full-blown ensemble with the addition of a belt bag and hat for summer, too. Simple as that.
25. Floral Kimono & Jeans
why we’re obsessed
A light and breezy kimono is a ridiculously easy way to add a fun pattern to a simple tank top and jeans look. Pick a floral, tie-dye, or other patterned print that brings you joy this summer.
26. Graphic Tee & Polka Dot Skirt
why we’re obsessed
Consider polka dots a neutral you can wear with just about anything. Pair your favorite graphic tee with a polka dot midi skirt, and you’re on your way to a stunning summer ensemble.
27. Black Jumpsuit & Bright Heels
why we’re obsessed
Once again, bright accessories take a neutral outfit to the next level. You can spice up your favorite black jumpsuit with some fun yellow heels and a cute clutch for a date night look you’ll definitely want to document.
28. Floral Mini Dress & Mini Bag
why we’re obsessed
A floral mini dress might seem like an obvious summer ensemble choice, but when you pair it with an on-trend mini bag and fun heels, you get a look that’s truly extraordinary.
29. Slip Dress & Bright Heels
why we’re obsessed
Let your ’90s fashion obsession loose this summer with a seriously sexy slip dress. You can stick with a neutral and spice things up with a bright heel or go for a patterned slip dress and neutral shoe. The choice is yours.
30. Crop Top & High-Waisted Jeans
why we’re obsessed
Never underestimate the power of a crop top. Paired with high-waisted jeans, heels and a choker from the early aughts, you’ve got yourself a foolproof summer look you can style hundreds of ways.