One of the sections here at silhouettes.com is called Summer Essentials. This is where you find the stuff that’s ideal for this particular season of the year. (And best of all, it’s often on sale!) Anyway, there are a couple of items from Gillian Grey™ that really caught my attention, mostly because they are basic things you can use in a huge variety of settings. And they’re cute!

First, the Gillian Grey™ crinkled gauze plus-size tank. You can do a lot with this piece. It can serve as a shell underneath a jacket or stand on its own. The neutral brown color makes it ideal to pair with brighter jewelry or shoes, but it also comes in melon if you want to add a pop of color under a neutral jacket.

The other Gillian Grey™ piece is the crinkled gauze pintuck shirt. Both of these crinkled gauze pieces are made of material that’s designed to take the heat really well. They’re also easy to care for. This particular shirt has sleeves that roll or unroll and some nice pintuck details that add style. (And it comes in java or melon, so you can go neutral or colorful.)

Make sure to look at all the Summer Essentials now so you can update your warm weather wardrobe!

Not too long ago I wrote about some bathing suits. But what about cover-ups? You’ve got to have some fun options for when it starts to get chilly down at the water, or when you’re walking from shore to beach house and feel the need for some extra coverage.

For basic coverage, I’m a fan of the plus-size hooded cover-up. There are three different colors to choose from, and it has a nice swing. I like the three-quarter length sleeves, too.

Another option, if you want something longer, is this really striking printed cover-up. The empire seam makes it very flattering, and the length makes it seem more like a fun, casual beach dress than just a cover-up. If you’re not a big swimmer and don’t spend a lot of time in just your bathing suit, this is a really good option for those days on the sand.

And finally, the tropical print plus size cover-up. This is one of my favorites, because I love the print and the color options. Plus, with the sleeves, collar, and button up front closure, it’s kind of like wearing an oversize men’s shirt as your cover-up, and I’m a big fan of that style! (Of course the printed pattern makes it much more interesting than a plain men’s button-up.)

Anyway, if you’re ready for some beach fun but haven’t picked out your cover-up yet, check these out and find the best option for you.

Let’s hear it for hot summer nights and hot dates! I’m currently scoping out some clothes for those nights when it’s just fun to get dressed up, go out on the town, and have a good time.

This plus-size embroidered skirt is one piece that I’m really looking forward to wearing. I can just picture it swirling around my knees on the dance floor or while I’m walking down the sidewalk in a pair of high heels. The embroidery and the variable hem line are both so pretty and make this more exciting than a regular black skirt. Plus it’s lightweight cotton, so that makes it perfect for summer.

The other item I really want to try this summer is this crochet-back tunic. With the scoop neck and the crocheted back, it adds some excitement (it’s flirty), you can throw it into the washing machine, and it’s stretchy and comfortable, too.

Pair both of these pieces with a cardigan and some fun shoes, and you’re ready for a night on the town!

I’m a girl who loves to take vacations (who doesn’t?) and summer is the perfect time. One of my cool summer trips this year is to a farm! (And I’m a girl who loves mani/pedis and high heels, so this should be interesting). Anyway, I’m excited to see my friends, help in their giant garden, bring in some hay bales (what?!) and hopefully get to pet some baby animals.

I’m going to try not to get all girly-girl about the wardrobe. But I really do want some casual clothes that would be fun and have a relaxed country feel. So I hit up the chambray section of silhouettes.com and found this plus size chambray smock that seems comfy and relaxed. I’ll wear it with jeans or capris while we do the chores or something.

The other fun shirt is this embroidered chambray square-neck blouse. I love the hippie-ish style (I’ll pretend I’m on a hippie commune) and I like the way it highlights my best features and skims over the not-so-great ones. And the fun cross-stitch detail seems very Little-House-on-the-Prairie-in-a-good-way. I will rock this one in the evenings when we’re sitting around drinking homemade mint tea and watching the fireflies.

But of course you don’t have to be visiting a farm to get some fun and relaxing plus size chambray clothes. These are casual and comfortable for everyday fun, weekends, and vacation. Just relax!

With summer weather in full swing, it’s nice to spend some time in t-shirts (and jeans, or skirts, or shorts). T-shirts are just so easy and cool – great to slip on after work or for the weekend.

But you don’t have to stick to plain colors or just white. Many plus-size t-shirt styles may be basic, but that just means they’re a great canvas for any kind of design or color you can think of. I’m going to highlight three of the silhouettes.com plus-size t-shirts that are unique, but don’t forget to check out some of the basic options, too.

This is a fun short-sleeve tee with a great graphic floral design. It comes in three colors, so you can choose between coral, khaki, and white. This t-shirt looks awesome with a pair of jeans or a casual skirt. T-shirts and skirts are a great summer pairing!

Another t-shirt option is this printed beaded tee. The beads add a little flair to the design, and if you want a dark color option with a little bit of a twist, this is the shirt you’re looking for!

Finally, this pretty jewel-neck t-shirt with the blue and green floral print pairs perfectly with jeans or white pants. Jewel necks are flattering because of the way they highlight your collarbone and drape so flatteringly.

Check out your plus size shirt options and enjoy staying cool this summer!