Is there anything easier than throwing on a dress and hitting the road without having to figure out if your top matches your bottoms? Whether it’s a pleated pick for a wedding, a cocktail dress for brunch or a knit midi for work, this fashion staple is essential. Come warm weather, one of our dresses of choice is the classic maxi. Not only does the length makes us feel like royalty, but there are so many florals, prints and cutout styles to wear all spring and summer long. If you’re on the same page, we’ve found the 20 best maxi dresses you should add to your wardrobe immediately—starting at only $35.
The 20 Best Maxi Dresses for Every Occasion, Starting at Just $35
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Published May 31, 2022
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The Best Maxi Dresses At A Glance:
- Best Floral Dress: Plenty by Trace Reese V-Neck Floral Maxi Dress
- Best LBD: Zara Cut Out Dress
- Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress: Lush Easy on the Eyes Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress
- Best Splurge: Lela Rose Chantilly Lace Tiered Maxi Dress
- Best Color Selection: PrettyGarden Casual Halter Floral Maxi Dress
- Best Silk Dress: Anthropologie Silk Colorblocked Maxi Dress
- Best Vacation Dress: Indah Julie Solid Ruched Bodice Cutaway Maxi Dress
- Best Wrap Dress: Heart of Marigold Wrap Maxi Dress
- Most Fun Shirt Dress: Studio 189 Masquerade Maxi Geo Shirtdress
- Best T-Shirt Dress: Everlane The Organic Weekend Max Dress
- Best Puff-Sleeve Dress: Mac Duggal Floral Chiffon Cutout Long Sleeve Gown
- Best Black Dress: Superdown Natasha Maxi Dress
- Best A-Line Dress: J.Crew Harbour Side-Cutout Dress
- Best White Dress: Lulus Sweeten the Occassion White Lace Maxi Dress
- Best Cocktail Dress: Amanda Uprichard X Revolve Samba Gown
- Best Tube Dress: ASYOU Midaxi Tube Dress
- Best for Petites: River Island Petite Slinky Shirt Maxi Dress
- Best Ruffle Dress: Nasty Gal Leopard Sleeveless Ruffle Maxi Dress
- Best Printed Dress: Farm Rio Tiered Ruffled Printed Maxi Dress
- Best Gingham Dress: 4Si3nna Rosanna Gingham Maxi Dress
Anthropologie
1. Plenty By Trace Reese V-neck Floral Maxi Dress
Best Floral Dress
A floral dress will always be a good addition to your summer collection. This cotton sundress is great for an al fresco brunch or a sunset walk along the beach. Plus, any dress with pockets is 100 percent being added to our cart.
Zara
2. Zara Cut Out Dress
Best LBD
If you want to indulge in this summer’s biggest fashion trend—cutouts—look no further than this long black dress from Zara. The asymmetrical neckline and cutouts at the waist scream high fashion, and you can style it in so many different ways.
Lulus
3. Lush Easy On The Eyes Off-the-shoulder Maxi Dress
Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Nothing says sexy and chic quite like this floral number. The off-the-shoulder shows off your collarbone while the side cutouts and slits provide plenty of ventilation for the hottest of days.
Neiman Marcus
4. Lela Rose Chantilly Lace Tiered Maxi Dress
Best Splurge
We might have found the wedding guest dress you’ve been searching for. This Lela Rose beauty is formal and fashionable, with a vibrant orange hue and lace finish that will garner compliments all night long.
Amazon
5. Prettygarden Casual Halter Floral Maxi Dress
Best Color Selection
With more than 4,500 5-star reviews, this is a maxi dress you’ll want to buy in multiple colors. Good, then, that it comes in 28 different hues and prints to match any event. Whether you pick the green or the burgundy, every dress features a flattering halter neckline, adjustable straps and cinched waist. Plus, the fabric is 100 percent viscose (with a backless and sleeveless style) that’s great for summer outings.
Anthropologie
6. Anthropologie Silk Colorblocked Maxi Dress
Best Silk Dress
Y2K fashion is back and it calls for silk maxi dresses only (sorry not sorry). This colorblocked can be dressed up or down with a chic nude heel or comfy sandals.
Revolve
7. Indah Julie Solid Ruched Bodice Cutaway Maxi Dress
Best Vacation Dress
When you’re packing for vacay, make sure to add this sundress to your luggage. The lyocell fabric is totally flowy and airy, and the cutout details, v-neckline and stretchy waistband makes for a comfy choice. If you’re feeling particularly fancy you could even wear it as the world’s sauciest swimsuit cover-up.
Lulus
8. Heart Of Marigold Wrap Maxi Dress
Best Wrap Dress
This wrap dress keeps things casual and comfy for a day out. Secure your maxi with two adjustable ties at the waist and show off your glowy legs via the deep slit cut. Choose between seven prints and colors (like denim blue, red florals or white) for every one of the season’s shindigs.
Neiman Marcus
9. Studio 189 Masquerade Maxi Geo Shirtdress
Most Fun Shirt Dress
Whether you’re heading to work or making lunch plans with friends, this shirt dress is the bold essential you need. The orange shade, geometric design and A-line silhouette will have heads turning—in fact, we recommend keeping your accessories simple because this dress makes a big statement all on its own.
Everlane
10. Everlane The Organic Weekend Max Dress
Best T-Shirt Dress
Just like your crisp white tee and straight-leg jeans, a T-shirt dress is a total closet essential. For all those casual days ahead, pick up one (or two) of these weekend maxi dresses. The 100 percent cotton material makes it super comfortable, and the four neutral shades (white, black, green and brown) give you the option to dress down with a pair of white sneakers or dress up with heels.
Nordstrom
11. Mac Duggal Floral Chiffon Cutout Long Sleeve Gown
Best Puff-Sleeve Dress
Here’s your chance to live out your Bridgerton dreams. The florals mixed with the puff-sleeves and cutouts make for a glamorous vibe you should have on your radar. Imagine strolling into a black-tie garden wedding in this baby.
Revolve
12. Superdown Natasha Maxi Dress
Best Black Dress
Introducing a black dress you’ll wear so many times you’ll lose count. The deep v-neckline and side slits gives it a sultry feel for a night out, and the adjustable shoulder ties are great for getting a more custom length.
J.Crew
13. J.crew Harbour Side-cutout Dress
Best A-Line Dress
A nice picnic in the park calls for an easy, breezy A-line dress. The silhouette, cutout details and flowy tiers make it easy to move around effortlessly, and did we mention it has pockets?
Lulus
14. Lulus Sweeten The Occassion White Lace Maxi Dress
Best White Dress
The summer party of the year deserves a flowy dress that’s fit for Santorini. This crochet number is as comfy as it is chic, and lots of reviewers note it can also work as a maternity dress.
Revolve
15. Amanda Uprichard X Revolve Samba Gown
Best Cocktail Dress
It’s time to get the party started. This silk dress is dance floor-ready. The halter and side slit are so elegant, and it comes in nine colors (like flamingo, citron and toffee), so we wouldn’t judge if you snag a few.
Free People
16. Asyou Midaxi Tube Dress
Best Tube Dress
When in doubt, add a tube dress to your wardrobe. This basic maxi will never go out of style. It’s simple to slide on (no zipper required) and its fitted silhouette will accentuate all your curves. Choose between the six colors and keep it casual (or dress. it. up.).
ASOS
17. River Island Petite Slinky Shirt Maxi Dress
Best for Petites
Contrary to popular belief, petite women can wear maxi dresses too. This button-up number is great for short gals (no hem dragging on the floor or alterations required here). And don’t get us started on that robin’s egg blue color…
Nasty Gal
18. Nasty Gal Leopard Sleeveless Ruffle Maxi Dress
Best Ruffle Dress
This ruffle number is made for the dance floor. The leopard print, v-neckline and the ruffle design is a winner for the summer block parties. The flowy maxi is great to show off your moves and rock all summer long.
Net-a-Porter
19. Farm Rio Tiered Ruffled Printed Maxi Dress
Best Printed Dress
This tropical print is enough to book a one-way ticket to the Caribbean. From vibrant greeney to colorful parrots, this maxi dress makes a bold statement and is perfect for twirling.
Urban Outfitters
20. 4si3nna Rosanna Gingham Maxi Dress
Best Gingham Dress
Who doesn’t love the classics? The gingham print, scooped neckline and tiered skirt = a maxi dress we can depend on every summer. It’s a guaranteed win for every outdoor event.
