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The 20 Best Maxi Dresses for Every Occasion, Starting at Just $35

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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.

best maxi dresses plenty by trace reese
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.

Size range: XS to 3X

best maxi dresses zara1
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.

Size range: S to L

best maxi dresses lulus
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.

Size range: XS to XL

best maxi dresses lela rose
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.

Size range: 0 to 16

best maxi dresses prettygarden1
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.

Size range: S to 2XL

best maxi dresses anthropologie
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.

Size range: 00 to 26W

best maxi dresses indah julie
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.

Size range: XS to L

best maxi dresses heart of marigold
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.

Size range: XXS to XL

best maxi dresses studio 1891
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.

Size range: XS to XL

best maxi dresses everlane
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.

Size range: XXS to XL

best maxi dresses mac duggal
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.

Size range: 2 to 10

best maxi dresses superdown
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.

Size range: XXS to XL

best maxi dresses j crew
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?

Size range: XXS to 3X

best maxi dresses lulus sweeten the occassion
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.

Size range: XXS to XL

best maxi dresses amanda uprichard
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.

Size range: XS to XL

best maxi dresses asyou
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.).

Size range: XS to XL

best maxi dresses river island
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…

Size range: 0 to 12

best maxi dresses nasty gal
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.

Size range: 12 to 24

best maxi dresses farm rio
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.

Size range: XS to XL

best maxi dresses 4si3nna
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.

Size range: XS to L



about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

  • Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
  • Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
  • Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz