The 15 best maxi dresses for summer 2024

As we have our eyes on the hottest spring fashion drops, we can’t help but double-tap and obsess over maxi dresses.

Much like waitlist-inducing midi dresses, spring dresses, and cocktail dresses (oh, and the white dresses that’ll take you from springtime to summertime real quick), these dresses are not only vacation-ready but also a wonderful option for special occasions. And thanks to Amazon Prime Day on July 16th and 17th, many of our favorites are or will be on sale!

Not to mention, they’ll keep you a bit warm thanks to their length, offering a flowy, easy-breezy option that’s akin to some of your most-worn t-shirt dresses hanging in your wardrobe.

RELATED: Best vacation brands we reviewed

We researched a rotisserie of retailers to rack up the 16 best maxi dresses that you can add to your cart, order, and show off ASAP. With these styles, you’ll be dreaming of the sunnier days ahead.

Best Maxi Dresses

Elevate your evening look with the Sarin Mathews Off The Shoulder Ruffle Party Dress, featuring a flattering off-shoulder neckline and chic ruffle details. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this dress combines elegance with comfort for a standout ensemble.

Sizes: S-XL | Available Colors: 8

Make a statement in the LILBETTER Sleeveless Deep V-neck Maxi Dress, designed to accentuate your silhouette with its deep V-neckline and flowing fabric. Ideal for both casual outings and formal events, this dress offers effortless style and versatility.

Sizes: S-3XL | Available Colors: 32

Embrace summer vibes in the DEEP SELF Summer V Neck Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress, featuring a trendy cold-shoulder design and a breezy silhouette. This dress combines fashion-forward style with comfort, perfect for hot days and beach vacations.

Sizes: 4-18 | Available Colors: 14

Step into garden-party perfection with the GRACE KARIN Halter Neck Floral Maxi Dress, showcasing a halter neckline, smocked bodice, and playful cut-out details. This dress exudes charm and femininity, ideal for spring and summer gatherings.

Sizes: S-XXL | Available Colors: 17

Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.

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  Pros:

  • Full suite of floral patterns and colors to choose from
  • Well-made fabric
  • Ships fast, especially with an Amazon Prime membership

  Cons:

  • Some shoppers say it’s not as flattering on larger busts

  Among Amazon’s haul of dresses, ANRABESS is one of our favorite brands, simply because it’s one of the most well-made private labels. That said, the Kimono Wrap Maxi Dress is our signature favorite, complete with a lovely floral pattern that you’ll want to wear whenever you’re in the sunshine.

  For a reasonable price of $50, you’ll want to pick up additional prints and hues, too. This particular style boasts more than 4,000 rave reviews among Amazon shoppers, breathable 3/4-inch sleeves and a versatile charm that’s difficult to ignore.

  Sizes: S-XXL | Available Colors: 34

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  Pros:

  • Stellar, unique pattern
  • Lovely bow-tie sleeves
  • Quality material that fits true to size, based on testing

  Cons:

  • The price point may be unreachable for some

  Say it with us: say yes to the dress. There’s nothing more picturesque and swoon-worthy than this flowy sleeve maxi from Farm Rio. While a splurge, its tiered, cake-esque design is both flattering and photogenic, while its botanical-inspired print is eye-catching and unique.

  We’ve rented Farm Rio when we reviewed the clothing rental service nuuly, and we’re still thinking about its easy-breezy fabrics. From this dress’ square neckline to bow-tie straps, we’re absolutely in love.

  Sizes: XXS-L | Available Colors: 1

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  Pros:

  • Wide variety of prints and colors to choose from
  • Available up to 4X
  • Stretchy, breathable material

  Cons:

  • Some shoppers may find the ribbed bust a bit too child-like

  Shopping for plus-size clothing can be a difficult feat, but it doesn’t have to be. Luckily, the MakeMeChic Plus Size Boho Maxi Dress is an easy add-to-cart purchase that we wholly recommend, thanks to its comfortable stretch, breathability and feminine flair.

  With nearly 2,000 glistening reviews among shoppers, this style is one we anticipate will be the talk of the summer. With flounce sleeves and a scooped neckline, you’ll want to pair it with your most comfortable heels for any occasion.

  Sizes: Large Plus-4XL | Available Colors: 16

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  Pros:

  • A photogenic silhouette that’s ideal for formal and semi-formal occasions alike
  • Adjustable straps with an invisible zipper
  • Lightweight materials with a true-to-size fit, based on testing
  • Stunning shade assortment

  Cons:

  • May not be the best for bigger busts as it fits true to size but may be tighter at the top, depending on if you wear a bra
  • Size range could be more generous

  The Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress is found within our closets and is one of those dresses that just makes you feel gorgeous. Whether you’re a future wedding guest or looking to elevate your date night looks when the weather is agreeable, this vertical pleated number is truly one we gloss over.

  Petal & Pup is also one of the best brands we can’t stop shopping from, whether we’re vacation shopping or looking to revamp our work wardrobes. This dress runs true to size and is especially flattering in the upper and waist areas.

  Sizes: 0-16 | Available Colors: 5

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  Pros:

  • Glamorous bubble sleeve detailing
  • Fair price point
  • Extremely well-made materials with a true-to-size fit, based on testing

  Cons:

  • Some shoppers may find it to be not as versatile as some other options

  When Banana Republic styles are more than 50% off, we’re all ears. Shop the Banana Republic Blouson Maxi Dress before the price goes down. It’s flattering for any age and body type and one you’re sure to receive several compliments on.

  We’re consistently impressed with the brand’s unbeatable quality, too. Whether you’re purchasing work pants or a new dress, you’re sure to be grabbing a style that’ll last a while. Plus, these bubble sleeves are supreme.

  Sizes: XS-XL | Available Colors: 3

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  Pros:

  • Unique, asymmetrical design
  • Extra flattering, thanks to the side slit and center-seam ruching
  • Perfect for semi-formal and formal occasions alike
  • Fits true to size, based on testing

  Cons:

  • The price point may be unreachable for some
  • Sellout risk

  Oh Abercrombie, how we love you. There’s nothing more semi-formal and stunning than the Draped Skirt Maxi Dress, available in a wonderful selection of dreamy shades to color your wardrobe. With a cinched waist coupled with flattering ruching, it’s a style that’s sure to look great on anyone, wherever you’re headed.

  We also *adore* Abercrombie, especially after reviewing the lion’s share of the brand. From feel-good jeans to multi-purpose bodysuits, this dress isn’t the only item you should be adding to your cart, simply because every fabric is elegant to the touch.

  Sizes: XXS-XL | Available Colors: 5

• Best Black Maxi Dress: Old Navy Fit & Flare Rib-Knit Maxi Dress

  
  
  
  

  Pros:

  • A flattering style that can be dressed up or down
  • Breathable fabric, even for the black color
  • Appealing strap detailing and neckline

  Cons:

  • May be too basic for some shoppers

  New from Old Navy, the Fit & Flare Rib-Knit Maxi Dress hugs in all the right places. Not to mention, it’s a surefire dupe of the popular SKIMS dress. Kim K, who?

  Aside from its budget-friendly price point, we love its solid-colored, basic silhouette that can either be dressed up or down. Old Navy has some of our favorite dresses that have lasted for years and years, with them being some of the easiest to slip on when you’re on a time crunch.

  Sizes: XS-4X | Available Colors: 4

  (Related: Best T-Shirt Dresses)

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  Pros:

  • Not as revealing as some other cut-out dresses on the market
  • Lovely color
  • Fits true to size, based on testing

  Cons:

  • The price point may be unreachable for some
  • Sellout risk

  Free People is known for its eccentric yet confident-driving styles, as is the case with the splurge-worthy Baobab Atlas Dress. Its all-over glistening appeal has us mentally styling it, and we *may* or may not be sending this to everyone we know IRL.

  Paired with your finest nude heels or sandals, this cut-out dress is meant to turn heads. It’s subtly sexy thanks to its lower neckline and side slit, and we 100% endorse your purchase. You’re welcome.

  Sizes: XS-XL | Available Colors: 1

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  Pros:

  • Flattering color and off-the-shoulder sleeve detailing
  • Perfect for spring and summer vacations
  • The well-fitting strapless bust section that stays in place

  Cons:

  • May be heavier when tried on, based on the full skirt

  Doesn’t the AQUA Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress just scream “resort?” We think so, and we’re completely taken in by this sunny yellow shade and off-the-shoulder ruffle sleeves. With a tiered, full skirt and a strapless bodice, the style couldn’t be more add-to-cart-worthy.

  Additionally, the price is fair, given how many Bloomingdale’s picks are more expensive. Plus, it’s worth treating yourself to a feel-good vacation dress, and this one has our signed and sealed vote as one of our favorite dresses as of late.

  Sizes: XS-XXL | Available Colors: 1

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  Pros:

  • The breathable, striking fabric
  • Ideal for your next resort vacation
  • Fits true to size, based on testing

  Cons:

  • May become wrinkled more quickly than some other styles, based on thinner material

  For lightweight and incredible patterns, there’s none other than VICI for the job. The Medford Printed Halter Maxi Dress is a style we predict will sell out fast, as its summertime-perfect head-to-toe dress has one of the most different and likable patterns to appease any wardrobe.

  With bust ruching and pops of purple and orange, it’s the dress that’s giving neutral, but with a touch of statement. We also love how VICI’s styles fit and the somewhat casual presence each piece evokes. This dress is selling fast, so grab while it’s still available.

  Sizes: S-L | Available Colors: 1

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  Pros:

  • Breathable, well-made fabric
  • Effortless fit
  • Intricate back detailing

  Cons:

  • Some shoppers may find the style too plain

  If linen dresses are your thing, check out Mango’s fashion drops. Its V-Neckline Linen Dress is simple, to the point and a style that’s so easy to slip into. Plus, its draped feel and breathable material is one that you’ll want to pack with you on every vacation. Hey, it’s even good for an upscale weekend brunch.

  The star of the show is its braided straps and crossover back, the epitome of “business in the front, party in the back.” Overall, it’s a lovely maxi dress for linen-wanting shoppers.

  (Related: Best linen dresses in every style)

  Sizes: 2-10 | Available Colors:

What body shape suits maxi dresses?

The body shape that suits a maxi dress is a human body. Okay, we kid, but seriously, if there’s a style of dress you want to wear, wear it!

Having said all of this, maxi dresses are wonderful for multiple body types. For those who are heavier on the bottom or pear-shaped, a maxi with an a-line skirt can create balance between your lower and top half.

Similarly, if you’re an hourglass shape, a maxi dress with an empire waist will emphasize your curves in all the right ways, making your middle appear slimmer while keeping your shoulders and hips in proportion.

One of our favorite, universally flattering maxi dresses is the GRACE KARIN Halter Neck Sleeveless Smocked Backless Cut Out Floral Maxi Dress. Along with having pockets (yes, pockets!), the tube top style of the bodice combined with the halter neck is supportive and flattering.

Another option we love is the LILBETTER Women Sleeveless Deep V-neck Maxi Dress. It has subtle ruching in the middle, which is slimming, plus the fabric is lightweight, so you’ll stay comfortable no matter how hot it gets.

How do you make a maxi dress look flattering?

Along with selecting a maxi dress that’s the right length and cut for your body type, the way to make a maxi dress look more flattering is by adding accessories.

In the warmer months, this can be as simple as adding a pair of comfortable heels or fine jewelry. For fall or winter, consider adding a cropped jacket, which will still show off the dress while keeping you warm.

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