The Best Maxi Dresses

The venerable maxi dress is a classic option that brings elegance and ease to any occasion. Though we may often associate these regal centerpieces with more formal outfits, contemporary maxi designs come in all manner of shapes and sizes. Thanks to that, it's not hard to find a maxi dress perfect for casual wear or a night on the town. Whatever the occasion, these free-flowing dresses are sure to keep you feeling liberated, flexible, and looking at your best. As we searched for the best maxi dresses, we kept our eyes peeled for options with delicately soft materials, pockets for practical wear, and simple, reliable closures. With those criteria guiding our search, we decided on a few favorites. For example, we love the stately vibe of Auselily's long sleeve maxi, which boasts a silky smooth rayon fabric that your skin will love. It also comes in a range of colors and prints, but if you're looking for the boldest of designs, you'll want to check out the dress from Zesica. This dress's tie closure makes it easy to adjust to find the perfect fit, and the striking floral prints can't be beaten. Read on below to find the rest of our top picks.

Auselily Long Sleeve Loose Maxi Dress

Regal comfort

This elegant option combines style with snugness in the best of ways.
Top Pick

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Dress to impress with this seriously chic long-sleeve maxi from Auselily. Silky smooth rayon fabric will grace your figure with its soft and flowing elegance, so you can kiss goodbye to discomfort and chafing. The elastic waist enclosure hugs your figure and lets this breathable dress flow, and you can slip in and out without the hassle of tied closures or a rear zipper. This minimalist design exudes understated ease, so you can relax and let your figure do the talking.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the many bold color designs and prints, there is a rainbow of options, from captivating mono hues to daring polka dots and more.
  • With the two handy side pockets, you won’t have to compromise sleek style for practicality.

Cons:

  • This delicate garment is only suitable for hand washing.

Zesica Bohemian Floral Maxi Dress

Flow free

This pretty number's tie-up waist closure offers unparalleled breathability and a sexy look.
Best With Slit Design

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If you’re searching for a striking centerpiece, there’s no need to look any further. These delicately patterned floral compositions channel the beauty of nature in an explosion of color. A front-wrapped shape gives you ultimate mobility and breathability, and it also allows you to flaunt your legs however you want to. The tie closure tucked beside the waist offers easy adjustment so that you can adjust your fit for the moment. The closure also adds a charming detail to this flowing design.

Pros:

  • The exposed legs make this a great match for high boots or sandals.
  • If you’re always on the hunt for versatile pieces, this is a fine pick. That’s because the wrap shape also allows this dress to be worn open as a gown.

Cons:

  • The front wrap opens up to your waistline, so beware of phantom gusts of wind.

Viishow Long Sleeve Loose Maxi Dress

Call to arms

A dress doesn't need to show everything to be bold, and this long sleeve option prooves it with understated grace.
Best With Long Sleeves

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If you’re looking for a dress that combines a smart aesthetic with comfort and practicality, this option from Viishow is certainly worth investigating. This striking maxi dress oozes sophisticated charm, with delicate elasticated sleeves offering a refined look well suited for formal occasions. The super-soft, stretchy, and lightweight rayon fabric is equally comfortable for dressing down, so you won’t feel the need to leave this option in a dark recess of your closet waiting for a wedding invitation.

Pros:

  • Two side pockets give you a handy solution for keeping valuables on hand.
  • The many exquisite prints and color styles make this a seriously versatile option. Choose between regal whites for a nuptial outfit, or ravishing floral designs to wow those around you.
  • Thanks to the elastic waist lining, you can slip in and out of this dress with ease without the hassle of ties or zippers.

Cons:

  • The white color options can be a little see-through.

Daily Ritual Lived-in Cotton Maxi Dress

Soft and simple

With these high-quality natural fabrics, you don't need much more than a tasteful, minimal design.
Best Cotton Design

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Not all occasions call for loud patterns or unconventional tailoring, and with that in mind, this understated maxi from Daily Ritual offers a dignified look free of flamboyance. A no-closure, straight-fitted cut keeps things simple and lets your figure do the talking. With a crew neck and delicate short sleeves, it’s a great choice for keeping things casual. And best of all, few fabrics are as comfy as natural 100% cotton, so you can be sure that this pure cotton option will bring a light and airy grace every step of the way.

Pros:

  • Subtle fitting at the chest works to bring out your natural contours.
  • This lightweight and compact dress can be stored easily, making it a great option for holiday packing.

Cons:

  • This minimal design doesn’t have any pockets.

Woosea Sleeveless V Neck Maxi Dress

Flaunt it

This sizzling option is a real party pleaser.
Best Sleeveless

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Every now and then, you might feel like liberating your shoulders for the world to see. This flowing option really lets you flaunt your figure, with an elasticated high waist closure that grips your figure and leaves soft, flowing rayon fabric to breeze around your curves. The tantalizing v neck is tempting and versatile, leaving just enough skin showing for a confident and sexy look while preserving your modesty for more formal occasions.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the wide variety of ravishing colors and prints, there’s an option fit for every occasion.
  • A wide range of sizing options allows you to find the perfect fit between waist and bust measurements.

Cons:

  • This dress should not be machine-washed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a maxi dress?

If your height lies on the extremes, you’re probably keen to find an accurate length measurement before ordering to avoid traipsing excess material on the floor. Of course, different designs vary in length. Generally, we find that a maxi looks best when it falls in line with the ankle. Most of the options we found provide detailed length dimensions, so you can measure up before ordering to ensure a good fit.

How can I avoid creases in my dress after washing?

We suggest air drying your maxi dresses for best results after a wash. Hang the dress up high so it can extend its full length without folds or creases.

About the Author

Living in the fashion-forward city of London, Jack is always keen to absorb the latest looks. He typically prefers classic styles, like corduroy pants and Italian coats, but anything is fair game. He believes we all deserve to look our best. But so many choices in the world of fashion, Jack wants to help people find the coolest looks at the best prices.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.