The Best Maxi Dresses
Let's be honest — maxi dresses basically sell themselves. Designed to be flattering on most figures, these dresses come in all styles and are versatile enough to be worn for a wedding or just around the house on a hot day. But most of all, maxi dresses are super comfortable, and we mean this in every sense of the word. Don't feel like shaving your legs today? Throw a maxi dress on. Running out of sunblock for your legs? Maxi dresses are basically wearable sun protection. Worried about a wardrobe malfunction on a night out? Maxi dresses will keep you covered all night long. Check out some of the different style options we've selected below to add a bit of length to your look.
Auselily Long Sleeve Casual Maxi Dress
All-Seasons Style
Dresses aren’t just for special occasions. For those days when you’re feeling a bit bloated and would like a looser fit, or when you’re simply looking for a single-item wardrobe choice in the morning, casual maxi dresses like this long-sleeve option by Auselily are a girl’s best friend. Soft enough to literally wear to bed but with a cinched elastic waistline that accentuates any figure, this dress is the definition of versatility. Layer the dress with a scarf and light jacket for a stylish outdoor look or add a statement necklace and heels and take your comfort on a night on the town. Oh, and did we mention that this dress has pockets?
Pros:
- 36 color/pattern options
- Comfortable dress material
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Thinner fabric is slightly see-through depending on the color choice
SheIn Maxi Party Evening Maxi Dress
Easy, Breezy Elegance
At the intersection of smart casual and black-tie formal is the notorious “cocktail” dress code. If you’re anything like us, it probably took a few events for you to realize what exactly this attire entails. Basically, the perfect cocktail dress is polished yet freeing — meaning you look picture perfect when sitting down, but you can also shake things up a bit on the dancefloor if the occasion arises. The SheIn Maxi Party Evening Maxi Dress achieves just this balance. While the material and backless design exude sophistication, the high slit adds a bit of playful fun to the look. And because this is a maxi dress after all, you can be sure that there’ll be no wardrobe slip-ups no matter how committed you are to the “cocktail” theme.
Pros:
- Features plunge neck and side slit
- Colors are vibrant and run true to picture
- Shimmery, quality satin
Cons:
- Dress runs long, so slight hemming may be required
Zattcas Vintage Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
Lace You Can Lounge In
Vintage threads are so in right now that it’s getting hard to differentiate where modern trends even begin. And though some styles are still questionable (e.g. fedoras), others have regained their rightful place in our closets. One of the reasons we love this vintage-inspired maxi dress by Zattcas is its semi-sheer floral lace sleeves, which call back to the simple elegance of the 1950s. Thankfully, though, retro refinement doesn’t mean the rest of your body has to be shoved into a dusty old bodice. This dress combines vintage flair with a soft, elastic material, meaning you can look like an old-fashioned superstar without suffering the discomfort of one.
Pros:
- Soft and stretchy feel
- Self-tying belt
- Runs true to size
Cons:
- Length runs slightly short for taller women
Yidarton Strapless Boho Maxi Dress
Flattering Frills
Let’s face it: as gorgeous as strapless garments look in magazines, they can be a tricky item of clothing. While the unattached neckline draws attention to the collarbones and shoulders, the price of that accent is usually a very tight-fitting top to keep the girls up and in. And though this solution is fine for some body shapes, others require a looser fit. Now here’s where the layered strapless dress comes in —it’s tight enough to stay up but has a fun, textured frill atop to hide any super snug sections. Pair this clever design with a maxi dress length like the one on this classic sunny day option by Yidarton, and you’ve got yourself a chic statement frock that’s as flattering as it is comfortable.
Pros:
- 11 different bohemian patterns
- Super lightweight material
- Packs easily and without wrinkles
Cons:
- Dress length may shrink in the wash
Grecerelle Beach Cover Up Maxi Dress
Beachy Breathability
Long dresses are an essential beach item. Light enough to throw over a bathing suit yet long enough to keep you discretely covered after taking the suit off, maxi dresses like this option by Grecerelle get the job done. Choose between 28 different patterns that range from solid black to wild florals to match your beachy aesthetic. And while this particular dress is breathable enough to wear even on the hottest days, its elegant cut will ensure you look just as smooth when the cool of the evening rolls in.
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Dual pockets
- Affordable
Cons:
- Runs smaller than expected
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a maxi dress?
Ok, so while maxi dresses are meant to be long (duh), the exact length of the dress also matters. Generally, you want to look for a dress with a hemline that almost touches the ground, or at least reaches down to your ankles. If it’s shorter than this, the dress will look awkward. Next, when it comes to maxi dresses, less is often more. If you buy a dress with heavy, bunched material, you’ll look like you’re drowning in fabric and it will also be more weight for you to carry. Lastly, think about your body shape and what kind of built-in shape is most flattering for you, be that a cinched bustline, waistline, or no cinch whatsoever.
My dress doesn’t fit me right. What adjustments can I make at home?
With maxi dresses, there are two possible problems you may face — too much or too little length. For a longer dress than needed, try pairing your look with heels, or, if you’re comfortable using a sewing kit, simply take off a few inches from the bottom hem yourself. If your dress is too short, we recommend taking it to a tailor and seeing if a slit can be added to change the layered look of the dress. Believe it or not, this can actually make the length appear longer.
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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.