It isn’t really a hot take to say there’s no such thing as too many summer maxi dresses. Because when the sun is at its shiniest (and humidity at its most oppressive), nothing feels as wearable as a dress of any kind. Sundresses and mini dresses definitely deserve moments in the spotlight, but maxi dresses drip with bohemian elegance and convenience in a way that’s untouched by any other summer clothing genre. Nothing billows in the summer breeze quite like a floor-length dress—and nothing feels as effortlessly comfortable (read: as unlikely to ride up or fly up) as a floor-length dress, either.

As if summer maxi dresses weren’t already bringing enough to the table, they also offer a kind of easy versatility that can’t be discounted. Not only are they all-in-one outfits that require next to no styling, but they also walk the line of casual/formal so masterfully that they can basically take you anywhere you need to go. Few ensembles feel as fit for a day at the beach as they do for a five-star dinner, but summer maxi dresses offer to do all of that and more. Seriously, with one or two styling adjustments, the same maxi could get you from brunch to the park to the bar and back—and maybe even to work, too.

When presented with so much effortless efficiency, there’s really only one thing to do: Stock up. This summer’s maxi dress selection is vast, varied and ready to be ravaged. Go forth and fill your summer wardrobe with the no-fail pieces it deserves.

1. Coralie Dress, $350 at Free People

Feel like a fairytale bride, even when all you’re doing is going to brunch.

2. Yang Li Plunge Slip Dress, $466 at Farfetch

Because your cocktail rotation deserves a maxi or two, too.

3. Pose Arazzi Asymmetric Sleeve Dress, $457 at Farfetch

Simultaneously campy and elegant—we’re on board.

4. Mixin’ It Up Maxi Dress, $128 at Free People

Available in so many incredible color variations, we kind of don’t know which one to shop.

5. Ulla Johnson Long V-Neck Dress, $283 at Farfetch

Ulla Johnson’s maxi dress game is strong, and this dress is no exception.

6. Flutter Maxi Dress, $250 at Free People

Be the most elegant person in the room, no matter where you’re headed.

7. Flowy Printed Dress, $69.90 at Zara

A dress as fit for work as it is for your friend’s wedding—hello, new versatile favorite.

8. Open Tie-Back Maxi Dress, $119 at & Other Stories

Spice up your office rotation—and your wedding guest dress rotation, too.

9. All Things Mochi Fafia Tie-Neck Maxi Dress, $379 at Farfetch

A decidedly different approach to the tropical print movement.

10. Toga Oversized Maxi Dress, $432 at Farfetch

Not your average shift dress (not your average shift dress, at all).

11. Drop Dead Beauty Maxi Dress, $128 at Free People

A classic summer silhouette, rendered in a no-fail fabric—yes, please.

12. C’est La V.It Floral Print Elvissa Dress, $91 at Farfetch

A surprisingly sleek take on the peasant dress.

13. Iva Bilgdres Dress, $420 at Free People

A dress that makes the most of 2019’s ruffles obsession.

14. Dip Dye Kaftan, $176 at Free People

Because tie-dye doesn’t necessarily mean saturated AF.

15. Waist-Knot Dress, $119 at ASOS

Stun in your next job interview—or, you know, on the daily, too.

16. Shona Joy Striped Kaftan Dress, $360 at Farfetch

Practically begging to be paired with your favorite statement jewelry.

17. Each X Other Printed T-Shirt Dress, $350 at Farfetch

Is it just us, or are T-shirt dresses always a good idea? (We’re pretty sure it’s not just us.)

18. What You Want Maxi Dress, $198 at Free People

A dress that takes advantage of summer’s patchwork trend without skewing too over-the-top.

19. Twin-Set Tiered Pleated Maxi Dress, $335 at Farfetch

Florals, and ruffles, and stripes—oh my.

20. PierAntonioGaspari Long Flared Dress, $422 at Farfetch

A blank canvas for all your favorite statement accessories.

21. Farm Rio Verbena Dress, $198 at Anthropologie

Tassels and florals are a match made in sartorial heaven.

22. Bamba Maxi Jana Kaftan, $475 at Farfetch

Kaftans are an absolute summer must.

23. Baruni Belted Kaftan Dress, $412 at Farfetch

Be the most fashion-forward guest at any wedding you’re invited to.

24. Claire Printed Maxi Slip, $108 at Free People

A floral dress that feels anything but basic.

25. Marques’Almeida Floral Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $495 at Farfetch

The easiest way to integrate some serious fun into your work wardrobe? Snag this bold AF floral dress.

26. Patchwork Midi Dress, $228 at Free People

A fresh approach to our collection patchwork obsession.

27. Gathered Leopard Maxi Dress, $129 at & Other Stories

Because animal prints are definitely a good move, no matter the season.

28. Embroidered Fable Dress, $168 at Free People

Fit for low-key and semi-fancy occasions, alike.

29. P.A.R.O.S.H. Bow Detail Dress, $340 at Farfetch

Because come summer, LWDs are as worth having in your closet as LBDs.

30. Alice + Olivia Janan Maxi Dress, $395 at Farfetch

It is June, after all.

31. Les Reveries V-Neck Ruffle Silk Dress, $288 at Farfetch

A surprisingly fancy take on summer’s sheer clothing trend.

32. Balloon-Sleeve Dress, $49.90 at Zara

Sure to play well with any accessory in your arsenal.

33. Ulla Johnson Althea Maxi Dress, $336.35 at Farfetch

Can’t stop, won’t stop shopping puff-sleeve Ulla Johnson maxis.

34. Onia Meika Palm Print Belted Maxi Dress, $239 at Farfetch

A maxi that doubles as outerwear—now that’s versatility.

35. Blugirl Paneled Print Dress, $290 at Farfetch

Printed in all the right places.

36. Colorblocked Maxi Dress, $98 at Free People

Simply, comfy and ready to become part of your wardrobe.

37. Bambah Antonia Kaftan Dress, $485 at Farfetch

Absolutely stunning.

38. Coraline Patchwork Ruffle Maxi Dress, $99 at Urban Outfitters

Buy it now, and wear it well into autumn.

39. Yas Yellow Maxi Dress, $125 at Topshop

Perfect for the office, cocktail hour—and everywhere else you’re headed this week.

40. Tiered Smock Maxi Dress, $51 at ASOS

A no-fail dress that’s as comfy as it is cute.

41. Alice + Olivia Jaida Maxi Dress, $304 at Farfetch

Genuinely obsessed with this retro-fresh take on florals.

42. Faliero Sarti Tribal Print Dress, $187 at Farfetch

The more textured summer pieces we can get our hands on, the better.

43. Venice Maxi Dress, $148 at Free People

A floral dress fit for the lover of all-black-everything.

44. Dessa Tunic Dress, $180 at Anthropologie

Paisley patchwork that doesn’t feel at all overwhelming.

45. Raquel Allegra Sleeveless Long Dress, $489 at Farfetch

When in doubt, remember monochromatic maxis deliver chic style in seconds.

46. Austin Floral Daisy Print Dress, $59 at Topshop

Fans of color will be delighted to learn this cute maxi is available in a punchier palette, too.

47. Zadig & Voltaire Roma Anemone Floral Dress, $437 at Farfetch

Colonial style, but make it contemporary-fashion.

48. Plunge-Neck Modern Maxi Dress, $95 at ASOS

There are so many interesting things happening with this dress, we don’t even know where to begin.

49. Tiered Colorblocked Maxi Dress, $38 at Forever 21

So comfy you could probably nap in it.

50. P.A.R.O.S.H. Floral Off-the-Shoulder Dress, $354.37 at Farfetch

Perhaps the edgiest take on tropical prints we’ve ever seen.

51. Greta Tiered Ruffle Mock-Neck Maxi Dress, $79 at Urban Outfitters

Fit for weddings and day-to-day wear, alike.

52. Alexis Ophira Dress, $594 at Revolve

A hyper-chic option for your next backyard barbecue, outdoor wedding or fancy date night.

53. Anita Midaxi Dress, $98 at Free People

An understated take on this season’s ruffle obsession.

54. My Long Time Love Maxi Dress, $118 at Free People

Just fancy enough.

55. Dodo Bar Or Dorothy Dress, $330 at Revolve

A classic silhouette, rendered in a campy AF fabric—hello 2019.

56. Eternal Love Dress, $250 at Free People

A different take on the longline slinky satin dress.

57. Golden Dreams Maxi Dress, $198 at Free People

Haven’t you heard? Patchwork is the thing this season.

58. Silk Kingston Slip Dress, $722 at Free People

A blank canvas for all your favorite statement accessories.

59. Dodo Bar Or Brigitte Dress, $943 at Revolve

A maxi to shop for summer and wear well into winter.

60. Summer of Love Kimono, $398 at Free People

A lighter take on summer’s tie-dye obsession. (Pro tip: This maxi can double as a longline jacket if you want it to.)

61. Tropical Maxi Dress, $180 at Anthropologie

Because tropical prints are still, very much, having a moment.

62. Tiered Stripe Puff-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $44.50 at ASOS

Be the best-dressed friend at your next Sunday brunch.

63. Mixin’ It Up Maxi Dress, $128 at Free People

The most statement-making beachy maxi we’ve laid eyes on in a while.

64. Lovers + Friends Ingrid Maxi, $288 at Revolve

Wedding guest wardrobe fodder for sure.

65. Anita Printed Maxi Dress, $128 at Free People

Because playing with structure is just as fun as playing with print—that’s to say, really fun.

66. Ulla Johnson Alethea Dress, $395 at Revolve

A super versatile silhouette, rendered in a super versatile palette—what’s not to love?

67. Plunge Trapeze Maxi Dress, $35 at ASOS

Because the best maxis are comfortable enough to sleep in.

68. Tularosa Ray Dress, $212 at Revolve

Summer stripes that don’t skew too nautical.

69. Mara Hoffman Luna Dress, $350 at Revolve

Sexy AF. Layer on your favorite jewelry, and let the compliment come rolling in.

70. Raquel Allegra Silk Halter Dress, $720 at Revolve

if it weren’t white, we’d suggest you wear it to every wedding you’re invited to this summer.

71. All the Feels Embroidered Maxi Slip, $119.95 at Free People

So comfy you’ll want to live in it.

72. Halter Trapeze Maxi Dress, $87 at ASOS

A surprising silhouette in a slightly surprising floral—hello, head-turning style.

73. Mara Hoffman Rosario Dress, $325 at Revolve

Fodder for your next vacation Instagram.

74. Sabina Musayev Tyler Dress, $411 at Revolve

A plunge neckline sure to make J. Lo proud.

75. Leilani Dress, $325 at Free People

Rainbow is having a moment this summer—and we’re shopping every iteration we come across.

76. Grid Check Maxi Tea Dress, $60.50 at ASOS

Obsessed with this vintage-inspired plaid maxi.

77. Perseverance London Elysian Day Wrap Maxi Dress, $545 at Urban Outfitters

If we owned this, we’d never take it off.

78. LPA Dress, $228 at Revolve

Upscale beach attire (or just, you know, cute everyday attire).

79. Auguste Magnolia Bella Maxi Dress, $185 at Revolve

A maxi for the person who gets nervous about floor-length hemlines.

80. Likely Perla Dress, $149 at Revolve

A floral even the all-black-everything fiend can appreciate.

81. Dodo Bar Or Yvon Dress, $770 at Revolve

Hello campy caftan moment. Thank you for making our wildest sartorial dreams come true.

82. Sabina Musayev Cecilia Dress, $411 at Revolve

Cute from the front—even more adorable from the back.

83. River Island Shirred Zebra Maxi Dress, $48 at ASOS

Zebra is a chronically underrated animal print, and this maxi just wants to rectify that.

84. Plunge Tea Maxi Dress, $60 at ASOS

Has a plunge neckline ever looked so incredibly delicate?

85. Without Feather Ado Maxi Dress, $44 at Nasty Gal

Feathers that act like an animal print? Yes, please.

86. Velvet Floral Maxi Dress, $76 at ASOS

Because summer and velvet don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

87. Wrap Shirtdress, $319 at Free People

A classic silhouette sure to transcend seasonality.

 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. 

A version of this story was originally published in May 2019. Updated June 2019.

from StyleCaster