With maxi dresses come effortless ease and elegant allure. A full-length frock that hovers slightly above ground is a no-brainer when it comes to summer style. And surely a floaty floor-skimming dress will be the only thing you want to wear when it’s too hot for clothes.
Thanks to the versatile polish lent by their length, summer maxi dresses can bring you from beach days to summer soirées with no thought required. You could just as easily wear the same dress to brunch, with lace-up flat sandals or sneakers, as you could to a wedding with block heels or espadrilles.
And within the summer, there are maxi dress options for every style and aesthetic—even for the non-dress girls! There are drop-waist silhouettes in neutral colors for those who lean on the minimalist side, and floral and printed maxis for those who gravitate to the feminine and flirty. As far as silhouettes and straps go, the halter top and cutout style is having its moment in the sun.
No matter your summer plans or calendar of occasions, here are 26 floor-length, summer maxi dresses to flaunt all summer long.
Borgo de Nor is known for their print-forward collections that feel just as relevant for the beach as they do a city street. This gauzy cotton and linen dress features a ruffled halter neck, cinched waist, full skirt and a kaleidoscope pattern that is ideal for that next garden party.
Age-old block print techniques were used to create the artful florals seen on this sleeveless maxi. Drawstring shoulder ties and a button front placket add elements of function to the tiered, linen design.
Go from day to night with a graceful maxi that doesn’t skip on high-end detailing. A ruched bodice and skirt tiers, rouleau shoulder straps and dainty buttons give it a luxe feel.
La DoubleJ knows the importance of a good maxi dress in every woman’s wardrobe, featuring the hemline in every collection. Wear this printed, off-the-shoulder number for everything from rooftop cocktail parties to al fresco lunches.
A black dress is a wardrobe savior on sweltering days where you don’t even want to think about clothes (or sweat stains). The dainty spaghetti straps and open back on this maxi will ensure you breathe easy all day long.
Summer is all about easy, breezy white dresses. Pair Nili Lotan’s broderie anglaise version with a structured sunhat and leather slide sandals for that upcoming Mediterranean getaway.
Lean on airy silhouettes in cotton-voile, like this Bird & Knoll halterneck maxi, that feels fresh for vacation, or simply a backyard barbecue. The island bloom print and ruffle-trimmed hem give it a romantic touch.
Channel la dolce vita with a cotton maxi dress inspired by Italian summers. Dainty eyelets, handmade embroideries and a flattering silhouette make this one a special piece you’ll treasure for years to come.
This halter maxi dress will keep you cool during the hottest months of the year, thanks to its crisp, cotton poplin fabrication and an A-line silhouette, that won’t hug too tightly to the body.
Lean into a tiered silhouette as an everyday option that will go from post-work aperitivo to weekend trips and more. Simply add flat sandals and a straw bag, and you are good to go.
Dôen’s dreamy dresses are always a fan favorite and this maxi doesn’t disappoint. The full gown length, silky georgette fabric and floral print make it appropriate enough to even wear to a black tie outing this season, when dressed up with a metallic shoe and baubles.
Crisp stripes, a grandad collar, and a relaxed fit all play up the shirting-inspired appeal of this effortless, summer classic— the cotton voile maxi dress.
You can always find a bohemian-inspired maxi dress in Zimmermann’s seasonal drops. This one has puffed sleeves and a folkloric floral print that will make dressing for summer events a breeze.
Slinky dresses can be summer appropriate if made from the right fabrications. Try a soft and breathable cotton-modal jersey, making for the ideal option on a warm summer night out.
A retro floral print will liven up any summer wardrobe blues. Wear this floaty dress to your next outdoor soiree with a lace-up sandal, statement earring and raffia clutch.
Loewe’s anagram tank top was the sleeper hit of last summer. This year, lean into the dress version, in a pretty pastel blue, for an uncomplicated option that you can throw on and go.
Bodycon, mesh dresses are a speciality for Louisa Ballou. This one has a floral, brush stroke-style print that almost has a graffiti-inspired touch. Wear with contrasting underpinnings for an easy, warm-weather date night look.
Keep cool in this floral maxi shirtdress, made from 100% linen, one of summer’s most essential fabrics. Unbutton from the top and bottom to show a little skin when styling.
Inspired by the Andes mountains and the ancient Incan Empire, this halterneck maxi has a dreamy drape that can work as a formal, wedding guest dress or transition to a relaxed, dinner look in a heartbeat.
Uninspired by your summer work wardrobe? Reach for this organic cotton shirtdress, which can be worn with or without the matching belt for a smart office look with ballet flats and a structured bag.
Less is more when it comes to summer styling, so give this lingerie-inspired slip dress a spin to keep cool and fresh all season long. When the temps start to dip come Fall, throw a cardigan over top and pair it with boots for an easy, transitional take.
Can you have too many black dresses? We think not. This smocked maxi will flatter your waistline, while keeping you cool and breezy with a flowy, tiered skirt.
No matter your summer plans, be it a close friend’s country wedding or a bridal shower event, this floral dress will play double duty in your closet all season long. Go from formal to casual in a moment’s notice, with a quick change of accessories.
When silk and satins are far too constricting for sticky nighttime affairs, lean on this COS gown made from linen and ECOVERO™ viscose, for a breathable take on evening wear (that is also eco-friendly).
