12 Of The Best Maxi Dresses Under $100 You Can Find This Summer

Pleated Tiered Maxi Dress

This dress is airy, chic, and flattering on any body. Throw a book in a tote bag and take yourself to the park in this adorable dress. It's so perfect for any warm weather outing!

The Pleated Tiered Maxi Dress is shoppable on sale for $59 (was $118).

Denim Maxi Dress

Denim for days! This denim maxi dress definitely has cool girl energy, but still looks quite professional. You could rock this look at work, and then wear it out to dinner with friends afterwards!

The Denim Maxi Dress from Gap is available for $78 (was $98).

Satin Midi Dress

Spice up your look with this foxy animal print. It's always gonna be in style. This little satin dress is flowy and perfect for a night out for cocktails this summer!

Snag the Satin Midi Dress for $80.

Indigo Patchwork Maxi Dress

I don't know what it is about patchwork, but I think the asymmetry on this dress in particular is such a fun look! I get parachute dress vibes from this style, which means it's super comfy and flowy.

Wear this pick all summer long for just $60 (was $118).

Linen-Blend Mini Dress

I love this dress' unique pattern for any summer occasion! You can do a lot with this dress – you just need the right accessories. Dress it up with some heels and a small clutch, or with some cozy sandals and a casual tote bag. The world is your oyster with this mini Gap dress.

The Linen-Blend Mini Dress currently goes for $34.

Ruffle Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress

This dress is giving me Black Swan vibes, and I love it. Those shoulder ruffles are everything, and this dress is perfectly fit for any dressy, upscale event. It's dark and dramatic in the best way possible.

The Ruffle Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress is now on sale for $45 (was $60).

Smocked Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress

This dress' hem is super unique and fun. The rich green color is perfect for any daytime summer event, like brunch or even a birthday celebration! This dress is flowy and breathable which is so necessary in the summer heat.

The Smocked Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress currently goes for $75.

Reformation Sora Linen Dress

Oh, the romance!Reformation dresses truly have me in a chokehold, and this red and white gingham number is absolutely gorgeous. The off-the-shoulder shape and drop-waist silhouette paired with the sweetheart neckline makes this the ultimatedate night dress. Since it's made of 100% linen, it wears super lightly, helping you tackle the summer heatwave with ease. It's slightly stretchy so it'll move with you, thanks to the elastic smocking along the back.

The Reformation Sora Linen Dress is shoppable in sizes 0-12 for $248.

Free People Cass Midi Dress

Your next farmer's market 'fit is calling! This flowy midi from Free People boasts a rich green and white gingham pattern throughout, with some super boho-esque contrast detailing that runs down the front. The subtle puff sleeves both tie into cute little bows on each side, plus the neckline is fitted with another adjustable black bow. The square neckline tops off this loose-fitting cotton dress with the perfect amount of trendiness.

The Free People Cass Midi Dress is available in sizes XS, S, M, and XL for $228.

Old Navy Square-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress

Old Navy's latest gingham-filled drop is everything to me, and this marvelous mini is extremely versatile for any summer occasion. I could see it wearing very well with sporty sneakers and chic sandals alike, plus you can easily take it into the fall and winter seasons by layering a cardigan or denim jacket on top of it. It's cut from 55% linen and 45% rayon, lending it to good breathability in the hotter months.

The Old Navy Square-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress is shoppable in sizes S-4X for $35.

Daisy Street Crinkle Gingham Shirred Mini Dress

This body-hugging gingham dress is as sweet as can be. Though form-fitting, it's exceptionally comfortable, since the silhouette is all stretchy. The hem is finished off with some flirty frills that'll go well with feminine footwear like ballet flats or slingback heels. The crew neckline supplies more modest coverage around the chest, which grants you nice peace of mind, especially if you're headed out on the town.

The Daisy Street Crinkle Gingham Shirred Mini Dress is available in sizes XS-XL for $45.

Reformation Aubree Linen Dress

Reformation does it again! This breezy 100% linen dress features quite the relaxed fit, so you won't have to make many annoying adjustments to it while you're out for happy hour or at a dinner date with your girls. The thin spaghetti straps stylishly tie together, which makes customizing your look super simple. You can choose to show off the bows along your backside, or strategically tie them atop your shoulders for a flirtier vibe!

The Reformation Aubree Linen Dress is available in sizes XS, M, L, and XL for $98.

Peachy Den Cindy Frill Dress

I'm all about color, and this rainbow gingham dress from Peachy Den has truly been living rent-free in my head ever since I saw it online. Drop-waist dresses will also always grab my attention, so this pick is really the whole package! The checkered fabric is delicately textured to set your look apart from the rest. The squared-off scoop neckline is met with two thick, non-adjustable straps that just look so flattering.

The Peachy Den Cindy Frill Dress is available in sizes XS-XL for $193.

Kimchi Blue Georgie Gingham Babydoll Mini Dress

This gingham dress is definitely channeling Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and I'm here for it. This piece is filled with feminine energy, from the bowtie straps to the swirly-twirly a-line skirt. It's made from 100% cotton, so you'll definitely be able to feel the breeze through the adorable light blue and white gingham fabric. Turn this look country-chic by sporting some cowgirl boots with it!

The Kimchi Blue Georgie Gingham Babydoll Mini Dress is also shoppable in two other colors (red and black gingham) and sizes XS-XL for $69.

LOFT Gingham Smocked Strappy Maxi Pocket Dress

For a truly no-fuss gingham dress, this pick from LOFT is the one for you. The bust is more fitted, yet still super comfy since it's crafted from an elasticated smocked material. The maxi skirt is way more flowy, allowing for ample airflow and the ultimate comfort levels. The added coverage is especially nice if you have a busy day ahead, but still want to look cute! The thin straps are adjustable so you can find your perfect fit with ease. Plus, this dress has pockets on each side!

The LOFT Gingham Smocked Strappy Maxi Pocket Dress is shoppable in sizes 0-16 for $45 (was $100).

Corey Lynn Calter Sleeveless A-Line Mini Dress

This colorful gingham dress reminds me of the fashion in Mad Men, which is all the more reason to invest in it. The punchy colorway will certainly turn heads towards you, no matter where you take this mini. The vertical seaming and drop-waist shape lend this look to a very retro feel, which will look even more stunning with some Mary Jane flats! The straps are adjustable along the back to fit your body perfectly.

The Corey Lynn Calter Sleeveless A-Line Mini Dress is available in sizes XS, M, L, and XL for $188.

Quince 100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress

This midi is made from super-soft 100% European linen, so it's very lightweight in wear, but still high-coverage in shape. The limited color palette makes this dress undeniably easy to dress up or down, depending where you take it and how you style it. The back flaunts some nice elastic smocking to hug your upper half before falling into a flowy midi skirt. The thin straps are adjustable, too!

The Quince 100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress is shoppable in sizes XS-XL for $70.

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"