17 Breezy Maxi Dresses You’ll Want To Live In All Summer Long

Lauren Black

Lauren is a marketing professional, writer, and the founder of The Eye & The Edit, a weekly style and shopping newsletter. She recently found a home in New York City, where she enjoys endless people-watching and outfit inspiration. There, she can usually be found shopping in Soho, digging through vintage stores in Brooklyn, or trying a new coffee shop or natural wine bar.

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Jun 30, 2021

If you invest in one trend this season, make it big, billowy, breezy summer maxi dresses. In the height of the summer heat, they'll be all you want to throw on to keep cool and a little more covered from the sun. In neutral colors and soft prints, they're perfect for casual wear, and can easily be paired with all your favorite summer accessories like basket bags and woven shoes. In bright colors and bold patterns, they'll double as a date outfit for any occasion or check off your packing list for your next vacation. Or, toss either option on with crisp sneakers or sleek slides, and you've got an effortless yet statement-making ensemble. No matter your plans, an A-line cut or tiered silhouette in cotton and linen will have you looking and feeling cool all summer long. Start your maxi dress collection by choosing from one (or a few) of our favorites below.

Mango Ruffle Dress ($120)

Be the life of the party in this irresistibly fun, hot pink maxi dress.

model wearing floral sundress with black and yellow chuck taylors

Free People Floral Sundress ($148)

Feel true freedom in a floral, floor-length maxi dress you can wear anywhere from an outdoor concert or picnic to a casual date night.

model wearing knox rose tiered sundress with purse and sandals

Knox Rose Tiered Dress ($35)

Start your maxi dress collection with a classic, sleeveless tiered maxi dress. The subtle texture and lightweight fabric make this one extra easy to wear all summer long.

H&M Ruffled Dress ($20)

A bright, ruffled maxi dress will instantly make you vacation-ready, whether or not you'll actually be boarding a plane.

model wearing green dress with black ballet flats

English Factory Ruffle Dress ($90)

Forego your typical floral-print wedding guest dress for a bold and beautiful floor-length number and pair with your favorite strappy sandals.

model wearing green summer maxi dress with white design and strappy sandals

Eloquii Skirted Maxi Dress ($140)

An unexpected, organic print makes the classic cut of this maxi dress feel new again.

model wears white maxi dress with knot flats

Nordstrom Tiered Cotton Dress ($99)

Say hello to your new favorite maxi dress — complete with a flattering sleeveless neckline, a roomy tiered cut, breathable cotton fabric, and yes, pockets!

model wears pink and blue plaid tiered dress with white sneakers

Likely Payson Dress ($228)

Invest in a plaid maxi dress to take you from summer to fall with the right accessories. A charming cut out detail makes this one extra special (especially since you can still wear a bra with it!).

model wears black off the shoulder one sleeve dress with black sandals

Mango Vent Dress ($100)

This one shoulder dress makes us want to book a vacation ASAP, simply so we have somewhere to wear it.

model wears terra-cotta linen summer maxi dress with black slide sandals and black clutch

COS Linen Maxi Dress ($115)

For an easy, androgenous style, try this a-line cut, low back linen dress.

model wears white and blue stripped dress with tie sleeves and braided slide sandals

Lost and Wander Beachside Dress ($118)

The name says it all—this is the perfect maxi dress for beachfront strolls and oceanside vacations.

yellow old navy sundress with embroidery

Old Navy Embroidered Sundress ($48)

A sundress by definition, this lightweight yellow dress is made even sweeter by embroidered flower details.

model wears cream sundress with flowers on it with cream sandals and bag

Reformation Tana Linen Dress ($248)

Speaking of sweet, this floral linen dress is the ultimate "nap dress" for floating in and out of your house all summer long.

model wears blue and white striped summer maxi dress with white flip flop kitten heels

Ganni Stripe Dress ($285)

Go from the beach to brunch with the girls in this bold print and carefree cut.

model wears puff sleeve white maxi dress with brown strappy sandals

Wayf Plaza Cut Out Dress ($148)

This timeless maxi dress silhouette gets a modern touch with two subtle cut outs, making it fit for bridal celebration yet wearable long after.

Farm Rio Tropical Sunset Dress ($195)

When contrasted against a casual cut, a bright and playful maxi dress becomes a wearable wardrobe staple — we promise! Try with simple white sneakers to start.

H&M Sleeveless Dress ($25)

While it's natural to gravitate towards lighter, white dresses in the summer, a little black maxi dress is just as essential this time of year, as they're a little more forgiving in humidity and heat.

Are you a big fan of summer maxi dresses? DM us your favorite picks on Instagram!

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