I Challenge You Not to Swoosh Around in These Beautiful Maxi Dresses
I have many, many dresses in my wardrobe. Some are short-sleeved; some are long. Some are printed; others are colour-block. But even the most dedicated collector can have gaps in their collection, and admittedly, there's one specific style I've been guilty of neglecting–maxi dresses.
I put this down to my 5'3" frame and the lack of spare time to get to the tailor, but I've always found shopping for maxi dresses somewhat of a chore. As such, I tend to stick to midis and minis, which require zero alterations. Lately, however, the plethora of pretty maxi dresses my favourite influencers have been wearing to usher in the summer months have been getting my attention.
It's easy to see the sudden appeal of a maxi dress. For the most part, they keep you covered, which is ideal for the changeable weather we're currently experiencing. Still, the attraction goes way beyond practicality—there's something downright fabulous about wearing a maxi dress. My guess is all the swooshing potential. After a couple of years spent dressing for comfort and very little else, I'm all for wanting to feel fancy in my clothes again.
So I set out to find the best summer maxi dresses out there for every style and budget. Below, you'll find the fruits of my labour—29 maxi dresses so beautiful you'll be tempted to burn your joggers. Scroll below to see them, and I guarantee you'll fall back in love with dresses again.
SHOP THE BEST SUMMER MAXI DRESSES
Let’s kick things off with a classic puff sleeve; I particularly like the bold floral print on this option.
This would make for a beautiful, throw-on-and-go weekend look.
This will wear just as well with a leather biker and trainers as it will SPF and sandals.
I'll admit it, I clearly have a thing for spaghetti straps.
Further proof that florals are always a solid dress investment.
A bandeau fit in statement green? This dress is atop all of the trends.
Another wedding guest dress so good, it might just upstage the bride.
I can't quite believe how this looks, and at this price tag.
Agua by Agua Bendita are responsible for some of the dreamiest summer dress of recent years.
This comes in blue, black, green, red and deep purple, so you're spoiled for choice.
This makes me want to book a beach holiday pronto.
And if you thought that was good, this comes in no less than 17 different colourways.
The ruffles, the sleeves, the gathered skirt—this dress is showstopping.
Have your own Pretty Woman moment in this brown-and-beige spotty moment.
Style this adorable dress with chunky Velcro sandals and a raffia tote, and wear on repeat.
If anyone had told me that this was designer, I would have believed them.
You need to see this from the back.
Bravo, Reiss.
Next Up: 6 Easy Summer Outfits That Are Anything But Boring
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.
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