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Womens/Clothing/Dresses & Jumpsuits/Casual

Top 10 Summer Maxi Dresses

These Summer Maxi Dresses Are Here To Save The Day When You're In An Outfit Crisis

Image credits: anthropologie

When it’s hot outside and you need to throw an outfit together quickly, there’s only one style to turn to: summer maxi dresses. Breezy and beautiful, maxi dresses are the key to looking put together while staying cool and comfortable during the most sweltering days of the year. Whether your summer plans involve a barefoot stroll down the beach or just a trip to your local farmers’ market, a maxi dress is the way to go. 

The best summer maxi dresses are made with breathable fabrics (like cotton, linen, and gauze) and have flowy silhouettes that promote airflow. Plus, styling a maxi dress couldn’t be easier—it’s a one-and-done situation that works with sandals, heels, and sneakers. Want to dress things up for a special soirée or a wedding you’re attending? Try topping things off with a pair of statement earrings. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to making a maxi dress pop, so let’s skip straight to what you’re here for: our roundup of the 10 best summer maxi dresses on the internet.

How We Found The Best Summer Maxi Dresses

We use our data-powered algorithm to curate our Top 10 lists. A tool unique to Rank & Style, our algorithm takes information from reviews, social media, and best-seller reports into account to assign a score to the top-rated products in a specific category. It’s a system that lowers your chance of buyer remorse and increases your confidence in the products we recommend. With that, scroll on to shop this year’s top 10 summer maxi dresses as chosen by our algorithm.

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July 9, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: nordstrom
Rank & Style Approved

nordstrom

Chelsea28 V-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.35

10

Chelsea28 V-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress

4.5

13 User Reviews

2.2

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best V-Neck Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
Chelsea28's V-Neck Tiered Maxi Dress is a flowy style that can be dressed up or down. It has a smocked waist, a deep v-neckline, and a ruffle-tier skirt. Try pairing it with some slide sandals for a cute, casual look. 

GOOD TO KNOW
This maxi dress is available in four colors: White, Green Bright, Blue Marmara, and Pink Wildflower.

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Loveappella Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.4

09

Loveappella Maxi Dress

4.4

417 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Knit Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
What is better than a stretch-knit maxi dress? Answer: nothing. Loveappella's Maxi Dress is a swishy, foor-length silhouette that'll keep you comfortable during long days without sacrificing style.

GOOD TO KNOW
According to Nordstrom, this style runs large. We suggest ordering one size down from your typical fit. 

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Maeve Linen Halter Swing Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.4

08

Maeve Linen Halter Swing Maxi Dress

4.6

40 User Reviews

2.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Halter Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
Make a statement in Maeve's Linen Halter Swing Maxi Dress. With an open back and a vertical color-blocking pattern, this maxi is made for those who like to be the best-dressed guest at a wedding.

GOOD TO KNOW
This stylish summer maxi dress is available in petite and tall sizes. A few reviewers mention that it runs slightly large, so keep that in mind.

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Inclusive

Inclusive


J.Crew Athena Dress In Cotton Poplin

Overall Score

4.4

07

J.Crew Athena Dress In Cotton Poplin

4

11 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best White Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
An easy, breezy style, J.Crew's Athena Dress features alternating eyelet and lace trim on a roomy, sheath-like silhouette. It's made from 100% cotton, making it the ideal lightweight maxi dress for summer.

GOOD TO KNOW
This is another dress that runs large. Reviewers also mention that the white version is slightly see-through. 

More Colors

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Caslon Ruffle Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.4

06

Caslon Ruffle Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress

4.3

30 User Reviews

2.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Cotton Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
A scoop neckline and frilly cap sleeves give this maxi dress personality. Whether you're heading to brunch or powering through a day of errands, the breathable cotton fabric and flowy, tiered skirt are sure to keep you cool and comfortable.

GOOD TO KNOW
Nordstrom shoppers love this dress but mention that it runs long. Strappy heels would pair well with this style and provide the boost of height needed to keep the hem from hitting the floor.

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Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.4

05

Anthropologie The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress

4.2

303 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Summer Maxi Dress With Sleeves

WHAT TO LOVE
The Kallie Flowy Maxi Dress is a light and airy style that features a plunging neckline and a tiered skirt. With eight stunning color options to choose from (including Softened Sage and Maize yellow), this casual summer maxi dress is the perfect style to bring along on your next trip.

GOOD TO KNOW
This maxi is slightly sheer, so Anthro recommends styling it over another layer such as a simple slip dress.

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Inclusive

Inclusive


Universal Thread Women's Scoop Back Maxi Shift Dress

Overall Score

4.45

04

Universal Thread Women's Scoop Back Maxi Shift Dress

4.3

194 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
Simple yet stunning, this cotton maxi dress has two side slits—ideal for showing off a little leg. It also has a ruched halter neckline and a scoop back. Not to mention, the $28 price tag puts this maxi amongst the most affordable options on our list.

GOOD TO KNOW
Some Target shoppers say that this dress runs large, but others love the billowy look for beach days and pool hangs.

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Inclusive

Inclusive


free-est Extratropical Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.5

03

free-est Extratropical Maxi Dress

4.5

354 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Strappy Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
The Extratropical Maxi Dress was created to be thrown over a swimsuit or paired with a wide-brim hat. Crafted from Free People's gauzy "free-est" fabric, this strappy maxi is slightly adjustable due to its halter-tie top. 

GOOD TO KNOW
This dress is hand-wash only. It has a raw seam hem, so make sure you follow the care instructions to avoid further fraying.

More Colors

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Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.65

02

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress

4.7

592 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Gauze Summer Maxi Dress

WHAT TO LOVE
If you haven't dipped into Quince's collection yet, the Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress is a good place to start. This fan-favorite maxi is incredibly easy to style; just throw on a necklace and some sandals and you're good to go. 

GOOD TO KNOW
This dress is available in six colors and even comes in a striped rendition. 

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Eco Friendly

Eco Friendly


Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

Overall Score

4.9

01

Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

4.6

1847 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Summer Maxi Dress Overall

WHAT TO LOVE
With a flattering silhouette, plenty of patterns to choose from, and pockets, it's no wonder why The Somerset Maxi Dress is our algorithm's top choice for the best maxi on the internet. Choose from 11 summery pattern options and sizes from XXS to XL.

GOOD TO KNOW
Plus and petite sizes are available for this maxi. For context, plus sizes have a 57" length from shoulder to hem, while petite sizes have a 51" length.

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