The Best Maxi Dresses For Partying, Lounging and Everything In Between

We've found all the lengthy frocks to wear for every occasion, from floor-grazing bohemian silhouettes to the dramatic denim look recently seen on J.Lo.

By Natalie Alcala

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September 6, 2023 5:10pm

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Best Maxi Dresses

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When temperatures drop, hemlines drop along with it. While you can’t go wrong with pants or a skirt with tights, some of the best maxi dresses offer ease in styling in colder climates. The best thing about full-length frocks? You instantly look elegant, even when you’re simply lounging at home. (Silk pajamas offer a similar effect.)

Need ideas? Sydney Sweeney stepped out at Cannes in a casual green maxi dress with white piping, while Taylor Swift cinched a sleeveless black maxi dress with a simple black leather belt in New York in May. Jennifer Lopez went dramatic with denim in a $4,700 Valentino shirt dress during a recent outing in the Big Apple, while Vanessa Hudgens wore a feather-trimmed slip to a fancy sleepover last December.

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Whatever the occasion, we’ve identified 15 stylish maxi dresses (and a few midis) to dress up (or down) this season. From floral maxis and minimalist T-shirt styles to floor-grazing bohemian silhouettes and more in petite and plus sizes, check out our favorite picks to wear from summer through fall below.

1. Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress

Skims absolutely nailed form-fitting loungewear with this slip dress (also available in more hues at Nordstrom). Not only is this an at-home essential, but Skims founder Kim Kardashian has been spotted in this slip on more than one occasion, paired with an equally-long coat. This style’s ribbed stretch modal fabric is a signature of the brand — and ultra-soft.

Nordstrom

Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress $78

Buy now

2. Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress

Channel your inner Daisy Jones (or Karen Sirko, Camila Dunne or Simone Jackson) in Free People’s Dahlia embroidered maxi dress, which features puffy long sleeves, a smocked bodice and free-flowing skirt. It comes in a range of colors if you prefer a bright hue for fall.

Free People

Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress $168

Buy now

3. Duster The Weekender Dress

Technically a midi dress, this ankle-sweeping Weekender dress by Duster is helping to reinvent the house dress into a cool mom essential. This crisp duster features wide tank-style straps (handy for hiding your bra straps) and a removable waist tie.

Founded by fashion industry veterans, designer Andrea Racey and journalist Melissa Magsaysay (who has contributed to The Hollywood Reporter), the newly-launched brand is inspired by the latter’s Filipina heritage and turns the loose silhouettes often worn by women in the Philippines into everyday stylish staples. We love that the brand donates 2 percent of sales to Moms First.

Duster

Duster The Weekender Dress $226

Buy now

4. Asos Design Curve Floral Maxi Dress

Asos Design’s voluminous plus-size floral maxi dress adds petal-powered romance to Barbiecore.

Nordstrom

Asos Design Curve Floral Maxi Dress $82

Buy now

5. Quince Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress

Whether you’re chilling at home or on an errands kick, we love this easy jersey tank maxi dress from Quince. It can be dressed up with heels or boots, or dresses down with sneakers or slippers. For under $40 and over 400 glowing reviews (not to mention ample color options), you’ve got a winner here.

Quince

Quince Tencel Jersey Tank Maxi Dress $40

Buy now

6. Vince Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck Dress

Street-style trendsetters Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Hailey Bieber are big fans of turtleneck maxi dresses, as they’ve been spotted in pricey styles by The Row and Saint Laurent. This version by Vince is one of the best long-sleeved maxi dresses we’ve found and a bit more budget-friendly, and just as classic.

Neiman Marcus

Vince Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck Dress $225

Buy now

7. Eloquii Halter Neckline Satin Maxi Dress

Made of non-stretch bias-cut satin, Eloquii’s halter neckline maxi dress comes in a stunning eggplant purple shade that’s fit for fall events.

Eloquii

Eloquii Halter Neckline Satin Maxi Dress (reg. $130) $49

Buy now

8. Sleeper Boheme Feather-Trim Slip Dress

Vanessa Hudgens wore this fancy pajama look to a house party, pairing it with heels instead of the cozy slippers you see here. What would be your everyday slip dress is ultra-elevated, thanks to a fun feature trim and eye-catching frosty blue hue.

Sleeper

Sleeper Boheme Feather-Trim Slip Dress (reg. $350) $175

Buy now

9. Moon River Long Sleeve Crinkle Satin Tiered Maxi Dress

Whether you’re dreaming of frolicking on a prairie or dressing for date night, Moon River’s long-sleeved satin tiered maxi dress can be casual with flats or dressed up with platform sandals.

Nordstrom

Moon River Long Sleeve Crinkle Satin Tiered Maxi Dress $128

Buy now

10. Reformation Parma Printed Silk-Satin Maxi Dress

If you’re looking for a printed maxi but don’t want to go overboard, Reformation’s stunning silk number offers a romantic floral pattern in a range of colors. We love that this dress is inspired by ’90s slip styles and features a slim fit, adjustable straps and a draped neckline.

Reformation

Reformation Parma Silk-Satin Maxi Dress $348

Buy now

11. ASTR the Label Florentina Dress

ASTR the Label’s Florentina dress is the perfect mix of summer’s bright florals with fall’s longer silhouettes.

Revolve

ASTR the Label Florentina Dress $164

Buy now

12. Azazie x Kendall + Kylie Cowl Scoop Chiffon Mermaid Dress

Heading to a wedding? Whether you’re a bridesmaid or a guest, Hollywood-loved bridal brand Azazie’s collab with Kendall + Kylie includes this effortless spaghetti strap maxi gown. It features a cowl scoop neckline and a high slit, and comes in other stylish shades.

Azazie

Azazie x Kendall + Kylie Mermaid Dress $89

Buy now

13. Farm Rio Blue Knot Cutout Maxi Dress

Farm Rio’s bright blue maxi dress features long sleeves that balance out the cutout waist.

Farm Rio

Farm Rio Blue Knot Cutout Maxi Dress $260

Buy now

14. Simkhai Skyla Knit Wrap Dress

Another cozy number that works for home or heading out is Simkhai’s Skyla knit wrap dress. It’s technically midi length, but we couldn’t resist including it, as we love the wrap silhouette, belted waist, oatmeal hue and lightweight knit fabric.

Revolve

Simkhai Skyla Knit Wrap Dress $445

Buy now

15. Staud Wells Maxi Dress

Selena Gomez has been seen in this classy dress by Los Angeles-based brand Staud. Offering a tasteful cut and tailored bodice, this style is having a major Audrey Hepburn moment.

Staud

Staud Wells Maxi Dress $295

Buy now

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