The 14 best maxi dresses for any and every occasion

Executive editor Sally Kaplan tried out Quince's poplin maxi dress herself, and notes it makes a great dupe for Anthropologie's Somerset dress.

"While the cotton material has no stretch, the dress has elastic at the waist for flexibility with the sizing. On the model, it hits mid-calf, but on my 5'1" frame, it was a full-length maxi dress. I'll definitely be wearing this on date nights and warm-weather outings!"

Read more in our full Quince review.

For those who love their summer linens, we've dubbed Richer Poorer's maxi dress the best of its kind. It boasts a classic fit around the bodice that flares into an empire waist.

Contributing style writer Talia Ergas recommends this sundress if you have prefer a full silhouette. "Richer Poorer's Linen Maxi Dress has a flattering babydoll cut that I like to wear with a denim maxi jacket draped over my shoulders," she says.

You can pull it on and adjust its spaghetti straps for the perfect fit, and the back paneling is smock-like and stretches for comfort. Plus, it has spacious pockets for holding your keys, wallet, phone, lip gloss, and other essentials.

Maxi dresses and floral patterns are a classic summer combo. The market is saturated with maxi dresses blooming with flowers, but Farm Rio's Blue Pineapple Garden Maxi Dress has a nautical color story uniquely balanced with an intricate fruity pattern. It's a laid-back frock you'll want to frolic, nap, and live in throughout the warm weather months.

In case you missed it, Free People's Golden Hour Maxi Dress went viral on Instagram earlier this year. While its billowy skirt and exaggerated sleeves give it a relaxed fit, the defined waistband adds structure. If this price point is a little too steep for your budget, Amazon influencers have dubbed this Argeousgor dress a handy $50 dupe (though you may have to dig around for your preferred color option). 

This curve-hugging dress has a similar silhouette to SKIMS' Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, but the Popilush version has a secret advantage: inside is an invisible shaping bodysuit that pulls in and smoothes your waist without squeezing you, giving you an hourglass figure.  It even has a crotch cutout so you don't have to completely disrobe when nature calls, and the leg openings have elastic ribbing to keep them in place.

This formal maxi dress from Abercrombie is bound to be the highlight of the event. It comes in three color options: a classic black, dainty periwinkle, and bridal white. The silky finish is constructed from an enhanced satin fabric. But what really sold me on this ankle-length dress is the details: a thigh-high leg slit, plunging v-neckline, and eye-catching exaggerated twist-front.

This is the perfect affordable throw-on-and-go maxi dress for grabbing coffee, visiting the farmer's market, dressing for the beach, and more. It costs under $40 and is available on Amazon (with Prime one-day shipping to boot). You can choose from an impressive array of 45 color and pattern options, so if you like the fit, you can fill your wardrobe with a variety. The design also has deep pockets that can fit all of your essentials if you'd rather leave your purse at home.

Eloquii is one of our favorite places to find plus size formal dresses. This Off the Shoulder Dress is a size inclusive option that shows off your curves and collarbones. Its stretchy close-fitting bodice contrasts with its swingy full-length skirt, and it comes in three solid colorways. The fabric is washing machine safe, so it's a solid low-maintenance option.

I initially fell for Reformation's Jeany Silk Dress because it's eerily similar to the yellow gown Kate Hudson wore in the classic-com How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days. And if yellow isn't your color, the dress comes in four alternative hues and patterns, like navy and a sandy Zebra print. What's more, though the dress is fitted throughout, it's also flowy and designed with adjustable straps to ensure you feel supported and comfortable. In addition to its ties, the dress is also adorned with back buttons (non-functional) for an extra aesthetic touch.

Speaking from experience, shopping for dresses as a petite puts you right in Goldilock's shoes; styles are either too big or too small length-wise. Current Air's Sidonie Pleated Maxi Dress, however, fits just right. The pleats throughout give the dress a kind of ethereal depth and the stylistic details of a plunging neckline and delicate ties just above the natural waist add to the piece's boho-chic aesthetic. Though long-sleeved, you can easily roll them up to the elbow in warmer weather. 

This flowy cottagecore dress from Mango has frayed, ruffled hems to contrast its feminine évasé skirt. The bodice is detailed with a honeycomb pattern, and in the rear is a peek-a-boo opening that shows off your lower back. Its cotton construction has a floaty quality that makes a subtle fashion statement.

If you've been searching for the quintessential little black maxi dress that's both professional and playful, consider it found. This sophisticated L*Space dress can easily be dressed up or down with a simple switch of shoes and accessories. It has a ribbed and fitted silhouette, with poplin short sleeves that add a fun daytime flare and a tie at the bust, plus a side slit at the thigh that adds a sexy element for nighttime wear. 

For this summer, it's time to level up your oversized t-shirt with a beach-appropriate dress as a swimsuit cover-up. Available in three earthy color options — khaki, apricot, and white — this knit number hits all the way to the sand for an effortless beach-chic look.  It features a full coverage neckline but has small cut-outs so you can still enjoy the ocean breeze.

Rather than wear a one-piece, you can create a similar silhouette with a maxi coord set.  I love this set from Love Bonito, that features a crop top puff-sleeve cami and what the brand calls a"Midaxi" skirt. The top has a square neckline delicate back strap to keep its puff sleeves in place, while the best-selling skirt has a versatile A-line flair.