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Choosing the Best Maxi Dress

Plus size model wearing floral maxi dress posing on the city street.
Alena Ozerova/Shutterstock

Maxi dresses are an easy, fun, and comfortable fashion choice. The design’s flowing skirt allows wearers to feel stylish while remaining comfortable. You can easily dress them up or down with accessories, so you can wear a maxi dress to any event. Here are some fantastic maxi dresses that we recommend.

Purchasing a Maxi Dress

Find the ideal maxi dress for your style by considering these key factors:

  • Occasion: Maxi dresses can work for any event with the help of some styling. It is important to keep in mind where you plan on wearing the maxi dress before purchasing it. For warm days, consider a maxi dress with a breathable, lightweight fabric like cotton or linen. A maxi dress meant for the beach will look different than the one you would wear to a wedding.
  • Features: Like any piece of clothing, maxi dresses can have different features. Sleeve length, skirt style, neckline, and pockets can all vary depending on the design. Make sure to check the details of your dress.
  • Material: Maxi dresses can be made from a variety of the material, all giving off different impressions. A cotton dress may be good for a casual get-together, while a satin dress would be great for an evening dinner. It is also important to keep your dress’s care in mind, as different materials may have cleaning specifications.

Best Long Sleeved: VIISHOW Long Sleeve Loose Empire Waist Maxi Dresses

A woman wearing a long sleeved, high neckline green maxi dress.

This plain green maxi dress features an empire waist, long sleeves, and pockets. Loose-fitting, lightweight, soft, and stretchy, this dress would be great for a casual get-together or a relaxing day at home. Made from 95% rayon and 5% spandex, this dress fits your form on the bodice and arms while also flowing softly around your legs.

Best Long Sleeved

VIISHOW Women's Long Sleeve Solid Pockets Plus Maxi Long Dress with Elastic Waistband(Army Green,X-Small)

This green maxi dress features an empire waist and long sleeves to create a comfortable but stylish look.

Best Short Sleeved: GRECERELLE Casual Loose Short Sleeve Split Maxi Dresses

A woman wearing a maroon floral maxi dress with side slits and short sleeves.

This backless floral maxi dress features short side slits in the skirt and a deep v-neckline that create a more dynamic design. It comes in a variety of different patterns and has a flowy, loose fit. The open back complements the skirt slit of this design. This dress would be easy to dress up with a nice pair of high heels.

Best Short Sleeved

GRECERELLE Women's Casual Loose Long Dress Short Sleeve Floral Print Maxi Dresses with Pockets FP-Wine Red X-Small

This dress's balanced design features short sleeves, a skirt slit, and an open back.

Best Sleeveless: WOOSEA Sleeveless Deep V Neck Loose Maxi Dress

A woman wearing a sleeveless teal maxi dress with a v-neckline.

This sleeveless maxi dress is soft and stretchy as it is made from a spandex, rayon, and polyester blend. Featuring an empire waist and deep v-neckline, this dress would be great for almost any occasion. The 39 other color and pattern options allow you to select the ideal hue for your skin tone.

Best Sleeveless

WOOSEA Women Sleeveless Deep V Neck Loose Plain Long Maxi Casual Dress

Feel beautiful and comfortable with the stretchy fabric of this dress.

Best with Pockets: Sarin Mathews Off The Shoulder Long Maxi Dresses with Pockets

A woman wearing a deep green off the shoulder maxi dress and holding a beige purse.

This off-the-shoulder maxi dress features a stylish ruffle, cinched waist, side slits, and pockets. It can also be styled as a one-shoulder or tube top dress. Available in 19 colors, this dress is lightweight, flowy, and soft. It would be easy to dress up with a pair of heels, a nice bag, and jewelry.

Best with Pockets

Womens Off The Shoulder Ruffle Party Dress Side Split Beach Long Maxi Dresses Acie Blue S

This off-the-shoulder maxi dress features a stylish ruffle design with the added benefit of pockets.

Best Plus Sized: Nemidor 3/4 Sleeve Floral Print Plus Size Maxi Dress

A woman wearing a green maxi dress with a pink and white floral pattern.

This elegant, floral maxi dress would be perfect for any semi-formal event such as garden parties or weddings. This dress is form-fitting and flattering for any body type, featuring a v-neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a belted empire waist. It is machine washable and also available in 13 other designs.

Best Plus Sized

Nemidor Women's 3/4 Sleeve Floral Print Plus Size Casual Party Maxi Dress (GreenPrint, 18W)

Stand out at your next event with the fitted bodice and flowing skirt of this dress.

Ellie Miller Ellie Miller
Ellie Miller is a full-time copy editor and occasional writer for LifeSavvy’s reviews articles. With years of experience in substantive and copy editing, proofreading, and publishing, she has edited thousands of online articles, as well as memoirs, scientific essays, book chapters, and workplace training documents. She hopes you’ll find some new favorite products here on LifeSavvy like she has. Read Full Bio »
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