Maxi dresses to wear from summer and into fall
A tweak or two will have you wearing these frocks long past Labour day
Whether you're at work, running errands, on the beach, or headed to a wedding, nothing gives you maximum versatility and maximum impact quite like the maxi dress. And because they come in a wide variety of prints, colours, and silhouettes, they're a go-to for simple style all year round. Here are our current faves that will effortlessly take you from summer's hottest days to fall's chillier nights, and suggestions for how to pull it off.
Floral femme
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of maxi dresses is of course, ethereal bohemian goddesses frolicking in a field sans footwear. Think flowing and floral, but don't overdo it with actual flowers - keep the look simple with a strappy sandal and jean jacket for night. And if you dare, try it with socks and sandals as you move into fall.
California Love Maxi Dress, $289.56, www.freepeople.com
Wilfred Replique Dress, $135, www.aritzia.com
Flynn Skye Unbutton Me Fresh Dress, $250.49, www.shopbop.com
Easy breezy
There's something so amazingly simple about a maxi dress - you just throw it on and you're good to go. My personal faves fit like a bag (aka no cling), are light as a feather, and instantly make you look pulled together even when you're rushing to get ready — or are feeling extra bloated!
Young, Fabulous & Broke Amara Dress, $157.18, www.revolve.com
Free People Showstopper Maxi Dress, $137.16, www.freepeople.com
Forever 21 Contemporary Striped Maxi, $33.90, www.forever21.com
Pretty in pink
Flip the switch and make the maxi even more dramatic with an unexpected colour choice - we're currently loving millennial pink, blush pink, hot pink...basically all pinks. Keep your look 90s with black mules or a chunky block heel and accessories with long layered necklaces. And if you're doing a slip dress, you can always layer with a tee or turtleneck when the temp goes down.
Nice Martin Orden Maxi Wrap Dress, $124, www.urbanoutfitters.ca
Elizabeth and James Mael Gathered Silk Chiffon Maxi, $199.50, www.theoutnet.com
Plain Studios Maxi Shift Dress with High Neck, $92.92, www.asos.com
Not your basic black
But what about those of us that are allergic to all things floral and feminine? Fear not - there is many a maxi for the colour conservatives. Go black but not basic with small prints, interesting cuts, and anti-fem florals. Pair it with sneakers instead of sandals come September and you're set.
Karlie Kloss Dot Print Maxi Dress, $88 USD, www.express.com
& Other Stories Tie Dye Slip Dress, $145 USD, www.stories.com
De La Vali Maxi Ruffle Dress with Bird Print, $827.87, www.brownsfashion.com
Subtly sexy
Just because you're swathed in fabric from head to toe doesn't mean you can't be sexy. Find a dress that's a little tight and a little revealing, throw on a pair of strappy heels, some red lips and va-va-va-voom - get ready to wow. And when it comes to working this number into your fall wardrobe, a long, thin cardigan paired ankle booties will give these dresses an entirely new vibe.
Reformation Miguel Dress, $218 USD, www.reformation.com
Misa Los Angeles Desi Dress, $446.19, www.revolve.com
