These 15 Maxi Dresses Are Perfect For Elevating Your Summer Style

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Trends may come and go, but we know one thing for certain: when it comes to summer fashion, you can never go wrong with a maxi dress — and for good reason. Summer maxi dresses are often fitted with a more breathable silhouette, so you can navigate even the hottest temperatures of the season in style. From nap dresses and body-hugging coverups to sundresses and sleeveless frocks, maxi dresses give the illusion of a well-put-together outfit, all while requiring little to no effort at all. That is, if you can shop out the right one, of course.

To help you in your search for the perfect maxi dress, we've handpicked a few of our favorite styles from sites like Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Amazon, and more — all available at a wide-range of price-points, so you can find a look that's just right for you and your summer wardrobe budget. Whether you're stocking up on fashion essentials ahead of your next beach vacation or just need an excuse to invest in some more breathable pieces for the new season, rest assured these maxi dresses will make elevating your summer style a breeze.

Browse on to shop our picks!

Banana Republic Halter Slip Dress
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Banana Republic Halter Slip Dress

This Banana Republic Halter Slip Dress ($66, originally $110) is giving off major summer party vibes — and not just because it reminds us of the dancing woman emoji. With its red-hot coloring and airy flare, you'll be the star of any soirée this summer.

A Vision in White: ASOS Off -Shoulder Midi Dress
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A Vision in White: ASOS Off -Shoulder Midi Dress

It simply doesn't get more angelic than this ASOS Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress ($130). If you're looking for a conservative and polished frock to don for a more elevated evening out, this breezy maxi is certain to do the trick.

Best Nap Dress Dupe: English Factory Ruffle Sleeve Maxi Dress
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Best Nap Dress Dupe: English Factory Ruffle Sleeve Maxi Dress

Given that cottagecore is all the rage this season, you'll need an English Factory Ruffle Sleeve Maxi Dress ($95) to help you meet the moment in style. Available in a number of different colors, this tiered maxi can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion — providing so much outfit versatility.

Casual-Chic: Free People Meadow Tee Dress
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Casual-Chic: Free People Meadow Tee Dress

Summer is all about easy, breezy styles — providing even more incentive to adopt more casual outfits, like this Free People Meadow Tee Dress ($88), into your wardrobe. Whether you're heading to the beach, out to run some morning errands, or are enjoying a cozy night in at home, this frock will have you feeling cute and comfy, regardless of the situation.

For Frisky Fashion: ASOS Animal Print Sleeveless Maxi Dress
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For Frisky Fashion: ASOS Animal Print Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Tap into your wild side this summer with the ASOS Animal Print Sleeveless Maxi Dress ($35) — a cheetah-printed frock that's as breathable as it is totally adorable. Thanks to its airy silhouette, this dress can easily take you from any day-to-night activities, while still looking fresh and on-trend.

The Minimalistic Maxi: Mare Mare x Anthropologie Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Dress
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The Minimalistic Maxi: Mare Mare x Anthropologie Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Polished and pretty, this Mare Mare x Anthropologie Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Dress ($170) might just be the perfect maxi dress for any work gatherings or in-office parties. Plus, the flutter-sleeve accent on the shoulders helps to elevate an otherwise classic look with just the right amount of structure for a style that's truly unique.

Most Affordable: A New Day Plus-Size Sleeveless Sundress
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Most Affordable: A New Day Plus-Size Sleeveless Sundress

Looking at this A New Day Sleeveless Sundress ($25, originally $30), we can't help but want to pack up an afternoon picnic and go frolicking through a flower field. With its flared skirt, flattering silhouette, and striped design, this sundress screams summer in every way possible. Plus, it's available in a variety of fresh, seasonal colors, too!

A Summer Statement: Farm Rio Toucananas Maxi Dress
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A Summer Statement: Farm Rio Toucananas Maxi Dress

Farm Rio is home to some of the most serotonin-boosting styles in fashion — including this Farm Rio Toucananas Maxi Dress ($200). A long-sleeved maxi is a great option for any evening event — and this statement-making dress will help you to make a stylish splash, regardless of the occasion.

Resort-Ready: A.L.C. Delfina Cutout One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
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Resort-Ready: A.L.C. Delfina Cutout One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Summer style is embodied perfectly in this figure-hugging A.L.C. Delfina Cutout One-Shoulder Maxi Dress ($695). As for us, we're already dreaming up the next tropical, beach vacation that we can take — with this golden gown in tow, of course.

The Perfect Beach Dress: FARA Boutique La Plage Tie Dye Kaftan
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The Perfect Beach Dress: FARA Boutique La Plage Tie Dye Kaftan

We're convinced that tie dye never really goes out of style — especially when it comes to summer fashion. Tap into the trend with the help of this FARA Boutique La Plage Tie Dye Kaftan ($125) — versatile enough to wear as a beach coverup or a lightweight, daytime dress.

A Daytime Frock: Pretty Garden Summer Floral Maxi Dress
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A Daytime Frock: Pretty Garden Summer Floral Maxi Dress

Everyone needs a staple, floral dress in their summer wardrobe — and it doesn't get more darling than this Pretty Garden Summer Floral Maxi Dress ($41). Crafted from a polyester and elastane material, this boho maxi is equal parts casual and chic.

The Perfect Color Pop: PQ Bianca Cover-Up Maxi Dress
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The Perfect Color Pop: PQ Bianca Cover-Up Maxi Dress

In the case of coverup-maxi dress hybrid styles, Anthropologie's PQ Bianca Cover-Up Maxi Dress ($154) might just be the cutest ever. Besides its cosmo pink-coloring, the dress also features a cabana-chic vibe that will have you feeling cute and supported from the pool to your next resort vacation and beyond.

For a Floral Touch: Terra & Sky Plus Size Tiered Maxi Dress
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For a Floral Touch: Terra & Sky Plus Size Tiered Maxi Dress

Between the sweetheart neckline and tiered skirt silhouette, we're convinced this Terra & Sky Plus Size Tiered Maxi Dress ($28) has the potential to be our new favorite frock for summer. The folksy floral print is also so uniquely cute — with enough colors to meet every person's style preferences.

Sexy & Sleek: Flook the Label Romy Cover-Up Dress
anthropologie.com

Sexy & Sleek: Flook the Label Romy Cover-Up Dress

Take on the season's warmest temps in style with this Romy Cover-Up Dress ($245) from Anthropologie. Wrapped in a cedar-colored, cotton fabric, this cover-up maxi boasts a knitted design that makes the style equally breathable and sexy.

Best Transitional Dress: Free People Dreamweaver Maxi Dress
freepeople.com

Best Transitional Dress: Free People Dreamweaver Maxi Dress

Don't let the summer's bright color palette confuse you — black still remains the perfect color in any season, as demonstrated by this Free People Dreamweaver Maxi Dress ($68). With its puff sleeves, structured silhouette, and moody coloring, this frock will help you nail the cottagecore vibe this summer — and double as the perfect transition dress come fall.