The beginning of summer is already a matter of days away, and if you’re anything like me, you’re feverishly anticipating the new season. After all, there’s so much to be excited about—not just the onset of warm sunny days, but also the prospect of exploration. Summer is the time to not only pack your bags and jet off somewhere new but to test-drive a few viral summer trends. Deciding where to travel this summer is easy, but landing on what to pack for a said trip is a challenge in and of itself. Sure, there are summer staples that the style set swears by summer after summer, and there are even cute accessories you can buy to make your wardrobe feel fresh. Still, when it comes to looking good on that upcoming trip, you need at least one trend-forward piece of clothing you can pull out to serve a vacation look. Enter the beach maxi dress.
I must preface this by saying that in no way are beach cover-ups or maxi dresses some new or groundbreaking trend, but when you opt for those with trend-forward details (think: crochet, cutouts, tropical prints, and saturated hues), you’re able to give this trusted summer staple a reboot and make your favorite swimsuit even better. So, are you ready to find the perfect breach-ready piece to pack for your upcoming vacation? Keep scrolling—I’ve rounded up the 42 best beach maxi dresses at every price point.
Beach Maxi Dresses Under $150:
Just imagine how good your swimsuit will look underneath this knit dress.
The ruching on this bodice and deep V-neckline is going to bring the heat back into your summer wardrobe.
Simple yet stunning.
Who said beach-ready dresses couldn’t be polished?
The cutouts will keep you cool on a hot day.
You can dress this dress up or down.
You’ll be delighted to throw this over your bikini after a day by the beach.
Zara does it again.
Now all you need are platform flip-flops.
Jaws will drop when you wear this dress.
Eyelet is never a bad call.
From the beach to brunch, this dress is ready for it all.
Nautical vibes on deck.
Madewell never misses.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the sweetheart neckline on this.
Beach Maxi Dresses Under $350:
Call me biased, but isn’t this print so good?
The acrylic accent rings on this dress are everything.
Embrace your wild side.
This dress had me in love at first sight.
Why not get all matchy-matchy with the ocean?
The wrap-around tie-waist and buttons on this dress make it exceptionally special.
I’m obsessed with everything about this dress.
I wouldn’t mind wearing this in the South of France at all.
Palm Beach is calling.
You can style this as a dress or a sarong.
This print feels Emilio Pucci–inspired but without the price tag.
Is it just me, or does this dress give off The Birth of Venus vibes?
Nothing I love more than a colorful beach coverup.
Farm Rio did not need to go this hard with this maxi dress.
The wavy print on this maxi is giving peak ’70s vibes in the best possible way.
Beach Maxi Dresses to Splurge On:
Perfect for lounging in a cabin by the beach.
You can remove the maxi skirt on this and wear the suit as is, or keep it on for the perfect multifunctional beach dress.
The print on this Paco Rabanne dress is giving a whole new meaning to the term "sundress.”
I’d wear this to a beachside wedding.
You can wear this for years to come.
An ideal dress for if you want to be serving a look on your upcoming trip.
Colbat continues to be the coolest color of the moment.
The vibe shift I didn’t even know I needed.
Your favorite one-piece has met its match.
Honestly feel like Carrie Bradshaw would wear this.
I dream of this dress daily.
Thinking about starting a Crowdfunding account so I can own this dress.
Next: These 26 Brands Have the Best Size-Inclusive Swimwear, Period
