Bring on the Compliments—33 Dresses That Are Easy, Chic and Perfect for Summer

Is there anything better than throwing on a breezy maxi dress when you need to feel polished on a hot day? Here's my edit of this season's best styles.

Models wear maxi dresses for summer
(Image credit: H&M, Doen, Massimo Dutti)
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If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that I’m a dress person through and through. I’d say a hefty 80% of my wardrobe consists of them, and while there are certain shapes and fits I’m drawn to more than others (I’m looking at you, floaty, puff-sleeved numbers) I’m definitely not fussy when it comes to dress styles.

This is a trait I can 100% attribute to my incredibly stylish and perennially cool mum, who herself is a dress fanatic. From linen strappy styles for holidays to party-ready minis, and transitional floral midis that go with boots to work-appropriate shirt styles, between us we probably have every dress style possible accounted for. Luckily we’re about the same size, and who doesn’t love a bit of wardrobe swapping every now and again? However, there is one dress that reigns supreme for me, my mum and a whole myriad of editors, influencers and fashion people alike, and that's a maxi dress.

@POPPYNASH

(Image credit: @POPPYNASH)

Wearing Joslin.

What’s the beauty of a maxi dress I hear you ask? Where to begin. Firstly, a maxi dress is possibly the easiest wardrobe staple to wear and style. Just throw on your favourite with weather-appropriate footwear and you’re good to go. Secondly, they’re really easy to transition from season to season and occasion to occasion, making them one of the most versatile items in your sartorial arsenal. And thirdly, they are just so damn comfy. And that is the biggest plus of all.

Since there is no time more appropriate for me to sing the praises of a maxi dress than spring/summer, I've crafted my ultimate list of the best maxi dresses that will take you from the park to the office, and a wedding to a beach break. Plus, to make things really easy for you, I’ve split them up into four core categories: Neutral maxi dresses, bright maxi dresses, black maxi dresses and printed ones. Enjoy!

Shop the Best Maxi Dresses

1. The Best Neutral Maxi Dresses

2. The Best Bright Maxi Dresses

3. The Best Black Maxi Dresses

4. The Best Printed Maxi Dresses

This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Promo Image: @POPPYNASH

Poppy Nash
Poppy Nash
Managing Editor

Poppy joined the Who What Wear UK team as managing editor in 2022. After graduating from university with a degree in English literature, she worked for several publications, including Women's Health, The Times and Marie Claire.

As WWW UK’s managing editor, Poppy looks after the content calendar and all output across the brand, in addition to working with contributors and supporting with social media planning, branded content, marketing and brand strategy. A keen eye for detail means Poppy oversees the production of tentpole moments such as special issues, events, gift guides and more. You won’t find many articles by Poppy on site, but when you do there’s no doubt they will either be focused on dresses, handbags or classic high-street buys she shares with her mum. Or better yet, all three!

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