14 Maxi Dresses Fashion People Are Wearing Nonstop This Summer

It's official: I'm a maxi dress convert. After years of being a midi loyalist, with the occasional minidress in the mix, I've decided it's time to expand my horizons (or my hemlines, at least).

I'll admit, Instagram has played a big part in opening my eyes to why maxi dresses are so great. Previously, I dismissed them as frumpy and unflattering, but I've now realised it's all down to the styling. And if anyone knows how to style something in a way that makes it appealing, its fashion influencers. My saved folder speaks for itself—IRL I dress pretty simply, but there's everything from neon orange suiting to low-slung jeans in there. Thanks to these expert dressers, I now recognise the power of the maxi. And just in time for summer. Phew! And, not only are floor-sweeping frocks comfier than their shorter counterparts, but they're also more visually impactful. In other words, you can keep the accessorising to a minimum and let your dress do the talking.

But Instagram hasn't just convinced me to give maxi dresses a go; it's even guided me to exactly which ones I should start with. Keep scrolling to see them in action, then shop our favourites if you too have noticed a maxi dress-shaped hole in your wardrobe. 

1. Matteau Shirred Dress

Best maxi dresses: @thandimaq wears a Matteau shirred dress

Photo:

@thandimaq

Style Notes: In a perfect world, I'd wear Matteau's breezy, beachy dresses all summer long. The shirred bodice on Thandi's maxi style is so 2023.

2. Faithfull The Brand Acacia Dress

Style Notes: If you love ditsy florals and flattering bias cuts, turn to Faithfull. The Bali-based brand has mastered summer style—this floor-length dress is just one example.

3. St Agni Vas Dress

Style Notes: This sleek black maxi can easily be carried into autumn once summer comes to an end (but let's not think about that now).

4. Réalisation Par Gia Dress

Best maxi dresses: @luciacuesta_ wears Réalisation Par's Gia dress

Photo:

@luciacuesta_

Style Notes: I've spied this dress on so many influencers I've lost count. While Lucia has styled it with chunky black clogs, I've also seen it paired with strappy sandals and knee-high boots.

5. Victoria Beckham Ribbed Dress

Style Notes: Ribbed dresses aren't reserved for winter, as proven by this strappy Victoria Beckham number. The metallic threading throughout gives it such a luxe feel.

6. LPA Vittoria Dress

Best maxi dresses: @javiera wears LBA's Vittoria dress

Photo:

@javiera

Style Notes: I'm not usually one for prints, but I can make an exception for the fun motifs on this figure-hugging maxi.

7. Hill House Catalina Dress

Best maxi dresses: @oliviamarcus wears Hill House's Catalina dress

Photo:

@oliviamarcus

Style Notes: The bardot neckline balances out this black floor-length dress nicely—otherwise it might feel too heavy. I'll be styling mine with cream slides, like Olivia.

8. Vince Satin Dress

Best maxi dresses: @greceghanem wears a Vince satin dress

Photo:

@greceghanem

Style Notes: A silk dress works for most occasions. Elevate it with heels and a blazer, or team it with sneakers for a relaxed everyday fit.

9. Caravana Kikab Dress

Style Notes: If you're seeking a dress that's elegant and cool in equal measure, look no further. From the sleeves to the sage green shade, everything about this maxi is perfection.

10. Free People Dahlia Dress

Style Notes: I adore how Charlotte has paired Free People's dreamy Dahlia dress with a basket back and peep-toe sandals. So summery.

11. The Míe Tarifa Dress

Style Notes: The bad news is this siren-red beauty is currently sold out, but the good news is you can join the waitlist with just the click of a button. Each dress is ethically made in Nigeria and guaranteed to be worth the wait.

12. Joseph Darnley Dress

Style Notes: Black might not scream summer, but choose a floaty longline style and you'll be set for a balmy day. This one is just the ticket to an effortless warm-weather look.

13. Baserange Shaw Dress

Best maxi dresses: @_jessicaskye wears Baserange's Shaw dress

Photo:

@_jessicaskye

Style Notes: Baserange dresses get so much hype on Instagram, and for good reason. This particular design is incredibly versatile and can be worn multiple ways.

14. Roberta Einer Bianca Dress

Best maxi dresses: @andi_mun wears Roberta Einer's Bianca dress

Photo:

@andi_mun

Style Notes: Wow. Every wardrobe needs a head-turning dress, and this one might just stop passersby in their tracks.