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Maxi Dresses To Keep You Chic And Cool When It's Too Hot To Think Straight
From glorious gowns to easy, breezy day dresses that will help get you through the season.
I have about twenty maxi dresses in my summer wardrobe already, but I'm always on the hunt for more. Why? Because despite the temptation to go as short and scantily-clad as possible when temperatures start to soar, it can actually be much cooler – in both senses of the word – to cover up a little.
Not only does it look incredibly chic to be breezing around in something loose, long and floaty when everyone else is struggling with sticky legs and sunburn, but maxi dresses are also a veritable dressing saviour for when it's too hot to think straight. Forget fussing around with tops, skirts and accessories every morning – the best maxi dresses are the ones that you can just throw on and go.
The best part, however, is that there truly is a maxi dress to suit every occasion, from the silky patterned gowns that were made for nailing summer wedding guest dressing and colourful linen styles that belong on a beach, to the pared-back, Nineties-inspired, drop-waist designs that are dominating this season. The latter are some of the most versatile and stylish around: dress them up with heels and jewellery, or down with minimal sandals and sunglasses, and wear everywhere from the office to the bar, beach and beyond.
I've scoured the high street and high-end designers alike to put together my ultimate maxi dress wish list for summer 2024. Happy shopping!
Lucy Williams wore this while on holiday in Greece last month, and I've been lusting after it ever since.
I bought this linen-blend beauty before it went on sale, and it's hands down one of the most versatile and chic maxis I own. Size down if you're after the Nineties-esque fitted bodice look.
Linen dresses just scream summer, and they're great for keeping you cool in the heat, too. Dress up with gold jewellery and heels, or down with minimalist sandals.
Vita Kin's hand-embroidered takes on the traditional Ukrainian vyshyvanka dress have been on my wishlist for a while now. They're quite the investment, but they'll last for ever – and never go out of style.
If you're after quiet luxury Sofia Richie vibes, then this is the dress for you. It nails the drop-waist dress trend too.
Khaite is absolutely nailing it this season, from its cult naked sandals to its many ultra-covetable summer dresses. I'm eyeing this Yenza style, that feels like an elevated take on the t-shirt dress.
Australian brand St. Agni is all about the 'less is more' philosophy, but that doesn't mean its pieces aren't impactful. Take this asymmetric dress, for example, that's giving low-key Nineties glamour.
You can't beat Rat & Boa for floaty, fun and ethereal dresses that were simply made for the summer season. The sunset-hue ombré of this dress is even more striking IRL.
When it's seriously sticky outside, sometimes all you want to wear is something oversized and breezy. Enter, Cos' chic halter-neck maxi dress that's made from a breathable TENCEL™ Lyocell blend.
Casual ribbed jersey is contrasted with a more elegant silhouette in this fabulous Christopher Esber design. I love the crystal-embellished cut-out.
Summer brides who want an effortlessly elegant aesthetic – and a dress they will actually wear again – should consider this stylish strapless design.
Polka dots are back and at their best in this Mango monochrome maxi. The longline ruched bodice is ultra flattering, and I love that the skirt is left slightly sheer.
Pale butter yellow really pops against darker skin tones, so summer is the perfect time to give the tricky shade a try.
Another pared-back beauty from Aussie brand St. Agni, but this time it's in a bold red shade with a fitted bodice and racer-back. Obsessed.
The Ibiza-based brand De La Vali is my go-to for summer wedding guest dressing. I love the maximalist floral print here and the flowy, bohemian vibes.
Raw hems, sheer material and contrast lace trims make this Acne Studios dress a real winner. Who knew red and pink could look so good together?
With its halterneck, open back, seashell embellishment and sandy shade, this Zara dress belongs at some fabulous European beach bar.
Calling all vintage fashion lovers! Rixo's slinky crepe de chine maxi feels both nostalgic and thoroughly modern at the same time.
Leave it to a Brazilian brand to absolutely nail the summer maxi. The red-and-white ocean-inspired print is beautiful, and it's made from sustainable fibres too.
Is this the ultimate summer party dress? Rat & Boa's Nineties-inspired design would look as epic with heels and a bodysuit at a black tie event as it would on the beach with nothing but a thong underneath.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
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