11 Stunning Maxi Dress Ideas That Will Have All Eyes On You

Maxi Dress Ideas

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Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Shopping Kim

If you’re a woman- like almost 59% of Americans– summer probably is a time when you like to revamp your wardrobe. Even if you’re not a fashion-savvy gal, summer is a time when you like to put on a cute dress once in a while.

When looking to get some new clothes this season, it’s a good idea to look into dresses. After all, they come in so many styles and flatter so many body types! Read on to learn how to find the perfect maxi dress for you.

Fun With Fabric

With summer comes not only the need to be cute, the need to keep cool and practical. Here are a couple of fabrics that can make that happen.

1. Summer Love in Linen

One of the best and most fashionable materials to wear in the warm weather is, of course, linen. The best thing about linen is that it isn’t only breathable, but it’s super durable. This means that whether you’re running through the city with friends or laying in your yard reading, your dress will come out in great shape.

2. Cotton Chaos

What’s the single most comfortable and breathable fabric? What should you wear if you want to stay cool in record high temperatures?

The answer to both of these questions is cotton, of course! Cotton is a practical and comfortable fabric to wear anytime, anywhere. There are lots of great dresses made out of it, too, since it can be cut into so many styles!

Shop for Styles

Just having the right type of fabric isn’t going to make your perfect wardrobe. You’re going to need to get the right patterns and styles of fabric too. Here are some styles you won’t want to miss.

3. X Marks the Dot

Polka dots are a funky style that everyone loves. They’re so versatile, after all! Whether you want to get them in one simple color or in all the colors of the rainbow, there’s a dotted dress for you. Also, look into both big and small polka dots- there’s no one way to wear this tried-and-true style!

4. Floral Fun

Floral prints are a classic for a reason. Yes, Jane Austen’s characters may have worn them sometimes, but they aren’t a thing of the past at all. In fact, they’re a hugely popular style because they’re enduring.

ZESICA Women's Bohemian Floral Printed Wrap V Neck Short Sleeve Split Beach Party Maxi Dress

Whether you want to look romantic in roses or radiant in sunflowers, there’s a floral print maxi dress out there for you.

5. Pockets!? Pockets!

Every girl knows how exciting it is to find a dress with pockets. Your heart thumps and you feel like your crush has just given you a look to swoon for. That’s why these are such a hot trend to look into this season.

We probably don’t have to tell you this, but pockets can hold lots of things… jewelry, tampons, snacks, fidget cubes, or pocket-sized books. No matter who you are, pockets are definitely for you.

Unique Ideas

Here are a couple of ideas to spice up your wardrobe even more this summer and go beyond the season’s big trends.

6. Homemade Is Heartfelt

There are a lot of dresses out there to choose from, but if you want something especially unique, why not try to make your own? You can make it out of literally any fabric with literally any pattern, so that’s a huge plus. If nothing else, it will give you hours of fun trying to create something!

Simplicity Vintage New Look Patterns UN6341A Misses' Dress, A (6-8-10-12-14-16-18)

7. Sash City

Dresses with sashes are all the rage every summer, and this one’s bound to be no exception. They do wonders for your figure by bringing out all your best features. Plus, sashes are a great way to make sure that your dress doesn’t slide around too much when you’re being active.

You can also use sashes to diversify the color of your wardrobe! Match different sash colors with dress patterns and shades. Go bananas!

Magnificent Matching

So you know the most en vogue fabrics and patterns. Now what? Well, it’s time to look at what you wear and best customize your wardrobe based on the styles and accessories you love!

8. What to Wear with Your Hair

Because everyone’s different, everyone prefers to wear their hair in different lengths. Different girls prefer different summer styles, too. Whether you want to let your hair flow past your shoulders or put into a cute side braid, there are different maxi dresses that will accentuate your style.

Try backless or low-back dresses if you’re going to be putting your hair up. This will show off your skin and give you an irresistible look of sexy sophistication. If your hair is going to hang low, try something strapless and sleeveless.

Body Wrappers Cross-Strap Low Back Dress Nude Small

9. Shake it Up with Your Makeup

Another thing to consider carefully when picking your maxi dress is color. Different makeup colors tend to go with different features- for example, blue eyeshadow is made for brown eyed babes. You can’t change these features, so bring them out!

If you wear blue eyeshadow, pair it with a sky blue or sea green dress for a summer appeal. If your eyes themselves are blue, why not bring them out with a dandelion yellow maxi dress? The bottom line is, don’t underestimate what color can do!

Docolor Eyeshadow Palette 9 Colors Gemstone Shadow Palette Highly Pigmented Mattes Shimmers Naked Smokey Glitter Cream Colorful Powder Blendable Long Lasting Waterproof Makeup Palette-Blue

Keepin’ Comfy

Dresses are important, it’s true, but you can’t wear them exclusively. Your wardrobe craves variety, and plus, sometimes you’re going to want to be comfy! So let’s talk about shirts and cardigans, which are perfect to wear with your new dress, but also on their own.

10. Don’t Frown, Dress Down

It’s a fact no one can deny: sometimes, you just want to be comfortable. The good news is that comfort and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive.

In fact, Adam White, creator of JasperHollandCo.com, says that you can wear a comfortable t-shirt on a date with your wife and look great, as long as the shirt fits snugly and has a sleek, minimalist logo.

So this summer, don’t get into the routine of wearing nothing but your favorite maxi dresses. You can wear cozy t-shirts under your lower-cut beauties, but you can also wear them alone and look perfect.

11. Cash in for a Cardigan

One of the best things you can do for yourself in the summer is to invest in a cardigan. After all, the days might be hot and perfect for a strapless or spaghetti-strap dress, but you’re bound to get cold at night.

When you come prepared with a cardigan, this will never be an issue! Just throw it on over anything you’ve worn. If you get the right color and style, just one or two cardigans will go with anything!

Get the Perfect Maxi Dress

Since summer is a time for fun in the sun, nights out with friends, kisses in cars, and picnics at the beach, you’re definitely going to need the perfect maxi dress for the season. After all, when you’re going through a photo album documenting your epic summer ten years down the line, you’re going to want to see you at your best.

Now that you know all the coolest trends in maxi dresses this summer, it’s time to start shopping! Check out our page for the coolest styles and best prices on your dream dress.

Have fun!