Best Casual Maxi Dresses This Summer

There are four reasons I love casual maxi dresses. One, they are great for airplanes. They don’t cut into my stomach like jeans and leggings do, and they keep my legs warm. Two, they can be dressed up and down. I can wear a casual maxi dress to both the grocery and a summer party. Three, I don’t have to shave my legs. Four, the length protects my legs from the sun. I love to prevent sun damage, but I don’t love putting on sunscreen. With that said, below are my favorite casual maxi dresses I have put on my clients and myself this month.

Bailey 44 Dishdasha Dress

This Bailey 44 Dishdasha Dress is the perfect airplane dress. The ruching is forgiving and the style can go from a Padres game to a concert. This dress is available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Sizing Tip: Runs a bit small. Order a size up.

J.Crew Ratti V-Neck Maxi Dress

The J.Crew Ratti V-Neck Maxi Dress is really beautiful and 100% cotton. Of all the casual maxi dresses on this list, this is the dressiest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it more casually. Yes, you can wear it to a wedding, but you could also wear it to a barbecue with the right crowd. And nothing would stop me from wearing this for rooftop drinks. This dress is available at Nordstrom and J.Crew.

Sizing Tip: True to size, but also order a size down to compare if you’re unsure.

Stone Row Addicted 2 Me Smocked Maxi Dress

I adore this Stone Row Addicted 2 Me Smocked Maxi Dress. The print is absolutely fresh and the comfort is spot on. Wear this to brunch, parties, the Del Mar Races, and the pool. If you don’t like the sleeves, you can seam rip them off, but I think they make the look.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but I recommend also ordering one size up to compare.

Felicity & Coco Strapless High/Low Dress

This Felicity & Coco Strapless High/Low Dress is silky soft, flattering, and fun. I could wear this to any social event.

Sizing Tip: True to size, but also order a size down to compare.

Red Carter One-Shoulder Maxi Cover-Up Dress

The Red Carter One-Shoulder Maxi Cover-Up Dress is very high cut. It goes great over a swimsuit, but I love it as a dress. I envision you wearing it as a hostess when you have people over at your home. I promise it’s not too see-through.

Sizing Tip: One size fits most, so it works like a mumu.

Tart Chloe Empire Waist Maxi Dress

Tart makes yummy maxi dresses and this Chloe Empire Waist Maxi Dress is no exception. Their fabric is pajama soft, but not thin, and their cuts are flattering.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but also order a size down if you want to compare.

MICHAEL Bloom Maxi Dress

This MICHAEL Michael Kors Bloom Maxi Dress is so sweet and versatile. You can wear this to the grocery or a party. It is available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, Zappos, and Macy’s.

Sizing Tip: Runs very large. Order 1-2 sizes down.

Maeve Elseby Lace-Up Dress

You may recognize this Maeve Elseby Lace-Up Dress from my What To Wear Wine Tasting post. It is crazy soft, has a heftiness to it that I like, and you don’t have to wear a bra — it does amazing things for the bust.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size. As a size 6 woman, I wear a small. Keep in mind that the ties in the back make it a little adjustable too. At first, I thought the small was too small for me, but it absolutely wasn’t. It’s perfect.

BP. V-Neck Casual Maxi Dresses

This BP. V-Neck Maxi Dress is inexpensive, soft, and flattering. In fact, BP always puts out awesomely soft and affordable casual maxi dresses. Click here to check out more.

Sizing Tip: True to size.

Lacausa Molly Midi Dress

I love this Lacausa Molly Midi Dress for its bold color, pockets, and breast support. I have been wearing it with the SOFTEST jean jacket ever: Pilcro Boyfriend Denim Trucker Jacket. Note, this jacket is oddly sized. I wear a small petite in it. The regular small was too wide and long, but the XS was tight on my upper bicep. SP for the win!

Reformation Rou Dress

This Reformation Rou Dress is super soft, has pockets, and doesn’t require wearing a bra. It also comes in a variety of colors. This dress is available at Nordstrom and Reformation.

Sizing Tip: Runs small, order one size up.