I Rely On Maxi Dresses Every Summer – These Are The Very Best For 2025

For a strong print that will see you through endless summer days, evening events and beyond, look to celebrity-beloved brand Rixo. The Hayley Silk Dress features a trendy patchwork of prints and comes with a detachable georgette scarf at the neck. While Olivia Rodrigo wore the tulip spot mix iteration last month, we're eying this pretty pink and lilac print to see us through every formal event this summer and beyond. For styling, lean into the dress' vintage charm with antique gold-finish earrings and bangles paired with kitten heels.

According to Hailey Bieber, halter neck dresses are back and given how much we've been loving a nostalgic noughties feel for the summer, we can't pretend we're not happy to see them return. & Other Stories excels at elevated basics, and this pleated green halterneck maxi will see you through everything from summer weddings to relaxing beach holidays with ease.

If you've spent even 10 minutes on social media this season, you've likely heard that boho is back, and how. With Sienna Miller and Chemena Kamali's Chloé providing plenty of inspiration, the high street is rife with a parade of flowy, ruffled maxis. Case in point, Zara's breezy floral maxi with an asymmetric hemline and beaded ties along the bodice. Styled with strappy sandals and stacks of bohemian bangles of not, the printed maxi is a go-to for summer ease.

For maxi dresses that look designer while being incredibly affordable, River Island is a top contender. Take, for example, this tiered polka dot maxi. Crafted from 100% cotton to keep you cool, the frill-trimmed off-shoulder neckline and tiered A-line skirt make it look a little more 'dressed up'. Cinch it in with a belt or wear loose and flowing when the heatwave hits, this polka dot maxi will take you from a relaxed weekend brunch to a formal garden party with ease.

Broderie dresses like this one from Boden will have you feeling ready to go on holiday at any moment and make for a perfect choice at garden parties, dinners and summer BBQs. With a universally flattering high empire waist and billowy sleeves, the dress' scalloped hem and bright pink hue add a delicate, feminine slant. If you, like me, are under 5'4", you'll find the brand also offers the dress in a specific petite length that won't overwhelm you silhouette.

While there are plenty of Skims dupes you can shop, the original is as trendy and body-empowering as it gets. The scoop neck maxi is cut to seamlessly fit your body, and whether you wear it under a slinky lace dress, a boxy striped shirt, or solo, it'll be the most versatile addition to your summer wardrobe. The slightly shiny finish means it can also be dressed up with a boxy blazer and heels for an evening dinner.

If you're looking for a dress that will turn heads, this summery number from the Nobody's Child and Poppy Delevigne collaboration is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Coming in a trendy yellow shade detailed with vivid florals, complete with a scoop neck and semi-fitted silhouette, you'll look and feel confident in this on any occasion throughout the year.

Invest in a sleek satin maxi dress for those fancier events where you want to feel effortlessly chic. This satin maxi from Mango is a show-stopper thanks to its asymmetrical straps, vertical seams and a sultry side slit that grazes the thigh. Slip into the lilac maxi for balmy weddings or sundowners – simply style with kitten heels and a beaded clutch to ace the elegant dress code.

Take a light cotton dress from Arket to add to your collection for the warmer months. With voluminous sleeves and embroidered details on the skirt, you'll be putting on this comfortable maxi all the time. Modest enough to wear to work with loafers, it'll shine brightest paired with suede sandals and a tan bag on holiday.

You can't go much more classic than a maxi floral dress, and this show-stopping choice from Monsoon with elegant cape sleeves and contrasting pleated panels at the hem is one you can't miss. Make sure to add a pair of statement earrings and a bold red lip for every formal event this summer.

A brand bestseller for a reason, Anthropologie's linen Somerset maxi is a perfect pick-me-up if you fancy some retail therapy. Covered in cheerful spring blooms and playful checks, the maxi 's smocked waist ensures a flattering fit across body types. If the dopamine-boosting design is too vibrant for your taste, the dress is also available in a more classic white iteration.

Beloved by Kate Middleton, ME+EM is known for crafting quality garments that are timeless and understated yet undeniably luxe. So what better way to celebrate an evening occasion than by wearing this silk halterneck maxi? The lightweight dress features flattering under-bust ruching that cinches the waist before fluidly draping across the body for a full skirt. Perfect for a polished look, the bright pink maxi will work wonders with your trusty wedges and sunglasses in the summer, and will look equally good under a tailored blazer with pointed toe heels if there's a chill in the air.

Abercrombie & Fitch has emerged as one of this summer's best destinations for good quality and brilliantly chic dresses. This sunshine yellow number features all-over pleating and a plunging halter neckline for a chic summer look. You could pair it with simple heeled ballerinas and statement earrings for a formal event, but it'll also pair well with chunky wedges and sunglasses for an outdoor soirée.

Fresh off the brand's SS25 runway, Ganni's satin maxi embodies its signature Scandi-chic minimalism. Given a summery air thanks to the disty floral print, the dress is distinctly modern in design, featuring a classic round neckline with tie details and ruching along the bodice, as well as a high slit at the front. Worn with trainers, Mary Janes or strappy sandals, we suspect it would be the perfect garment to wear to an evening meal on a beach holiday. For breezy evenings, consider layering it under Ganni's tailored blazer.

It's no secret that Gap's collaboration with Dôen has had fashion editors and influence obsessed since it's release. This black eyelet maxi is a good example why. The soft cotton dress features a square neckline and is fitted to the waist before flaring out for a flattering silhouette. It feels much like Dôen's main collection and is timeless enough to be a reliable option for years to come.

A chic, classy, satin dress is a go-to for any summer occasion and will see you from date night to wedding guest dress. And while there are plenty of options on the high street, our pick is this sleek cowl-neck dress from Whistles. The bias cut skirt adds a sophisticated 90's finish that practically mandates a kitten heel and fresh blowout pairing. Don't forget to finish the look with a sparkly swipe of lip gloss.

No one does summer dressing quite like Australian label Zimmermann. This cheerful maxi dress is emblazoned with the brand's signature painterly florals and features a scoop neck and side cutouts trimmed with crocheted lace. As the name suggests, it's great for picnics but will also be right at home at beach clubs or formal garden parties and weddings too.