When shopping for a tried-and-true maxi to add to your closet, start with flowy dresses by Dôen, Matteau, and Free People. These reliable labels have a myriad of styles, not to mention a host of colorways and prints, to satisfy every personality. For stylish wedding guest attire, look no further than Ulla Johnson’s festive florals for a garden party setting, Toteme’s draped woven maxi for a casual outdoor ceremony, and Khaite’s new ruched style in shocking pink as a city-appropriate option.
The most notable characteristic to remember when shopping for the best summer maxi dresses is to look for designs that offer versatility, so they can pair well with your favorite sneakers, dainty ballet flats, or classic sandals. Keeping all that in mind, we’ve gathered our favorites in one long list (sorry, we had to, and regret nothing). From Staud’s gauzy white maxi to Chloé’s lace-trimmed slip, discover the best styles to have in your closet, below.