fashion
Channel warmer weather in these floaty frocks
By Natalie LaBarbera
•
Published Feb 14, 2024
Additional reporting by
Brittany Gibson
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Dasha Burobina for PureWow
Warm weather is right around the corner, which means we (finally) have an excuse for some spring cleaning—in our wardrobes, that is. If you’re not feeling like pulling out the mini skirts quite yet but still want to frolic through those baby blooms, a maxi dress might be the solution your springtime wardrobe is begging for.
Maxi dresses all have one thing in common: their long length. Aside from that, virtually anything goes. Short sleeves, long sleeves, pleated skirts, halter styles, cutout designs—you name it, there’s probably a maxi dress out there just like it, which is why scrolling through hundreds of them might feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, we already did the searching for you. Keeping style variety, material, size availability and prices in mind, here are some spring maxi dresses that deserve a spot in your warm-weather outfit rotation.
The Top 10 Maxi Dresses At A Glance
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How We Chose the Best Spring Maxi Dresses
When vetting the best spring maxi dresses out there, we searched through multiple trusted and editor-loved retailers like Quince, Abercrombie & Fitch and Nordstrom. We also considered dresses our editors have tested, along with customer reviews to ensure that buyers were happy with the dresses after they had been purchased.
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Quince’s best-selling silk tiered maxi dress is a winning choice for so many reasons. Not only is its silk fabric conveniently washable, but it’s also naturally temperature-regulating to help keep you comfortable throughout the day. Plus, it has functional side pockets and a comfy smocked waistband.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “This dress is even more gorgeous in real life! It is a wonderful quality, very flattering and lightweight.”
- Material: mulberry silk and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL
We can’t get enough of this cutout maxi dress from Abercrombie & Fitch that’s perfect for when you want to show a little skin but still keep warm on those transitional spring days. It has a tie-back design, too, so you can easily adjust how tight or loose it fits. What’s better? It comes in petite, regular *and* long lengths, so it’s a great choice no matter your height.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “So flattering! I love that the bust area is adjustable with the tie in the back. Perfect for my upcoming resort vacay!”
- Material: viscose and nylon
- Size Range: XXS to XXL (petite, regular and long lengths available)
This splurge-worthy Jenni Kayne Cove dress is so beloved by the PureWow team, we have an entire story dedicated to it. It touts a relaxed fit (pockets included) made of breathable cotton with a polyester lining that’s sure to be your go-to segue ‘fit as we transition from winter to spring…then spring to summer…maybe even summer to fall…you get the idea. Plus, Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak says it’s incredibly well constructed and comfy to keep on all day long.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “It's probably one of the most well-constructed dresses I own and feel very comfortable and beautiful in it.” —PureWow Commerce Editor, Olivia Dubyak
- Material: cotton and polyester
- Size Range: XXS to 3X
The Drop’s Anaya dress radiates all the cottage-core vibes, with a flowy tiered skirt, puffy sleeves, functional pockets and trendy side cutout details. Its lightweight, twirl-worthy silhouette will have all your friends (and maybe some strangers) asking where they can grab the same one.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “This is easily one of my favorite dresses to date! Can go casual or on the nicer side. Love the cutouts too! So flattering.”
- Material: tencel, polyester and cotton
- Size Range: XXS to 5X
Queue up The Parent Trap and channel your inner Chessie with this button-down shirt dress made from a crisp cotton blend. It has an optional tie waistband, so you can either knot it up to accentuate your curves or leave it open for a chic, oversized fit. Plus, the varying size and directions of the stripes give it an artsy flourish.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “The dress is comfy and can be worn for work or going out. Pockets are a great touch, and the pattern makes it much more interesting than similar styles.”
- Material: cotton, nylon and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XXL
We’ve been dreaming of this breezy maxi since Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz turned us onto it last summer with a glowing review. Meraz says the 100 percent cotton dress is not only breathable and lightweight, but it can easily adjust to have a tighter or looser fit across the chest, making it ideal for varying bust sizes. She also mentions the length is flattering as either a maxi or a midi, depending on your height.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “It’s breathable, breezy and feels like it’s made from high quality fabric. In fact, the dress feels super thick and weighty, and it isn’t see-through on me, despite the fact that it’s not lined.”— PureWow Associate Fashion Commerce Editor, Stephanie Meraz
- Material: cotton
- Size Range: XSS to XXL
Made of a soft, stretchy Tencel blend fabric, this knit maxi is one you’ll look good *and* feel good in—plus, the fabric is a medium weight, so it doesn’t feel flimsy, but it’s still light enough that you can layer it without sweating through your clothes. It has a stunning watercolor-esque floral print, too, and is both machine washable and safe to put in the dryer on a low setting.
Fast Facts
- Material: Tencel lyocell and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL
This Lulus ruffled maxi dress will be the first thing you reach for for virtually every kind of event. With gauzy woven chiffon fabric and a plunging V-neckline and back, this frock can be easily dressed up with some cute heels and jewelry or dressed down with a denim jacket and sandals.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “So many compliments on this dress! I love the fit. Very flattering and slimming.”
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL
Summon sunny days ahead in this gorge maxi from L*Space that has a subtle cutout in the front and a stunning textured, flowy fabric. It’s also adjustable thanks to the tie-back straps and drawstring ruching at the bust, so you can customize it to fit your body.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “Cute! [I] bought this with low expectations and I just love it. The straps are adjustable, and it hits your body in all the right spots. It's a keeper.”
- Material: viscose and cotton
- Size Range: XS to XL
Bow-adorned pieces are *all* the rage right now, and we can’t get over this stunning maxi from Hutch that combines the trend with our trusty spring florals. Plus, Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera confirms just how flattering the fit is: “I love that this dress has a fit that isn’t too tight or too oversized, so it easily works for a lot of different occasions. Plus, it has a soft touch to it and pockets—need I say more?”
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “Super cute and fits [true to size and you] can dress it up or down! Love!”
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XXS to XL
If you’re looking for something with long sleeves to sport on chilly and rainy spring days, this soft and drapey Skims lounge dress is beloved by thousands for its body-hugging silhouette, stylish square neckline, ribbed detailing and seriously comfortable modal fabric.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “I wanted to see what the hype was about…and boy, I was not disappointed. This dress is worth every penny.”
- Material: modal and spandex
- Size Range: XXS to 4X
Planning a tropical vacation? Put this effortlessly chic dress on your must-pack list. The pullover style is breezy—just throw it on and go—yet the unexpected aqua-and-maroon color combo and the deep V-neckline make it eye-catching without being overly revealing.
Fast Facts
- Material: cotton
- Size Range: XS to XL
If French girls know one thing, it’s style, and this textured knit dress from Parisian brand Sandro is no exception. According to the brand, it fits true to size, and it has a slightly flared bottom to provide a little volume—and flutter as you breeze by. Even better, the dress also has an easy pullover design, so you won’t have to struggle to zip yourself into it, and the four pockets at the front are the epitome of form and function.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “Love this dress.”
- Material: polyamide, viscose and elastane
- Size Range: 2 to 10
Looking for something soft and stretchy to comfortably fit over your baby bump? This Mother Bee maxi dress will be your new go-to. It touts thousands of five-star ratings, with reviewers raving about how lightweight it is and opting to wear it for their baby showers and maternity photoshoots.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “The material is so soft and the elastic waistband is not too tight. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a dress during pregnancy, for a baby shower or otherwise!”
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Size Range: small to X-large
Made from a 100 percent cotton eyelet material, this maxi is a true beauty. It has a flattering sweetheart neckline, and the elastic waist seam creates a cinched silhouette that’s still comfortable. There’s also elastic at the top of the sleeves, so it can be worn on- or off-the-shoulder, and to top it all off, yes, it has pockets.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “This dress is soooo flattering. I wore it for our family photos, and I cannot wait to wear it on vacation or date night. It’s gorgeous!”
- Material: cotton
- Size Range: 14 to 32
With unique lantern sleeves, high waist details, fitted wrists, puff shoulders and a tiered maxi skirt, this Prettygarden frock might be the boho maxi dress of your dreams. Plus, its smocked bodice means you’ll get plenty of stretch and its billowing skirt is destined to make you the recipient of a plethora of compliments wherever you wear it.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “Don’t hesitate! Worth it in every way. I’ve worn this dress once (after washing) and have received SO many compliments. No one believes I bought this sight unseen, that’s how perfectly it fits. So flattering too!!”
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: S to XXL
Whether it’s weddings, showers or other springtime festivities, if you’re in need of a more formal dress for whichever special occasion you’re celebrating, this is the dress for you. Shoppers say it looks much more expensive than its price tag, and we love the plunging neckline and v-cut back to really give it a stand-out look.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “This dress is really pretty. It looks as pictured. It flows nicely and is floor length for average height. The slit makes it look more of a sexy and contemporary style formal dress…[It] fits true to size, but if in between sizes, going up a size is a better idea.”
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to XL
If you want to dress for the season, this floral maxi dress is a must-have. Complete with a halter neckline, leg slit and pockets, this breathable flowy frock will be a compliment magnet wherever you end up wearing it (and if you want to switch it up from florals, it also comes in a ton of other patterns and solid hues).
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “I normally don’t write reviews, but I love this dress. It’s very comfy, which says a lot for me because I’m not a dress person. A plus is that there are pockets!! I plan on getting a few more in different patterns.”
- Material: polyester, cotton and spandex
- Size Range: S to XXL
Best Budget-Friendly Maxi Dress
19. Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Cutout Dress
Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara
When you want to switch up your spring wardrobe without totally breaking your budget, this cutout maxi is the perfect pick. It comes in both standard and plus sizes, and has elastic at the wrists to give the sleeves a breezy, billowy look.
Fast Facts
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to 5X
You can’t stop the style flow with this super comfortable and flowy Poetsky maxi dress. Its casual sleeveless design makes it super ideal for layering under sweaters or jackets when the weather is chillier, or by itself when it finally starts warming up. Bonus perk: It has pockets! Don’t be surprised if you practically live in this thing this season.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “Great lightweight dress. It is comfy and great to wear in the spring and summer [and] the straps are adjustable.”
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Size Range: S to XXL
You’ll want to slip into this satin maxi from Everlane every day thanks to its comfy, loose fit and breathable (and eco-friendly!) FSC-certified viscose material. Add in the fact that it’s bra-friendly and has *pockets* (can you sense a trend here with our picks?), and we’re totally sold.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “Great over a turtleneck with boots in cooler months, sheer tops with a sweater in transitional weather or as a stand-alone for warm weather or an evening out with a blazer. [The] fabric is [a] wonderful mid-weight with [a slightly] forgiving texture. Love it!”
- Material: viscose
- Size Range: XXS to XL
Nothing says spring like a good floral print (just ask Miranda Priestly) and this Farm Rio bouquet-print beauty is no exception. It has a bow at the back, too, for a touch of trendiness, and the pleated straps are, dare we say, groundbreaking.
Fast Facts
- Material: cotton and viscose
- Size Range: XS to L
Keep things classic in this ivory cotton dress with black detailing that shoppers rave over for its high-quality construction, flattering fit and airy feel. It has elastic shirring at the back and adjustable straps, so it will easily fit to your shape. Plus, between the relaxed fit and square neckline, the whole look feels ultra chic.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “This dress is a classic! Flattering fit, classic style and great quality.”
- Material: cotton
- Size Range: XS to XL
This popular stretch-knit Loveappella maxi dress has earned a plethora of five-star ratings, with reviewers raving over how beautifully it drapes. Complete with a rounded V-neckline and spaghetti straps, the versatility and style options this frock provides are endless. Note: This dress runs large, so be sure to order one size down.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “I highly recommend this dress since it is made of very comfortable, breathable material and falls nicely on the body. It isn't too clingy and the fabric feels nice. It’s a very flattering fit. A great dress!!!”
- Material: rayon and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL (also available in petite)
This super soft and stretchy Viishow maxi dress is available in a ton of colors and styles–and yes, it has two fully-functioning pockets. Plus, it boasts over 17,000 ratings from people who’ve dubbed it as being worthy of five stars, which proves it’s well-deserving of a spot at the very front of your closet.
Fast Facts
- Promising review: “I ordered three of these! I got so many compliments. They are the most comfortable dresses – plus, they have pockets!”
- Material: rayon and spandex
- Size Range: XS to 3XL
How to Style a Maxi Dress
Choosing which maxi dress to add to your cart is the main event, but what about styling it once it arrives? As you’re browsing, here are some expert-backed styling tips to keep in mind.
“If you lean towards bolder, edgier looks, we would recommend styling a maxi dress with your favorite leather jacket and a pair of platform boots or sandals,” says Erin Eagle, Stylist and Founder of A Style Set. “For a softer, timeless style, try wearing it with an oversized blazer and a pair of pointed-toe kitten heels. This will give you a perfectly elevated day-to-night look. You can even create a more casual look with a maxi dress by layering an oversized graphic tee on top and pairing it with your everyday sneakers. Maxi dresses are flattering, versatile and easy to dress up and down. The styling options are truly endless!”
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Natalie LaBarbera
Assistant Commerce Editor
Natalie LaBarbera is PureWow's assistant commerce editor. She writes about all things shopping, including fashion, beauty, travel, wellness and more, searching for the best...
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Brittany Gibson
Freelance Writer
Brittany Gibson is a NYC- and CT-based freelance writer with a background in SEO. She has bylines in BuzzFeed, Insider, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest and more. When she’s not...
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