Oscar de la Renta is known for lots of good things like being one of the designers to dress Jacqueline Kennedy. But, did you know that this guy also popularized maxi summer dresses? Yes, it is fair to say that, today, you will not be searching for the best maxi summer dress if De La Renta did not make the bold move.
He made long summer dresses for women popular in the 1960s and that trend continued in the 70s until the 80s when the popularity of these dresses started to decline. To cut the long story short, these dresses are now available in all styles. There are sleeveless maxi summer dresses, those with shorts sleeves, as well as those inspired by bodycon designs.
Keep reading because we have it all in these consumer reports.
People’s Picks
Best Overall: VIISHOW Short Sleeve Maxi Dress. If you are looking for a casual maxi summer dress, VIISHOW Dresses are for you.
Runner Up: GRECERELLE Casual Long Dress. It has pockets, and it is very soft and comfortable to wear.
Best Sleeveless: AUSELILY Casual Maxi Dress. This summer dress for women has pockets too. What’s more, it is great for spring.
Best White Summer Dress: LILBETTER Bohemian Maxi Dress. This dress for summer is suitable for Diner En Blanc, weddings at the beach, white theme parties, beach photos, etc.
9 Best Maxi Summer Dresses Reviews
1. VIISHOW Women’s Short Sleeve Casual Maxi Dresses with Pockets
VIISHOW Women’s Long Dresses are made of quality materials in 5-percent spandex and 95-percent rayon. These two materials combine to create a stretchy and incredibly soft fabric that feels great on the skin. The fabric is also lightweight not to mention making the dress easy to dress down or up.
VIISHOW Maxi Dresses for summer feature short sleeves to make sure you stay as cool as possible in hot weather. They also feature a round neck for a stylish look and a floor-length that makes them elegant. Additionally, these dresses are elastic at the waist for a customized fit. Plus, they have 2 side pockets where you can temporarily keep your keys.
The dresses are available in a wide range of sizes, including X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and 3X-Large. They also come in a number of colors to choose from. In case you need to care for yours, simply hand-wash it. These long summer dresses are ideal for office, party, beach, casual, home, formal, etc.
Reasons To Buy
- Fits great and receives lots of compliments
- The fabric is neither too thick nor too thin
- The pockets are a handy addition
- The fabric is not clingy
Take Note
- The white color is a bit transparent; therefore, try pairing it with nude, lighter color underwear
2. GRECERELLE Women’s Casual Long Dress with Loose Pocket
Like the first long summer dress in these reviews, the GRECERELLE Short Sleeve Maxi Dress is made of 5-percent spandex and 95-percent rayon. Manufacturers seem to prefer this combination of materials because it is very comfortable and soft to the touch. It is also stretchy, which enables the dress to fit perfectly.
The style of this dress is simple and casual, and this helps make the dress versatile. Needless to say, the GRECERELLE Dress is suitable for everyday wear, home, and travel. You can match it with pumps, heels, or boots, depending on the occasion. You can also wear the dress with a stunning sun hat for women.
Other features of this dress are 2 pockets, a backless design, and a V-neck style. The dress is available in lots of sizes, including X-Small, Small, Medium, X-Large, XX-Large, and Large. Taking care of the dress is very easy, as all you need to do is hand wash it separately in cold water.
Reasons To Buy
- The material does not seem cheap
- Not see-through yet thin enough to wear in hot weather
- Flows nicely and looks pretty
- The color is just as pictured
Take Note
- Might shrink a bit when washed
3. II ININ Women’s V-Neck Maxi Dress Summer for Beach Party
The fabric used to make the II ININ Long Summer Dress is 94-percent polyester and 6-percent spandex. This means the dress is stretchable and very soft on the skin. The dress also has lots of features that give it a feminine look. The side split is one of these features, plus there is a vibrant floral print.
Moreover, the dress features an adjustable spaghetti strap, a sleeveless design, a high waist, a deep V-neck, and a pull-on closure. The side-split combines with the high waist design to showcase your beautiful legs. Ideally, this dress can be matched with sky-high heels for a glamorous look.
It is perfect for outdoors, honeymoon, date, party, beach, daily wear, casual, office, anniversary, wedding, vacation, and more. The manufacturer advises that you hand-wash the dress or if you are not in a position to do that, then machine wash it in low temp. After that, hang it to dry.
Reasons To Buy
- The fit is perfect
- Can be dressed up or down
- The straps are adjustable
- The length works well both for wedges and flats
Take Note
- A little too broad in the shoulders
4. HUSKARY Women’s Casual Summer Maxi Dress with Loose Pockets
The HUSKARY Summer Maxi Dress is a long beach dress that features a side split for a flattering look. It also has a V-neck design that gives it a stylish look. Other features are short sleeves and pockets. Given its features, this dress can either be dressed down or up.
The fit is loose and the dress hangs well. You can put it on with a pair of boots or sandals. What’s more, this dress looks great with a long necklace. It also goes with leggings or tights in case the weather gets cool. That being said, you can include the dress in your hacks for fall outfits for women.
The fabric this dress is made of comprises of 97-percent polyester and 3-percent spandex. This makes it an excellent purchase for someone that does not love summer dresses, which are very stretchy. The dress is ideal for dinner date, vacation, home, formal, office, daily wear, beach, casual, and party.
Reasons To Buy
- Hangs well without looking like it’s out of date
- The size is as advertised
- The length is great
- The pockets are a nice touch
Take Note
- The material is quite heavy, but this is, perhaps, what makes the dress very flowy
5. VintageClothing Boho Button Up Women’s Floral Maxi Dresses
Comfort always comes first when it comes to clothing. That is why we are thrilled to note that the VintageClothing Beach Dress is lightweight and comfortable to wear. It has a stretchy waist that allows you to wear it for hours without any issues. It also has a floral print that gives it a feminine look.
It is not just the look that makes this floral long dress one of the best; the ease of care plays a role as well. You can either hand-wash or machine-wash it on cold. You should note that the dress will shrink a bit when washed for the first time. Ideally, feel free to iron the dress for an even better look.
The dress is made of 100-percent rayon and features a button closure that helps make it easy to put on and off. The VintageClothing Long Dress for Women is a perfect choice for the beach, party, wedding, office, casual, etc. Another thing to note is that this dress is not transparent at all regardless of the color. The white one is double layered at the bust area to make sure the areas you do not want to expose stay that way.
Reasons To Buy
- Works great as a maternity dress for baby shower
- Looks beautiful and receives lots of compliments
- Looks exactly like the picture
- The fabric is neither too see-through nor very stretchy
Take Note
- The tie at the waist is not a drawstring, but also it works great as ornamental
6. BUENOS NINOS Women’s Boho Printed Floral Maxi Dress
From a summer dress that can be worn as a maternity dress for baby shower to one you can wear in cool weather, there is plenty to look at in these reviews. The BUENOS NINOS Boho Printed Dress is designed in such a way that it looks great with a cardigan. This means you will have no problem rocking it during fall.
This women’s floral long dress for summer can also be worn with flats. Moreover, it is not see-thru, and this means you can go out in it. It has a spaghetti strap, which you can adjust for maximum comfort. Still, on comfort; the material this dress is made of is breathable, lightweight, and soft.
In case you want to care for the dress, all you need to do is hand-wash it. The dress is available in many different sizes, including XXL, XL, L, M, and S. It is loose fitting and free on the waist area for unparalleled comfort as well as a fashionable look.
Reasons To Buy
- The size is as promised
- The fabric is light yet not sheer
- The adjustable straps are amazing
- The pockets are large enough to be useful
Take Note
- The fabric is not stretchy
7. AUSELILY Women’s Summer Casual Maxi Dress with Pockets
The AUSELILY Long Dress is not just suitable for summer but also perfect for spring. What’s more, you can wear it for many different occasions such as when going to the beach, party, vacation, work, and so on. It is also perfect for casual.
The material the dress is made of comprises of 95-percent rayon and 5-percent spandex. It is a very soft and stretchy fabric that allows you to wear the dress the whole day without any issues. The dress is available in innumerable colors to choose from. There are plain ones, like white and mauve, and those with floral prints.
It is worth noting that the white color is pretty see-through; therefore, pairing it with nude, lighter color underwear is highly recommended. The dress has a round neck, and this is what makes it perfect for both formal and casual. The design also makes it excellent to wear as a maxi maternity dress for wedding.
Additional Information: The AUSELILY Maxi Summer Dress is elastic at the waist so it can fit comfortably. You can pair it with a jacket and belt to create a totally different look. Like other dresses in these reviews, the AUSELILY Summer Dress is available in plenty of sizes to choose from. There are even plus sizes to ensure there is something for everyone.
Reasons To Buy
- Receives a lot of compliments
- The length is good
- Comfortable and very flattering
- Pairs beautifully with necklace
Take Note
- Material is thinner than expected, but this is to make the dress suitable for summer
8. LILBETTER Women’s Beach Crotchet Backless Bohemian Maxi Dress
The main materials used to make the LILBETTER Beach Crotchet Long Dress for summer are polyester and cotton. The top is made of cotton, while the bottom is made of polyester. The dress is lightweight, and this makes it the go-to when summer comes. The dress is also very flowy to give a flattering look.
It is sleeveless and features a backless design. That being said, this summer dress is versatile enough to be worn as a beach dress, sling dress, and, of course, boho summer dress. It is no doubt the best maxi summer dress white for women and girls. The backless design will show off your beautiful back as you walk along the shoreline.
Besides, this dress features a knee-length lining in the skirt to prevent it from being see-through. Another reason why you need to buy this dress for summer is that the level and length of the neckline are adjustable; thanks to the halter straps. The dress is designed in such a way that it will never go out of fashion.
Additional Information: Because of its thoughtful design, this maxi long dress summer is perfect for countless activities, including beach photos, beach fun, baby shower, maternity photos, white theme party, night out, streetwear, casual, etc.
The dress looks really nice when you wear it but remain barefooted then start walking at the beach. If, for some reason, you cannot walk barefooted then you can wear the dress with flip-flops. It is versatile and exactly what you need for summer.
Reasons To Buy
- Very well made and looks nice
- The fit is as expected
- It is shipped on time
- Beach photos come out perfect when wearing the dress
Take Note
- The crotchet is see-through near the midsection
9. OFEEFAN Women’s T-Shirt Swing Dress with Pockets
While the LILBETTER Crotchet Dress makes an excellent maternity dress for photoshoot, the OFEEFAN Swing Dress is suitable for wedding, cocktail party, and party in general. It is also perfect for casual and beach, just like the LILBETTER Crotchet Dress and other summer dresses in these reviews.
Another reason why you may want to buy this dress is that, unlike most maxi dresses for summer, the OFEEFAN T-Shirt Swing Dress can also be worn during fall. All you need is a pair of leggings and boots to stay warm in cool weather. The dress can also be worn with a necklace and belt.
It is a tank top dress that can be worn too as a tunic top dress, swing dress, and long tee shirt dress. It features a swing hem and round neck, plus it is loose-fitting. The dress is made of 95-percent rayon and 5-percent spandex. The material is stretchy yet not see-through. It is also very soft and comfortable.
Additional Information: You can either hand-wash the dress or machine-wash it. The dress is pill-resistant, and it dries fast without shrinking. Additionally, this summer dress is available in 5 US regular sizes, which are Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large.
Reasons To Buy
- The fit is as promised
- The cold shoulder is a nice touch
- Holds up well to several rounds of washing
- The price is great
Take Note
- The white color might be see-through
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Long Summer Dress
The following tips further make it easier to find a good quality dress for summer and even spring.
1. Fabric Quality
The quality of the fabric used to make your dress should obviously be top-notch. This is because good-quality fabric greatly extends the lifespan of a dress. It can stand several rounds of washing without fading. Also, it can hold up well to wear and tear. Some of the best quality fabrics are polyester and cotton.
2. Size
Maxi summer dresses are available in numerous sizes. There are X-small, Small, Large, X-large, and 2X-large, among others. While looking at the size chart helps as far as settling on the perfect size is concerned, you can also check what other buyers are saying. If the majority says you size up, try to size up and vice versa.
3. Length
I know it’s a maxi dress; to mean, it is very long. But did you know that what is “maxi” to you may not be maxi to another person? Therefore, checking the length of the dress you want to buy is important as well. You should also note that some long dresses for summer only reach the ankles or slightly go past it. Others, on the other hand, cover the entire feet.
With that being said, if you are looking for a maxi summer dress for wedding or special occasion, go for something very long and flowy. But if you are looking for something for daily wear, a not-so-long dress will do. A dress of this length is very easy to walk in and your chances of tripping are effectively down to zero.
4. Care Instructions
Some maxi summer dresses are designed to be hand-washed, while others can both be hand-washed and machine-washed. Those that are hand wash only appear to be tedious to care for. But you should note that they are also very long-lasting. Overall, we say that go for a dress that is resistant to stains and wrinkles. Moreover, make sure the material your dress is made of dries very quickly.
Maxi Summer Dress FAQs
Q1. Which shoes can you match with a maxi dress for summer?
Long summer dresses are designed in such a way that they go with virtually any kind of shoes. You can wear them with flats, heels, etc. If you want to dress up, then wearing your maxi summer dress for women with heels is a good idea. But if you are after a casual look, you should consider wearing your dress with flats.
Q2. Is a white maxi summer dress perfect for Diner En Blanc?
Yes. You can wear your white long summer dress to Diner En Blanc. Well, one great thing about white maxi summer dresses is that they are incredibly versatile. Needless to say, these special dresses are also suitable for weddings and beach photos. You can also wear them to a party at the beach.
Q3. Are summer dresses see-through?
Yes and no. Dark-colored summer dresses, such as black and brown, are really not see-through. Light-colored ones (such as white and yellow) are likely to be see-through. It is important to check if the dress you are getting is see-through. If this is the case, consider wearing it with nude, lighter color underwear.
Q4. Are sleeveless maxi dresses for summer better than those with sleeves?
Not really. Sleeveless maxi dresses for summer may have a lot of benefits, like keeping you cool in hot weather. However, this does not mean they are better than dresses with short sleeves or ¾ sleeves. Where they come short is where those with sleeves come in handy. For ultimate convenience, we advise that you get both sleeveless summer dresses and those with sleeves.
Q5. Can I wear a summer dress in autumn?
Yes. A good number of summer dresses can be worn with jackets and cardigans. These dresses are also easy to wear with leggings, which makes it possible to rock yours in fall. Overall, most summer dresses are suitable for spring, summer, and fall. It all depends on how you style yours.
Best Maxi Summer Dress Reviews: Conclusion
The best maxi summer dress is of good length; meaning it touches the ankles or reaches the feet. It is also very comfortable to wear in hot weather.
Moreover, this dress can be paired with a cardigan/jacket as well as worn with leggings for a flattering autumn look. It also goes with heels, flats, and sandals for women, among others. Plus, of course, you can dress it up or down.