Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
These 12 Midi and Maxi Dresses Are Easy, Breezy, and Ready for Anything
These 12 midi and maxi dresses are easy, breezy, and ready for any summertime adventure.

Summertime style can be so much fun—but when it's one million degrees outside, getting dressed can become a tedious task. Suddenly, you need to consider sweat stains, airflow, and anything else that can combat the hot-and-sticky that lies outside your air-conditioned walls. Thank goodness for dresses! Whether you're running errands, heading to work, or grabbing coffee with a friend, a solid midi or maxi dress is the answer to your summertime wardrobe woes. They're easy, breezy, and versatile enough to dress up or down depending on the occasion (at least the ones on our list are). Scroll on for a few of the best midi and maxi dresses you can wear just about anywhere this summer.
Best midi and maxi dresses for summer, at a glance
- Best smocked: Madewell Poplin Smocked Maxi Dress, $138
- Best breezy: Quince Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress, $60
- Best spaghetti strap: Jenni Kayne Cove Dress, $495
- Best midi: Everlane The Form Riviera Dress, $128
- Best shirtdress: Universal Standard Odeon Stretch Poplin Shirtdress, $148
- Best empire waist: Amanda Uprichard Wynwood Dress, $280
- Best halter: J.Crew Halter Mixy Dress, $148
- Best fitted maxi: Athleta Signature Rib Maxi Dress, $99
- Best strapless: The Somerset Maxi Dress: Strapless Edition, $168
- Most comfortable: Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $178
- Best t-shirt dress: Old Navy Ruched Midi T-Shirt Dress, $40
- Best linen: Reformation Monette Linen Dress, $198
Shop 12 of the best midi and maxi dresses for summer

Best smocked: Madewell Poplin Smocked Maxi Dress
$138
We love a little smocking, and this poplin maxi from Madewell does it right. The flowy skirt includes pockets, and the straps are adjustable for a comfortable fit. It's available in two versatile colors (that red though!) and a wide range of sizes, including petites.
Sizes: 2XS-3X in standard and petite | Colors: 2

Best breezy: Quince Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress
$60
This might be weird, but I have a Quince duvet made of the same organic cotton gauze material and it's so comfortable that I've literally said "I would wear this on my body." Welp, now I guess I can! This tiered maxi dress is breezy and light thanks to the flowy gauze and V-neck silhouette. Heads up: a lot of folks say it runs on the large side.
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 12

Best spaghetti strap: Jenni Kayne Cove Dress
$495
This gorgeous cotton dress from Cali-based Jenni Kayne features adjustable straps so you can customize your fit. A true maxi, the Cove dress was designed to fall at your ankles (shorties, keep that in mind). Also, each of the pretty, versatile color options includes pockets.
Sizes: 2XS-2XL | Colors: 6

Best midi: Everlane The Form Riviera Dress
$128
I own this dress in black and it's easily one of my favorite items in my closet. And I'm not alone—there's a reason Everlane has brought it back season after season! The Form Riviera Dress features a soft, fitted scoop-neck bust and a tiered cotton skirt with pockets. I *do* have to use a lint roller on the skirt portion often, so if you have pets you might opt for the red or white styles. Also worth noting: I'm 5'3" and this style still sits as a (longer) midi dress on me.
Sizes: 2XS-2XL | Colors: 3

Best shirtdress: Universal Standard Odeon Stretch Poplin Shirtdress
$148
A shirtdress is a closet staple, and this pick from Universal Standard is *the* shirtdress. Made from breathable premium cotton, the Odeon dress is put-together enough to wear to work, run errands, hit up brunch, and beyond. Plus, it's available in a few different fabric options, and as a half-placket (read: short) shirtdress, too.
Sizes: 3XS-4XL | Colors: 8 (with 3 fabric options)

Best empire waist: Amanda Uprichard Wynwood Dress
$280
An empire waist makes for a really cute (and really breathable) summertime silhouette. We love this polka-dot midi from Amanda Uprichard, which is made from a blend of cotton and linen. It also features pockets and adjustable spaghetti straps.
Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 1

Best halter: J.Crew Halter Mixy Dress
$148
This scoop-neck halter from J.Crew uses a stretchy cotton for the fitted top and a flowy swath of linen for the skirt. It's lined (not see-through), has pockets, and the tie-back halter detail makes this a dress you can easily dress up or down.
Sizes: 2XS-3XL | Colors: 3

Best fitted maxi: Athleta Signature Rib Maxi Dress
$99
Just because this maxi is fitted doesn't mean it'll slow you down. The Signature Rib Maxi from Athleta is made with a soft, breathable Tencel material and has a back slit for mobility and airflow. Plus, the racerback design includes a built-in shelf bra so you really can just throw this dress on and head out the door.
Sizes: 2XS-3XL in regular, tall, and petite | Colors: 6

Best strapless: The Somerset Maxi Dress: Strapless Edition
$168
For a strapless option, check out this pick from The Somerset Collection by Anthropologie. It comes in a variety of patterns and solid colors, includes side pockets, and has a flattering smocked waist. Dress it down with white sneaks, or pair it with heels and a cute clutch for a summer wedding.
Sizes: 2XS-XL | Colors: 6

Most comfortable: Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
$178
It's called The Nap Dress—need we say more? Hill House Home practically broke the internet with this dress a few years ago, and the Ellie Nap Dress is still going strong today with over 25 prints and colors to choose from. It's made with soft cotton and includes a smocked top, tiered bottom, and a-freaking-dorable ruffled sleeves.
Sizes: 3XS-4XL | Colors: 25+

Best t-shirt dress: Old Navy Ruched Midi T-Shirt Dress
$40
This midi t-shirt dress from Old Navy is perfect for transitioning from the office to after-work hangs. The t-shirt top provides a little added coverage, while the sassy slit and ruching give it a pop of style. Made from heavyweight jersey with spandex for movement, it's as comfortable as it is cute.
Size: XS-4XL in reglar, tall, and petite | Colors: 2

Best linen: Reformation Monette Linen Dress
$198
Few materials scream "summer!" quite like linen, which is why this a-line midi from Reformation had to make it on our list. It has skinny, adjustable straps, a straight neckline, and a smocked back panel to keep you comfortable. Plus, the range of colors and patterns means there's a Monette dress for any occasion.
Sizes: 0-12, in standard and petites | Colors: 8
Sign up for the Well+Good SHOP Newsletter
Get exclusive deals on wellness, beauty, fitness, and food products that have been hand-picked by our editors.
Got it, you've been added to our email list.