25 Cute Summer Maxi Dresses 2023

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Keep cool in these light and breezy looks.

Ah, the glorious sunshine of summer! The temperatures heat up and you head outside… only to discover it's almost too hot to function. Ugh. But if you want to stay cool and look cool, you can beat the heat by popping on some cute summer dresses. And the best silhouettes to help you go with the flow no matter how hot it gets are summer maxi dresses.

Easy and breezy, these best maxi dresses let your body breathe because they aren't clinging to your skin. All you have to do is pair them with some comfortable sandals, maybe a cute straw hat, and you're ready to face the day. Here, you'll find a ton of cute floral dresses because it's the season to celebrate all of nature's glory, after all. But you'll also find fun stripes, a must-have gingham, and a few solids you can dress up or down. Even better: We found one for only $10!

There are plenty of budget-friendly options that work just as well if you're headed to the office as they are for a backyard barbecue. (Speaking of barbecues, check out the little red, white, and blue striped number that is the perfect pick for the 4th of July!) Plus, many of these picks double as cute spring dresses so you can buy them now, pop on a light sweater or a jean jacket if you need, and then wear them right until the weather turns cold.

Long live the wrap dress! It offers a loose but adjustable fit, so it's very forgiving and flattering. This one is light and breezy, whether you're going to a backyard barbecue or fun lunch with the ladies.

What we love most about this dress is the flexibility that the tie waist offers. Cinch it tighter for a more fitted look or wear it completely loose for a flowy tunic look. Either way, that fun tropical print is perfect for summer!

The Somerset is the most reviewed dress from Anthropologie ever. Each season it comes in a set of new colors, prints, and fabrics and this one is definitely our favorite for summer. It comes in petite and plus sizes, too!

We love that flutter sleeves are in, because they are just so flattering on any body type. They add enough coverage but aren't tight and just flow so nicely as you move. Want more to love? This dress comes in over 25 other prints and colors.

A summer wardrobe isn't quite complete without at least one gingham dress, right? The breezy tiers and cute tie straps make it very on trend yet classic at the same time.

Asymmetrical flowy tiers and delicate spaghetti straps make this dress perfect for those hot summer days. Just pop it on and you're ready to go for the day. It also comes in so many pretty color options!

Dress this up with heels or keep it casual with sandals. Either way, the flowy rayon fabric and smocked waist will keep you comfy and cool. Oh and did we mention your mini me can match? It also comes in toddler and girl sizing!

If you want an all-occasion, all-the-time dress but prefer to have sleeves, we've got you covered (literally!) with this pick. The V-neck and side slit give just a peak of skin to keep you cool. Plus, it has pockets! You will wear this all the time, and it's only $15!

Hello, tropical print! The name says it all. If you saw this and fell in love at first site, it's a sign that you should buy it. We love the cute ties at the shoulder, too.

Wrap dresses are flattering and feminine anyway, but then you add flutter sleeves and ruffles at the hem? Hello, gorgeous! And it offers a peak of leg in the front, which is great if you're on the shorter side. It's also offered in over 30 pretty prints. No wonder it's a bestseller!

While it's fun to go for bold color in summer, it's also nice to keep it more subdued and let the silhouette do the talking. This pretty off-the-shoulder look is the perfect example! It's defined at the waist but relaxed otherwise for a flattering fit.

One of the greatest things about summer is that you can wear colors loud and proud. Why not wear several at the same time with this ombre sundress? It's a casual cotton blend and has pockets!

Have a summer wedding, bridal shower, or other fancy event? This one is for you! The stunning floral is printed on a silky satin fabric which will flow freely as you party the day (or night!) away.

This dress is all about the details: a delicate watercolor print, a subtle high-low hem, and those just-dramatic-enough puff sleeves. If you have a reason to dress up this summer, grab this dress and go!

A go-to, everyday black dress for $10? Add to cart right now! The shirred elastic waist add just enough detail to dress it up if you want. And did we mention the price? Good, because you'll probably want it in the other 16 colors!

This dress just screams summer, doesn't it? Between the adorable lemon print, the summery linen fabric, and the flutter sleeves, this will quickly become your favorite dress this season.

We love a good animal print, but we especially love a unique one! With shades of pink and an abstract print, it lets you walk on the wide side without being too literal about it. And the square neckline is super trendy right now!

Maxi dresses can be a challenge if you're short or tall and want it to hit at your ankle. This vintage-inspired cutie is available in regular, petite, and tall so you can choose which one is right for you.

With adjustable straps and a fully smocked bodice, this dress is the best mix of comfort and style. Oh, and the charmeuse fabric is super silky and keeps your skin cool, which is what we need on those hottest of hot days.

Let those shoulders shine with this cute floral halter neck option. It has a subtle high-low hem that will let you show off your shoes and an open back that's just the right amount of flirty. We love the price point, too!

AnnMarie Mattila is the Commerce Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering products ranging from home, fashion, beauty, and more.

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