If you’re trying to survive the brutal summer heat, you’ll need to ensure your wardrobe is filled with maxi dresses.

Maxi dresses are easy to throw on and come in gorgeous flowy styles, prints and lengths to keep you cool. They also take all the effort of getting dressed on those sweltering hot days.

Pair your maxi dresses with the footwear of your choice—the long hemlines look just as good with crocs as with mules, sleek loafers, or sneakers. From tiered dresses to crisp pleat numbers, here are the eight summer maxi dresses to consider now that will instantly put a sartorial pep in your step.

Tiered Goodness

Tiered maxi dresses are impossibly chic and incredibly versatile. It can be easily dressed up or down by simply changing up the accessories.

Pleat for daysss

 Refreshing and elegant, perfect for a cocktail party, prom, or any semi-formal to formal events. The magical item that can help you look great with barely any effort— is the pleated maxi dress.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chels (@afro_child)

The flowing frocks

This voluminous dress is perfect for evening and morning events with a simple change of footwear: summer slides to high-heeled sandals.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Yusufs (@theyusufs)

Animal Print 

An animal print maxi dress will be your ultimate go-anywhere look for summer.

Floral Print

Whether you’re a fan of the sophisticated floral print, bright and bold shades, or prefer a classic English rose print, the sky’s the limit with this one. Go with spaghetti straps, cute cap sleeves, or elegant lengths, but keep the look maxi in silhouette. 

High Slit

Ensure you wear heels with your high-slit maxi dress. The heels pair well with the slit and will automatically make your legs look lengthier.

Side Cut-Outs

The side cutouts are one of the most popular ways to rock maxi dresses. It’s breathable, and you can easily show off a little skin for that chic brunch date look.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lerato. (@lerato_kgamanyane)

Off Shoulder

Mix two of your most beloved summertime looks by pairing a maxi dress with an off-the-shoulder silhouette.