21 Best Stylish Maxi Dresses To Buy In Australia In 2022
Great maxi dresses will become your wardrobe favourites. Just throw on, add some statement earrings and go.
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Maxi dresses felt like they’d been pushed to the side when midi dresses rose in the style ranks to become our favourite frock length for work, rest and play. But while midi dresses definitely have their place, there is no dress style quite as effortless as the humble maxi dress.
While midi dresses and mini dresses need to be dressed up or down with accessories, shoes and jewellery, the maxi dress does the work, all on its own.
You can, of course, style your maxi dress - but what we love about this dress style is that you simply don’t have to. Throw one on post-swim and slick your hair back, and you’re set for the local cafe or a fine dining restaurant. Team with undone waves and your inner bohemian is released, ready for whatever the day throws at you.
Oh, and did we mention that maxi dresses are simply the most comfortable item of clothing you could possibly have in your wardrobe (save those go-to trackie dacks)?
Below, you’ll find our edit of the best maxi dresses in stores today, from summery post-beach frocks to - yes, really - perfect winter maxi dresses that make workday dressing a breeze.
BEST SUMMER MAXI DRESSES
Aere Cross Back Maxi Dress, THE ICONIC, $140
This beautiful party maxi dress has been created in different colourways and prints by Aere over the past year, and consistently is a top seller. The cross-back gives support but allows for an open back, and the elasticised waistband means you won’t feel uncomfortable with day-long wear.
Forever New Belinda Dress, Myer, $149.99
This dress is just so gorgeous - it could easily fit into our party maxi dress section, but works just as well casually. Just elevate it with accessories and a stronger makeup look and you’re set! For casual wear, team with tan sandals and messy, post-beach hair.
This is such a pretty summer maxi dress! The voluminous tiered skirt is feminine and breezy, while the adjustable straps tie at the back so you can tighten or loosen them as you wish. They also tie up at the back which is a really sweet touch.
Something we love about Australian fashion label Posse is that they show their beautiful pieces on two differently-sized women, so you can get a better gauge of how the items will look on you. We love the way this dress can be worn more modestly with the tie neck, or open for a casual summer look.
Novia Dress, Bec + Bridge, $280
Bec + Bridge do amazing maxi dresses most seasons, and we love this Novia dress - which features subtle ruching for a slightly more clingy look - for both everyday wear and summer party dressing.
Mossman The Blue Light Dress, THE ICONIC, $229.95
What a perfect back to work maxi dress this is! The shape is so stylish, and the built-in belt cinches you in so all that volume doesn’t overwhelm you. It’s very classic, 1950s glamour but the earthy hue keeps it from feeling too vintage.
Newell Dress, Petal & Pup, $89.95
This is a seriously pretty maxi dress for summer days where you want to feel feminine and a little dressed up, but not too overdressed. The tie back lets you adjust to suit your bust size, while the pink pattern keeps things casual if you want them to be.
Paula Dress, Petal & Pup, $99.95
The artistic design on this airy maxi dress allows you to wear it free-flowing - it looks chic, not oversized. The adjustable straps allow for a higher or lower bust line depending on your mood or needs, too.
Gingham Maxi Dress, Glassons, $59.99
Made of 100 per cent organic cotton and featuring adjustable straps that tie mid-back, this summer maxi dress is a great everyday option, and works well as a beach or pool dress too.
Bohemian Piper Dress, Auguste, $229
Auguste is another great Australian fashion brand to follow if you love maxi dresses and breezy bohemian style. This Piper maxi is loose, without overwhelming the body thanks to the panelled bust and tiered skirt.
BEST PARTY MAXI DRESSES
Noelle Cut Out Dress, Bec + Bridge, $350
Cut out dresses are the top trending style for 2022, and this cut-out is subtle enough for more formal events, but still sexy and party-friendly. The best part? Halter neck gowns save the need for a necklace or even earrings, if you’re not into jewellery.
Alemais Farrah Cut Out Dress, THE ICONIC, $565
Alemais might sit at a higher price point, but their considered pieces are truly one-of-a-kind. This stunning 70s-inspired maxi dress features a luxurious linen blend, and the most beautiful semi-open back - the top half features a double tie closure, so you can get away with a bra but not compromise on detail.
Tussah Chloe Maxi Dress, THE ICONIC, $139.95
A high-necked maxi dress is always a great option for a black tie or formal wedding, or a fancy party. The style always feels a little more elevated than strappy dresses do, and you can easily make it more or less formal with heels.
Blanca Pisces Dress, THE ICONIC, $249
I am in love with Blanca’s dresses this season! They’re so effortlessly chic and laid-back, without compromising on style. You could wear them to the office or to the beach, you know? This Pisces one is a stand-out for me - the colour-blocking and ruched mid-section make it so interesting, but it’s still really flattering on.
Strappy Sundress, Oroton, $499
If you have a major event coming up, Oroton’s collection of dresses is one to look at. This beautiful, empire-waisted maxi dress is just too gorgeous to pass up. The Bridgerton esque bodice offers support and shape, while the voluminous maxi skirt is understated yet somehow eye-catching. It’s just designer style at its best.
Sitting Pretty Dress, Showpo, $99.95
This dress has been made by Showpo several times, because it’s so flattering on a range of body shapes. Running from a size 4 to a size 20, Showpo also styles its pieces on multiple body shapes so you get a better idea of how it’ll look on you.
Super Striped Maxi Dress, City Chic, $139.95
This fun summer maxi dress could easily work as a casual piece in your wardrobe, but we love it as a pretty party frock with its adjustable tie straps and tiered skirt. Team with some strappy heels and loose waves!
This beautiful investment fashion piece is the ultimate party outfit if it’s a special occasion and you’re the star. The fishtail skirt is flattering on curves, while the pretty 1970s inspired print keeps things summery and fresh.
BEST WINTER MAXI DRESSES
Kinney Bowie Dress, THE ICONIC, $269
Australian label Kinney’s floaty dresses are so stunning, every season. Our pick currently? This gorgeous Bowie dress in a citrus print - the perfect trans-seasonal piece for wearing with boots or with sandals.
Aere Linen Tea Dress, THE ICONIC, $160
This is the perfect work dress that you’ll also find yourself wearing for any events this year. The shape is so unique, it sets it apart from other maxi dresses so you’ll feel stylish and pulled together (even if you’re due for a hair wash). We love how easily you could throw a blazer over this for colder days, too.
David Lawrence Drew Dress, Myer, $279
This dress is deceptive - it looks very dressy and office-appropriate, but is actually one of the comfiest pieces you’ll wear in your life. Made of soft, flowy viscose, the loose waist tie also helps to cinch you in without cutting into you. It’ll be your office go-to.
Y.A.S Bea Dress, Myer, $179.95
Dark florals are perfect for winter dresses, making sure you can easily team pieces with black or brown boots and heels. They keep the overall look and feel wintery, not summery, so we love this Y.A.S maxi for that reason.
HOW DO I STYLE A MAXI DRESS?
This is really up to you! If you’re tall, team your maxi dress with simple strappy flats in summer, or boots in winter. Ideally, go for knee-high boots over ankle boots. If you’re on the shorter side and need to add height to lift the hem off the floor, wedge espadrilles, clog-style heels and platform sandals all look great with maxi dresses - and in winter, choose a cowboy boot or heeled vintage-style boots.
In terms of accessories, maxi dresses often bring the glamour all on their own, but a pair of big statement earrings can really take yours from day to night. Add a belt if you want more definition around the waist (we recommend a vintage-style option with a chunky buckle) but really, you could easily just throw yours on and go.
Want more great fashion tips? These are our favourite summer dresses right now, plus - everything to know about straight leg jeans, the style set to replace skinny leg jeans.
To get the best deal on every purchase, be sure to check out news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll find discounts on brands like Country Road, The Iconic, and many more.
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