Easy-Breezy Maxi Dresses To Keep You Cool On The Hottest Days

What can ruin a perfect outfit during the summer? The sweltering temps and humid conditions. We’ve all experienced it—you look as cute as can be in the morning, but by the time you reach your destination, your clothes are sticking to you, and all you want to do is change into something else. You can’t escape the weather, but you can strategically dress to make it as cool and comfortable as possible without sacrificing your personal style. Enter: the easy-breezy maxi dress.

Want to beat the heat? Maxi dress. Don’t have time to shave your legs? Maxi dress. Going to a wedding? Maxi dress. Need to impress? Maxi dress. Still need some convincing? Let Astrid Boutrot, women’s buying and fashion director for the Webster, persuade you. “Maxi dresses are easy to style and effortlessly transition from day to night. A versatile, one-item look that makes it so easy to pack for all your summer travels.”

There are endless styling possibilities, but Boutrot’s top tip is all about the finishing touches. “For day, reach for anything raffia and throw on a linen shirt to add a bit more dimension. For night, simply remove the overshirt and swap in a minimal heel or dressy flat sandal. And of course, you can’t forget about the jewelry. I love the big bold, chunky jewelry trend. Saint Laurent’s amazing runway pieces come to mind. Also, your hairstyle can elevate and transform a look. During the day, it’s down with a hat, and at night, slicked back to elongate and showcase the details. A strapless maxi dress with your hair back is the outfit to wear when attending weddings this season.”

If you don’t know where to start, begin with Boutrot’s three picks everyone should own: a simple black jersey for everyday casual, a strapless design made from a luxe fabric for evenings, and a bold option for statement-making fun. Here are 15 picks that will keep you looking chic without overheating.

Related article: 12 Maxi Dresses You’ll Want To Live In This Summer

Matteau Gathered One Shoulder Maxi Dress

Elegant without being fussy, this one-shoulder dress from Matteau is designed to flatter. The gathered bodice hugs you in all the right places, and the delicate floral print in neutral colors makes it perfect for both everyday wear and wedding season.

Courrèges Second Skin Dress Gradient Sunset

If you haven’t jumped on the sheer dressing bandwagon, this is your sign. Made from a stretchy fabric, this light-as-air dress will indeed act as your second skin. Wear it over swimwear, bike shorts, slips, or lingerie—this is what you want on when you’re driving (or strolling) off into the sunset.

Agua by Agua Bendita Alheli Maxi Dress

You’ll never go unnoticed in this off-the-shoulder dress from Agua by Agua Bendita. We can imagine frolicking in meadows, lounging in Lake Como, attending garden parties, or winning “Best-Dressed Guest” in this strapless, balloon-sleeved number.

Skin Nile Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress

Possibly the most perfect visualisation of “less is more,” this black jersey maxi dress is one you’ll want to wear every day, straight into the winter. The stretchy fabric allows for a wide range of movement while still giving you a flattering silhouette. For a ’90s look, layer with a white T-shirt.

Frank & Eileen Rory Woven Long Dress

You don’t need to bare your arms to stay cool. For those who prefer a little more coverage, an oversize shirt dress gives you maximum ventilation and sun protection. Crafted from 100 percent cotton, sustainably made in the finest family-owned Italian mill, and Oeko-Tex certified, this is a purchase you’ll feel good about year after year. Wear it to the office or as a cover-up for the beach. Better yet, belt it for a chic finish as you explore new cities this summer.

Johanna Ortiz Kay Pacha Ankle Dress

Linen is one of the best, most breathable fabrics you can wear during the summer. This Johanna Ortiz stunner has cutouts to keep you extra cool, too—plus, it comes with a pareu for beach days.

Bondi Born + Net Sustain Montenegro Strapless Woven Maxi Dress

Minimal, strapless dresses like this exude quiet luxury vibes. Great for day and night, brunch and weddings, this Bondi Born maxi is fitted with internal boning so it stays in place. Plus, going strapless means you don’t have to worry about awkward tan lines. And you can have so much fun layering jewellery to accentuate the neckline.

Toteme Seamless Rib Tank Maxi Dress

The summer version of the sweatsuit, this tank dress is exactly what you want to wear when you can’t be bothered. Comfortable and versatile, it works for lounging at home, thrown on as a beach cover-up, or with bold jewelry and accessories for an easy night look.

Hunter Bell Jamison Dress

Subtle yet striking and full of charm, every detail on this Hunter Bell dress makes it a must-have for party season. The asymmetrical flounce skirt is adorned with cascading ruffles for a whimsical silhouette.

Farm Rio Cutout Embroidered Floral-Print Maxi Dress

You’ve probably seen Farm Rio everywhere on social media, and it’s little wonder why. The brand has nailed eye-catching, punchy prints that spark joy. Made from a linen-blend fabric, and featuring beautiful blooms with an embroidered floral bodice and a beautiful flowy skirt that blows in the wind, this cutout dress may become the most cherished piece in your closet.

Cara Cara Corsica Dress

You can’t forget the quintessential white summer dress. This off-the-shoulder design from buzzy brand Cara Cara (co-founded by a Shop Bazaar alum!) is so romantic and feminine, and thoughtfully designed for a flattering fit. You’ll love the smocked bodice with micro ruffles along the neckline and ruffle detail at the waist, floral eyelets throughout, and three-quarter flared sleeves. It comes fully lined so you don’t have to figure out which slips you have to pair it with. Also, it has pockets!

Ganni Crinkled Satin Maxi Strap Dress

Take a walk on the wild side with animal print. And as much as we love leopard, zebra is where it’s at. This satin maxi has a crinkled finished for added texture and a ruched front, so you can wear it for both everyday and fancier occasions. Come fall, it makes a cool layering essential.

Proenza Schouler Ribbon Crochet Fringe Maxi Dress

Crochet and the warmer months go hand in hand, and this floor-grazing maxi from Proenza Schouler is an investment you’ll wear season after season without fail. The point collar and short sleeves keep it casual (but not too casual), and the fringe hem is the chef’s kiss.

Faithfull the Brand Lusia Draped Floral-Print Crepe Maxi Dress

A floral maxi dress is the chameleon in your closet—wear it to the office, dinner parties, rooftop hangs, Sunday service, vacationing in Italy. The draped cowl neckline adds elegance, and the lace-up back adds edge.

Mara Hoffman Phoebe Oversized Checked Kaftan

When you want to feel like you’re wearing nothing, an oversize kaftan will do the trick. It’s so breezy and lightweight, you might want to buy multiples for all the days you have to venture out in the heat.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.