Top 10 Maxi Dresses Of 2021

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Maxi dresses are back, or did they ever really go away? The full-length style has been doing the rounds every summer for decades, and like clockwork, is back once again as one of the top summer fashion trends of 2021

According to Vogue, long dresses are on-trend, and so are clothes with a significant nostalgic nod to past decades such as the 1990s, including low-rise jeans (Millennials, look away!) and grunge-inspired spaghetti-strap slip dresses. A breath of bohemian style borrowed from the 1970s is popular this summer too. So think long slip dresses and patterned maxi dresses, like this button maxi dress by Chelsea 28, for the way to wear the maxi dress in summer 2021.

Floral maxi dresses are going nowhere either, with the trend holding strong this summer (via Redbrick). Maybe it's the Kendall Jenner effect? The model was spotted wearing a Rodarte pink floral maxi dress whilst frolicking in the greenery beside a golf course in April (via Instagram). Or maybe because a floral maxi dress is so appropriate for so many different occasions. Simply slip on a pair of gladiator sandals for everyday wear, or elevate your outfit for a garden party or summer wedding with a comfortable, yet chic, pair of platform sandals.

Elsewhere, pastel lilac dresses, shirt dresses and gingham dresses are enjoying a revival (via PopSugar), the latter being a contemporary twist on the enduring checkered print trend and the return of the 1970s prairie aesthetic.

There's a maxi dress style for everyone and every occasion

On the floral front, Zara's floral satin slip dress couldn't tick any more boxes for summer 2021 trends: slip dress style, a nod to 1990s nostalgia, and pastel lilac shade? Perfection. Free People's Debbie-Jean shirtdress is a nod to the 1970s colour palette of greens and soft yellows with a modern floral pattern and shirtdress style.

The Pretty Garden spotted halterneck dress is one of the best summer wedding guest dresses I've seen in a long time, tapping into the halterneck trend whilst remaining timeless in colour and shape. Target's printed maxi dress on the other hand, gives off major Seventies vibes with a contemporary twist, and Absence Of Colour's maxi sundress ticks off the gingham trend in one fell swoop. H&M's colourful maxi dress is the epitome of summer with its vibrant shades and slip straps, whereas JCrew's maxi dress in a classic column style proves you can wear black all year round, even in the summer.

If you prefer to keep your arms covered, there are plenty of summer choices with long flowing sleeves that still keep you cool in the warmer months. Anthropologie's polka dot maxi dress has a smocked bodice and an elasticated sleeve for any occasion, and the Vici Collection long-sleeved maxi dress is the perfect cover-up that doesn't sacrifice on summer style with its chic floral print.