Call it the Sophia Richie effect or maybe everyone is cottoning onto the fact that maxi dresses are the most comfortable and yet effortlessly put-together item of clothing. Regardless of its origin story, the modest maxi dress is having a moment, and I’m certainly here for it.
Throughout summer, it was all I was reaching for – they give that air of chic sophistication, keep you feeling cool (as well as looking very cool) and are easily dressed up or down depending on the vibe. With the weather taking a turn (hey, autumn!), a little extra coverage is a must, and a maxi means you don’t need to completely let go of the summer vibes.
As someone who steers towards modest dressing, maxis are a staple in my wardrobe and so I consider myself a maxi dress aficionado. Brands are really embracing the modesty fashion movement, and it makes sense: the Google searches for modest dresses have gone through the roof, with over 150% increase in searches over the past 12 months.
We might actually have the opposite problem: with so much choice, and good choices at that, where do you begin the search. The maxi dress is a great foundational piece to any wardrobe and lends itself perfectly for daily wear but it’s in the summer months where it truly shines. I’m a believer in getting stuck right in and so as a starting point, here are some of my current favourite maxi modest dresses, read on for inspiration on where to shop for your autumn maxi dress wardrobe…
Zara’s autumnal floral maxi
Would it be a fashion list without Zara, I don’t think so. Zara has an amazing collection of maxi and midi dresses and its new-in collection is hitting the spot. Already in my basket is this throw-on-and-look-perfectly-put-together number. It’s an excellent addition to your new season wardrobe, and if you have any last-min holidays booked, it’s ideal.
ASOS’ sage maxi
Can you ever go wrong with ASOS? I guarantee you’ll always find something. To make the search easier, get super-specific: look for maxi, with long sleeves or short sleeves whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find something to fit your criteria. This is on my current ASOS hit lit, it’s hitting all the spots. Autumn’s trendiest colour? Check. Asymmetrical seam detailing to give it some flair? Check. You can easily dress it down and pair it with some chunky dad sandals and a denim jacket for those cooler nights.
Aligne’s denim shirt dress
I’m a huge denim fan but finding denim maxi/midi dresses is somewhat of a tricky task. Well, that was until I stumbled across this lush Aligne number, it ticks all the boxes, is a great length, not super tight and it’s affordable. I’ll be rocking this dress all year round, right now with sandals and then in the winter with some cool knee-high boots.
Mango’s expensive-looking white maxi
Don’t sleep on Mango – its current dress selection is fire and there are lots to meet your modest maxi dress needs. I’m currently lusting after this number. For the summer, white dresses are my go-to but often white big maxi summer dresses can have no shape at all and can end up looking sack-like. This Mango number has the perfect amount of slouch and with the addition of a belt to give it some shape without losing that flowy Boho look. It would look great with a denim jacket and cowboy boots.
H&M’s puff sleeve dress
H&M is one of the first places I’ll look for when on the hunt for a modest maxi dress. H&M knows how to do a floral print and well, I am obsessed with this pink floral number, it’s a subtle way to tap into this summer’s biggest trend, Barbiecore.
Arket’s striped maxi
Arket = the home of all things chic. If you’re on the hunt for that elevated maxi dress that will see you through all seasons, its styles are always timeless. You can never go wrong with stripes, it’s always a good idea to wear stripes. This knitted striped maxi dress from Arket is a great choice, and one you’ll have in your wardrobe forever. Finish the look off with chunky sandals and basket bag for summer in the city.