Maxi Dress Style--6 Great Looks

Kids may be heading back to school (yes!), and windows for vacations starting to close, but that doesn't mean I have to give up my passion for dresses in the summer. I love a maxi length--feminine and flowy, long enough to look elegant for a party and easy enough to wear to an outdoor concert. Here are a few long dresses that would work for such occasions, and take you into fall (or winter here in California). First up (above), this sweet floral, which has me imagining myself in it hunting down dahlias and heirloom veggies at the farmers market--or looking bomb pumping gas--the latter more my near-future reality...

Another floral (above), this one is a sophisticated monochromatic mix.

This shoulder baring halter-style dress (below) with its stripes and tassel details recalls a vacation on the French Riviera...or perhaps I should stay more local in my fantasies...perhaps Malibu?

It feels like you're getting away with something wearing this short-sleeved maxi (above). Recalling that super soft t-shirt you steal from your husband, I think I would be sneaky and try wear it 24/7 or alternate with its black & white twin...

Let's turn those stripes into a floral pattern and we have this lovely visual feast, meadow not included...

I adore the terracotta color of this breezy number, or you can opt for the version of it in cool aqua. With fall fashions arriving in stores now, many dresses are discounted or are on clearance making it a great time to stock up!