My closet is like 90% shades of black and grey. Ok, maybe not quite that much, but I have a longtime love affair with any and all black clothing, shoes & accessories. Black is just easy–it’s flattering, it’s versatile, and it’s easy to mix and match your closet when most of the things are black.

This Black Maxi: A Must-Have Summer Dress

My favorite thing to wear in the summer? You guessed it — a black dress. And I’ve found that maxi dresses are actually often more comfortable (and cooler, even) than shorter ones. The extra fabric means I’m not worried about accidental flashes or the way my legs look, and I can often move easier in them. My favorite right now is this one from Athleta, but I’ve rounded up a bunch below (including maternity options!) to help you find your new favorite. (And speaking of new favorites, the Lulu Maxi Dress from our Voloshin line is pretty dang amazing!)

Casual, Cute & Easy: The Athleta Destination Maxi Dress

I’m always on the hunt for casual dresses that can be thrown on over a swimsuit or be dressed up for fancier occasions (and for now “fancier” means anytime I’m not actively wearing a swimsuit). So when Linzi shared this dress on Facebook, I ordered it immediately…and I LOVE it. (Thank you, Linzi!)

It comes in regular, tall and petite sizes, and I went with the petite small after reading the reviews (I’m 5’4″ and usually a size 6/28). The slits are high, but I like that since the rest of the dress is a bit more modest. With a high-neck (no cleavage) and a bit of a looser fit (no bodycon tightness here), the slits add a little bit of sexy to an otherwise perfectly casual everyday dress (and keep it cooler). Oh, and I washed it and dried it in the dryer, and it washed beautifully–because this mama is definitely not dry-cleaning…or even “laying flat to dry” most days.

Athleta Destination Maxi Dress (small petite) | sandals (similar and in any shade of “nude” you could possibly want! more sizes here) | Nickel & Suede Earrings (lightweight and comfy) | Warby Parker Sunglasses

Shop More Black Maxi Dresses

Shop Maternity Black Maxi Dresses

XOXO,

Scotti