15 of the Best Maxi Dresses for Apple-Shaped Bodies

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Maxi dresses are having a serious moment for 2023! You’ll want to make sure you have numerous ready to go in your wardrobe if you want to stay stylish for summer. But that’s a lot of fabric to work with — how can you make sure each maxi dress you buy will look the very best on you?

If you have an apple-shaped (a.k.a. round) body, you might want to skip shapeless, oversized dresses and concentrate more on anything that defines the waistline. Ties, ruching, cutouts, etc. — we’ll show you 15 of our favorite maxi dresses for apple-shaped bodies below. Let’s get shopping!

Cupshe Allyssa Elastic Waist Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Flowy and comfortable
• Three color options
• Cinched yet stretchy waist

Cons:

• Only one review so far
• Only available in S-XL

Grace Karin Smocked Ruffle Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Can dress up or down
• Wide, smocked waist
• Nine colorways

Cons:

• Some sizes are selling out
• May require a slip

Caslon Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Soft, stretchy jersey material
• Six colors
• Shoppers say it doesn’t cling

Cons:

• Torso may be slightly short on super tall frames
• Only partially lined

Anrabess Bodycon Cutout Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Waist cutout and asymmetrical design create great angles
• 12 colors
• Super stretchy (10% spandex)

Cons:

• Hand wash/dry flat recommended
• One-shoulder design means you can’t wear a regular bra

Free People free-est La La Tiered Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Three colors
• Machine wash, tumble dry
• Great for vacations

Cons:

• May be see-through
• Could be too low-cut for some shoppers

NauLon Cutout Waist Bodycon Dress

Pros:

• Unique cutout wraps around back and sides
• Stretchy ribbed fabric
• Also available in mini versions

Cons:

• Needs a racerback (or no) bra
• Only available in S-L

Pogtmm Floral V-Neck Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Side pockets
• High waistline elongates legs
• Nine colorways

Cons:

• Not cotton
• Only one solid shade

Maggy London Floral Ruffle Sleeveless Faux Wrap Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Beautiful wedding guest dress
• Two colors
• Very flattering faux-wrap design

Cons:

• May need help zipping it up
• Three ratings but no reviews

Floerns Tropical Floral Print Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Tie belt at waist
• High slit for movement
• Eight colors

Cons:

• Non-stretch fabric (apart from the waist)
• Halter neckline needs special bra or no bra

City Chic Sylvie Floral Wrap Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Plus sizes
• Slip lining
• Cinched tie waist

Cons:

• Sizing is a little confusing — check size guide
• Only one colorway

Blencot Long-Sleeve Floral Maxi Dress

Pros:

• On sale!
• 26 colorways
• Accommodates larger busts

Cons:

• One shopper said the slip underneath is a bit short
• Only available in S-XL

Loveappella Tiered Faux Wrap Knit Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Machine washable
• Two colors
• Flowy tiered skirt

Cons:

• Might need help tying the back
• No reviews yet

Zesica Crossover Halter Neck Maxi Dress

Pros:

• 26 colorways
• Adjustable
• Machine washable

Cons:

• Risk of unwanted side-boob
• May not provide enough support

Karen Kane Sleeveless Colorblock Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Angular color-blocking snatches waist without any cinching
• Machine washable
• Available in regular and petite sizes

Cons:

• Only one colorway
• Lacking reviews

Verdusa Cutout Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Pros:

• Breathable fabric
• Easy pull-on style
• High slit for movement

Cons:

• Only one color
• Cutout may be too revealing for some

Not done shopping? See more of our favorite products below:

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