Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

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 Women's Loose V Neck Allyssa Surplice Ruched Dress Formal Dress Short Sleeve Elastic Waist Side Slit Maxi Dress Orange
CUPSHE

$34

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Flowy and comfortable
  • Three color options
  • Cinched yet stretchy waist
  • Only one review so far
  • Only available in S-XL
GRACE KARIN Women's Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress Summer Boho Ruffle Dress Sleeveless Swing A-Line Smocked Waist Cami Dress with Pockets Green L
GRACE KARIN

$41

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Can dress up or down
  • Wide, smocked waist
  • Nine colorways
  • Some sizes are selling out
  • May require a slip
caslonr caslon(r) Sleeveless Jersey Maxi Dress in Black at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Small
Nordstrom

$39

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Soft, stretchy jersey material
  • Six colors
  • Shoppers say it doesn't cling
  • Torso may be slightly short on super tall frames
  • Only partially lined
ANRABESS Women’s Summer Sexy Bodycon Maxi Gradution Dress 2023 Prom Dresses One Shoulder Sleeveless Sexy Cut Out Formal Cocktail Party Dress 765fense-M Pink
ANRABESS

$39

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Waist cutout and asymmetrical design create great angles
  • 12 colors
  • Super stretchy (10% spandex)
  • 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 in Bird Of Paradise at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
Nordstrom

$98

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Three colors
  • Machine wash, tumble dry
  • Great for vacations
  • May be see-through
  • Could be too low-cut for some shoppers
NauLon Womens Sexy Cut Out Waist Open Back Bodycon Dress Ankle Length Ribbed Party Club Midi Dresses (as1, Alpha, m, Regular, Regular, Black, M)
NauLon

$26

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Unique cutout wraps around back and sides
  • Stretchy ribbed fabric
  • Also available in mini versions
  • Needs a racerback (or no) bra
  • Only available in S-L
Summer Dresses for Women 2022 Petite Empire Waist Maxi Dress with Pockets(M,A-Green)
POGTMM
You save: 33%

$27$40

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Side pockets
  • High waistline elongates legs
  • Nine colorways
  • Not cotton
  • Only one solid shade
Maggy London Floral Ruffle Sleeveless Faux Wrap Maxi Dress in Coral Pink at Nordstrom, Size 0
Nordstrom

$118

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Beautiful wedding guest dress
  • Two colors
  • Very flattering faux-wrap design
  • May need help zipping it up
  • Three ratings but no reviews
Floerns Women's Summer Tropical Floral Print Halter Neck Split Maxi Dress Dark Blue M
Floerns

$41

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Tie belt at waist
  • High slit for movement
  • Eight colors
  • Non-stretch fabric (apart from the waist)
  • Halter neckline needs special bra or no bra
City Chic Sylvie Floral Wrap Maxi Dress in Mesmerising Fl at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
Nordstrom

$139

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Plus sizes
  • Slip lining
  • Cinched tie waist
  • Sizing is a little confusing — check size guide
  • Only one colorway
BLENCOT Women's Casual Boho Floral Printed Deep V Neck Loose Long Sleeve Long Evening Dress Ruched Cocktail Party Maxi Wedding Dress Apricot Large
BLENCOT
You save: 38%

$50$80

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • On sale!
  • 26 colorways
  • Accommodates larger busts
  • One shopper said the slip underneath is a bit short
  • Only available in S-XL
Loveappella Tiered Faux Wrap Knit Maxi Dress in Black at Nordstrom, Size Small
Nordstrom

$68

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Machine washable
  • Two colors
  • Flowy tiered skirt
  • Might need help tying the back
  • No reviews yet
ZESICA Women's 2023 Summer Crossover Halter Neck Sleeveless Plaid Cut Out Backless Flowy A Line Maxi Dress,GreyGreen,Small
ZESICA
You save: 11%

$49$55

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • 26 colorways
  • Adjustable
  • Machine washable
  • Risk of unwanted side-boob
  • May not provide enough support
Karen Kane Sleeveless Colorblock Maxi Dress in Bww at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
Nordstrom

$149

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Angular color-blocking snatches waist without any cinching
  • Machine washable
  • Available in regular and petite sizes
  • Only one colorway
  • Lacking reviews
Verdusa Women's Cut Out Long Sleeve Split Thigh Bodycon Maxi Dress Black S
Verdusa

$28

  • Pros:
  • Cons:
  • Breathable fabric
  • Easy pull-on style
  • High slit for movement
  • Only one color
  • Cutout may be too revealing for some

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

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.