Maxi dresses are taking over the fashion world by storm! Their ankle-grazing lengths keep you cool in the summer heat while providing effortlessly chic style. Even better, the halter neck on maxi dresses adds flirty detail that takes these dresses to the next level.
Halter necklines cinch and tie at the neck, leaving the shoulders and back exposed. This fun, summery detail highlights the upper body beautifully. The elegance of a floor-length maxi dress gets amplified by the flirty halter styling.
These dress styles are perfect for everything from beach vacations to summer weddings and events. They manage to be sexy and stylish at the same time!
Keep reading to discover the top halter neck maxi dresses on the market right now. You’ll find reviews of the most gorgeous options to rock this season. Consider your body type and style preferences to determine which of these stunning dresses belongs in your closet!
Plus, get tips for choosing and accessorizing maxi dresses with halter necks. Find answers to frequently asked questions to complete your maxi dress education. By the end, you’ll be a maxi dress expert ready to show off your new halter neck gowns all summer long!
The Top 5 Stunning Maxi Dresses with Halter Necks
Every body type and personal style can shine in a halter neck maxi dress when you find the right one. Here are 5 top-rated and reviewed halter maxi dresses that are must-haves for the season.
Dress 1: The Floral Charm Maxi Dress
The Floral Charm Maxi Dress from Lady Lux Fashion features a vibrant pink and red floral print that screams summer. The lightweight fabric has a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully.
This halter neck dress ties behind the neck, leaving the shoulders bare. The back features a dramatic cut-out with crisscrossing straps at the lower back. The full skirt flows beautifully to a floor-length hem.
Reviewers say this dress is true to size and the stretchy fabric has the perfect amount of give. The eye-catching floral pattern and high front slit give this dress a sexy, stand-out look. Pair it with wedges for daytime or strappy heels at night!
Price: $XX from LadyLuxFashion.com
Dress 2: The Sleekest Halter Maxi
For a sleek, sophisticated look, choose the Sleekest Halter Maxi from Banana Republic. This slenderizing maxi dress comes in versatile black or rich burgundy.
The halter neckline ties behind the neck, joined by open straps that cross the bare back seductively. The smooth stretch fabric skims every curve without clinging. A front slit allows movement and shows a hint of leg.
Reviewers say this dress runs a bit large and recommend sizing down for a fitted look. The fabric is substantial enough to wear to weddings and events, while still being comfortable. Complete the outfit with sparkling earrings and strappy heels.
Price: $XX at BananaRepublic.com
Dress 3: The Free Spirit Maxi
Channel carefree summer vibes in the Free Spirit Maxi from Anthropologie. Available in fresh colors like sky blue, peach, and sage green, this dress epitomizes laidback chic.
The breezy viscose fabric has a subtle sheen and fluid drape. The halter neckline creates a keyhole cutout at the chest, showing off a hint of skin. The covered back adds to the relaxed vibe. The tiered maxi skirt sways beautifully as you walk.
Reviewers suggest sizing up in this dress for a more flowy fit. It’s perfect for brunch dates, summer street festivals, and wearing on vacation. Complete the look with flat sandals.
Price: $XX at Anthropologie.com
Dress 4: The Allure Maxi
For a romantic take on the halter maxi, try the Allure Maxi Dress from Revolve. This sweeping maxi comes in feminine pastel floral prints and solid black or white.
The halter ties into a twisted front design before crisscrossing at the open back. A front slit shows leg while allowing movement. The skirt falls in gauzy, fluid tiers that catch every breeze.
According to reviews, this dress runs true to size but the open back and slit show extra skin. Save it for date nights, nights out dancing, and summer soirees. Pair with delicate jewelry and heels for an elevated look.
Price: $XX at Revolve.com
Dress 5: The Goddess Gown
Unleash your inner goddess in the Goddess Gown Maxi Dress from Show Me Your Mumu. The silk fabric has a luxurious shimmery sheen and the cut celebrates curves.
The halter ties into a twist at the bust, then opens into a deep V down the torso. The skirt skims the hips before falling into a breezy floor-length hem. A thigh-high slit shows serious leg.
According to reviews, this dress runs large so size down for a curve-hugging fit. The neckline shows ample décolletage so save it for a big night out. Complete with metallic heels and diamond earrings.
Price: $XX at ShowMeYourMumu.com
Now that you’ve seen the hottest halter maxi dresses for the season, it’s time to choose which one fits your style. Keep reading for tips on picking the perfect maxi dress to flatter YOUR body and showcase your best assets.
Choosing the Perfect Halter Neck Maxi Dress for YOU
The halter neck style allows you to make a seriously stylish statement. But not every cut works for every body shape and size. Follow these tips to pick a halter maxi dress that will make you look and feel amazing!
Consider Your Body Type
Fit is everything when it comes to maxi dress shopping. Make sure to choose styles made to flatter your unique physique.
Petite figures should avoid overwhelming prints and overly billowy maxis. Seek out dresses with a defined waist or added structure in the bodice. Ruched details and wrap styles are perfect for cinching in smaller figures. Aim for floor-length maxis but don’t drown in extra fabric.
Curvy babes look amazing in halter maxi dresses! Structured fabrics help emphasize your shape. Off the shoulder and cold shoulder necklines beautifully highlight the shoulders and bust. Ruched bodices and wrap styles are made to hug curves. Tie details at the waist further emphasize your hourglass shape.
Tall or lean figures can pull off any maxi length but floor-length will be most striking. Focus less on enhancing your shape and more on choosing fun details like bold prints, thigh-high slits, and open backs. Go for fluid, drapey fabrics that sway around your long frame.
Consider Fabric and Texture
Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like soft jersey knits and flowy chiffon or crepe. These will keep you cool on hot summer days and nights. Billowy maxi skirts look ethereal and stay comfortable in lightweight fabrics.
Structured fabrics like brocade, jacquard, and suiting materials will nip in the waist and better define your shape. Save these luxe fabrics for evenings and events.
Experiment with Necklines
The halter neck is already a showstopper, but don’t be afraid to branch out. Off the shoulder and cold shoulder necklines pair perfectly with the summery maxi silhouette. Bateau and strapless necklines also highlight the shoulders beautifully.
For a minimalist vibe, try a high crew neck. Or add intrigue with a plunging V-neckline. Look for twist, knot, and tie details around the neck – the rope-style straps add visual interest.
Mind the Length
Length is everything with a maxi dress. But avoid getting hung up on a specific number. Try different styles above and below the ankle to see what is most flattering.
Floor-length maxis can shorten the leg. Try a dress that hits just above the ankle bone to maximize length. Anything too short can seem choppy and informal. Ideal maxi length hits somewhere between the ankle and floor.
Taller ladies should embrace the floor-length drama while petites aim for just below or above the ankle. Have your dress tailored for the perfect custom length.
Pick Your Prints
Maxi dresses look gorgeous in vivid prints and bold patterns. Floral, paisley, and abstract prints bring in color. Shorter and petite figures should scale down big prints.
Solid color maxis in bright jewel tones, neon, or pastels make a statement. Neutral earth tones like tan, cream, or black easily dress up or down.
Subtle gradient prints, colorblocking, or soft painterly patterns offer versatility from day to night. Grayscale animal prints like snakeskin, leopard, and zebra are eternally chic.
Consider Coverage
A halter maxi is already a sexy silhouette. But different events call for different levels of coverage. Flowy, opaque fabrics in dark colors provide more coverage for daytime or formal events.
Sheer, ultra-clingy or very short lengths are better left for nights out clubbing or on vacation. Pay attention to revealing slits, cutouts, racerback, or strappy details that amp up the sex appeal.
Functionality is Key
The best maxi dress is one you can wear comfortably all day or night. So look for functional details like pockets, stretch fabrics, nursing access, and easy on and off styles.
Details like shoulder ties, back ties, wrap waists, and adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit. Stretch fabrics like jersey knits move with you, so you don’t have to struggle to sit down or dance.
Deep slits and looser flowing skirts make it easier to walk and move freely. Substantial stretch fabrics won’t turn transparent if you bend over. These useful tweaks make a maxi dress much more livable.
Now that you’re armed with tips to pick the perfect halter maxi dress, it’s time to talk accessories and answer some common questions!
FAQs and Answers About Maxi Dresses with Halter Necks
The halter maxi dress provides a gorgeous, breezy silhouette. But you may still have some questions about perfecting your look. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about maxi dresses.
What bras work best with halter necks?
Figuring out bra situations is every woman’s dilemma! Here are some options for finding support under halter necklines.
Bralettes and wireless bras offer light support without visible straps or bulky fabric. Adhesive bras stick directly on the skin – just beware in hot climates! For more support, strapless bras and convertible multiway bras adapt to maxi dresses.
Opt for seamless fabrics and bands that won’t show through the neckline. Many maxi dresses have enough structure in the bodice to support the bust on their own. Add dress tape if needed.
How should a maxi dress fit?
The maxi dress silhouette looks best when it skims your frame without clinging too tightly. It should glide over your curves and highlight your shape without restrictive pulling or gaping.
A defined waistband or tie cinches you in while the skirt flows loosely over the hips and legs. Move freely without exposing too much. The perfect fit means you look stylish AND feel comfortable.
What shoes work best with maxi dresses?
One of the best parts of a maxi dress is showing off fun shoes since so little of your leg is exposed!
Wedges and espadrilles are perfect for casual daytime maxi dresses. Heels – either block or stiletto – dress up the look for evenings. Flat lace-up sandals or slides keep you comfy without competing with the long skirt.
Ankle strap heels are great for stabilizing your stride so you don’t trip over the long skirt. Go for strappy Details or metallic finishes for visual interest.
What jewelry should you wear?
Maxi dresses frame the collarbone, neck, and décolletage beautifully. Elongate your neckline with delicate lariat or collar necklaces. Layered pendant necklaces also accent the chest gracefully.
Dangly chandelier or statement earrings draw eyes up. Arm cuffs, stacked bracelets, and rings embellish bare arms and add sparkle. Avoid necklaces that sit directly on the neck strap which compete with the halter style.
Are halter maxis wedding guest appropriate?
Maxi dresses are perfect for summer weddings and events. Just be wary of fabrics that are too clingy, sheer or revealing. Avoid overly distracting prints or designs.
Opt for dresses in solid colors or subtle prints in navy, blush, neutrals, and non-white pastels. Bring a wrap or coverup for ceremonies. The maxi length remains elegant and covers legs if you get chilly.
Can you wear maxi dresses in winter?
Maxi dresses aren’t just for summer! Adapt the style for colder temps by wearing with tall boots, booties, or closed toe flats.
Look for long sleeve maxi dresses or add a sweater or jacket on top. Try sweater knits, warmer jersey materials, and substantial weights that provide warmth.
Layer tights or leggings underneath and finish with boots, scarves, and outerwear. Seek out thermal and wool fabrics to stay cozy while rocking the comfortable style.
How do you care for maxi dresses?
Read garment care labels and follow washing instructions carefully. Most quality maxi dresses can be machine washed cold and air dried. Maxi dresses are often tougher to iron so skip the dryer and dry flat instead.
Rougher handling can stretch and distort delicate jersey knits and woven fabrics. Wash similar colors together and avoid overloading your washer. Spot clean as needed with a gentle detergent. Always hang maxi dresses rather than folding to avoid wrinkles.
Where to shop for the best maxi dresses
You’ll find gorgeous maxi dress selections at:
- Specialty online boutiques like Lulu’s, Revolve, Show Me Your Mumu, Lady Lux Fashion
- Mainstream stores like Madewell, Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Asos, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s.
- Fast fashion like Forever 21, H&M, Zara, Old Navy, Target
- Direct from designers – DVF, Rachel Pally, Johnny Was, Kay Unger and more!
- Your local dress boutique
Now that all your burning maxi dress questions have been answered, it’s time to shop for that perfect halter maxi dress!
Flaunt Your Maxi Dress Style
The halter neckline takes the flowing maxi silhouette to stylish new heights. These ultra-femme dresses celebrate the shoulder and back while keeping you cool and comfortable.
Hopefully this guide provided tips to pick the right maxi dress for your body type. From petite to curvy to tall, the halter maxi flatters every figure.
Accessorize for the occasion – slider sandals for daytime, strappy heels at night. Layer necklaces over the neckline and don’t forget the sunnies and big hat!
The next time you have a vacation planned, summer party coming up, or even just brunch with the girls – reach for a breezy halter neck maxi. Feel sexy, confident and dressed to impress while beating the heat in the comfy, travel-ready style.
What’s your favorite way to rock maxi dresses in the summer? Share your top picks for perfect halter maxi dresses and how you like to style them!