Let’s talk maxi dresses; specifically, maxi dresses for dressing up.

We’ll be up front – we love maxi dresses for dressing up. We’ve seen casual versions up and down the high street for the last few years but we think their place at cocktail parties, posh dinners and nights out on the town have been seriously down-played.

Why? Well we love that it’s effortlessly elegant and demure, without needing to look like a ballgown. It can be tight or lose fitting and there’s a whole lot of fabric for patterns to play with. What’s more, you’ll never fall foul of the “knee-length” rules or have to worry about being under dressed.

Need we say more? Here’s our ten of the best maxi dresses to inspire you.

Pollyanna V-neck georgette gown from ISSA

Pollyanna V-neck georgette gown from ISSA

Priced at £795.

Available from matchesfashion.com

Mosaic draped stretch-jersey maxi dress from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania

Mosaic draped stretch-jersey maxi dress from Vivienne Westwood Anglomania

Priced at £175.

Available from The Outnet

Illustration print maxi dress from Therapy

Illustration print maxi dress from Therapy

Priced at £70.

Available from House of Fraser

Wrap front maxi dress from Oh My Love

Wrap front maxi dress from Oh My Love

Priced at £45.

Available from Topshop

One-shoulder leaf-crepe gown from Alexander McQueen

One-shoulder leaf-crepe gown from Alexander McQueen

Priced at £1,695.

Available from matchesfashion.com

Zuzanna floral print maxi dress from Coast

Zuzanna floral print maxi dress from Coast

Priced at £139.

Available from John Lewis

Orchid jardin print maxi dress from Uttam Boutique

Orchid jardin print maxi dress from Uttam Boutique

Priced at £75.

Available from House of Fraser

Metallic lace maxi dress from Rare

Metallic lace maxi dress from Rare

Priced at £59.

Available from Topshop

Embellished tulle maxi dress from Marchesa Notte

Embellished tulle maxi dress from Marchesa Notte

Priced at £483.75.

Available from The Outnet

Mona maxi dress from Coast

Mona maxi dress from Coast

Priced at £95.

Available from Coast

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