The Ten Best Maxidresses

2. Dorothy Perkins - £10
One for the beach, this unbelievably cheap boob tube maxi is a little too casual to wear in the city. If you do, throw caution to the wind and don it for a night out. But be sure to wear a good strapless bra underneath for extra support.
www.dorothy perkins.com; 08449 840 261

3. George - £20
Flattering and inexpensive, George has come up trumps with this dress. Because this trend won’t last into winter – the weather will be too wet for a long hem – feel free to pick up a bargain. George also does a funky floral version for the same low price.
www.george.com; 0500 100 055

4. Miss Selfridge - £30
A plain cotton maxidress is ideal for beach holidays. Bundle it into your bag and slip it on to shade legs from the sun or when you’re heading to the beach bar for refreshment. Pile on a chunky necklace to take it from day to night.
www.miss selfridge.co.uk; 08009 159 900

5. River Island - £34.99
This floral maxi manages to look folky without copying the boho style of summer 2005. A good dress for summer parties and festivals, you might want to team it with wellies if you’re heading anywhere wet to protect the pretty frilled hem.
www.river island.com

6. Topshop - £38
With a flattering wraparound waist, this halterneck maxi would make a great evening dress. It has a Seventies vibe, so would look stunning teamed with a chunky gold cuff or necklace. Be sure to wear it with platforms if you’re a little on the short side to prevent it trailing on the ground.
www.topshop.com; 0844 984 0264

7. Monsoon - £40
Unless you’re feeling daring, it might be wise to layer this dangerously low cut dress over a vest to protect your modesty. Alternatively, if the weather ever cheers up, wear a plain bikini top underneath to the same effect. The great cornflower colour and beaded drawstring are a pretty touch.
www.monsoon. co.uk; 08701 553 553

8. Mango - £75
Mango has an excellent range of maxidresses. This extra-long number consists of a prettilypatterned chiffon top layer with a cotton under dress. The cord belt wraps around to give you a shape that would make a Greek goddess green with envy.
www.mango shop.com; 020-7434 3694

9 .French Connection - £95
A Grecian-style draped maxidress like this is a great dress for a summer wedding. Although purple can be a tricky colour to wear, this royal shade should suit English roses and olive skins alike. Avoid teaming it with gladiator sandals, though, or you might be mistaken for a gladiatrix.
fcukbuy mail.com; 08706 063 28

10. Phillip Lim - was £585 now £410
If you prefer to go designer, now’s the time to bag a high fashion buy in the sales. There’s still plenty of time to wear this summery full-length frock even if designers are already thinking about autumn/ winter. Check out the Brown’s website for other spring/summer reductions.
www.browns fashion.com