7 Vintage Maxi Dresses That Even Stevie Nicks Would Approve Of

Could you say the maxi dress ever truly went out of style? Hidden among formalwear categories and modest dressing inspiration, the maxi dress got lost in a world of jeans and short summer dresses - but it’s actually always been around as a wardrobe staple for the more laid-back types.

These long dresses are, arguably, one of the most versatile clothing pieces. Hot? Simply throw on a maxi dress and a pair of sandals. Cold? Layer up with some boots and a jacket. Night on the town? Style the dress up with heels and jewelry. You could make a million different outfits from one simple and well-made maxi dress, and they’d all be comfortable.

Now you might be wondering - but Hipstery, how do you make a boring maxi dress hipster? Here we look to the bohemian icons like Stevie Nicks, Joan Baez and Ali McGraw, who wore the maxi dress as an extension of their hippie style, with tassels and funky patterns in tow. And if they wore maxi dresses then you know they’re cool!

These dresses are a versatile mix of affordable and luxurious, simple and extravagant - and they’re all Hipstery-approved.

QUICK LOOK: OUR 3 FAVORITES

Maeve Ruched Floral Maxi Dress

MAEVE RUCHED FLORAL MAXI DRESS

UO Reina Semi-Sheer Maxi Dress

UO REINA SEMI-SHEER MAXI DRESS

Sachin & Babi Wren Dress

SACHIN & BABI WREN DRESS

Maeve Ruched Floral Maxi Dress 

Maeve Ruched Floral Maxi Dress

maeve ruched floral maxi dress

The name "Maeve" references a purple flower, a Greek goddess, and a famously beautiful Irish warrior queen. Each Maeve design is refined, flattering, and the best of all.

The name Maeve references a purple flower, a Greek goddess, and a beautiful Irish warrior queen - and this dress certainly lives up to those high standards. The beautiful full-length maxi dress features a classic slip that is layered underneath a sheer, floral fabric in dark hues. A dress like this, which has stunning ruched touches and delicate sleeves, would be perfect for an evening occasion where you want to look beautiful (but still stay comfy).

  • Polyester; viscose and elastane lining
  • Machine washable

UO Reina Semi-Sheer Maxi Dress

UO Reina Semi-Sheer Maxi Dress

uo reina semi-sheer maxi dress

Empire waist silhouette fitted with smocked banding at the bust and tie accent at the scoop neck. Finished with a ruffled hem, adjustable spaghetti straps and built-in lining.

If Summer was a dress, this would be it. The floaty Reina semi-sheer maxi dress from Urban Outfitters is the kind of dress we imagine frolicking through a field in - with its bright yellow, semi-sheer floral fabric, ruffled hem, thin spaghetti straps, and smocked bust, this is the dress of dreams.

  • 65% Rayon, 35% nylon
  • Dry clean only

Sachin & Babi Wren Dress

Sachin & Babi Wren Dress

sachin & babi wren dress

Splashed with watercolor prints in cool hues of blue and white, this statement maxi dress is a breath of fresh air. A simple, strappy bodice strikes the perfect balance with a voluminous skirt.

If we had to pick a favorite from this list (and, trust us, that’s a hard task) it might be this Sachin & Baby Wren dress from BHLDN. Part of a special collection of bridesmaids’ dresses, this stunning dress has all the best qualities of a maxi dress rolled into one. A simple, strappy bodice sits atop a voluminous skirt and is elegantly tied together with long white bows, and the whole dress is decorated with a watercolor-inspired blue design.

  • Viscose; polyester lining
  • Dry-clean only

Lioness The Clare Maxi Dress

Lioness The Clare Maxi Dress

lioness the clare maxi dress

Sleek sleeveless dress from Lioness in a fitted maxi silhouette. Finished with an open back.

A good maxi dress can also just be a simple one - like The Clare dress from Lioness. The cream dress is effortlessly clean and figure-hugging, making it a great choice for both casual and formal events. The best part of this sleeveless dress? It has a bold open back with a criss-cross design.

  • Rayon, polyester, and spandex
  • Dry clean

Maeve Veruschka Maxi Dress

Maeve Veruschka Embroidered Maxi Dress

maeve veruschka embroidered maxi dress

Sure to dazzle at your next seasonal occasion, this maxi features intricately embroidered details and a playful cut-out flourish - offering enchantment and allure in one head-turning silhouette.

Each of the dresses from the brand Maeve is a feat in elegance and modern design, and the Verushcka embroidered maxi dress is no different. The Veruschka features intricately embroidered black floral details over a yellow ochre base fabric.

Finished with elegant cut-out details, this halterneck dress can easily work for smart or casual occasions.

  • Cotton
  • Hand-wash only

Smocked Sleep Maxi Dress

Smocked Sleep Maxi Dress

smocked sleep maxi dress

Featuring a smocked bodice and striking contrast motifs, this maxi dress is a piece you'll reach for time and time again.

Available in a variety of different colorful patterns, this smocked maxi dress from Anthropologie is a versatile choice for a summer dress.

The smocked bodice makes this simple design more flattering and gives the kind of support you need to wear it for everyday occasions.

  • Viscose
  • Machine washable
  • Adjustable straps 

Farm Rio Floral Halter Maxi Dress

Farm Rio Floral Halter Maxi Dress

farm rio floral halter maxi dress

Equal parts effortless and elevated, this halter dress is an easy pick for al fresco happy hours and sunset strolls alike.

Farm Rio is one of the most recognizable brands for summer dressing, especially bold and colorful dresses. This floral halter maxi dress is a perfect choice for those sweltering summer days that turn into casual al fresco dining - going from laid-back to sophisticated with the addition of dainty earrings or heels.

The dress features a strong halter neck design with contrasting stripe patterns in muted, earthy tones. And it has pockets!

  • Viscose
  • Machine washable

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