Jennifer Aniston got lots of attention recently in this pretty maxi dress by Calypso.

And Eva Mendes loves her maxi dress so much, she can't stop wearing it!

 

Maxi dresses have been in style for several seasons now and this summer, they're hotter than ever. This is great news for us- The right maxi dress covers your figure flaws (thunder thighs, mummy tummy, etc) and accentuates your best assets. Be careful when you buy, though- the wrong maxi dress can look more like a muu muu- definitely not the look you're going for.

 

My advice? Look for maxi dresses with defined empire waist lines and some support in the bust. Fit is very important with a maxi dress- don't buy one that's slightly too small or too large. And this is the kind of dress in which a heel- even a low one- can work wonders. It will change your posture and help you wear the dress better.

Got all that? Take a look now at a few of my favorite maxi dresses this season...

I absolutely love the retro glamor of this Boden Applique Maxi Dress. It retails for $128.

 

 

This Tommy Bahama maxi dress is definitely figure-flattering. Love the defined waist. It's $133 at Zappos and comes in a few different colors.

 

 

Looking for a lower price? Check out this pretty sleeved maxi dress, on sale for just $45 at Figleaves.

 

 

This pretty teal maxi dress manages to be both comfortable and ladylike. It's $150 at Neiman Marcus.

 

 

I'm swooning over this fit-for-a-goddess maxi dress, $109.91 from Asos.

 

 

I think this maxi dress is basically a must-have. I don't usually like strapless dresses, but I love how the larger ruffle at the top hides any spillage. I also love that it's on sale for $45 at Victoria's Secret. WANT.

 

 

The dramatic neckline and exotic print of this maxi dress would definitely get you noticed at a summer cocktail party. It's on sale for $99 at Victoria's Secret.

 

 

This linen maxi dress is in one of the season's most fashionable colors, and has a romantic, country girl feel. $105 at Bluefly.