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July 8, 2024, 8:39 PM UTC

By Nasha Smith

Summer is my time to shine, a season that allows me to plunge headfirst into my love for maxi dresses — a love that runs more than 200 dresses deep. My collection might seem a bit excessive, but the flowy properties of these dress styles make them perfect for staying cool while looking chic. Whether paired with dainty sandals for a beach vibe or sneakers for a casual twist, maxi dresses always offer versatility and comfort — which is why they're my go-to for almost any occasion.

Since the limit does not exist with my maxi dresses, I consistently scour a few sites for the next one to add to my wardrobe, and Amazon is among my favorites. One of my recent forays led me to a crisscross halter neck piece by Grace Karin that stood out for its fit-and-flare design and extensive range of solid colors and floral prints.

Grace Karin Criss Cross Halter Neck Maxi Dress

Criss Cross Halter Neck Sleeveless Maxi Dress

$41.59

$49.99

What we like

Breathable
Supportive

Something to note

Double lined
Reviewers say to size down

Colorways: 32 | Size: S-XXL | Fabric: Polyester and elastane

Why I like this maxi dress

It is surprisingly comfortable

In the interest of full disclosure, I was skeptical when I realized this dress was made from a heavier, jersey-like material. I typically prefer something lighter and more breathable to flit about without the dress clinging to my figure in warmer weather. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that this dress did not feel bulky or cumbersome.

I opted for a blue and beige print reminiscent of the intricate patterns of traditional Italian ceramics, evoking the charm of a Mediterranean getaway. The fabric is stretchy, offers a flattering fit, and is thick enough not to be see-through but won't cause overheating. It’s also buttery-soft, so it glides against the skin. And in a move that will delight women everywhere, there are pockets!

The bodice is double-lined and provides ample support — I didn't have to wear a bra if I didn't want to. There's even a special lining on the upper portion of the bust area that helps keep the dress from slipping. Plus, the crisscross configuration is non-restrictive and won't tug on your neck like conventional halter neck styles.

Multiple reviews advised sizing down, so since I'm usually between a M and S, I went with the latter, which ended up fitting like a glove. (For reference, I'm 5'2" and a 34B cup size.

It’s easy to move in and travels well

I put this maxi dress to the ultimate test by bringing it along on my last trip. Since I travel quite a bit, I have made it a point only to use a carry-on bag as much as possible, which meant I had to fold the dress into a compression packing cube along with some other pieces of clothing. Somehow it remained wrinkle-free by the time I pulled it out for some sightseeing! This was a lifesaver for someone like me who tries to avoid ironing whenever possible.

I don’t like to feel restricted, so its A-line silhouette perfectly suited my vacation lifestyle. I spent my day walking around a resort — in 80-plus degree temperatures, mind you — with ease. With each step, the fabric swayed and danced around my ankles, creating a breezy, free-spirited feel.

Now, it's quickly becoming a summer staple for its effortless sophistication as well as how easy it is to dress up or down. As one reviewer said, “If you try one dress this summer, try this.” Now, the only question is, which of the other 31 options do I try next?