Cute, Cheap Maxi Dresses for Summer

I'm going on a cruise in August and you better believe I'll be packing a maxi dress, one of this summer's hottest trends. Now I know many of you dread the idea of wearing a floor-length frock during the day, but let me try to, cough, minimize your maxi-dress fears:

First, yes, you can wear this look even if you are short. Flaunt your bosom, wear heels if you'd like, and choose a body skimming cut that drapes vertically to the ground - nothing flouncy.

Second, know where to wear one. Think summer parties, an outdoor concert, picnic, art festival, BBQ, day of shopping, or dinner date…just about any event with a casual-chic dress code is fair game.

Thirdly, don't spend a lot on this trend. We found a ton of cute, cheap maxi dresses for well under $50 (with the exception of the dress from Mango featured above, which is on sale for $68.99.)

Lastly, if you're not feeling this trend, and you feel like a damn fool when you test it out, just skip it. No use trying to push a trend that doesn't make you feel fabulous, right?

Check out our earlier post on maxi dresses for styling tips, too.

[1] Forever 21 Paisley Chiffon Maxi Dress, $24.80
[2] Lulu's* Cavanaugh Yaught Dress, $42
[3] ELLE Floral Maxi Dress at Kohl's, Was $50 Now $36.99
[4] MangoShop "Amelia" (ref. 63439945), Was $139 Now $68.99
[5] The Summer Dress Store White/Green Long Dress, $40.50

* Budget Babe readers get 15% off their total order at Lulus.com with coupon code budgetbabe at checkout.