A maxi dress is one of the most versatile and useful things you can pack for a holiday. It works from the beach to lunch without requiring a change. It works for an evening out with different sandals and accessories. It packs well in most fabrics and takes up no more space than a midi while delivering considerably more range. The holiday maxi needs to be in a fabric that works in genuine heat, a print or colour that photographs brilliantly in outdoor sunlight, and a silhouette with enough movement to feel effortless rather than managed. These are the maxi dresses that earn their space in the holiday luggage.