A New Day Maxi Dress

From skeptical shopper to devoted fan – everything you need to know about Target’s most popular dress line

I’ll be honest with you – when I first heard about A New Day Maxi Dress options at Target, I was skeptical. Could a budget-friendly retail chain really deliver on style, quality, and fit? After spending months researching, trying on dozens of styles, and building what I now lovingly call my “maxi dress wardrobe,” I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about this surprisingly impressive collection.

Whether you’re a fellow fashion enthusiast on a budget or someone looking for versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night, this comprehensive buying guide for A New Day Maxi Dress will walk you through every detail you need to make the perfect choice.

What Exactly is an A New Day Maxi Dress?

Let me start with the basics. A New Day is Target’s contemporary women’s clothing brand, launched in 2017 as part of their massive brand overhaul. The maxi dress collection under this label has become something of a phenomenon, and after wearing these dresses extensively, I understand why.

A New Day Maxi Dress pieces are designed with the modern woman in mind – someone who wants to look put-together without breaking the bank or spending hours getting ready. These aren’t your typical fast-fashion throwaways. The brand focuses on creating timeless silhouettes with contemporary twists, using quality materials that feel more expensive than their price point suggests.

What sets these dresses apart is their attention to fit and detail. During my research, I noticed that the design team clearly understands women’s bodies and the challenges we face when shopping for longer dresses. The proportions are carefully considered, the seaming is strategic, and the overall construction feels thoughtful rather than rushed.

Where to Find Your Perfect A New Day Maxi Dress

Where can I buy an A New Day Maxi Dress? This was one of my first questions, and the answer is refreshingly straightforward. Target stores and Target.com are your primary destinations, though availability can vary significantly between locations and seasons.

I’ve found that Target’s larger stores typically carry the most comprehensive selection, while smaller locations might only stock the most popular styles and colors. If you’re like me and prefer to try before you buy, I recommend calling ahead to check inventory, especially if you’re looking for specific sizes or colors.

The online selection tends to be more extensive, and I’ve discovered some of my favorite styles that were exclusively available on the website. Target’s online platform also provides detailed size charts and customer reviews, which have been invaluable in my purchasing decisions.

One tip I’ve learned through experience: A New Day Maxi Dress styles often sell out quickly during peak seasons, particularly spring and summer. I now keep a wishlist and check back regularly, especially around the beginning of new seasons when fresh styles drop.

Understanding the Investment: Pricing and Value

How much does an A New Day Maxi Dress cost? This question gets to the heart of why these dresses have become so popular. Most styles range from $20 to $35, with occasional special designs reaching up to $40. During my extensive testing of this collection, I’ve found this pricing to offer exceptional value.

To put this in perspective, I compared similar styles from other retailers and found comparable dresses ranging from $60 to $120 at mid-tier brands. The quality difference wasn’t proportional to the price difference, making A New Day Maxi Dress options an obvious choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

I’ve noticed that Target frequently runs promotions on their A New Day collection. Some of my best purchases happened during their “buy two, get one free” sales or when I combined manufacturer coupons with Target’s RedCard discount. If you’re planning to build a capsule wardrobe with multiple dresses, timing your purchases around these sales can lead to significant savings.

Size Inclusivity: Finding Your Perfect Fit

What sizes are available for the A New Day Maxi Dress? This was crucial for me, and I’m pleased to report that the sizing options are impressively inclusive. Regular sizes typically run from XS to XXL, covering approximately sizes 0-20.

Are there plus-size options for the A New Day Maxi Dress? Absolutely, and this is where Target really shines. The A New Day collection extends into plus sizes, usually ranging from 1X to 4X, which translates to approximately sizes 16-26. I’ve had friends across this entire size spectrum try these dresses, and the feedback has been consistently positive regarding fit and proportion.

What I particularly appreciate about the sizing is that it appears to be consistent across different styles within the A New Day line. Once I figured out my size in one dress, I could confidently order that same size in other styles without worry. This consistency has saved me countless trips to the store for exchanges.

The fit tends to be true to size, though I’ve noticed that some of the more fitted styles run slightly small through the bust and hips. I always recommend checking the size chart and reading customer reviews for specific styles, as some shoppers provide helpful insights about fit variations.

Material Matters: What Goes Into These Dresses

What materials are used in the A New Day Maxi Dress? The fabric composition varies by style, but I’ve been impressed with the overall quality across the collection. Most dresses feature blends that prioritize comfort and wearability.

Common fabric combinations include cotton blends, rayon-spandex mixes, and polyester blends with stretch. What I’ve noticed is that the brand seems to choose fabrics strategically based on the dress’s intended use. Casual everyday styles often feature softer, more breathable cotton blends, while dresses designed for dressier occasions might use polyester blends that hold their shape better and resist wrinkles.

Is the fabric of the A New Day Maxi Dress breathable? This was a major concern for me, especially since I live in a warm climate and wanted dresses I could wear comfortably year-round. I’m happy to report that most styles are quite breathable, particularly those made with cotton or rayon blends.

The stretch factor in these fabrics is particularly noteworthy. Unlike some budget dresses that lose their shape after a few wears, A New Day Maxi Dress pieces maintain their silhouette wash after wash. The stretch provides comfort for movement while maintaining structure where needed.

Color and Pattern Paradise

What colors are available for the A New Day Maxi Dress? The color selection is where this collection really shows its understanding of what women want. Each season brings a carefully curated palette that includes both trendy seasonal colors and classic neutrals.

I’ve built my collection around a foundation of navy, black, and olive green dresses, then added seasonal pieces in coral, mustard yellow, and deep burgundy. The colors are rich and sophisticated, avoiding the cheap-looking brights that sometimes plague budget fashion.

Are there floral patterns in the A New Day Maxi Dress collection? Pattern lovers, rejoice! The floral offerings are extensive and beautifully designed. I’ve been particularly impressed with their ability to create patterns that feel fresh rather than dated. The florals range from delicate, romantic prints to bold, contemporary designs.

What I appreciate most about the pattern selection is the scale variety. There are small, ditsy prints perfect for petite frames, medium-scale florals that work on most body types, and larger, statement prints for those who love to make an impact. The color palettes in the patterns are sophisticated, often featuring unexpected color combinations that photograph beautifully.

Styling Versatility: From Casual to Formal

Is the A New Day Maxi Dress suitable for formal occasions? This question comes up frequently, and my answer is a qualified yes. While these aren’t formal gowns, many styles can absolutely work for semi-formal events, wedding guest situations, and business casual environments with the right styling.

I’ve worn my navy A New Day Maxi Dress to work events by adding a structured blazer and statement jewelry. The same dress works for weekend brunches with a denim jacket and sandals. This versatility is what makes these dresses such a smart investment.

How do I style an A New Day Maxi Dress? The styling possibilities are endless, which is part of what makes these dresses so appealing. For daytime casual looks, I love pairing them with flat sandals, a crossbody bag, and minimal jewelry. The flowing silhouette is perfect for farmers market runs or casual lunch dates.

For elevated daytime looks, I add wedges or block heels, a statement necklace, and a structured handbag. This combination works beautifully for brunch, shopping days, or casual work environments.

Evening styling is where these dresses really shine. I’ve transformed my black A New Day Maxi Dress for date nights by adding strappy heels, bold jewelry, and a leather jacket. For more formal occasions, a blazer or cardigan, pointed-toe pumps, and sophisticated accessories create a polished look appropriate for many semi-formal events.

Seasonal Adaptability

Can I wear the A New Day Maxi Dress in summer or winter? This was important to me because I wanted pieces that would work year-round. The answer is absolutely yes, with some strategic layering.

Summer styling is straightforward and where these dresses naturally excel. The breathable fabrics and flowing silhouettes are perfect for hot weather. I love wearing them with sandals, sun hats, and minimal jewelry for beach vacations or summer festivals.

Winter styling requires more creativity but is entirely achievable. I layer my A New Day Maxi Dress pieces over fitted long-sleeve shirts or under chunky cardigans and coats. Boots, tights, and scarves complete the look while keeping the dress as the star piece. The key is choosing dresses in darker colors or rich patterns that feel appropriate for cooler weather.

Fall and spring are perhaps the ideal seasons for these dresses. The moderate temperatures allow for light layering that enhances rather than hides the dress’s design. A light cardigan, ankle boots, and a crossbody bag create perfect transitional weather outfits.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Investment Looking Great

How do I wash and care for an A New Day Maxi Dress? Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality and appearance of these dresses, and I’ve learned some valuable lessons through trial and error.

Most A New Day Maxi Dress pieces are machine washable, which is a huge advantage for busy lifestyles. I typically wash mine in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve both color and fabric integrity. I’ve found that separating by color is particularly important with the darker dresses, as some initial dye bleeding can occur.

Air drying is my preferred method, as it helps maintain the dress’s shape and prevents any potential shrinkage. When I’m in a hurry, I use the lowest heat setting on my dryer, but I remove the dress while it’s still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.

For wrinkle removal, I’ve found that hanging the dress in the bathroom while I shower often provides enough steam to smooth out minor wrinkles. For more stubborn creases, I use a garment steamer on low heat, being careful with any embellished areas.

Real User Experiences and Reviews

What are the reviews for the A New Day Maxi Dress? I’ve read hundreds of reviews across various platforms, and the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Most reviewers praise the value, fit, and versatility of these dresses.

Common positive themes include comfort, flattering fit across different body types, and the ability to dress pieces up or down. Many reviewers mention purchasing multiple dresses after trying their first one, which mirrors my own experience.

The most common complaints center around length for shorter women and occasional inconsistencies in fabric weight between different styles. Some reviewers also mention that certain colors fade more quickly than others, though I haven’t experienced this issue personally with proper care.

Is the A New Day Maxi Dress comfortable for everyday wear? Based on my extensive experience and the reviews I’ve read, the answer is a resounding yes. The comfort factor is consistently mentioned as a standout feature. The stretch in the fabrics allows for easy movement, while the flowing silhouettes don’t restrict or bind.

I’ve worn these dresses for long days that included walking, sitting in meetings, and evening activities, all without discomfort. The lack of restrictive elements like tight waistbands or structured bodices makes them ideal for all-day wear.

Practical Features That Matter

Does the A New Day Maxi Dress come with pockets? This is always one of my first questions about any dress, and I’m happy to report that many styles do include pockets. Not all designs feature them, but enough do that you can find options if pockets are important to you.

The pockets, when present, are typically well-designed and functional rather than decorative. They’re deep enough to hold a phone, keys, and small essentials without creating unflattering bulges or weighing down the fabric.

I’ve found the pocket placement to be well thought out, sitting at the natural hand position without interfering with the dress’s silhouette. This attention to practical details reinforces my belief that the A New Day design team understands what women actually want in their clothing.

Footwear Pairing Guide

What shoes go best with an A New Day Maxi Dress? The versatility of these dresses extends to footwear compatibility, which has been one of my favorite discoveries. The length and silhouettes work with virtually every shoe style I’ve tried.

For casual daily wear, I love flat sandals, canvas sneakers, or slip-on shoes. The relaxed vibe of the dresses pairs beautifully with comfortable, unfussy footwear. White sneakers with a floral A New Day Maxi Dress creates an effortlessly chic look that’s perfect for weekend activities.

Wedges and block heels are my go-to choices for elevated casual looks. They add height and sophistication without sacrificing comfort. I particularly love cork wedges or espadrilles for a summer-appropriate elevated look.

For evening or more formal situations, pointed-toe pumps, strappy heels, or ankle boots create polished looks. I’ve successfully worn everything from three-inch heels to flat ankle boots with these dresses, adjusting the overall formality based on the shoe choice.

Shopping Strategy: Sales and Savings

Are there discounts or sales on the A New Day Maxi Dress? Target runs frequent promotions on their A New Day collection, and learning to time purchases around these sales has helped me build my collection affordably.

End-of-season clearances offer the best savings, typically 30-50% off regular prices. I’ve learned to buy ahead for the following year during these sales. Summer dresses go on clearance in late August, while transitional pieces often hit markdown in early spring.

Target’s app frequently features exclusive deals and early access to sales. I have notifications turned on and check regularly for flash sales or special promotions. The RedCard provides an additional 5% off every purchase, which adds up when building a wardrobe.

Weekly ad circulars often feature buy-one-get-one promotions or percentage-off deals specifically on women’s clothing. I plan my purchases around these sales whenever possible, sometimes waiting a week or two if I know a promotion is coming.

Competitive Analysis: How They Stack Up

How does the A New Day Maxi Dress compare to other brands? I’ve tested similar dresses from Old Navy, H&M, Forever 21, and mid-tier brands like Loft and Banana Republic Factory to make informed comparisons.

In terms of quality, A New Day Maxi Dress pieces consistently outperform other budget options. The fabrics feel more substantial, the construction is more durable, and the fit is more flattering than comparable pieces from fast-fashion retailers.

Compared to mid-tier brands, the quality gap is much smaller while the price difference remains significant. While designer touches and fabric innovation might be superior in more expensive options, the value proposition of A New Day dresses is unmatched.

The design aesthetic of A New Day tends to be more timeless and versatile than some competitors who focus heavily on trend-driven pieces. This approach means the dresses remain relevant and wearable for multiple seasons.

Building Your Maxi Dress Wardrobe

Through my journey with A New Day Maxi Dress options, I’ve learned that building a strategic collection yields the most value. I recommend starting with one or two neutral colors in classic silhouettes, then adding prints and seasonal colors based on your lifestyle needs.

My essential collection includes a black dress for formal occasions, a navy for work-appropriate events, and at least one floral print for casual wear. From this foundation, I’ve added seasonal colors and different silhouettes based on specific wardrobe gaps.

Consider your lifestyle when selecting styles. If you attend many semi-formal events, invest in solid colors and classic cuts. If your life is more casual, focus on comfortable fabrics and fun prints. The beauty of the affordable price point is that you can experiment with different styles without significant financial risk.

The Bottom Line: Are They Worth It?

After months of wearing, washing, and styling these dresses, my verdict is clear: A New Day Maxi Dress pieces offer exceptional value in today’s fashion landscape. They successfully bridge the gap between fast fashion and higher-end options, providing quality, style, and versatility at an accessible price point.

The combination of thoughtful design, quality construction, and affordable pricing makes these dresses standout options for anyone looking to build a versatile wardrobe without overspending. While they may not have all the premium touches of designer pieces, they deliver on the fundamentals that matter most for everyday wear.

For budget-conscious shoppers, busy professionals, or anyone who appreciates versatile clothing that transitions seamlessly between occasions, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the A New Day Maxi Dress collection. Start with one dress in a classic style and color – I’m confident you’ll soon be planning your return trip for more.

The accessibility, quality, and versatility of these dresses represent exactly what modern fashion should be: beautiful, functional, and inclusive. In a world where clothing choices can feel overwhelming and expensive, A New Day Maxi Dress options provide a refreshingly straightforward solution that simply works.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or someone who just wants to look put-together with minimal effort, these dresses deserve a place in your consideration set. My buying guide for A New Day Maxi Dress journey has been thoroughly rewarding, and I’m confident yours will be too.