5 Great Maxi Dresses for Day

From left: Gap (on major sale!), Rachel Pally (on sale!), Splendid, Calvin Klein, Heather

Now that it's getting warmer (and I'm days away from dropping about 30 pounds!), I've finally started thinking about new clothes. Specifically maxi dresses. I love, love, love living in a maxi in the spring/summer, but here's the thing: Honestly, a lot of them make me feel a bit self-conscious during the day when in the city. I mean, if I'm walking around running errands in a long, floral-patterned, strapless or spaghetti-strapped dress, I always feel a bit like I should be on an island beach, not a sidewalk. (Am I in the minority here??)
But this can all be solved easily. Add a little width to the straps so that they become tanks--or even short sleeves--and stick to solid colors (or something classic like stripes) and now you've got a perfectly daytime-appropriate maxi that works for brunch, shopping, or lazy summer days whether you're in the concrete-jungle...or a tropical one.
Check out a few of my favorite day- and city-ready maxis above. Only one is (slightly!) over $150--two are even under $100! I already own the grey Gap one (SUCH a deal) and I've got my eye on the short-sleeved Heather number or versatile navy Splendid tank dress next. Okay, who am I kidding? I'm totally getting both. (Or all five maybe? Eek!)
Which maxi above is your favorite? And what are your best tips for making a long dress daytime-appropriate? Tell me below!