What is a “bodycon maxi dress”?

“Bodycon” comes from “body-conscious” — dresses that closely hug your curves and are made of lightweight knit/jersey or stretch fabric.
“Maxi” means the dress length goes near to the ankle or floor, offering a long silhouette.
Because of the fit and length, styling and fabric matter a lot if you want to feel comfortable and confident in one.

Here are some helpful tips:

Choose thicker/stretch fabrics that give structure if you’re worried about “cling”.
Darker solid colours tend to be more flattering and versatile.
If you want more coverage on top, consider sleeves or layering a light jacket/coat.
Shoes matter: a heel or sandal with a bodycon maxi helps elongate your silhouette.
For sizing: check bust/waist/hips carefully as bodycon dresses hug all those areas.