Happy cool girl spring, everyone.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably already daydreaming about all the opportunities to dress up — especially with the weather warming up, wedding season just around the corner, and long weekends coming up with Easter, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July on the horizon.
Spring dresses are the ultimate option for dressing up for all your special events, as they are simple to style with sandals and sunglasses or dress up with some heels and a leather jacket on a more chilly night out.
- Best overall: ASTR the label Women’s Kali Dress
- Best wrap dress: Hutch Floral Ruffle Wrap Dress
- Best mini dress: Aritzia Wilfred Boulevard Dress
- Best midi dress: For Love and Lemons Ruby Midi Dress
- Best square-neck: Reformation the Noha dress
- Best halter-top: Alicia Bell Pink/Navy Ariel Mini Dress
- Best asymmetrical: Pitusa Mini Cowl Neck Dress
- Best modest: Ivy City Co. Brynley Dress
- Best one-shoulder: Norma Kamali Women’s Diana Gown
- Best for festivals: AFRM Shailene Dress
Whether you love florals, polka dots, a whisper of pastels, or a real splash of color, there are styles for everyone. Aside from the pattern and fabric, you can go short with a mini-dress, keep it classic with a midi-length, or feel like a goddess in a floor-length maxi, all in a range of prices, as well. There are also options for long-sleeve, sleeveless, tight, or flowing — really the choice is yours.
We compiled a list of our favorites from top brands, including Reformation, Anthropologie, Artizia, and more excellent dress-shopping destinations. Take a look at our picks, and then browse through the brand’s other offerings as well to stock your closet before spring and summer end and we are back wearing boring pants and jackets.
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Best overall: ASTR the label Women’s Kali Dress
Amazon Sizes: XS – XL
Material: Polyester
Florals forever — right? I’m head over heels for the classic architecture of this maxi dress. You have the classic, deep v-neck, wide straps, and a slightly sheer pleated skirt. This style just screams spring and summer. Pair it with some heels for a night out and then hit the streets in sneakers the next day. There’s no limit to how you style this easygoing maxi.
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Best wrap dress: Hutch Floral Ruffle Wrap Dress
Anthropologie Sizes: XS – L (Petite), 1X- 3X (Plus)
Material: Polyester, Elastane
Hutch is one of the top clothing brands on my radar this summer — its contemporary garments are lightweight, full of fabulous bold prints and colors, and easily dressed up or down. I love the tie styling on this maxi dress, which cinches at the waist for an exceptionally snatched look. The brand also offers petite and plus-size options, so you can find your perfect fit.
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Best mini dress: Aritzia Wilfred Boulevard Dress
Aritzia Sizes: 2XS – XL
Material: Viscose, Elastane
Do not mess around with a girl in a mock neck. This sophisticated mini dress from Aritzia will be a staple in my closet this spring. There are plenty of ways to style it, and the Relux Jersey material is ultra-soft and lightweight, which is ideal for the warmer months. Plus, I adore the way the ruching extenuates curves. The cherry on top is the fact that this dress comes in all our favorite spring colors (pistachio green, light birch, and cocoa bean, to name a few of my favorites).
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Best midi dress: For Love and Lemons Ruby Midi Dress
For Love and Lemons Sizes: XXS – XL
Material: Cupro, Rayon, Polyamide
For that sultry exposed back effect, I suggest this carefree drooped midi dress from For Love and Lemons. The rose pink is a stunning color for spring, and the flirty lace details add some dimension and intricacy. I love that this brand combines more feminine designs with some edgier touches — you can wear it so many ways that I consider it a worthy investment to wear all year long.
(Related: Best mini dresses to add to your wardrobe)
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Best square-neck: Reformation the Noha dress
Reformation Sizes: 0-12
Material: Viscose
Reformation is the adult version of a candy store for dress-loving adults like me — the site is currently filled with so many tempting styles that we just can’t get enough of. One of my all-time favorites is the Noha dress, which is simple, short, slim-fitting, and offers a square neckline and lovely little slit for a touch of sass. Worried about sizing? Don’t be. The brand covers all your alteration costs, so you’re sure to have that perfect tailored fit.
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Best halter-top: Alicia Bell Pink/Navy Ariel Mini Dress
Alicia Bell Sizes: XS – L
Material: Silk, Cotton, Voile
Getting ready for your next vacation? Don’t forget to pack this luxury beach dress from Alicia Bell. It’s got all the details we’re looking for — a medley of spring colors, a tie-back halter top, a ruffled skirt, and fringe tassels. While this is a pricier piece, the quality is top-notch. Each piece from Alicia Bell features exclusive vintage-inspired colorful hand-block printed fabrics and feather-light cotton silk voile — these dresses are truly a treasure.
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Best asymmetrical: Pitusa Mini Cowl Neck Dress
Pitusa Sizes: Petite, Standard
Material: Poly, Viscose
You’ll never want to stop dancing in this cowl-neck dress from Pitusa. This easygoing mini dress features a unique asymmetrical cut, wavy trim with side-knot detailing, as well as an open back. The material is slightly transparent and comes in hot pink and lime green. You’ll be stopping the show day and night in this neon garment.
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Best modest: Ivy City Co. Brynley Dress
Ivy City Co Sizes: XXS – 3X
Material: Polyester
“Feminine, flattering, and striking,” is how Ivy City Co. describes this dreamy pleated dress — and we couldn’t agree more. For those looking for a slightly more modest, high-neck option, I recommend checking out this brand (they also offer a plethora of matching mommy and me dresses). The functional button-down front and blouse sleeves make this an easy choice for a dinner party or a day in the park.
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Best one-shoulder: Norma Kamali Women’s Diana Gown
Amazon Size: XXS -XXL
Material: Polyester, Spandex, Nylon, Spandex
My top pick for a one-shoulder look is Norma Kamali’s ruched midi gown. The asymmetrical hem, mid-calf length, and partial lining flatters every body type and highlights curves. Skeptical about the fit? Just look at some of the glowing Amazon reviews. Shoppers agree that this dress offers ample bust support (which isn’t easy to find with one-shoulder dresses). Plus, it comes in a plethora of colorways, from black mesh to buttermilk, and gemini green.
(Related: Best maxi dresses for spring and summer)
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Best for festivals: AFRM Shailene Dress
AFRM Sizes: XS – XL
Material: Polyester, Spandex
Looking for a sheer moment? Stop everything you’re doing and take a look at this statement-maker from AFRM. I stand by this brand for all my party time needs. One of my favorites as of late — the green shailene dress — features a high turtleneck and fitted midi silhouette. The blend of prints in this dress gives it so much character, that you’ll be sure to turn heads.
Best for lounging: Free People Feeling Groovy Maxi Dress
Size: XS – XL
Material: Polyester, Viscose
Are you feeling groovy, baby? This maxi dress is sure to put you in a good mood, as the orange and pink flowers are uplifting, plus the pattern and cut remind us of the laid-back, loving 70s. The oversized construction is ideal for lounging around the house or heading to the beach. Act fast since some sizes have sold out in specific patterns.
Best for weddings: Betsey Johnson Beautiful Butterfly Maxi Dress
Size: XS – XXL
Material: Polyester
Celebrate the return of the butterflies this spring with a dress to match. This number from Betsey Johnson is a different take on the designer’s more punk rock style, opting for a flowy and feminine dress with stunning butterfly detailing in three color choices. Be careful wearing this to a wedding — you may just take attention away from the bride.
Best puff: Selkie The Puff Dress
Size: XXS – 6X
Material: Polyester
The internet-famous Puff Dress is back in stock, just in time for spring. From Selkie, this super mini dress will have you feeling like a princess, puff sleeves and tulle included. The dress is sold at Revolve, along with others from the brand, including more styles of the cult-favorite Puff Dress and Parliament Dress.
(Related: Best linen dresses in every style)
Best for working out: Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
Size: XXS – XXXL
Material: Nylon, Spandex
Never work out in baggy joggers and a ratty tank top again, now that you know this is an option. Outdoor Voices is changing the game for athletic wear, offering a fashionable dress that has a secret underneath. The dress comes with built-in shorts that are complete with pockets, too, making this a three-in-one you can’t live without. The dress comes in a variety of colors like red, blue and green, as well as a patterned one that is almost too cute to sweat in. But, don’t worry, it’s fine if you do, as it’s made with breathable fabric perfect for a workout.
Best belted: Shein Striped Print Batwing Sleeve Belted Shirt Dress
Size: XXS – 5XL
Material: Polyester
Perfect for a picnic or a day on the boat, this blue and white dress screams spring and that’s all we want to hear right now. From Shein, the dress is also a steal, sold for just $13. That also means you can browse other dresses to add to your cart for the season, as many are under $20. The blue and white dress hits at a midi-length, a bit below the knee for many. It comes in a range of sizes as well, from a small to an XL, which is about a size four to a 12.
(Related: Best t-shirt dresses)
Best tie-back: EXLURA Lantern Sleeve Tie Back Dress
Size: XXS – XXL
Material: Polyester
Welcome spring in the best way with this off-the-shoulder mini dress. Everyone loves a tie-back — it’s not just fashionable but it also provides a more tailored fit for your bust. More features on this lovely mini include a square neckline, ruched bust, high waist and a vintage style approach. At just $33.99, this dress is a true steal.
Best plus-size: Showpo Brailey Puff Sleeve Dress
Size: 0 – 16
Material: Polyester
Show off this spring and summer with this floral and feminine dress. The puff sleeves are in for 2024, so it’s a good thing since this trending dress is now available in both straight and plus sizes as well as an array of colors, including bright pink and white.
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