The Pretty Spring Dress Trends We're Into (and 6 We're Giving Up)

If you're looking for the best spring dresses, check out the trends are fashion editors are wearing, and not wearing, right here.

When it comes to the list of spring purchases, a pretty dress ranks pretty high. You know the style: one that’s chic with an of-the-moment silhouette, but also incredibly easy to toss on with a few accessories for a foolproof outfit. While there are plenty of timeless cuts out there, there are a few fresh spring dress trends we’re especially into this season. Alternatively, there are also a smattering in our wardrobes that we may consider storing away (for now) in favor of some fresh new styles.

To dive in further, we rounded up the top editor-approved dress styles we’re excited about for the season ahead, while also highlighting the picks we're not as into (all based on personal preference, of course). Keep scrolling for a bit of spring dress inspiration. 

Into: Ruched Dresses
Not as Into: Basic Floral Dresses

While I have plenty of floral dresses in my closet, I've been interested in adding more unique pieces to my closet. I'm always drawn to sculptural silhouettes, so the beautiful ruched dresses that are everywhere for spring have especially caught my eye.

Photo:

@lisa.aiken
Shop the trend:
Jacquemus Saudade Asymmetric Draped Hemp-Blend Mini Dress ($695)
Christopher Esber Ruched Cutout Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress ($870)
Khaite Sueanne Ruched Cotton-Twill Mini Dress ($768)
Zara Ruched Asymmetric Dress ($40)

Into: Printed Mesh Dresses
Not as Into: Shirt Dresses

"I won't lie, shirt dresses have always felt a tad boring to me, so even though they're trending this spring, I'll be skipping over them in favor of these printed mesh numbers. They feel straight out of the '90s with graphic screenprints and ruching details and, even better, they're ultra-comfortable. Catch me styling them with shoulder bags and tall boots."

Photo:

@champagnemani
Shop the trend:
Ganni Floral-Print Ruched Midi Dress - Farfetch ($260)
Ioannes Open-Back Printed Stretch-Mesh Maxi Dress ($720)
Ganni Printed Mesh Dress ($325)
Urban Outfitters Printed Mesh Button-Front Dress ($69)

Into: RIbbed Dresses
Not as Into: Puffy Dresses

"I'm all for airy and puffy dresses on certain occasions, but since I'm 5'3 they can swallow me up sometimes. I still love them, but I much prefer ribbed dresses as they suit my frame better and can be worn in a couple of different ways."

Photo:

@chainkyr
Shop the trend:
The Reformation Hosby Dress ($128)
Dodo Bar or Elisha Ribbed-Knit Midi Shirt Dress ($665)
Good American Ribbed Midi Dress ($95)
H&M Ribbed Dress ($69.99)

Into: Dresses with Bust Details
Not as Into: Bodycon Dresses

"I know that bodycon dresses are kind of back and they look very chic on some people, but they just don't suit me, so I'll be skipping those. What I am drawn to for spring is romantic dresses with some sort of bust detail. Blame Bridgerton."

Photo:

@ciao__lucia
Shop the trend:
Reformation Colleen Dress ($278)
Ciao Lucia Ischia Dress ($305)
Faithfull the Brand + Net Sustain Alexia Gathered Tiered Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress ($199)
Rosie Assoulin Winter Garden Party Layered Ruffled Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress ($1695)

Into: Cutout Dresses
Not as Into: Bubble Dresses

"Any one of my fellow editors can attest that I'm rarely in pants—dresses are by far my favorite wardrobe staple. But while I consider myself a dress aficionado, I was not here for and won't be jumping on the bubble dress trend we saw in F/W 20 runway presentations; however, I am giddy for the open back and cutout dress iterations we've seen bubbling up for spring. It's not only more universally flattering, but it's just down-right sultry."

Photo:

@chainkyr
Shop the trend:
Cult Gaia Cameron Cutout Cotton-Blend Knit Midi Dress ($460)
Afrm Dove Cutout Long Sleeve Ribbed Sweater Dress ($118)
Victor Glemaud Long Sleeve Turtleneck Dress in Poppy ($595)
Christopher Esber Cutout Gathered Stretch-Faille Maxi Dress ($765)

Into: Midi Dresses with Sweetheart Necklines
Not as Into: Mini Dresses

"If you think I'm going to wear little mini dresses after getting very comfortable not shaving my legs during COVID, then you have another thing coming. Instead, I'm going to stick to midi dresses with sweetheart necklines to add some interest."

Photo:

@jordanrisa 
Shop the trend:
Cos Sleeveless Fluid Wool Mix Dress ($150)
Mango Ribbed Midi Dress ( $80) $40
Reformation Nikita Dress ($248)
Zara Knit Dress ($40)

Next, discover the 9 pieces on my 2021 shopping list.

This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Kristen Nichols