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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 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.
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.
Pros:
- Cute colors..pistachio green, light birch, and cocoa bean basically make it a gelato menu
- Grea sizing if you have a narrow waist
Cons:
- Not inclusive for larger-waisted women
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).
Size options: XXS-XL | Color options: 3 | Material: 90% LENZING ECOVERO Viscose, 10% elastane
Pros:
- Five colors to choose from
- Machine washable
Dreamy, romantic, and ready to twirl, what else do you need a spring dress to do? It comes in five different colors and is currently on sale! Move fast, it may sell out soon.
Size options: S-L | Color options: 5 | Material: 80% rayon, 20% nylon
Best Long Sleeve Spring Dress: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Midi Tunic Dress
Pros:
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Best spring dresses with sleeves
- Pockets
If you’re looking for a versatile dress that does it all with a pop of color, Quince offers affordable, high-quality clothing, from dresses to jewelry that makes fashion affordable without compromising luxury.
New York Post Review: “This mid-length tunic dress is perfect for casual days at the office but also works for running errands on weekends. It has pockets, which is always a plus, and even though it’s made with lightweight cotton poplin, it has a durable feel. I absolutely love the puffed sleeves and ruffle detail of the skirt.” – Holly J Coley, commerce updates editor
Size options: XS-XL | Color Options: 5 | Material: Oranic cotton
Pros:
- 100% cotton so it’s lightweight, breezy, natural
- Has pockets
- Availabe in petites and tall
Cons:
- It’s 100% cotton, so unless you’re living that steamer life, be prepared for some post-sit creasing
Welcome the perfect midi spring dress. With a smocked bodice that hugs in all the right places, a flowy A-line shape that flatters everybody, and wait for it…pockets, this dress is serving up serious hot-girl-summer energy with classic, cool-girl charm. Sizing is inclusive, offering petite and tall options.
Size options: XS-XXXL | Color options: 3 | Material: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Makes a great spring wedding guest dress
- Unique and stands out
- Light and airey
Cons:
- Not for women who don’t like overly feminine styles
Slip into something flirty and fun with this feminine Love and Lemons spring formal dress. There is a clasp in the back to secure your fit with adjustable straps to hit in the right place. If you love all things frothy and pink, this cute spring dress is for you, especially if you’re looking for the best wedding guest dress.
Size options: XXS-XL | Color options: 1 | Material: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
Pros:
- Material has stretch for all-day comfort
- Super versatile by being elegant and casual at the same time
Cons:
- Only one pattern is available
Turn heads and own the spotlight in this one-of-a-kind maxi dress that’s made to be noticed. Chico’s, known for its elevated style married to comfort, has created clothing with materials that give with every step. It has created the perfect maxi dress for special occasions or simply showing up the girls at mahjong. Be the real winner and show up in style. For other great maxi dresses, check out our favorite maxi round up.
Size options: XS-XXL | Color options: 1 | Material: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
Best Midi: Anthropologie The Peregrine Midi Dress
Pros:
- Lots of inclusive sizing for plus-size work dresses
- Great summer work dresses are available
- Best midi work dress
Cons:
- Runs large; I’d size down
Anthropologie is known for its whimsical, on-trend styles and inclusive sizing. Petite and plus-size shoppers will find a wide selection of fashionable, flattering pieces designed to celebrate every body type.
New York Post Review: “This dress looks really cute on the model, but I felt it was a bit less flattering on me, though it’s not typically my go-to style. That said, I did like the flutter sleeves; they made the dress feel more professional than a sleeveless sundress.
The midi length hit the right spot, giving it a polished feel without being too formal. The soft A-line silhouette kept me comfortable throughout the day, and the side pockets were a nice touch.”
Size options: XXS-XL | Color options: 6 | Material: Cotton and modal lining
Best Plus Size Dress: Pomander Place Green Stripe Reina Dress
Pros:
- Breathable and airy, it doesn’t stick to your body
- This style is very flattering and size-inclusive with plus-size spring dresses
Cons:
- It is very boxy in shape, so if you like A-lines or close-fitting silhouettes, this dress is not for you
On a hot summer’s day, this dress is what you want hanging on your frame because it’s loose and airy and made from 100% cotton. It’s a great transitional dress that pairs well with casual outings and days at the beach. If you don’t like dresses to show off all your curves, this shirt dress is a lovely option.
Size options: XS-XXXL | Color options: 1 | Material: Cotton
Best Maternity: PinkBlush Beige Floral Pleated Short Sleeve Chiffon Maternity Midi Dress
Pros:
- Maternity-friendly and post-bump-friendly
- Cute styles to choose from
Cons:
- Customers say it runs large
- Dry clean only
A popular option from PinkBlush, its floral pleated dress is pretty and poised, keeping you comfortable for all hours of the day. Plus, it’s bump-friendly. The only downside is that it must be dry cleaned (womp-womp).
Size options: S-L| Color options: 4 | Material: 100% Polyester
Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for the perfect spring dress? Here are a few things to keep in mind so you end up with something you’ll love wearing all season long.
Start with the fabric, spring calls for light, breezy materials like cotton, linen, rayon, or anything that feels breathable and comfortable. If you’re looking for something dressier, chiffon or a soft blend can give you that effortless flow without feeling too heavy.
Fit is everything. Make sure to check the size chart and read reviews, especially when buying online. Look for styles that work with your body shape—wrap dresses, A-line cuts, and smocked or stretchy details are usually super flattering and easy to move in.
If you’re someone who avoids dry cleaning like the plague, look for machine-washable fabrics. The last thing you want is a gorgeous dress that ends up collecting dust because it’s too high-maintenance.
And of course, price matters. You can find cute, on-trend options at every budget. Whether you’re grabbing something affordable from Target or SHEIN or investing a bit more at places like Madewell or Shopbop, think about how often you’ll wear it. A versatile dress that you can dress up or down is always a win.
Bottom line is to go for something that fits well, feels great, and matches your vibe, and spring will be your most stylish season yet.
Other great places to shop for spring dresses
If you’re shopping for the best spring dresses, there are plenty of great places beyond Anthropologie to explore. Amazon offers endless options at every price point, while Target blends affordability with on-trend styles. For flirty, fashion-forward pieces, Peppermayo is a must, and J.Crew is perfect for classic, polished looks. Altar’d State leans into romantic, boho vibes, and Madewell delivers effortlessly cool, casual dresses. LOFT has chic, feminine styles ideal for both work and weekend wear, and Francesca’s is full of playful prints and pretty silhouettes.
Nordstrom Rack is great for scooping up deals on designer styles, while Abercrombie offers modern, trendier, younger styles that are great for your first job at corporate or a day by the beach.
You’ll also find a wide variety at Macy’s and Kohl’s that showcase pieces for all occasions, not just for sping. If you’re in the mood to splurge, Shopbop has curated collections from top contemporary brands, and for budget-friendly trends, SHEIN has a massive selection to browse. So, fear not, there is most definitely a dress for you out there. Now start shopping!
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
