Dressing for spring is like a never-ending battle against Mother Nature’s mood swings. A chilly, 55-degree morning can easily transform into a sweltering 80-degree afternoon, and an impromptu rain shower could cool down a humid afternoon in ways you weren’t prepared for. But one thing’s for sure: Spring marks the beginning of dress season, and we couldn’t be happier for it.
“When spring hits, I tend to jump right into a summer mindset when it comes to dress shopping,” says NYC-based stylist Calvy Click. “I love an easy linen shift or a vacation-ready option in a summery, fun print. I rationalize these purchases by wearing them a few months earlier, pairing with a chunky cardigan, a blazer or a classic denim jacket. I like pairing these with a retro running sneaker and a mini bag so when summer rolls around I can keep it fresh with sandals and a woven tote.”
Eco-conscious stylist Cassandra Dittmer, who works with celebs like Laura Dern and Hillary Scott, echos Click’s sentiments: “I prioritize wearing all-natural materials like cotton, silk and linen to stay cool,” she says, adding that she recommends more innovative moisture-wicking materials like Tencel, Lyocell and pineapple waste-based piña for summer.
Ahead, shop expert-favorite spring- and summer-ready dresses for 2022, plus find their tips on making them feel fresh.
Spring floral dresses
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
$150 at Hill House Home
We love a nap dress over here, and this one is also just perfect for spring, with two sweet floral options and a bunch of pretty punchy colors too. Want something a little shorter? Try the Elizabeth Nap Dress.
Peony Off-the-Shoulder Floral Print Linen Maxi Dress
$415 at Net-A-Porter
PEONY Off-the-Shoulder Floral Print Linen Maxi Dress
A favorite of Click’s, this summery print is perfect for work or play.
Universal Thread Balloon Long-Sleeve Button-Front Dress
$29.99 at Target
Universal Thread Balloon Long-Sleeve Button-Front Dress
Use Dittmer’s trick to make any floral dress, like this top-rated style from Target, feel modern: “Jewelry amps up any look, and right now I’m loving vintage, chunky silver pieces as well as those with architectural shape or aesthetic.”
Ba&sh Tabby Dress
$375 at Ba&sh
Ba&sh Tabby Dress
“I always light up when I see co-workers in a joyful floral outfit,” says Dittmer, who mentions that the pattern is a fun way to exude energy and confidence on a Zoom call. “Plus, the cyclical nature of flowers makes them an obvious and natural choice for the season.”
The Faultline Silk Midi Slip Dress
$995 at Carmen Molina
The Faultline Silk Midi Slip Dress
Another pick from Dittmer, this watercolor-effect dress gives off a floral feel.
PrettyGarden Floral A-Line Bohemian Maxi Dress
$45.99 $40.99 at Amazon
PrettyGarden Floral A-Line Bohemian Maxi Dress
This chic wrap dress is great for strolling the farmers market — or the aisles of Target.
Eden Floral Minidress
$119 at Nordstrom
Eden Floral Minidress.
Make a simple floral dress with cutouts office-appropriate by pairing it with an oversized denim jacket.
Casual spring dresses
Bondi Born Mustique Linen Midi Dress
$595 at Net-A-Porter
Bondi Born Mustique Linen Midi Dress
“I love an easy linen shift or a vacation-ready option in a summery, fun color,” says Click, who loves how versatile this breathable linen dress is.
Lee Mathews Wiley Check Print Dress
$280 at Far Fetch
Lee Mathews Wiley Check Print Dress
Click says she’d pair this dress “with a retro running sneaker and a mini bag now, and sandals and a woven tote when summer rolls around.”
Alemais Sunset Square-Neck Dress
$465 at Far Fetch
Alemais Sunset Square-Neck Dress
Peters’ pick, this bohemian-style dress is made of summer-ready linen and is easy to dress up or down.
UO Arna Midi Slip Dress
$69 at Urban Outfitters
UO Arna Midi Slip Dress
This top-rated dress from Urban Outfitters toes the line between trendy and timeless. “As an edgy way to spice things up, pair it with a classic cowboy boot,” says Dittmer.
Ganni Stripe Cotton Minidress
$255 at Shopbop
Ganni Stripe Cotton Minidress
Dittmer recommends this cotton Ganni dress for its unexpected details, such as the pointed collar.
Fancy spring dresses
Rotate Kim Jacquard High-Neck Minidress
$390 at Far Fetch
Rotate Kim Jacquard High-Neck Minidress
“Mint is such an it-color right now,” says Peters.
Fruché Onyisi Camel Dress
$500 at The Folklore
Fruché Onyisi Camel Dress
A favorite of Dittmer’s, this dress is made for any fanciful event you have in the books this summer.
Blumarine Halterneck Short Dress
$1,065 at Far Fetch
Blumarine Halterneck Short Dress
“Blumarine is making such a huge comeback,” says influencer Audrey Peters. Pair this ’90s-inspired dress with white sneakers for a daytime look, or dress it up with strappy heels for a dinner date.
Mara Hoffman Emery Dress
$325 at Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman Emery Dress
Another pick from Dittmer, Mara Hoffman’s off-the-shoulder style has a subtle twist detail at the décolletage, making it perfect for weddings and date nights alike.
Reformation Helio Cutout Embellished Stretch-Tencel Lyocell Dress
$232.23 at Net-A-Porter
Reformation Helio Cutout Embellished Stretch-Tencel Lyocell Dress
Made from a Net Sustain- and Dittmer-approved fabric, this Tencel dress from Reformation has a stylish cutout detail at the side and a slinky crystal-embellished chain.
Spring midi dresses
Madewell Linen-Blend Sophia Midi Dress
$138 at Madewell
Madewell Linen-Blend Sophia Midi Dress
This midi dress from Madewell gets 5 stars from customers, who call the linen-blend style “light enough to wear on hot summer days.”
Johanna Ortiz Mar Color de Vino Midi Dress
$850 at Net-A-Porter
Johanna Ortiz Mar Color de Vino Midi Dress
“I know this is nothing new, but I’ll always be into the dress and tennis sneaker combo,” says Dittmer, who loves sustainable brand Feners.
Madewell Plus Linen-Blend Eyelet-Sleeve Lucie Smocked Midi Dress
$128 at Madewell
Madewell Plus Linen-Blend Eyelet-Sleeve Lucie Smocked Midi Dress
This linen-blend dress has everything Dittmer looks for in a springtime style: It’s breathable, versatile and stylish for everyday wear.
Good American ’90s Tank Dress
$109 at Nordstrom
Good American ‘90s Tank Dress
Good American is a stylist, editor and influencer favorite for its flattering, easy-to-wear silhouettes like this top-rated midi style.
Sleeper Boheme Feather-Trimmed Ecovero-Satin Midi Dress
$290 at Net-A-Porter
Sleeper Boheme Feather-Trimmed Ecovero-Satin Midi Dress
Dittmer’s last pick, this midi style from Sleeper, is surprisingly wearable. Pair it with strappy heels for a date night look, or pair it with flats and a cropped jacket for a fun spin on a nighttime vibe.
