Nothing transitions us into spring quite like a new dress—easy to wear with boots and layered with sweaters while the temps are still cool and perfect to wear with sandals and lightweight jackets once things start to warm up. If you’re on the hunt for a stylish new dress (or three) for the new season, then take a look at some of the biggest dress trends set to dominate this spring. From polka dots to bold statement sleeves and floor-grazing maxis, the S/S 20 runways provided us with a plethora of stunning frocks to zhuzh up our wardrobes this warm-weather season. We guarantee there’s a little something to suit every sartorial taste. And because we’re well aware that stocking up on a new-season wardrobe can get pricey (plus, we’re saving up for that European summer getaway), we’ve kept all our dress picks under $100.
Leather
Leather continues to reign supreme as one of the biggest trends this year. We saw leather dresses come in myriad styles, from button-down shirtdresses to minimalist shifts in colorful and versatile hues like tan, green, burgundy, and black.
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Polka Dots
Spotted (literally!) all over the runways—on minis, maxis, cocktail dresses, in various colors and fabrics—the classic print undoubtedly is having a major moment this spring. Versatile and chic for work, weddings, weekends, and beyond.
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Puff Sleeves
When it comes to puff sleeves this season, the bigger, the better. Voluminous and billowy, they're the perfect way to add a little head-turning drama to your warm-weather look.
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Striped Knit Dresses
An easy, effortless, and super-wearable trend, spring's iterations of striped knit dresses come in lightweight ribbed fabrics, metallic touches, and uplifting hues.
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Loose, Long, & Billowy
Long, billowy, tent-like dresses were seen all over the spring runways from Roksanda to Valentino. These frocks hang loosely from collarbone to calf with practically no restrictions, often featuring equally modest high-neck collars and long sleeves. Expect to see comfy dresses on an Insta feed near you come spring.
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'60s Vintage Prints
The '60s and '70s had a major influence on the S/S 20 runways, with vintage wallpaper prints and flower power adorning dresses of all styles. Opt for Bohemian fabrics and folkloric detailing to take on the thrift-chic look.
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Openwork Lace
From broderie anglaise to sheer lace detailing, the warm-weather season is practically made for the lace dress trend, which was omnipresent on the runways from Alexander McQueen to Isabel Marant.
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Up next, every under-$85 item we've actually bought so far this year.
