You know it's really spring when all the pretty dresses start to drop. In New York, where the temperatures are up and down until sometime in mid-May, these dresses will be worn with blazers, trench coats, and cashmere sweaters until further notice. True to NY style, the most coveted dresses in the city will be those that pair perfectly with the chic flat shoes New Yorkers wear on repeat.
This season's dress trends are delightfully wearable. All shades of brown and buttery yellow are dominating our palettes, drop waists still feel chic and effortless, and '90s-inspired florals feel as good dressed up as they do with white tennis shoes. Speaking of footwear, there's lots to report: Brown suede, having conquered our winter footwear, is coming for our strappy sandals. Soft loafers are your shortcut to a rich-looking spring look. Mesh and perforated flats—love 'em or hate 'em—are back. Also, I remain convinced that trendy, bright sneakers that seemingly go with nothing actually go with everything. I could have shared 100 options that deserve your attention, but I've managed to draw the line at just 23 of the best dresses and 11 pairs of flat shoes that are ready to mix and match for some excellent spring outfits.
Shop spring dresses:
A drop-waist dress so good it comes in nine other colors.
Julia Roberts at the polo match in Pretty Woman but it's 2025.
This is definitely not the last butter-yellow dress I'll be showing you today.
Long jersey dresses and strappy flat sandals are as chic and easy as it gets.
This spring is bringing some big Chloé energy.
I know, but it's a dress.
Speaking of perfectly tailored minidresses.
This is ideal for early spring, especially in this on-trend sky blue.
A moment.
Florals on black are my kind of florals.
A very low-key snake print.
Sorry, I'm already mentally on vacation in Portugal.
Drop-waist dresses and flats! Your spring uniform.
Shout-out to J.Crew for bringing us this on-trend butter-yellow number in a wider range of sizes, from 00 to 24.
It's Carrie knocking on the window of the restaurant, but in 2025, she'd be wearing slingback flats.
This liquid dress with a blazer and barely-there strappy sandals would be perfect for a spring wedding where the invite warns you not to wear heels.
This is great with ballet flats, but I'm dying to see it with sneakers.
She's out and about on a sunny Saturday in the city.
This boatneck is so elegant.
Show me a '90s sundress, and I'll show you a pair of tennis shoes.
I need everyone to watch Melrose Place and get back to me.
Very on-trend yet very low-key.
Even better with flats, IMO.
Shop stylish flats:
Meet your soft summer loafers.
My money's on these espresso-brown suede sandals being your go-to pair.
A year-round staple.
The sneakers every editor's been buzzing about.
It's almost time for chic flip-flops in fun colors.
Everyday black Mary Janes that are ready for warmer weather.
These will be mine.
Your spring wardrobe is begging for cheekier sneakers.
These go with everything.
Oh yes, we're doing mesh flats again.
These leather slides look so effortlessly luxe.
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