Must-Have Casual Spring Dresses
There is no better way to celebrate spring than with some fresh new sundresses! These casual spring dresses are perfect for seasonal transitions: with the weather jumping from hot to cold every other day, it’s wise to stock up on pieces that work no matter the temperature. These lend themselves well to layering or work beautifully on their own.
Why You’ll Love Them
There are tons of options for casual spring dresses to best suit your taste and lifestyle. They will be your go-to pieces for brunches with friends, a comfortable mom-on-the-go staple for running errands, an easy to elevate foundation piece for outdoor gatherings, and cool and breezy option for those days it’s too hot to put on pants. Dresses are the perfect combo of comfortable, polished, and easy to wear.
What to Look for
So, what types of casual spring dresses should you be shopping for? As with any staple piece, there are way too many options on the market to be able to sort through them all. There are a few things you should keep in mind to focus your shopping efforts. First, consider the fabric and color or print that will work best for you. If dresses are outside of your comfort zone, it may be easier to start with a solid fabric. Breathable fabrics like linen and cotton blends work well if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Have a few road trips and beach vacations lined up for the summer? Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like Tencel, spandex blends, and knits that travel well. Next, consider silhouette. It’s always a good idea to keep your body shape in mind while shopping, especially for one-and-done pieces like dresses that you want to look flattering on their own. Finally, consider any fun details you would like in a dress to make it feel more like you. Think statement shades, ruffle details, or a cutout back.
Let’s discuss our top picks for transitional spring dresses to get you started! These are timeless, flattering, and versatile styles that make a great addition to any wardrobe, and there are plenty of variations so you can find the one that is right for you.
Button-Down Shirt Dresses
Why You’ll Love Them
A great first addition to your spring wardrobe is the button-down shirt dress. This classic style has been a popular choice since the ‘50s, and for good reason! It’s a twist on men’s shirting done in a fun, feminine way. These are commonly found in A-line, shift, or tiered silhouettes with an overall casual look. You can find them in lightweight linens and cottons, heavier twills that drape nicely and can be worn through fall, or crepe fabrics that read as a little dressier. They’re perfect for the transition to spring (and beyond!) because of how versatile they are.
What to Look for
When picking out your shirt dress, look for the details that work best for you. Women who deal with button downs pulling across their chest may want to look for a faux-button front or fabric with a little stretch. Wanting to define your waist? Tie-waist details are incredibly popular on this style and work well for defining your figure! If you’re not into the fussiness of a tie belt, look for an elastic waistband or drawstring waist that will create a sportier edge. Also pay attention to the length that works best for you. Opt for a midi length to wear it to work. For petites or women looking to show off a little bit of leg, try one that hits just above the knee.
Styling Tips
There are many directions you can take when styling this dress. For a business casual look, top with a cropped blazer and add flats. Wear your shirt dress with strappy sandals and a tote for a day in the sun. For a creative take on this piece, wear it unbuttoned as a duster jacket over a tank and jeans. The shirt dress is also perfect for adding a belt or a sweater on top. The possibilities are truly endless, so you’ll get tons of wear out of it!
Denim Dresses
Why You’ll Love Them
Denim will always be the fabric of choice for a carefree, effortless attitude that feels just right for spring. This makes it another must-have piece in your collection of casual spring dresses. Best of all? Denim work as a neutral in your wardrobe, so you can pair it with vibrant layers, bold patterns, and lip colors that pop. Denim is generally a little thicker than your average cotton sundress, which makes it an especially great option for season transitions.
What to Look for
When selecting your denim dress, pay attention to fabric content. A 100% cotton dress can be especially heavy and rigid, making it more appropriate for fall. A cotton blend makes a good choice for this time of year. A little stretch never hurts, either! Opt for one with elastane or similar materials for a dress that moves with you. Having trouble finding a denim dress you love? Try searching for chambray dresses, too. The weave of is slightly different than denim, but it gives a similar look. Chambray tends to be a little thinner, softer, more drapey, and less rustic in appearance.
Denim dresses are popular in a few different silhouettes. A shirt dress style, overall-inspired style, or one that looks like an extended denim jacket are common variations. Or, try yours in an on-trend babydoll silhouette for an extra breezy, relaxed look.
Styling Tips
Denim dresses lend themselves easily to casualwear, so try yours with white sneakers, leather slides, or espadrilles. Pair with a straw bag to keep the earthy look going. This isn’t the only way you can wear it, though. It’s a sort of chameleon piece that works for any season and a range of occasions. Dress it up a bit with pumps and a statement earring to grab drinks. Bonus! You can continue wearing the denim dress into fall by adding tights and suede booties.
Ribbed Knit Dresses
Why You’ll Love Them
The last great addition to your casual spring dresses is the ribbed knit dress. Ribbed knits have been huge this year as we invested in athleisure and luxe loungewear sets. Now, let’s take the trend into spring! This will be among the comfiest looks in your warm-weather rotation thanks to the slip-on style and plenty of stretch built into the fabric. Another perk is its versatility. Like the shirt dress and denim dress, this one is simple enough to be styled in many ways. Cost-effective wardrobe staples like this should always be at the top of your shopping list!
What to Look for
One of the most common variations we’re seeing is the figure-hugging midi dress version. Not a fan of clothes that cling? Not to worry. There are options for any body type and style. A-line and swing dress options won’t reveal every curve. Dresses with a waistband or wrap-effect create structure which will flatter your figure. Because this dress tends to be on the simpler side, it can be fun to try it in bold spring-forward colors (or on-trend pastel hues!). Make sure you find a fabric weight that works for you, too. You can find anything ranging from t-shirt-weight ribbed tank dress styles to heavy sweater dresses. For the sake of investing in one that you’ll wear across seasons, we recommend one that is mid-weight for easy layering.
Styling Tips
Speaking of layering, this piece can be transformed by the pieces you add on top. Try it with layered necklaces and a denim jacket for an elevated casual look, a cropped leather jacket and boots for something edgy, a matching cropped cardigan for a monochromatic look, or a linen trench and mules for an effortless minimal outfit.
Wrap Up
These options are an amazing starting point for building up your spring wardrobe. Still, dresses can be difficult to shop for. Let us help you out! We would love to help by putting together a list of shoppable options for you, styling your casual spring dresses in new ways to maximize wear, or doing a seasonal wardrobe overhaul for a fresh start. Reach out us for an appointment to take the guesswork out of your wardrobe this season. Short on time? Take advantage of our virtual services for added convenience.
Once you’ve updated your collection of spring dresses, be sure to check out our spring 2021 trend guide for more shopping inspiration!
