20 best spring dresses you'll never want to take off, according to stylists and editors

CNN

07-04-2025

From T-shirt dresses to romantic floral frocks, we're on the brink of one of our favorite seasons (fashion-wise, at least): spring dress season. They're the backbone of warm weather style, after all. Throwing on a pretty, flattering dress is one of the easiest ways to look chic and pulled-together.
To jump-start your spring wardrobe, I consulted three professional stylists about shopping for spring dresses and tapped Underscored editors for their recommendations too.
Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Linen-Blend Midi Dress
A floral dress complete with pockets, this breezy spring style makes for one of the easiest outfits you can pull together. It comes in regular sizing up to size 4X, as well as petites and a tall range. Plus, the price is just right.
Naggoo Wrap V-Neck Mini Dress
Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus says this floral Amazon dress provides enough coverage to wear to the office and is just the right length for when the weather starts to warm up. It comes in a variety of floral colors and some other spring-ready prints too.
By Anthropologie The Nina Short-Sleeve Mock-Neck Mod Mini Dress
If florals aren't you're thing, this print is a mod nod to the spring trend without being too on the nose. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine added the style to her closet and says, "The shift silhouette is comfortable, flattering and versatile. The fabric feels more like a sweater dress, so it's been a great piece for the in-between seasons' weather." It comes in six other prints and colors, all in petite and plus sizes too.
Hill House Home The Matilda Dress
Hill House Home is one of our favorite places to shop for timeless spring dresses, and Sarah Tam, Rent the Runway's chief merchant officer, agrees. "This Hill House Home dress, with its ballet-inspired neckline, smocked back, puffed sleeves and a sprinkling of delicate flowers, embodies both femininity and fashion-forward elegance, making it a perfect choice for spring," she says.
Petal & Pup Tillie One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
This elegant one-shoulder dress will take you through spring garden parties, weddings and any other special occasions. The simple silhouette is surprisingly forgiving, and the retro-inspired florals are even prettier in person. I can't wait to wear it to a summertime soirée. Just be aware that the style runs a little large, so I would size down if you're on the fence.
Merokeety 3/4-Balloon-Sleeve Midi Dress
We're all about comfort, and this T-shirt dress provides just that. A few of our editors tried it out, and we love the soft jersey material and the cinched waist that gives it a lovely silhouette. A great option for work or a day off, the laidback style comes in nine striped colors.Read our review
Maggy London Placed Print Stretch Cotton Midi Shirtdress
Cindy Conroy, celebrity stylist and TV host, loves the statement-making print of this style, along with its short-sleeved silhouette. The illustrated palm trees and tropical landscape are fit for your next getaway.
Tuckernuck Black Double-Face Flannel Gianna Dress
Made with a heavy, soft flannel that's great for transitioning seasons, this dress is "perfect for the minimalist woman who likes her wardrobe to be more on the neutral side," stylist and style coach Samantha Dawn says. The simple neckline and belted waist gives it what Dawn calls a "a classy yet feminine vibe."
Madewell Seamed Mini Dress
Madewell makes some of our favorite denim. This shirtdress uses the brand's signature Airy Denim, which is a cotton and Tencel blend that is light and soft. This means it isn't as rigid as other denim dresses and instead has a figure-skimming, flowy fit.
Patagonia Amber Dawn Dress
Newsletter editor Lindsey Smith says this organic cotton dress is "super comfortable and flattering." It has crossed straps and an easy fit-and-flare silhouette. "I love that it comes in a variety of colors," she says. "I have the black one and pair it with a denim jacket and sandals, but it also looks equally as good with sneakers."
o.p.t Evie Cotton Dress
If you're a fan of trendy brands like Reformation, Staud and Dôen and want to get the look for less, retailer Few Moda is the key. Many of the styles it sells are made by the same manufacturers of the brands you already know but are available at a fraction of the cost with a cheap monthly membership. I love this sweet cotton frock from o.p.t for spring, inspired by a $250 designer style.
Hyacinth House Pink Tweed Kit Minidress
Stylist Katie Schuppler loves this pretty pink number. "This dress is a great option to rock the 'prep' trend without leaning too much into it," she says. "It's feminine, classy and classic while still being fashion forward."
Hill House Home Corinne Nap Dress
"Marrying elegant, demure style with grungy plaid is a tall order, yet this dress delivers," Conroy says. The cottage core-inspired silhouette adds a touch of romance, while the plaid cotton can carry you through multiple seasons.
Endless Rose Sequin Chiffon Maxi Dress
A special occasion calls for some sequins and chiffon. Schuppler says this dress is "a great option for a daytime party but could also be worn for an evening event as well. It's whimsical yet sexy." According to the stylist, pistachio is a hue we'll see a lot of this spring.
Kimchi Blue Virginia One-Shoulder Bow Midi Dress
Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy is on the hunt for a party dress for spring and summer, and loves the flirty details of this polka-dotted dress. The ruffle trim and bows give it an extra-festive feel.
Bardot Adoni Mesh Maxi Dress
"I splurged on this dress last spring, and it quickly became a staple in my wardrobe," associate testing writer Carolina Gazal says. "I've dressed it up with heels for weddings and even wore it with a denim jacket and flats." The lace overlay dress comes in several shades, including a trendy butter yellow, Aqua, Lilac and more.
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
A year-round favorite, this simple dress comes in 18 colors and prints. "This slip dress is a perfect base layer for the spring," Smith says. "It's gorgeous on its own, but there are so many different ways you can wear it by layering other pieces."
Endless Rose Sleeveless Textured Midi Dress
"The embroidery of this dress is so unique and could be used for more than your next beach vacation," Dawn says of this midi dress. It comes in seven colors, from vacation-ready ivory to this deep Wine shade that's been everywhere this year.
Never Fully Dressed Safari Erin Dress
This satin dress could easily be dressed up or down. "The color and the subtle print of this dress adds so much personality to your personal style without looking tacky," Dawn says. "The dress is classy and fun." It's also a size-inclusive option, coming in plus sizes and petites.
Banana Republic Stretch-Poplin Long Midi Dress
"A strategically placed cutout adds a daring touch to this ultra-feminine spring dress," Conroy says, adding, "I love that it's in one of the most-talked-about hues of the season: fruity red." The cotton style features a sweetheart neckline, gathered waist and full skirt for a comfortable and flattering effect. Because spring can look so different across the map, the season's trends don't always translate for your locale. That's why the stylists say to focus on the silhouette, length and versatility of your dress options, rather than focusing on trend-driven details. 'I would pay attention to the cut of the dress as that changes your visual shape overall,' Dawn says. 'Different strap widths can affect the shape of your shoulders, while the skirt volume can affect your overall proportions.'
Conroy says to ask yourself, 'What makes you feel beautiful and comfortable?' This can mean opting for a long-sleeved dress in an airy material so you still get that coverage or choosing a style that works with flats. 'Remember that a spring dress doesn't always have to include towering heels,' she says.
If you like to have fun with trends, the Schuppler says bohemian dresses, preppy styles and pistachio green are ones to watch. Dawn adds powder pink, chartreuse and icy blue to the trending colors, while lace patterns and bold florals are making a comeback too.
The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Cindy Conroy, Samantha Dawn and Katie Schuppler.
How do you style a spring dress?
How do you style a spring dress?
'Some places are still cold, so if this is the case for you, I would layer the spring dress with tall boots and a blazer or bomber jacket,' Dawn says. 'You could also pair your sundresses with sneakers for a more casual look.' Conroy adds that you can strike a balance with a sweater dress and ballet flats.
If the weather permits, embrace the warmth and 'start styling your dresses with open-toe sandals or loafers,' Dawn says.
What is the best fabric for a spring dress?
What is the best fabric for a spring dress?
The stylists recommend light fabrics that are good for layering. 'Cotton and linen will be your most breathable fabrics to wear,' Dawn says. 'Silk is also a natural fiber that can make you feel more luxurious in your dress.' Other more formal suggestions from Conroy include chiffon, crepe, organza and tulle.
'On chilly mornings or evenings, simply layer with a linen sweater, cotton cable knit or cotton-silk cardigan for added warmth,' Conroy says.
What colors are best for a spring dress?
What colors are best for a spring dress?
Schuppler says pastels are a typical choice, 'but those colors don't always look good on everyone.' The stylist adds that you can choose pops of color or neutrals that are complementary to your skin tone.
White or cream are always a good option, according to Dawn. She says you can also go bold with color. 'I love the lavenders and powder pinks that make your dresses have an even more feminine feeling,' she says. Meanwhile, Conroy calls out on-trend shades for spring like baby blue, olive and orangey-tomato red.
For this article, we consulted the following stylists to gain their professional insights on the best spring dresses.
Cindy Conroy, fashion expert and TV personality
Samantha Dawn, stylist and style coach
Katie Schuppler, Chicago-based wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and founder of KS Style Consulting
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw consulted three professional stylists to find the best spring dresses of the season.