I Kind of Hate Dresses, But These 30 From Free People, J.Crew, and H&M Moved Me

I'm not sure if it's due to the hype of classic trousers or my recent style evolution, but dresses are hardly the thing I reach for when I want to feel my best. At least not anymore. There was once a time when I felt confident and most like myself in a pretty frock, but that sentiment is now reserved for loose, low-slung jeans and a tank top. That is until I came across the 30 dresses below.
To correct my current distaste toward the garment, I decided to search high and low at a few of my favorite retailers for the dresses that would hopefully make me fall back in love. I am happy to report that is exactly what happened. Thanks to the beautiful selection at Free People (by the way, don't forget to check out our Free People promo codes), H&M, and J.Crew, I found dresses that are not only pretty but also feel like me.
Free People
I love how this dress is styled here, but I would also dress it up with a simple kitten heel and statement necklace.
H&M
This dress can be styled in many ways, making it perfect to pack in a carry-on.
J.Crew
Resisting gingham in the summer should be a crime.
Just when I wasn't sure if the perfect white summer dress existed.
This light blue is the color that's been missing from my wardrobe.
Catch me wearing this to the next wedding I'm invited to.
Belted or not, this shirtdress makes for the perfect summer outfit.
This dress is tight on top and loose on the bottom, which is exactly how I like it.
Next: I Noticed French Women Don't Wear Denim Shorts Anymore—They Prefer These 6 Alts
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
Step Aside, Leopard Print—This Is Unquestionably 2025's It Print
Alaïa and Zara both agree.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I'm in Awe Over How Chic the New J.Crew Collection Is—29 Items That Will Have Fashion People in a Frenzy
Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
If You Have Great Taste, You Don't Want to Miss These 30 Chic J.Crew and Madewell Sale Picks
So many gems. So little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
25 Spring Staples I'm Replacing My Old Ones With From J.Crew's Massive Sale
Wardrobe reset (at a discount).
By Michelle Scanga
-
I'm Looking for Great Spring Basics—Yes to These Styles From Zara, Vince, J.Crew, Nordstrom, and Revolve
Versatile and chic.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Jamie Mizrahi's World: The Celeb Stylist's Favorite Red Carpet Look, Most Worth-It Shoe, and Album She Listens to on Repeat
A modern-day style expert.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm Giving the Shoppers What They Want—31 Chic Items From Zara, J.Crew, Nordstrom, and COS
Pre-spring staples ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
42 Things You Have to Buy From Nordstrom, Revolve, and J.Crew Right Now
Spring is coming.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour