31 Dresses We're Wearing in Our 30s

last updated 25 March 2022

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"That's not for me—it's for a younger woman" is something I grew up hearing my mom say about certain styles and new trends. In fact, she still says this to this day. I always take the time to remind her that she shouldn't let her age stop her from wearing what piques her interest. Since I was younger, I have been a huge proponent of the idea that people should wear whatever feels right to them, no matter what age a style might be geared toward. As I inch closer to 40, I still hold firm to this belief.

To be honest, I was never a dress girl until I hit my 30s. I even got married in a jumpsuit. This season happens to be one of the times I have been most excited about dresses. From cool cutouts to voluminous silhouettes to '90s throwback styles, I am having an extremely hard time narrowing down my favorites to a select few.

Ahead, check out 31 cool dresses I can't get enough of for spring and beyond.

Miamine

Square Neck Layer Maxi Dress

This affordable black dress just might become your spring and summer uniform.

H&M

Smock-Detail Dress

I'm picturing this being worn in the Italian countryside.

Who What Wear Collection

Kia Seamed Polo Midi Dress

This very wearable print feels so on-trend.

COS

Voluminous Poplin Dress

This voluminous dress is a dream. I want it in every color.

H&M

Ribbed Jersey Dress

This is a chic way to introduce chocolate brown into your closet.

Mango

Cut-Out Detail Dress

Here's a black dress that's guaranteed to turn heads.

Faithfull the Brand

Bellavista Floral-Print Crepe Midi Dress

You can wear this lovely printed dress with a variety of shoes, making it incredibly versatile.

Open Edit

Waist Detail Midi Dress

I was pleasantly surprised that this cutout pick is under $100.

Mango

Oversize Pleated Dress

Verdant pieces are, hands down, one of the biggest trends right now.

Who What Wear Collection

Francesca Polo Dress

I would wear this cool polo style year-round.

Reformation

Luke Floral-Print Crepe Midi Dress

I'm not one to usually wear red, but I'd make an exception for this sweet option.

Pistola Denim

Mari V Neck Slip Dress

I fully appreciate this elevated take on the checkered-print trend.

Mango

Oversized Cotton Shirt Dress

The structure of this dress is eye-catching.

H&M

Tie-Belt Dress

This is one of my favorite dresses at H&M right now.

Rebecca Taylor

Smocked Poplin Maxi Dress

Smocked dresses are trending, but this one feels more fashion-forward.

Everlane

The Oxford Shirtdress

I'm here for this modern take on the shirtdress.

Topshop

Mix & Match Check Handkerchief Hem Dress

This is giving me cool Scandi-girl vibes.

Zara

Striped Dress

A cool striped T-shirt dress for under $50? Done and done.

River Island

Smocked Off the Shoulder Cotton Maxi Dress

This pick is perfect for everything from date night to a vacation.

Mango

Lyocell Shirt Dress

Tie-front dresses are a staple no matter the season.

Reformation

Locklin Floral-Print Crepe Midi Dress

Hello, '90s flashback. I'd try this pick with Adidas sneakers.

Raey

Halterneck Open-Weave Checked Cotton Dress

I love this fun take on gingham print.

Faithfull the Brand

Francesca Midi Dress

Easy, breezy, and romantic.

H&M

Patterned Dress

This floral-print dress would look great with white sandals.

Anine Bing

Melanie Plissé Midi Dress

It doesn't get chicer than a minimalist black plissé dress.

WAYF

Malibu Faux Wrap Midi Dress

I am currently a huge fan of vibrant, printed green dresses.

H&M

Satin Dress

A simple silky dress like this can be layered under everything from a blazer to a denim jacket.

Mango

Pleated Wrap Dress

This dress is elegant enough for the office but can instantly create a casual-cool look with the right sandals.

The Drop

Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress

This easy dress is great for when you don't have the bandwidth to plan an outfit for the day.

Free People

Fiona Maxi Dress

Here's a whimsical take on the patchwork trend.

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

This neutral ribbed dress is a timeless addition to any closet.

Next up: These 3 Dress Styles Are So Right Now, and I'm Here for It

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Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.