I Tried So Many Spring Dresses to Bring You the 10 Best on the High Street

The weather might be playing catch-up, but we're always two steps ahead of the forecast, and the best spring dresses are available right now, even if the April snow has altered plans for when we'll be able to wear them. There's never anything wrong with being prepared, and the truth is that snoozing on the new-in spring dresses that are filtering onto the high street at the moment isn't a wise idea if you've seen something you like—they are already selling out. Case in point: The incredible H&M fringed style I've tried on below is now like gold dust and almost impossible to find in stores or online until a restock occurs.

It’s a bit of an in-between period in the shops right now where you still have a mishmash of wintry knits and cover-ups contrasted by summery pieces that have started to arrive with the new-season deliveries. But as usual, I’ve scoured all of the stores up and down Oxford Street and tried on the good, the bad and, well, the bloody brilliant spring dresses you will love wearing time and time again. From everyday numbers that take you from your desk to the dance floor, linen dresses that will work both in the city and on holiday to some pretty fabulous wedding guest outfit ideas, scroll down for the best spring dresses on high street right now.

1. THE WORKS-FOR-EVERY-EVENT DRESS

Vintage-inspired tea dresses have long been my go-to trans-seasonal day looks. They tend to come in modest shapes, like this one, that require minimal styling, which, when I'm in a rush, is a godsend. Nobody's Child has a great selection of styles in various spring-like prints, and they're all under £100.

2. THE DRESS EVERYONE WILL ASK YOU ABOUT

It’s the first time I’ve come across British label Albaray, which was set up by three former Warehouse execs during the pandemic to create an affordable womenswear brand that uses not only eco-friendly fabrics but also audited suppliers to ensure a fully sustainable supply chain. If you’re looking for everyday dresses for under £100, then you will be spoilt for choice.

3. THE H&M STYLE THAT EVERYONE WANTS

Now, I’m not usually one for a designer dupe, but this dress was inspired by another whose price tag was in excess of £2500, so I’ll take it. The weighty fabric of this dress gives it the polish needed for a jersey style, but it’s the slightly longer sleeves and chocolate colour that really made me beeline for the checkout. This is a timeless dress that is a guaranteed conversation starter every time you wear it. I'm just hoping for all of you that it gets restocked soon…

4. THE BEST SWISH-ABOUT MAXI

I love the ’70s vibe of this dress! It ties at the back, so it's fully adjustable, and even though its a halterneck, the fabric is thick enough to hide either a strapless or stick-on bra if support is needed.

5. THE WOW WEDDING GUEST DRESS

I was super impressed with the quality of this dress and just how comfy such a wow piece like this could be. Not only are the layers of fabric very forgiving, but also the cape sleeves add some drama that you don't normally get with a dress under £100. This is such a great dress for spring weddings, and it's also available in yellow and black.

6. THE SASSIEST SUNDRESS

You may have seen this style of linen dress time and time again, and the reason for that is simply that it works. Voluminous sleeves are always flattering, as they help to balance out wider hips or add shape where needed, but they also mean you can wear a bra without it being visible. The midi length means it's easy to run around in, and, well, the colour is just gorgeous. My only bugbear is that it does run on the small side, as I had to size up more than I was expecting—so perhaps order multiple sizes if you're unsure.

7. THE FESTIVAL DRESS

If it's Western-inspired, I don’t take much convincing, which is why I just love this strapless corset dress. It's one of the few white dresses that would work both in spring and in winter with tights and boots, so whilst it’s a little chilly, throw on a leather jacket, and you're good to go.

8. THE EVERYDAY MIDI

I really love the textured fabric of this dress. It's almost like a devoré tartan, which makes it feel a bit more substantial. The weather can be so up and down, so I'm all for trans-seasonal pieces right now. This could be dressed up for a wedding or down with sandals at the weekend. It was also refreshing to have to size down for once, as the size 12 swamped me, meaning for once there will be a larger size range available.

9. THE EDGY SUMMER DRESS

Whether it's summer or winter, Whistles always does great leather pieces from jackets to skirts and even dresses too. The price point is naturally slightly higher than what you would expect from a high-street store, but the quality is up there with some of the most sought-after designers. This dress is an interesting take on how to do grown-up boho, and I love it—perfect for summer in the city.

10. THE PERFECT DAY-TO-NIGHT DRESS

This dress is definitely very "me". For one, it’s pink. Plus, it's a minidress that is long enough to wear to daytime meetings, but throw on a pair of heels and roll up the sleeves, and you have a pretty cool party look, too!