This Will Be the Most Popular Dress Style of 2020

Now that sweaters and boots are well and truly in our daily rotation, the thought of springtime dresses seems like a lifetime away. Luckily, fashion month brings the warm-weather season that little bit closer, giving us a glimpse into what fashion-forward frocks we have to look forward to when we can bask in the sun once again. But don’t get your minidresses out too soon. One of the most unexpected and dominant dress trends we saw coming out of S/S 20 runways was one that involved fabric—a lot of it.

Long, billowy, trapeze-like dresses were seen everywhere from Roksanda to Valentino. Hemlines were dropped, often grazing the floor. Many hung loosely from collarbone to calf with no restrictions, like an artist’s smock—often with equally modest Victorian high-neck collars and long sleeves that hung past the wrist. These are dresses that take up space—long and often voluminous with practically no focus on exposure—exuding a sense of ease, comfort, and security.

If you’re eager to take on the trend before everyone else does, you can shop the gorgeous dress style set to be draped all over our favorite fashion muses in 2020 right now with our coolest picks below. Style them with edgy combat boots or chunky Chelsea boots for a cool-girl look this season.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570599733727-main

On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Roksanda)

Long, flowy dresses were dominant at Roksanda, billowing around the body in easy-to-move-in fabrics.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570600824484-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of Lacoste)

At Lacoste, maxi dresses reigned supreme, but this time in pleated varieties in shades of springtime yellow, aquamarine, and pastel blue.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570599458000-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of J.W Anderson)

Fluid jersey fabric flowed beautifully from neck to ankle and wrists at JW Anderson in gorgeous shades of teal blue.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570600309020-main

(Image credit: Stephanie Cardinale, Getty Images)

At L'Oréal's runway, long, billowy, draped fabrics came in graceful spring florals with ruffles and voluminous sleeves.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570601279342-main

(Image credit: Estrop, Getty Images)

Valentino's vivid frocks hung from the collar bone to the ankles with no restrictions in a voluminous cloud.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570600106485-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloe)

We could see ourselves wearing this easy and effortless Chloé dress to every spring and summer wedding season. (Bonus points for the cool pockets!)

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570600717983-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of Altuzarra)

Altuzarra's color-block number is bold, eye-catching, and super easy to wear for spring. The tiered layered stripes add volume and dimension to the chic frock.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570601103699-main

(Image credit: Dominique Charriau, Getty Images)

Long sleeves, long hems, and a fresh silhouette that we're fully on board with at Stella McCartney.

long-flowy-dresses-282977-1570601157453-main

(Image credit: Courtesy of Erdem)

Take your white shirtdress to next-level chic with a trapeze-like silhouette that grazes the floor as seen at Erdem. 

Shop the trend:

Up next, the seven biggest color trends we'll all be wearing in 2020.

Explore More:
Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.