Apparently, No One's Wearing These Spring Dresses Anymore—Shop These 7 Instead

As cold as it feels outside (which, trust me, is cold), spring is just around the corner, and for most people, its arrival will come with the realization that their warm-weather wardrobes are in desperate need of a 2024 refresh. I like to think of myself as a pretty timeless dresser and shopper, and I still know for a fact that by the time the first nice day rolls around, the contents of my spring bins will feel at least slightly like old news. So rather than let spring sneak up on me like I have so many times before, I'm getting proactive about my wardrobe for the upcoming season—starting with dresses.

In an effort to distract myself from the cold this week, I cozied up inside and drew up a spring-dress plan, deciding which styles I no longer need in my closet and which I should fill those empty hangers with. After consulting friends, fellow editors, and, of course, Instagram, I came to the conclusion that the seven dress trends below are officially on the outs with the fashion crowd. Scroll down to find out which ones are getting the axe and find seven alts to buy instead. 

Hello: Halter Dresses

Goodbye: Shirtdresses

Though I've seen my fair share of chic shirtdresses over the years, in my opinion, the button-up style's It factor has been waning for a few seasons now. In place of the various collared options that are now living in my donation pile, I'm investing heavily into halterneck options and taking inspiration from the likes of Khaite, Bottega Veneta, and Alaïa.

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Hello: Duchesse Satin Dresses

Goodbye: Leather Dresses

Thanks to an influx of heavy satin on the spring 2024 runways, with highlights found at Loewe, Sportmax, Tory Burch, and more, duchesse satin is spiking in the dress department, meaning it's time for us to make space in our wardrobes for at least one soft, satiny addition. But what can go? My suggestion's leather. That doesn't mean that you should get rid of every leather dress you own, but maybe it's time to cut down your selection to just one and free up space for this more regal alternative. 

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Hello: Tea-Length Dresses

Goodbye: Y2K Micro Minidresses

Y2K and its interesting takes on fashion dominated in 2022 and parts of 2023, but now that a new year has begun, its reign is finally starting to wane, leading to a far more classic and elegant time for trends as opposed to ones that err on the side of kitschy and over-the-top. In turn, the super (super!) short minidresses that defined the early aughts and the past few years are being traded in for chic tea-length alternatives that will feel loads more timeless.

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Hello: Lace Dresses

Goodbye: Strung-Up Dresses

In the recent past, it felt like every It girl was wearing a dress made entirely of dainty strings, all of which tied together tiny pieces of sheer fabric. I, myself, was into the look, especially on other people, but it never had quite the approachability factor that the lace-dress trend does now. Despite being equally "naked," the allover lace dresses that are trending today give off the appearance of being a bit more covered up, even though the fabric is pretty see-through. Therefore, it feels easier to style and more versatile. 

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Hello: Long-Sleeve Maxis

Goodbye: Puff-Sleeve Midis

Overall, I'd say the dress trends are leaning away from anything too frilly and exaggerated and more toward simplicity and elegance, which might explain why all of the voluminous puff sleeves that were spotted on every midi dress back in 2020 and 2021 have all but disappeared and sleek, long-sleeve maxis have popped up in their place. There's just a very nonchalant yet luxurious look to a long drapey dress that isn't quite as present in the poofier frocks of yore. 

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Hello: Sculpted Dresses

Goodbye: Corset Dresses

Corsets had their time in the sun, with visible boning being one of the biggest trends of 2021 and 2022. For 2024, though, at least in the dress space, people are leaning more toward sculpted dresses that create the same hourglass effects of a corset without showing that you're wearing one. It's all about the illusion. 

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Hello: Covered-Up Sheer Dresses 

Goodbye: Completely Sheer Dresses

Though the sheer trend continues to be relevant on and off the runways, the spring collections offered up an interesting alternative to the bare-all look that's been so prevalent in recent seasons. Instead of full transparency, brands like Ferragamo, Brandon Maxwell, and Proenza Schouler designed pieces and styled looks that, while sheer, had more modest touches to them in a way that's allowed this trend to take on a far more wearable air to it.

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This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.