There are certain things that universally signify spring: flowers popping up in the parks, getting ready to order your first Pimm's, and the fact that it's lighter in the evenings. However, for us fashion types, nothing feels quite so spring-like as stepping out in a gorgeous dress (without the need for tights). And right now, while we're still firmly in a cold spell, we're noticing specific dress trends emerge as new-season offerings start to drop in.
Below, I've listed the eight dress trends that I think you'll see for spring through to summer. Long-sleeve, denim and knitted dresses are perfect for the next few months of changeable weather while the bright-pink dresses and printed minis I've found below have weddings written all over them.
I've been sure to include a mix of classic and basic styles, fashion-forward silhouettes and bolder options for those who want to just have fun with fashion again. So keep scrolling to see the new dress trends I really love for spring.
1. Long-Sleeve Dresses
Style Notes: Long-sleeve dresses are a perfect option for British springtime, as they are a little bit warmer for those days when it's still quite chilly. Either opt for an oversized, billowing sleeve, a puff sleeve or something a little simpler.
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2. Full Skirts
Style Notes: Full skirting made a big comeback on the spring 2023 runways, and the effects are being felt in the dress world, too. The fluid silhouette works with so many footwear options from knee-high boots to chunky trainers.
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3. Bright-Pink Dresses
Style Notes: The overriding message coming from designers and buyers for spring 2023 is that we want our clothes to be joyful, and this is mainly manifested in lots of bright pink. Labels such as Taller Marmo and Reformation have created beautiful dresses in vibrant pink, which are ideal for fanciful occasions.
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4. Black Sundresses
Style Notes: Sometimes it's important to make sure you have the basics covered, and for spring, it doesn't get more useful than a black sundress.
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5. Knitted Dresses
Style Notes: Knitted dresses have soared in popularity as the perfect option for those who want to find the perfect middle ground between getting dressed properly and still feeling comfortable. And our love for them continues through to 2023. Either opt for a tunic style that you can layer over trousers or a more fitted silhouette that you can wear with simple sandals.
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6. Printed Minidresses
Style Notes: Over the past few years, it has been all about the midi dress. However, for the warmer months this year, designers and brands have several playful printed minis in their collections.
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7. White Summer-Is-Coming Dresses
Style Notes: Fashion decrees that everyone should own at least one little black dress, but there's an equally viable case to be made for the little white dress. Whether you opt for something loose and relaxed in linen or cotton or something more formal with puff sleeves and lace embellishment, a white dress has long been a warm-weather staple.
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8. Denim Dresses
Style Notes: Denim dresses were featured in many of the collections from Loewe to Chloé. Who What Wear Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi writes, "Perhaps its innate combination of practicality and sass puts it in a prime position to win when many day-to-day schedules now centre around being comfortable but smart, and many wardrobes are leaning to well-curated, hard-working staples."
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Next up: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
