While flowers blooming and birds chirping are usually the first indications that spring is here, in the fashion industry we use a slightly different metric. The arrival of new spring collections is what signals the end of winter for fashion editors, as brightly coloured skirts and sleeveless dresses begin appearing online.
We saw several trends emerge from the S/S 20 runways, including crochet dresses and those that featured unique cutouts. While more wearable staples including puff-sleeve dresses, polka-dot dresses and polo-neck dresses were equally as popular. Minimalism reigned again thanks to Bottega Veneta, while maximalists were accounted for with voluminous tiered dresses which appeared at Christopher Kane and Molly Goddard.
Interestingly enough, several of the season's biggest dress trends are often used in conjunction with each other. For example, Asceno has released a tiered dress with polka dots on it, while Ephemera puff-sleeve dress also featured cutouts. It's a have your cake and eat it too, kind of situation this spring.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at spring's biggest dress trends.
1. Puff-Sleeve Dresses
It's official—puff sleeves aren't going anywhere. We loved this trend last year, and according to the spring 2020 runways, the look is here to stay. Spotted at Valentino, Khaite, Mara Hoffman and Brock Collection (to name a few), it seems we'll all be wearing exaggerated sleeves again.
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2. Minimalist Dresses
Thanks to Bottega Veneta and The Row leading the way, minimalism has remained on our radar. Where dresses are concerned, this translates to solid colours in interesting shapes or simple silhouettes and is a key trend this spring.
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3. Cutout Dresses
Seen on the runway of Gucci, Off White and JW Anderson, cut-outs have been given a contemporary update this season. As the unique detail that can elevate a simple dress to statement status, we'll definitely be keeping our eye on this evolving trend.
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4. Polka-Dot Dresses
Used as a feature print at Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten, polka dots are set to maintain their popularity this spring, particularly when it comes to dresses. Will Zara create yet another ubiquitous design? We'll have to wait and see.
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5. Polo Dresses
Yes, it's true, the polo shirt is well and truly back. Though before you write it off as a preppy staple reserved for tennis clubs or study halls, take a look at the way it's been reimagined for spring 2020. At Prada, polo shirts in thin sheer fabrics were buttoned up and paired against statement skirts or under structured jackets. While Altuzarra took the style to a new level by creating an enviably cool knit polo dress. It's a simple staple we could see ourselves wearing all season.
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6. Crochet Dresses
From Alexander McQueen and Fendi to Gabriela Hearst and Ferragamo, intricate crochet was spotted on several catwalks this season. But don't be fooled, this is not the crochet of decades past; for spring 2020 the style feels decidedly more modern.
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7. Tiered Dresses
Molly Goddard might just be the queen of tiered dresses, but it seems a few other brands are giving her a run for her money this season. Valentino, Dior, Christopher Kane and Roksanda all featured tiered dresses of various volumes in their collections, solidifying the trend as one to try this spring.
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Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know.
