10 Dazzling Dress Outfits to Wear for Spring (2024)

As the frigid days of winter whittle away, warm weather months invite your wardrobe to lighten its load by swapping out bulky coats and sweaters forcropped jacketsand tank tops. Perhaps the best part of climbing temperatures is the return of one-and-done dress outfits, like spring dresses decorated in the season's signature colors and patterns, taking the guesswork out of mixing and matching multiple pieces from your closet.

One of the most common misconceptions about spring dress outfits is that they all look the same — a sea of floral prints and blinding pastels with varying hemlines being the only thing to differentiate one look from the next. To debunk this myth, we asked stylists to break down not only the spring dress outfits they can't wait to style in the upcoming season but how they plan to go about doing just that.

Create a Cool Pairing with a Matching Set

The co-ord trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and if fashion stylistNaina Singlahas her way, it never will. The style expert is especially excited to dress her clients in matching spring dress sets.

"[Dress sets] offer a more versatile look that can be worn together as a dress or worn separately with other pieces," she toldInStyle. "It's a classic spring look that is a perfect go-to for warmer temps."

Opt for Soft Textures

More specifically, tweed. The woolen fabric is super versatile, and Singla toldInStyleit's likely because the material works for officewearandcasual looks.

"There are a range of ready-to-wear tweed sheath dresses to choose from for spring," Singla says of the fabric, noting neutrals and soft shades of blue and pink work well as temperatures warm up. "No matter what color tweed sheath dress you choose, they are a great way to change up your spring wardrobe with an unexpected, textured look that is on trend and also keeps you warm for the cooler spring days."

Amp Things Up with a Fun Neckline

Singla suggested that while spring dresses are often associated with midi or longer hemlines and seasonal prints (cough, florals, cough), spring can be less cutesy and much sexier by playing with a delicate shoulder reveal.

"Simply wear a ruffled dress with loosely-tied shoulders in a fun color or neutral tone, and add a pair of strappy sandals or kitten heels," Singla said.

Go with Daytime Metallics

Style therapist Christina Stein is a big fan of metallics for spring. "[Metallic] fabric can be so fun to work with. I think it'll really turn heads at events and can be dressed down easily," Stein said, adding she'd pair the statement with seasonal colors "like pink or orange" for an easy pop and as a "way to make it fresh and on-trend!"

Channel the 2000s with Crochet

The fashion industry saw a spike incrochet and knitclothing back in 2021, and it appears that the celeb-loved trend is hotter than ever, especially given the rise ofY2K fashion.

Stein concurred and anticipates dressing her clients (and herself!) in crochet dresses for spring.

"I think [crochet] is really unique because you can play with a color or mesh slip to go underneath or belt the outside to make the look your own," she said. "You can even take a shorter crochet dress and put it over a T-shirt and a pair of jeans."

Make It a Midi

Midi dresses are another great option for those cooler spring days when you want more leg coverage. Whether you're looking for an everyday casual piece with playful contours, or you prefer a more feminine approach with ruching and a slightly puffed sleeve,Stitch Fixstylist Katie Englund toldInStylethe midi hemline "will be everywhere in spring."

Don't Forgo Florals

They may be cliche, but florals for spring are a thing for a reason: Itworks. Although bold florals will always have their place, Englund said the spring season is also the perfect time to rock more subtle flowery prints in what's being called "garden state," aka "garden-esque prints, like aneutral-colored dresswith a begonia-inspired floral pattern."

Give Cutouts a Try

Spring is the time to experiment with this sultry trend if you haven't already. At Stitch Fix, Englund said she's excited to encourage members to show a little skin for the spring season, particularly through an introduction to creative cutouts.

Englund's vision for the look: "A sleek midi dress in an eye-catching chartreuse hue that featuresunexpected side cutouts. Pair this with your favorite denim jacket and heeled mules for a night out, or keep it casual with a classic pair of white sneakers for a look that's both comfortable and trend-forward."

Play with Polka Dots

In conversation withInStyle, celebrity stylist and brand image consultantKara Allanexplained that while polka dots originated in the 1700s amid controversy, they've made a rousing comeback with the Polka Dot dance.

"She's a survivor," Allan joked about the pattern. "My favorite way to wear a black and white or navy polka dot dress is with red shoes/bag, fabulous glasses, and a jean jacket," adding the combination takes the sweet design and "makes it sexy."

Get Wild with a Western Vibe

"I associate the Western trend with channeling your inner badass," Allan said of her second favorite dress trend for spring. Between the hats, boots, and flowy skirts, the stylist is drawn to the aesthetic because it's stylish and fun.

"The [Western] girl lives a full, unapologetic life, and don't you forget it."