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The change from cooler spring temperatures to overheated summer weather happens quickly, so it’s important to be prepared. Stocking your closet with the right clothing items is key – and you can’t go wrong with flowy dresses that look just as good under a cardigan as they do on their own. These dresses will take you from one season to the next easily, all while making you look effortlessly chic.
The best spring-to-summer dress is one that doesn’t require a lot of thought – think bold prints that don’t need many accessories or simple tank styles that can be dressed up or down. On the hunt for some staples, we found a collection of stylish dresses that not only work for two seasons, but also look much more expensive than they are.
17 Effortless Designer-Looking Spring-to-Summer Dresses
1. Our Favorite: With a fitted bodice and dipped waist, along with vertical stripes that elongate your frame, this midi dress is a flattering pick. The longer length makes it work for chillier spring days, but it’s still airy enough for the summer.
2. Runner-Up: Made of a linen blend, this button-down dress is an easy breezy option you can wear casually or a little more dressed up. Bonus: it has pockets.
3. Flattering Fit: The ruching along the bodice of this midi dress adds interesting texture and helps hide your tummy area. This one also looks really pretty under a cardigan or on its own.
4. Feminine Details: Covered in eyelet lace and available in pretty pastel colors, this maxi dress seems like it was made for a sunny spring day. Add some sandals, and it works for a summer day too.
5. Garden Party: Whether you’re shopping for a special event or just looking for a vacation dress, this floral option is such a pretty pick. And it’s unexpectedly comfortable – the material is a soft, breathable knit that works for hot weather.
I used to work at a boutique, and spring-to-summer was always our sign of what shoppers couldn’t get enough of. The second the weather warmed up, everyone skipped past anything fussy and went straight for breezy midis, easy maxis and throw-on dresses that looked put-together (no styling stress required!). I could easily predict which ones […]
6. Hamptons Chic: This striped midi dress is giving off a chic, “I summer in East Hampton” vibe for a budget-friendly price point. Pair it with a white cardigan during the spring, or wear it over your bathing suit on a summer day.
7. Easy Breezy: Made of 100% cotton, this gauzy sleeveless dress is so easy to throw on, whether you’re running errands or going out to dinner. It’s lightweight and so comfortable.
8. Go-To Dress: It’s hard to go wrong with a simple midi dress like this one. The tiered skirt makes it more interesting, but this is an easy silhouette to style in so many different ways.
9. Under $20 Alert: This sleeveless mini dress might cost less than $20, but it certainly doesn’t look like it. It’s made of 100% cotton for a breathable feel and the paneled look makes it extra stylish.
10. Office Appropriate: This button-down dress is polished and stylish, looks nice enough for the office, and feels comfy enough to wear when shopping. The loose fit is both chic and breezy.
11. Beachy Vibes: Snag this striped midi dress for your next beach vacation. The diagonal stripes and unique color combination make it feel so on-trend, and the loose fit is comfy.
12. Looks Expensive: This shirt dress is the kind of clothing piece you can throw on when you really don’t feel like putting effort into your look – and still look like you did exactly that. Wear this with sneakers or sandals.
13. Vintage Feel: With the dipped waist, longer length and halter neck top, this midi dress kind of feels like Old Hollywood glam in the best way. It’s still casual enough to wear for everyday, though, and looks pretty under a sweater.
14. Cute and Casual: This denim mini dress features a dropped waist look that looks both classic and on-trend at the same time. It’s loose enough to wear for hours on end without feeling restricted.
15. Euro-Summer: The bold floral print of this mini dress and the tie-straps kind of make it feel like it should be worn during a summer trip to Italy. Wear this with a cardigan for a spring day, but it looks so pretty on its own, too.
16. So Romantic: There’s something so darling about this puffed sleeve dress. It’s simple but has subtle romantic details that make it stand out.
17. Denim Dream: Super soft and lightweight, this denim mini dress is a perfect everyday look for spring or summer. The wide waistband and ruched back make it so comfy.
Cinched and stunning without breaking the bank . . . yes, please! The right summer dress should do it all: flatter your figure, keep you cool and make you feel like the best-dressed person at brunch, the beach or your backyard barbecue. And if it happens to ring in under $30, that’s what we call […]
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