The Latest Dress Trends of the Season You Need to Know About
A shirt dress is a chic and easy way to look put together. “I see a lot of pleated mini babydoll styles, which can be super feminine,” says stylist Ryan Gale.
The oblique cut-out trend isn’t going anywhere. It dominated the runways this season, seen on influencers like Gigi Hadid at Tom Ford and Karlie Kloss at Carolina Herrera.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are great for day or night and can be easily amplified by your choice of accessories. They also come in various fabrics, from linen to silk and luxurious satin. Our personal favorite is Francesca’s Printed maxi dresses are fun and flirty women’s clothing, while solid colors look more sophisticated and sexy.
Maguire says she has noticed an uptick in Shopbop customers looking for this dress style. “It’s a great option for spring—from blush pinks to luscious greens,” she says. “Play with splashes of color to add a playful sherbet vibe to your vacation wardrobe.”
This season, the cut-out trend is continuing to grow on maxi dresses. Look for one-sided oblique cut-outs and tight-to-the-body Victorian-style corsets to play up the look. A bold belt can also help to accentuate your waist and add a touch of drama. Then, finish off your look with strappy sandals or wedges to elongate your legs.
Denim
Denim has long been a closet staple, but designers are exploring new styles and applications this season. Whether in a denim suit vest (think Khaite and The Row) or a pair of wide-leg jeans, it’s time to think beyond your classic 5-pocket styles.
The resurgence of ’00s trends means that roomy bottoms are back and even more appealing when worn with a feminine or fitted top.
Also on the way is the return of the Victorian-era corset dress, seen on celebs like Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid. This style can be dressed up for eveningwear with a chic blazer or made more casual with a loose-fitting top and high-waisted jeans. Look for options with a sleek lace finish.
Cut-Outs
Taking the idea of matching sets to a whole new level, designers like Laquan Smith and Christian Cowan showcased clever cut-outs on their collections’ dresses. According to stylist Ryan Gale, the effect is dramatic and flattering, especially when the pieces are shorter. “An easy way to work this look is to add a pair of strappy heels,” he says.
While we’re all used to running out the door without fastening our shirts, this season, it seems that leaving a few buttons undone is actually in (Proenza Schouler). For those who prefer a more tailored spin on the trend, Victoria Beckham paired blouses with relaxed-fit blazers, and Altuzarra upgraded tie-dye with a subtle ombre color story.
It’s no secret that rosette-inspired details are having a significant moment. Harry Styles wore a giant version of the popular party to the 2023 Brit Awards, and Zendaya was practically a rose garden at the 2023 SAG Awards. But, for those still deciding whether to commit to the complete floral statement, stylists recommend opting for a more discreet ruffled or scalloped design.
Matching Sets
For the discerning fashionista who likes to keep her wardrobe organized, there’s nothing more practical than a matching set. This one-and-done hero piece has taken over this season from the runway to your closet. It’s a go-to for athleisure (yoga and brunch) and working this summer’s hottest floral print trends.
Lavender is the season’s must-have shade all over the NYFW runways (Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Tory Burch, Victoria Beckham). Designers followed this trend with lavender skirts and top sets for vacation inspo.
Smart cut-outs were another favorite of the 2021 runways, spotted by designers like Jacquemus and Proenza Schouler. Meanwhile, dip-dye — a color story embraced by Ulla Johnson and Peter Do for casual wear — was given a formal upgrade by Altuzarra for eveningwear. A terry cloth skirt and crop top set is perfect for strolling around the city, while a linen pant and halter top set can easily take you from the beach to the bar.