There’s something about spring dresses that fills us up with an almost youthful sense of gaiety. From the bright sherbets shades of pastels, to the abundance of ditsy florals and flowy silhouettes, springtime frocks are one of those fashion items that not only capture the saccharine “anything is possible” tone set by the season, but also express in full definition the carefree exuberance spring has to offer. So it goes without saying that spring dresses are one of our favourite items to shop for whenever the season hits.
For 2020, trends have rippled down from the designer runways into our collective consciousness. From knitted crochet to leather dresses, these trends are now ubiquitous everywhere. Neons and pastels are both hot contenders when it comes to the preferred colourway, and prints like stripes and graphic florals continue to reign. Also, you’d want to be looking out for dresses with puffy sleeves.
We’ve put together our favourite spring dresses of every trend as a guide on what you should be looking out for when refreshing your wardrobe. Plus, they’re all under $200, so you know, it’s all the more reason for you to treat yourself to a cute frock this season.
Showing an interest in handmade crafts, designers looked towards macrame and crochet in crafting their dresses. A dress perfect for the inner beach goddess that resides within you, crocheted dresses are a breezy springtime option that’s also practical when the weather is hot. This light blue mini dress will look great next to a pair of wedges and statement earrings for your next beach party.
Shop: Superdown Ella mini dress, S$23.65 (original price: S$102.97) from Revolve
Sheer, wispy see-through dresses whipped up from delicate lace, tulle and organza were another clear favourite amongst designers this season. This midi dress is crafted from dotted tulle and features tiers of ruffles. Not only is it sweet and uber-feminine, this dress adopts the use of soft feather-thin tulle that’s see-through in certain areas such as the neckline and sleeves, yet it is constructed with an inner lining so you won’t have to worry about baring too much when you’re out.
Shop: Tulle ruffle dress, S$89.90 from Zara
Taking over ditsy florals as the print du jour of spring, larger-scaled floral prints are the way to go this 2020.
Here’s what you should be looking for: frocks flushed with magnified floral motifs in vibrant powerful colours.
This mini dress from Bershka, which features a retro bardot neckline and elasticated balloon sleeves is an eye-catching number that will probably garner tonnes of likes on the ‘gram. Team it with a satin tote in a shade of saturated pastel and a pair of strappy high heels.
Shop: Floral dress with a bardot neckline, S$59.90 from Bershka
Multicoloured striped knit dresses are a hit for spring, exuding vacation vibes with its blend of vibrancy and a sense of ease. This halter dress consists of a fiesta of contrasting bright colours from pink and orange to turquoise and raspberry. Team this with a denim jacket, a satin clutch and raffia wedges for weekend brunch with the girls.
Shop: House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Dries dress, S$61.22 (original price: S$275.51) from Revolve
Electrifying neons are about to brighten up your spring wardrobe. Fluorescent highlighter brights will make sure you turn heads all spring round, so get ready to embrace this statement trend. This slip dress features a ‘90s cowl neck silhouette and bright neon pink leaf prints embossed on a satin-finish fabric. Pair this with strappy sandals and twisted gold hoop earrings.
Shop: UO Mallory cowl neck slip dress, US$49 (S$67.77) from Urban Outfitters
Straight out from a fairytale, statement sleeves oozing of romantic, princess-like vibes stepped out from the storybooks and right onto the runways of SS ‘20. Romantic shapes like the puff sleeve were especially prominent. This ruched lavender dress features little floral embroidery and a ruched sleeve that softly drapes off the shoulder. We think this will look pretty next to a pair of polka dotted ballet flats that will really bring out its sweet femininity.
Shop: Draped dress, S$139 from Zara
Soft sherbet shades from pistachio green, pastel peach, lilac and light blue are one of the dreamiest colour trends to emerge from the season.
Anchored by sophisticated silhouettes such as relaxed tailored suits and contemporary voluminous dresses, these sugary Paddle Pop colours have proven to play nice amongst grown-ups as well. This mint green dress features a long trail of flowy fabric held up by extra thin straps. The bustier cups are also detailed by pleats – a nice touch to finish this breathtaking number.
Shop: Slit long dress, S$179 from Mango
The fabric toile de Jouy received its moniker from one of the suburbs of Paris, a town named Jouy-en-Josas. Recognised for its decorative patterns depicting a complex landscape against an unbleached linen or cotton fabric, toile de Jouy recently re-entered the fashion zeitgeist in 2019 as the star of its “Dioriviera” swimsuit collection.
Showing no signs of slowing down, toile de Jouy dresses are still one of spring’s hottest trends to adopt. This “Crimini” dress from Reformation features a sexy high side slit and lovely pastoral prints in blue. Wear it with whimsical colourful lucite earrings and a pair of white sneakers (take #inspo on the white sneakers to wear inspired by what the stars of Crash Landing on You wore) for a relaxed weekend outfit.
Shop: Crimini dress, S$185 from Reformation
Apart from the crochet trend, the artisanal crafting vibes prominent throughout the season has also spilled over into the form of patchwork dresses. A mash-up of mismatched vintage florals and other printed fabrics pieced and sewn together to form carefree bohemian dresses fit for the ‘70s. This smocked waist dress features an asymmetrical hemline and a vibrant mix of contrasting floral prints. Style it with combat boots and a leather jacket.
Shop: Free People Gabriella dress, S$60.90 (original price: S$208.90) from Zalora
Leather takes the form of lighter, breezier silhouettes for spring such as puffy sleeved dresses, shirt dresses, and straight cut minis. Rendered in saturated spring brights such as lemon yellow and flaming orange, colourful leather dresses will make a delightful addition to your spring wardrobe. This pistachio green shirt dress comes with puff sleeves with stretched cuffs and a relaxed oversized fit for a cheeky girlishness.
Shop: Ghospell oversized shirt dress in faux leather, S$151.92 from ASOS