9 Spring Dresses That Are Really Doing It For Me

All under $450. Warning: Some may contain polka dots.

It’s spring break, y’all, and you know what that means? If you’re me, the answer is: Not much. Like so many things about parenting that I am not good at—yet—I can’t seem to plan a family vacation of any kind. Champagne problems, I know, I know. But while our travel calendar might be rather quiet, that hasn’t stopped me from loading up on beach reads (story to come, I promise) and spending a not insignificant amount of time mulling over spring dresses. 

Regarding the latter, I figured today might be as good a time as any to share some of those bookmarked finds. Word to the wise: These picks really run the gamut, so please enter without expectations.

Some of the more splurge-worthy picks in this group are slightly dressier options that you can wear for years to come. (I don’t even know why I am saying it like this; if you follow me on social, you know I wear things—both inexpensive and investment items—over and over for literally a decade or more.) In addition to the dresses that will work for fancier occasions, there are also some styles that are ideal for all of your daytime off-duty needs. 

As always when it comes to shopping for spring/summer, it’s important to pay attention to fabric, as the right ones can make inexpensive pieces look quite elegant. The reverse is equally true. Happily, this year there are tons and tons and tons of great linens at affordable price points, which is swell. I also love a cotton poplin this time of year, though for me it tends to be more of a daytime/casual fabric (but not always!).

And last, but not least, I just got a huge shipment of the aforementioned beach books, which I am currently racing through in order to share the best ones here, and also about 45 different balconette bras, which I have to try on tomorrow. Wish me luck on these laborious projects? Just kidding: I’m thrilled for both.

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Madewell Tie Back Cami Linen Blend Midi Dress ($128)

Let me be clear: This dress doesn’t have much hanger appeal. But when it’s on? Forget about it. Again, I love linen for spring and summer—natural fibers just work better in the heat—and this simple sundress is just it for me. The straps are obviously adjustable, but in an elevated/non-bra-strap sort of way, and the color is just lovely.

Abercrombie Strappy Plunge Corset Maxi Dress ($96)

Is this dress a brand new style? Nope, it went viral last spring/summer, and with good reason. It looks good on a range of folks, the strap details give the easy dress some interest, and the price is definitely right. My only request (coming from someone who owns it): Please steam and lint roll it before you wear it. That’s it. That’s all the advice. 

Rixo Evelyn Maxi Dress ($318, part of the Friends + Family sale, which ends Monday, March 27)

I will be totally honest here: I am a sucker for a polka dot dress. I don’t care if polka dots are in or out (they’re always in, IMHO), they delight me almost as much as a box of Harry’s Berries. While a white dress with black polka dots might seem super spring, this dress will also look great with boots and a leather jacket come fall, but again, I am biased. If you’re terrified of white and want something more streamlined, but still desire polka dots, check out HVN’s Viv Polka Dot Midi Dress, which is totally different but also lovely.

Bird & Knoll Cruz Off-The-Shoulder Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress ($450)

Next season’s must-have color in an impactful silhouette that looks significantly more expensive than it is? Sign me up. If you like the overall spirit of this dress, but would like it even more if it was subtler, don’t worry, there’s something for you, too. The brand also has a black strapless iteration that’s a touch more understated.

Gap Cutout Maxi T-Shirt Dress ($70)

You might have noticed my fondness for a midi dress. For me, it’s the most versatile length and allows for the most range of motion, which is helpful if you’re constantly running after two small humans. This is the type of spring dress I buy in every color. It’s machine washable, comes in the most cheerful orange and my beloved black, and the cut-out detail in back gives it unexpected interest. 

Batsheva Amara Polka-Dot Taffeta Maxi Dress ($388) 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What would Lux Lisbon want to wear today?” this might be your answer. Easy to dress up or down, this fundamentally cheerful dress nods to the ‘70s, while still feeling very today. (I also can’t stop thinking about this ‘80s iteration of a polka dot dress, also from Batsheva, which means I probably should just buy it? Feels like a fun choice for baby showers, fancy brunches, polo matches, you know, very everyday events. Ha.)

Staud Landry Dress ($350)

Like most LA residents, Staud is a longtime favorite brand, but it’s really freaking me out this season (with joy, that is). While this black corset dress with smocking (also available in white)  is going to be my next buy, I’m also loving the brand’s more dramatic options, like this bonkers taffeta maxi dress and a sleek two-tone sheath dress that gives me modern day Jackie O. on holiday vibes. 

Zara Pleated Midi Dress ($50)

This is the sort of dress that you buy on a whim, and then it ends up being one of your most-worn pieces all summer long. The silhouette reminds me just ever so slightly of that acid green Victoria Beckham dress from the spring collection, if you remember? But in black and a totally different price point. Or maybe that’s too much of a stretch and honestly it doesn't really matter. The Zara dress is a great one, and you can layer it over a super thin bodysuit (I like Commando’s version, no surprise) until the weather warms up.

Reformation Selia Linen Dress ($218)

The minimalist ‘90s sporty neckline and long, simple silhouette are very “clean girl” aesthetic, but the extra low open back says something slightly different. It’s giving Paltrow in the late ‘90s, but in the short-hair era. (But not Sliding Doors short; slightly longer.)

Bonus: Free People Ethereal Lace Dress ($500)

If I was the sort of girl who a) used the word “girl” to describe myself and b) was gearing up for festival season, this is the dress I would spend all my money on.

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Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me on @hillarykerr, I’d love it. And if you have anything to say or ask (preferably nothing terribly mean), please drop me a note either via DM or in the comments below.

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