17 best spring dresses for the ultimate transitional wardrobe

Damson Madder’s latest Instagram-viral dress arrives in the form of the Penelope. Nodding to TikTok’s coquette trend, the corset-style bodice is detailed with adjustable bows before flowing down in a full poplin midi skirt. The waist seam detailing and A-line silhouette create a super flattering look, while the adjustable straps and a stretchy shirred back panel ensure a comfortable and snug fit.

Though easy enough to get on, it’s a bit of a struggle to get it off, so a side zip would have been a nice touch. Besides this, we can’t fault Damson Madder’s timeless take on one of this season’s hottest trends. Whether styled with colourful trainers (try the yellow Mexico 66 pair, for a statement look) or worn with black ballet flats, the apron dress has you covered for almost every spring occasion.

Sometimes, a simple dress is just what your wardrobe needs. Enter: this Uniqlo number. Pleasingly affordable at less than £20, the dress is part of the Japanese label’s beloved ‘airism’ range. As such, it’s ultra stretchy, soft and super comfortable to wear, with a smooth and sleek finish.

Featuring a flattering straight-cut silhouette, the mini dress boasts a sleeveless design, slightly wide crew neck, and pockets on either side, for extra practicality. The dress has a slightly sporty feel that lends it to styling with trainers and baseball caps but it’s just as versatile for the office when layered under a blazer and paired with loafers. A useful addition to your wardrobe, whatever the weather.

Hailing from Kitri’s summer 2024 collectin, we’re smitten with the label’s Marina dress. The unique design immediately transport you to warmer climes thanks to the Greek mythology-inspired motifs that detail the blue dress. The vintage feel is mirrored in the Nineties shift silhouette, complete with a flattering boat neck and mini hemline.

Fitting true to size, the dress boasts a body-skimming shape with a back zip for easy entry. A real head-turner, keep the accessories simple with black thong heeled sandals and gold jewellery.

This Aligne style is a strong contender for the perfect spring dress. Thanks to the fabric’s versatility, every wardrobe should include a denim dress. This contemporary take is characterised by a mini hemline, front pockets, chunky contrast buttons and pleat detailing. The loose fit is comfortable with plenty of movement, while the statement A-line silhouette is a flattering choice for almost all body types. Crafted from soft, lightweight organic cotton, it’s breathable and airy, too.

There are endless styling options: for chillier days, pair with tights and chunky boots, or even over matching indigo jeans, if you’re embracing that Noughties trend this season. During warmer weather, simply add gold jewellery and a pair of colourful trainers for an effortlessly cool ensemble.

Due to this dress’s popularity, it’s currently sold out in all sizes except size 18 but make sure to sign up for email notifications when your size returns in the May restock (you won’t regret it).

From TikTok’s mob-wife trend to the return of patterned jeans, leopard print is having a moment. If you’re going full Kat Slater, opt for Pull & Bear’s playful take on the trend. The mini frock boasts a body-skimming cut that flatters your silhouette (stick to your usual size) and the straps are adjustable to help with the perfect fit. The vintage-inspired leopard print, thin straps and lace detailing give the dress a Nineties feel.

Note the fabric creases easily and the dress feels quite thin, so make sure you don’t forgo extra layers. It’s also very short, so, taller women be wary (or embrace it). While we wait for bare-legs season, we’ll be styling this dress with opaque tights, black kitten heels and an oversized blazer.

Finished in this season’s trending muted khaki hue, Free People’s midi dress is the ultimate transitional piece. The billowy maxi length is elevated by the asymmetrical ruched detailing and bows, while the textured smocking throughout the body is figure-flattering. The unique design of the skirt is matched in the asymmetrical neckline and the tank-style body is slightly stretchy for a more comfortable fit.

Leaving plenty of styling options, the Free People dress will look just as chic with buckle ballet flats or retro-style trainers during an office day as it will with heeled mules during a spring city break. You’ll certainly get your cost per wear.

Jigsaw’s stripe jersey dress is an investment for your wardrobe that you’ll wear for years to come. The nautical stripe finish is perennially chic, while the midaxi hem is wearable from day to night. Crafted from ultra-soft and comfortable jersey material, the frock is complete with a shirred waist panel to enhance your figure, as well as wide elastic straps for extra comfort.

The monochrome colour palette goes with just about everything, whether layered under a camel trench coat with ballet flats for the commute or elevated by a basket bag and sliders on a warm spring day. We’d suggest sizing down, as it’s super stretchy and comes up slightly big.

Puff sleeves and smock silhouettes are everywhere this season (thank you, Ganni) and we love River Island’s affordable take. The high-street label’s easy-breezy dress is finished in an all-over burgundy stripe print with a flattering shirred top, puff sleeves and A-line silhouette.

Super flattering and roomy, the organic design is soft and breathable for sunny days. The mini hem comes up very short (bear in mind our tester is 6ft), but it’s still wearable. Whether paired with opaque tights on chilly days, or sandals as we ease into summer, it’s the perfect simple statement piece to throw on this spring.

A knitted dress can be a transitional hero, carrying you from winter and into spring without compromising on comfort and warmth. Aligne’s option features a sweeping full-length skirt that’s perfect for the season’s in-between weather, with the rib knit design being cosy but still breathable.

The mermaid silhouette cinches you in on the body before flowing down into a slightly flared skirt for extra movement. Complete with a flattering deep V-neck, the dress is fitted without feeling restrictive, owing to the stretchy fabric. Consider teaming it with the matching ribbed cardigan (£89, Aligne.co) for an effortlessly chic spring ensemble.

Polka dot never really fades from fashion but it’s back in a big way this season. The timeless print lends itself to everything from office attire to wedding guest garb, and Rixo’s Sandrine dress is the definition of a dress that works for both occasions. Characterised by a V-neck and matching V-back, the dress is complete with a figure-lengthening empire waist and lined bust that easily conceals a bra.

The bias-cut skirt is unlined for a more draped fit, with the midaxi hem a versatile choice for spring. Whether styled with loafers or trainers day-to-day or dressed up with silver slingbacks in the evening, you’ll wear it again and again.

While The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly might not agree with florals being groundbreaking for spring, Urban Outfitters’ take is a fresh interpretation. The vintage-inspired piece boasts a sweeping maxi length, while the slinky soft fabric is a dream to wear. Elevated by the flattering scoop neck, the fit is form-flattering but still wearable and easy to walk in, thanks to the stretchy material. A stellar piece for dressing up or down, this is a dress we’ll be styling with ballet flats and a white T-shirt day-to-day or heels for dinner.

The style set has gone back to school this season, with pleated skirts aplenty. This H&M dress is an easy way to lean into the trend (if you can shake those playground associations). The sleeveless dress features a fitted bodice, flared skirt with pleats and a layer of sheer chiffon under the hem which elevates the simple design. Complete with buttons down the front and belt loops for accessorising your look, simply add a matching grey blazer and loafers for an effortlessly polished look. The fit comes up slightly big, so we’d suggest sizing down if you can. Our only complaint is the lack of extended sizes. 

The perfect party dress for the warmer weather ahead, this gingham frock hails from Urban Outfitters’ in-house label Kimchi. Crafted from a flattering shirred-stretch fabric, the dress is characterised by a bardot neckline and frilly straps that can be worn either on or off the shoulder. Complete with a mini ruffle hem and fitted body, a small bow at the centre of the neckline nods to the coquette trend. Finished in an all-over red gingham print, style it with simple accessories and shoes and let the statement dress take centre stage.

Kitri can do no wrong in our eyes. Case in point: the Seventies-inspired Faye dress. The ultimate frock for chilly spring evenings, the mini hemline is paired with long, flared sleeves for an extra layer of warmth.

Detailed in a romantic floral print in a statement red hue, the bias-cut skirt drapes beautifully. Lightweight with a slim fit, the dress has plenty of movement for all-day (and night) wear. Whether styled with biker boots or kitten heels, it’s an investment for your spring wardrobe that you’ll wear year-round.

This dress has you covered for nearly every spring occasion. Coming in more than 10 colourways, there are patterned and bold finishes for weddings or more neutral hues for day-to-day wear. Crafted from responsible cotton, the seersucker texture is the perfect lightweight material for spring’s warmer weather.

The dress fits like a dream, thanks to the flattering low V-neck, short puff sleeves, covered buttons and a panelled waist for accentuating your figure. Plus, there are pockets, for extra practicality.

Clashing prints are having a moment, and we love Omnes’s take on the trend. The sweeping maxi-length dress features long sleeves for extra coverage during spring’s in-between weather, but the viscose fabric still feels lightweight and airy. Characterised by a V neckline and a structured bodice, the contrast frill trim and sleeves feature a pink check finish, while the body is decorated in a pink floral print. A statement dress that needs little accessorising, the satin-effect sheen lends it to evening attire, too.

This navy midi dress from Barbour has timeless details, including a shirred bodice and pockets, which will make it a classic buy for years to come. Our tester found the cotton dress offered a comfy fit, which layers well with cardigans and jackets as well as being worn alone with sandals or trainers. The puffed sleeves add a fun and flattering element, while the slightly low back means it lends itself well to evenings out and warmer weather. We found it to be true to size, and the midweight material makes the dress a great option for this transitional season. The dress has become a wardrobe staple, thanks to its navy shade working well with both bright and muted accessories.