It's officially dress season, so the options are endless at the moment. This can be a daunting task, but narrowing down options that fit your current tastes can be a huge help. My personal style hovers somewhere between classic minimalism and fashion-forward with a whimsical touch, so that's what I set out to find during my recent search for a cool new dress (or two or three). As with most new purchases I plan on making, I like to check in with my top style muses in some of my favorite cities for a little inspiration on what to buy and how to style it.
Three cities I often look to for inspiration are NYC, L.A., and Paris. I did a quick scroll through my Insta follows in those cities with dresses in mind and knew exactly what I wanted to track down. From simple slip dresses to summer-ready knit options and standout prints, I found three dress styles that fashion people in each respective city are reaching for this season. Ahead, peruse my top picks and get some stylish outfit inspiration along the way.
NYC: Maxi Slip Dresses
The interest in '90s-inspired maxi slip dresses is rampant globally, but fashion people in NYC are overwhelmingly fans of the style. The dress is effortless and super easy to style for casual days or formal occasions, making it a go-to favorite.
Love this printed version.
A great minimal floral print.
The lace detailing is super chic.
Yellow has been a personal favorite as of late.
Nineties inspired and oh so good.
Great low-cut back design.
I'd even wear this as a wedding gown.
Perfect party dress.
Another cool yellow option.
Wait until you see the strappy back.
Great summer dress.
L.A.: Open-Knit Dresses
The naked-dressing trend is in full swing, and open-knit dresses are part of the craze. You can wear the style year-round, but it reigns supreme in the spring and summer months. Wear one to dinner, on vacation, to the pool, or even on your next beach trip.
A similar take to Elsa's polo dress above.
I highly recommend you take this dress on your next vacation.
The scalloped hem is super cute.
I am obsessed with this dress and the styling.
The neckline makes this dress a standout.
Guaranteed to receive compliments.
A button-front design to consider.
Simple yet chic.
Date-night outfit, solved.
Another elevated take on the trend.
Paris: Animal-Print Dresses
Leave it to the women of Paris to give statement animal-print dresses the chic French treatment. If you're looking to take a break from your usual solid-hued dresses or floral dresses, keep these standout printed options top of mind.
I could live in this dress all summer long.
The styling possibilities are endless.
A cutout option worth cheking out.
Keyhole dresses are having a moment.
The thigh slit makes the dress.
A minidress that will turn heads.
I love the wrap design.
An effortless zebra-print dress.
Linen dresses are always welcome.
Under $50 and super cute.
Next: I'm Finally Embracing My Anti-Color Tendency—These Cheap Neutral Picks Stand Out
-
5 Street Style Trends From Milan Fashion Week That Will Be Everywhere This FallTake notes.
-
If You Want to Be Mistaken for an L.A. Fashion Person, Pay Attention to These 36 Cute StylesApologies to your bank account.
-
Our Editors Sent Me Their Favorite Animal-Print Finds—21 Chic Styles to Shop for Fall 2025Bring on the zebra!
-
This Is the NYC Way to Wear the Anti-Trend Jeans Color French Women Are Obsessed WithAs seen on NYC It girl Irina Shayk.
-
Yes, Ballet Flats Look Good With Skirts, But They Look Even Better as Part of This Parisian-Approved ComboVery '90s.
-
The Trick NYC Fashion People Are Using to Make "Boring" Jeans-and-Tee Outfits Look Chic This FallJennifer Lawrence was spotted wearing it, proving just how well this styling hack works.
-
Laura Harrier Can't Stop Carrying This Timeless The Row Bag (and No, It's Not a Margaux)One, two, three times in one week.
-
Dark-Blue Jeans Are Definitely "In" for Fall 2025, But so Is This Other Elegant Denim WashTrust us you'll want to include it in your cold-weather wardrobe.
