What images conjure springtime? Most might immediately fantasize about an idyllic warm day spent in a park among blooming tulip buds, but that's not the first thing that pops to the top of my mind. Sure, witnessing the seasons shift through nature is special, but for fashion people such as myself, those changes are always best represented through style. It's when we see the style set step back outside in the season's staples, most notably printed dresses. In my humble opinion, nothing visually represents the start of spring more than wearing a dress in one of the season's biggest print trends.
Hear me out. There's no better way to approach dressing for transitional temperatures and trends than by incorporating a printed dress into your spring wardrobe. If you're unsure which types of dresses will make for a great purchase long after springtime has passed, you'll want to keep reading. Ahead, I'm sharing a breakdown of the six print trends that will be big this spring based on their prevalence on the spring runways and among the style set. Plus, I've rounded up the best printed dresses based on each trend at every price point. No doubt, these dresses are sure to become the spitting image of spring for you.
1. Prim Polka Dots
What's one trend that's popped back up on the runway and in real life? Polka dots. Although we've seen this print become more prominent because it errs more on the classic side, any dress you buy in this print will be continually relevant.
Zara does it again.
Halter dresses are so back.
Slip dresses are seasonless, so this printed one is a solid choice.
The ruched waistline on this dress is so ravishing.
PSA: Polka-dot prints don't have to be black and white. You can deviate from the norm.
Too pretty.
2. Siren Stripes
Without fail, stripes come back into style every spring, so it's no surprise that we've seen this print pop back up among fashion people and popular designer brands. Make no mistake. These stripes stand out from previous print trends. What makes them feel sharper is how they've manifested in more flattering forms—e.g., pinstripes and prim dress silhouettes—making them a favorable addition to any spring wardrobe.
The drop waist on this dress has me drooling.
Opt for thin, vertical pinstripes on a longer dress if you want to look taller.
Warning: Wearing this dress might make them green with envy.
The sweetheart bodice on this dress is so beautiful.
Dreaming of wearing this somewhere in Italy.
The high neckline will impress your HR department at work.
3. Artsy Abstracts
If you're not a maximalist, the easiest way to ease yourself into prints this spring is wearing an artsy abstract print. Simple geometric patterns in neutral colors will allow you to embrace printed dresses without going overboard.
The cutouts on the sides of this dress make the print even cooler.
Minimalists, meet your match.
A moment of silence for the beaded strap on this printed dress, please.
You won't regret packing this for your upcoming spring vacation.
Talk about an eye-catching dress!
You had me with the oversize hardware.
4. Fruits 'n' Veggies
What better way to satisfy your craving for prints this spring than with dresses decorated in fruits and veggies? Jokes aside, this print trend is great because it taps into the quintessential iconography associated with heading to the farmers market during the spring, making it on par with the theme for the season.
This dress will be the cherry on top of your spring wardrobe.
Berry delightful.
Personally, I'd wear this to the farmers market.
Everything about this dress is delicious—from the vegetable-inspired print to the buttons on the bodice to the drop-waist detail.
Oh, she's juicy.
Consider this the start of your "tomato girl" summer.
5. Florals Forever
I know what you're thinking. "Floral-print dresses for spring? Groundbreaking." But really, what other print can reflect the season being in full bloom? Rather than passing these frocks off as passé, try purchasing one with prettier details, like a trending neckline or pastel color. It's a surefire way to make them feel groundbreaking.
It's giving Khaite.
You can wear this to a baby shower or snazzy brunch.
The fashion set swears by Rixo's printed dresses.
Bridgerton fans, this dress is all you.
Pair this dress with strappy sandals and a raffia bag and you'll basically be Parisian.
Pastel florals feel very on-trend.
6. Gorgeous Gingham
Gingham is the final print trend I've seen take off recently. Most might consider this checkered pattern a bit cliché, as it's been recreated in recent collections, but it's proved it can be chic. The key is to find a gingham-print dress that features more elegant elements—e.g., flattering necklines, minimal colors, long hemlines—to ensure it remains relevant in your everyday life for years to come.
Just wait until you see the back of this dress.
You'll be the snack at the picnic in this dress.
The neckline on this dress is so flattering.
Gingham has never looked this good.
Not only can you style this as a dress or skirt, but it also comes in two other colors. It's one of the most versatile pieces you can buy.
Stunning. No notes.
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