There’s nothing I love more at the moment than indulging in a spot of springtime-style daydreaming, escaping just for a second into thoughts of warmer temperatures and, inevitably, the fashion that comes with them. And when it comes to spring clothes, nothing feels more seasonally appropriate than a pretty dress.
Admittedly, I'm a dress girl, but I can't be the only one who gets endorphins just thinking about slipping into one (without the need for thermal tights underneath). While I have quite the collection of them hanging in my wardrobe, which I can't wait to get the wear out of, I can't help but let my eye wander to the stunning array of dresses that have begun to drop in just about every new-in section on the internet for spring.
Emma Leger wears a tulle dress from independent brand Selkie.
From high-end to high-street, the entire shopping spectrum has kick-started a frock frenzy with so many beautiful designs already coming through. However, let us not overlook the brilliant independent dress labels that have also been working hard to produce some of the finest and most inclusive around—whimsical, fantastical, and limited-edition? I like the sound of that, don't you?
Still, considering which to invest in can be a daunting prospect with so many dresses out there, which is why I've rounded up my favourite spring dress brands in one place for you to peruse at your leisure. With everything from slinky knit to full-on froth, you're sure to find your spring-dress soulmate in my edit. Scroll on to see 15 stunning spring dress brands.
1. CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Born out of a desire to create silhouettes that "whisper rather than shout,” Christopher Esber’s designs have won over the style set. Though founded in 2010, it’s over the past couple of years that the brand’s creations have skyrocketed.
Cut-outs remain huge for spring 2022.
Ease yourself in with a knitted midi.
This colour is so striking.
2. GHOST
I already own four Ghost dresses and can confirm they’re all excellent. The silhouettes are always incredibly easy to wear and are some of the most versatile I own in terms of styling.
I own this dress in another print and absolutely love the fit.
In need of some styling inspiration? I’ve already charted five ways I plan on wearing this exact dress this year.
Although Ghost does midi dresses especially well, I’m also taken with its array of springtime minis.
3. SELKIE
With its frothy creations painted in candyfloss colours, Selkie, the purveyor of modern-day-princess frocks, is the epitome of escapist dressing.
This is spring in a dress.
Selkie’s minis have an incredible shape to them.
I know this new style is going to be just as popular as the brand's OG Puff dress.
4. RIXO
Although it’s a brand you’re likely already familiar with, I couldn’t not include Rixo in my edit. The brand produces incredible dresses year-round, but I think it truly comes into its own in springtime, with its tea dresses serving as a highlight.
You can always rely on Rixo to serve up stellar wedding guest dresses.
Just add tan sliders.
This will look just as good worn with strappy sandals as it will chunky trainers.
5. FAITHFULL THE BRAND
Another influencer-loved brand, Faithfull was created for those who love to travel. Its lightweight dresses are designed to be easily packed, even in the smallest of cases. It goes without saying, however, that they look just as chic on home soil.
Influencers with minimalist aesthetics will wear this en masse this spring.
What is spring without a splash of gingham?
Layer this with a chunky knitted cardigan until things heat up.
6. LORETTA CAPONI
Founded in 1967, Loretta Caponi first became known for its luxurious lingerie and beachwear. Right now, however, its dresses seem to be a core focus for the brand, as is its amazing homeware line-up.
The mix of stripes and florals makes for a new print to obsess over.
I’d wear this with burgundy boots now then tan sliders come May.
I would love to have a garden party to wear this to.
7. SEA
Sea was founded in New York and draws much of its inspiration for its designs from the eclectic style of the city's residents. A fusion of elevated cool, Sea’s clothes—particularly its dresses—are ideal for those who want to look like they’ve dressed without effort and instead with natural flair.
Sea continues its exploration of patchwork motifs in dress form for spring.
I never met a white dress I didn’t like.
Velvet isn’t just for winter.
8. STAUD
When you hear the brand name Staud, chances are its bags are the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you ask me, its dresses are just as covetable and special.
I’ve already added this dress to my wish list.
Continuing 2021’s massive checkerboard trend with this knitted midi.
The contrast edging really hones focus on the silhouette and cut-outs of this monochrome maxi.
9. TALLER MARMO
If you asked me if I’d heard of the brand Taller Marmo six months ago, I’d have to say I hadn’t. But what a monumental six months it’s been for the brand. With newfound fans in Emeli Sandé and Nicole Richie—not to mention a slew of influencers—this is set to be one of the most exciting names for 2022.
Such a brilliant colour.
Feathers are another fabrication that isn’t just for party season.
This hangs so beautifully on.
10. BENJAMIN FOX
The made-to-order market is one that’s only set to grow in 2022, with designers making small-batch numbers that actually reflect the demand and sizing of its clientele. Leading the charge is Benjamin Fox, a slow-fashion brand based out of Norfolk whose dresses are the stuff of sartorial fairytales.
The little ribbon detail is such a sweet addition.
If you prefer to stick to a dark palette.
Red gingham always makes me think of springtime picnics—in the best possible way.
11. FREE PEOPLE
The creator of more It dresses than perhaps any other affordable brand, Free People has an excellent array of dresses that makes it a necessary inclusion on this list. With a bohemian aesthetic that loans itself perfectly to spring, the brand is going to start dominating your feed once again.
A mini that can be styled just as easily with Dr. Martens as it can with heels.
I’m always drawn to Free People embroidery.
This dress comes in four stylish colourways, Though, the tangerine is my personal favourite.
12. CHALSIE JOAN
Lockdown might have taken away so much, but it also gave us some incredible new brands to covet, and small, independent British slow-fashion brand Chalsie Joan is one of them. Though its blouses are proving to be Chalsie Joan’s signature item, I think its dresses are just as good.
A white dress I’m desperate to add to my collection.
The addition of black panels makes this checked dress feel less twee.
I’m not over the big-collar trend yet either.
13. NEVER FULLY DRESSED
Bold, bright and size-inclusive? I want to see more brands follow Never Fully Dressed’s lead this spring. A hit amongst influencers and editors alike, NFD creates strong designs that look well beyond their price tags.
A very sleek take on checks.
Holiday on the horizon? Might I draw your attention to this incredible mini that won’t take up room in your suitcase.
I’ve seen this dress all over Instagram.
14. NOBODY'S CHILD
A brand that’s making sustainably minded fashion more accessible, Nobody’s Child uses fabrications that have been sourced and produced responsibly and in a way that its customers love via beautiful and incredibly wearable dresses.
Gingham is always a good idea.
Such a pretty floral print set against one of the biggest colour trends of the season, no less.
Cut-outs are key and help to elevate simple, dark-tone dresses.
15. REFORMATION
Another sustainably conscious label, Reformation has long be a staple in the dress collections of L.A. and New York fashion people alike. Though shopping it from the UK used to involve heavy duty, handling, and tax fees, the brand has since streamlined this service so that what you pay for on the checkout is all you end up spending. We love its effortless silhouettes, pretty prints, and the fact that many of its designs are now available in extended sizes.
My dream dress for the season ahead.
This delicate floral motif is ideal for pairing with punchy accessories.
From the bold pink hue to the maxi hemline and bandeau neckline, this gown ticks off so many spring/summer 2022 dress trends.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
