Gorgeous Dresses for Spring
Last summer, I wrote a post focusing on gorgeous dresses for spring from Monsoon. Now in 2024, all of the dresses are out of stock. But with spring around the corner, it seems everywhere I look I'm finding gorgeous dresses I want in my closet (including at Monsoon). I decided to update this post with the prettiest dresses I've eyed lately.
Gorgeous Dresses for Spring
I am focusing on early spring dresses that have a good size range. Some are size-inclusive, some are just plus size, some have an extended straight size, and there are a few available in petite and long. My hope is there is enough variety in style and size that anyone interested can find themselves a great dress for early spring!
Chic Shirtdresses
Shirtdresses are a big trend this year, and at every retailer you will find some blue and white or plain white oversized shirt or shirtdress. But I wanted to take this trend further with gorgeous prints and beautiful colors.
Top row: red and white (XXS-3X & petite) | pastel linen (14-32) | rainbow (00-24) | floral (2-20/22 & petite/long) | graphic print (XXS-3X)
Bottom row: blue print (12-28) | geometric print (S-3X) | red and periwinkle (00-20/22 & petite) | black dot (0-20/22) | yellow and black (12-32)
When styling shirtdresses this spring, most anything goes. Sneakers, sandals, BIrkenstocks, flats, espadrilles, and strappy heels for dressier occasions. A pair of Mary Jane flats are very on trend this spring; these from Franco Sarto are a great price and come in fabulous colors (including a silver mirror option which is hot for 2024).
Glorious Graphics
You will see a lot of very cool prints this season. After years of muddy colors (why was fashion so beige for so long?), the switch to color and print is like a breath of fresh spring air.
Top Row: navy print belted (4-20) | palm print fringe (XXS-XL) | teal print (XXS-3XL) | red print chiffon (XXS-XL) | leopard print (12-26)
Bottom Row: blue and green floral (10/12 – 26/28) | ivory wth big flowers (XS-XL) | blue floral (XXS-XL) | black print (XS-XL) | blue, green, and white print (2-20/22 & petite/long)
Again, most any shoe goes with dresses like these. And speaking of any shoe… a very hot trend this year is to have a non-matching shoe. Pair a green shoe with a pink and orange dress, a zebra shoe with a floral frock. This is a fun way to break a style rule, and rulebreaking is the #1 way to look stylish this year!
I think these low-heel ballet pumps come in some fabulous statement colors and would look great this spring with dresses and pants.
Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
Spring means wedding season, and this year color reigns supreme, especially in shades of green. From celadon to emerald, leaf to olive, you'll find green solid and printed dresses, as well as plenty of shades of pink and navy.
Top Row: green asymetrical collar (XXS-XXL) | brown metallic (XXS-XXL) | navy overlay (4-20) | moss green (10/12-30/32) | black print (12-24)
Bottom Row: green capelet (2-20) | green hidden jumpsuit (0-18) | navy embellished (2-20) | belted coatdress (XS-3X) | pink (2-20)
I still believe the best dressy shoe is one that is low contrast to your skin. It is more versatile and more resistant to trends. A metallic is also a great choice; silver mirror finish has become quite popular with footwear; I bought this pair from Aerosoles to wear this spring. I think they look great with dresses in a range of lengths and have also worn with pants and jeans.
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Really looking forward to the summer version of this! We are going ton vacation and some of the places we go to its nice to go out for dinner wearing a light, summer dress that is not dressy and easy to pack. I pretty much wear an Eileen Fisher tunic dress but need other options. It’s hard to find that in plus size. Thanks!
I’ll put it on the schedule to update for the next season!
Alison – the link to the “moss green” wedding guest dress is broken, just FYI. I believe it’s Kiyonna?
it is! I will update momentarily but here is the link: https://bit.ly/3uD3iSk
Ah, color! Love all these beautiful prints and patterns, thanks. Question: I see more online retailers using plus sized models, but I see NO older models anymore. Eileen Fisher used to have at least one model over 55; now, even she is gone. Thoughts?
It seems different “trends” happen with models. It’s really concerning, and the older models were hip but right now everyone’s so trying to get the Gen Z/Alpha audience their older models are maybe 39 at most. I hope the tide changes again, it’s disappointing.
Thanks — good to know (I guess) that it’s not just my imagination. Currently shopping online for an expensive party dress and using my hand to block out the heads of the models, LOL. Even that doesn’t do it, though, as older bodies just look different. But note I said “expensive party dress.” Retailers are losing my dollars, a la Pretty Woman. “Big mistake. Huge.”
Ah I used to shop Monsoon back when I lived in the UK – sadly my lifestyle is too casual these days to require clothing from them too often anymore!
But I do love picking up some of their basic clothes in natural fibres when I can (I have some cotton tank tops from them that are still going strong, months later – thick enough to be opaque but they still mould to the body).
Wow — haven’t heard of Monsoon before but I adore these jaw-dropping dresses. I’ll be spending some time on their site very soon! Thanks for this great rec.
I started buying Monsoon for my daughters when they were little, and then for myself. So many lovely things. Now my granddaughter wears a few of the dresses I saved since her mother was small. I was never interested in the party clothes, but the cotton items are great.
I still think about a gorgeous green velvet swing coat I spotted in Monsoon in the mid-nineties. I was on a working holiday, saving my pennies for my next backpacking adventure in Europe, so couldn’t buy it and it would have been so impractical for my life at the time. They do make gorgeous clothes. Thanks for the memory!
The sale section of the website has some excellent option, if you’re a lucky size. Thanks for the recommendation!
I used to shop at Monsoon when I lived in Austria and LOVED it. So many pretty, unique things. And gorgeous party dresses for kids, as well. Quality was very very good. Thanks for reminding me of them!
Well fortunately I’m not a dress person, and I have no where to wear these dresses to, because I do agree, these are gorgeous. Eagerly awaiting your review, I hope they are as good IRL as they are online.
Allie,
I love the dresses but the reason I’m making a comment is because you constantly inspire me. I worked the polls this week in a primary election for the first time. I enjoyed talking to other poll workers and voters. The satisfaction I gained for service to my community is heartwarming. I’m actually looking forward to the run-off election later this month and the final election in November. Thanks for sharing real life experiences with your followers. It’s truly inspiring.
Blessings!
Well, there goes my next paycheck.