DRESS TO IMPRESS

A few weeks ago, my inbox received an email from one of the many newsletters I subscribe to and included one of my favorite words: Dresses! And we all know what that means – occasions to attend, fun colors to wear, and donning more fluid clothing as we gradually head into warmer months. 2025 is a year where we are feeling a little beige fatigue and embracing colors. And this season highlights new silhouettes and intricate patterns that celebrate fresh and gorgeous shapes to help us inch toward sunnier months.

The modern shirtdress is leading the charge with all designers this season. No surprise! It’s a staple for a reason. It epitomizes versatility across all occasions - work, weddings, vacations, brunches, and more. Accessories will be key here to style the look how you want it. Xirena, a designer known for its easy, breezy, California style, added a crisp cotton rendition of the shirt dress to its latest spring collection. It’s inspired by the bestseller (and wardrobe staple), the Beau shirt, especially as the weather heats up. I bought this as a swimsuit cover-up, but I wore the dress the other day with a belt and heeled booties, and it was a workday winner. And Vince always excels at taking a twist on our wardrobe heroes. Their latest shirt dresses include subtle yet significant design additions like a soft flare at the hem or a “wrap” silhouette. Most of the latest shirt dresses land about knee length to show off your calves that have been hiding all winter. Practical AND feminine: two words that should be combined more often.  

This spring also embraces prints more than I’ve seen in a long time. (Thank you, The White Lotus!) One legend known for her prints? Ulla Johnson – a designer quickly becoming a household name. Her dresses capture interesting silhouettes and prints I haven’t seen anywhere else. In your dress search, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or can’t find a shape that suits you as the sunny days become consecutive, start with her newest spring collection. The designers at Rani Arabella embraced the botanical trend years ago with A-line shapes and shift dresses, too. Their latest collection showcases expanded, larger floral prints ideal for a wedding guest dress or brunch, just in time for Easter and Mother’s Day. A recent arrival uses bouquets of Dahlias as its muse, creating a distinctive take on florals this time of year. Trust me, if you get floral fatigue, Rani Arabella will cleanse your palette in time for your next outing. And let's not forget the timeless and humble polka dot. Nation LTD just released their polka dot "mini dress" that will be my new everyday companion.

Last week, I found myself scouring the internet to find dresses for my upcoming warm-weather trip, and my go-to has always been a trusty maxi dress. By definition, they’re long, but flowy enough to let air into all the right places. They streamline the getting-ready process (especially when my hair isn’t cooperating). It’s the closest I get to snapping my fingers for an instant glamorous look without feeling over the top. Forte Forte leans into a romantic, drapey approach, and Spring 2025’s flowy styles take maxi dresses to the next level with an ethereal approach to spring fashion. Per usual, Forte Forte’s use of color is unmatched – especially with a “secret garden” theme for the spring season and heading into summer. Pair the gorgeous dresses with a raffia tote, and you’ve got a vacay look. Or pair with a more structured shoulder bag for a baby shower or wedding. Either way, people will be turning their heads. Another Italian favorite is Meimeij (pronounced May-May-Jay).  Her floral patterns embrace an edgy aura I haven’t seen in other designers this season. The pieces are show-stoppers in a way that says I’m one step ahead of the trends around me. In the words of Nicky C. Bell, “sooooo chic.” 

Just when I thought I had enough florals, I was wrong! Every single designer is embracing Spring with their own approach, unveiling styles and patterns we haven’t seen yet to embrace the pendulum swing from neutrals to bold pigments. It makes me even more excited to go to my bestie’s baby shower and surprise my mom in a show-stopping Mother’s Day brunch look. 

Until next time,