I’m a big fan of using colorful clothing to stave off the winter blues, but there’s no denying that colorful dresses just hit different in spring and summer. The bright hues and bold patterns help to usher in the joy of warm weather for any and all occasions, whether you’re running errands, headed to the office or are preparing to celebrate with friends at a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower or birthday. Read on for 20 of the best colorful dresses to add to your wardrobe this year, inspired by every shade of the rainbow.
20 Colorful Dresses That Will Get You So Psyched for Warm Weather
Bright, bold and beautiful
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Published Feb 20, 2025
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Dasha Burobina for PureWow
1. English Factory Puff-Sleeve Dress
English Factory
The gorgeous combination of rust red and pale blue is what first grabbed my attention, but it’s the tie in back that made me want to add this to my dress collection ASAP. The shoulders are also elasticized so you can position them off the shoulder if you like. Dress it up for a bridal or baby shower with some matching pale blue heels, or down for a casual lunch with some flats and a neutral-hued crossbody.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to L
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
Reformation
That sexy deep V neckline is a great contrast to the twee vibes of the puff shoulders and the ankle-grazing length. There’s also a subtle V seam at the waistline to gently nip you in at the middle. This best-selling silhouette also comes in a deep green, black-and-white polka dots and a black-and-khaki floral, but for spring I think this delicate yellow floral is by far the best option. Just know, the fabric does not have much stretch, so if you’re between sizes, you may be most comfortable opting for the larger one.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 14
- Materials: 53 percent viscose, 47 percent Lenzing Ecovero viscose
3. LOFT Linen-Blend Mini Dress
LOFT
The simplicity of this frock just can’t be beat, and the grass green hue is gorgeous. The linen-viscose material is lightweight, breathable and reportedly gets less wrinkly than 100 percent linen. Plus, it’s machine washable. The back features a chic triangle cutout but is still bra-friendly, and there are pockets. I just wish it came in more colors!
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, also petite
- Materials: 55 percent linen, 45 percent viscose
4. Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress
Anthropologie
This best-selling Anthropologie style comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, but I’ve got my heart set on this blue floral version. The waistband is stretchy to cinch your silhouette without ever feeling tight, and that V neckline shows just enough clavicle to look cute but not too sexy. Reviewers suggest this beauty fits true to size, and it also comes in petite lengths for anyone concerned about that maxi cut.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also petite
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
5. Abercrombie & Fitch Mila Midi Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch
I’m loving the bright red color trend that’s taken over 2025, but sometimes opting for a red print can help lessen the impact of such a bold hue. Case in point, this gingham cutie. The strapless bodice has enough structure built in to make me feel confident there won’t be any accidental nip slips while I’m out and about, but there are also removable straps included if you prefer extra assurance. As with almost all A&F styles, this dress comes in petite, regular and tall sizes to ensure the best fit for your frame.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, also petite and tall
- Materials: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane
6. Tuckernuck Rainbow Stripe Amie Dress
Tuckernuck
Why choose one color when you can wear them all? The rainbow stripes on this knit maxi are giving Missoni vibes, and are bound to go with whatever accessories or shoes you’re currently obsessing over. The material is reportedly super soft and comfortable, and while it definitely has stretch, it doesn’t appear sheer over the bust or hips. That said, one reviewer suggests going up one if you’re between sizes to prevent the vertical lines from stretching or looking wonky.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXXXL
- Materials: 89 percent viscose, 11 percent nylon
7. Farm Rio Superbloom Maxi Dress
Farm Rio
Farm Rio is well known for its colorful dress options, but if you’re not into super-bright hues, this delicate floral number is just as festive. The cotton material is lightweight and breathable, and that smocked waist is both incredibly flattering and wonderfully comfortable.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
8. Hyacinth House Hillsborough Midi Dress
Hyacinth House
Tuckernuck has a wide range of gorgeous spring and summer dresses, but this midi is top of my list for two reasons. First, the color is super-flattering on all skin tones, and while certainly bright, it’s not too bold thanks to those pale pink blooms that help to balance the hot pink background. And the second is the lengths of the hem and sleeves. The three-quarters length hits at just the right spot to offer coverage without drowning you in too much fabric.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
Staud
Drop-waist dresses are a major trend for 2025, but you don’t need to opt for something flouncy or with a full skirt to get in on the fun. Instead look for slim-fit frocks that incorporate seams or colorblocking, like this knit Staud number. It also has a slit in back to make it more comfortable for walking around.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 65 percent viscose, 35 percent nylon
10. Maeve Caroline Tie-Neck Mini Dress
Maeve
When temperatures start to rise, I inevitably reach for a breezy tent dress, and this orange floral is a perfect addition to my collection. I love the high neckline with an adjustable tie neck and the sleeves are loose without being too balloon-y. Just know, while the length is ideal for petite gals, some taller reviewers found it a bit too short for their taste.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent viscose
11. J.Crew Drapey Pleated Shirtdress
J.Crew
Dainty bow detailing is another big trend for this year, but rather than deal with tons of little strings, this J.Crew frock has a subtle bow print instead—plus a dainty waist belt to match. And that red hue? Even more gorgeous IRL. Per one reviewer, “It’s giving Kate Middleton vibes,” and I whole-heartedly agree. P.S. It also comes in plain white or leopard print.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 24
- Materials: 63 percent rayon, 37 percent viscose
12. Dress To Midi Tricoline Dress
Dress To
Balance a Bridgeton-inspired silhouette with beachy stripes for a dress that can easily be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. And the rainbow-hued hem makes it super easy to pair this beauty with just about any shoes or accessories in your wardrobe. The back of the bodice is also smocked for a more comfortable fit around the waist and bust, and there are deep pockets perfect for stowing small essentials.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
CeliaB
CeliaB is well known for its vibrant prints, and this stunning midi is no exception. The halter neck ties in back with an exaggerated bow that’s also removable if you prefer a more subtle look. The gathering and seam details at the bust creates a corset-like silhouette, and there are pockets on the sides. FYI, the material has a decent amount of stretch to make it even more comfortable.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Materials: 50 percent polyester, 45 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex
14. Alémais Bath House Mini Dress
Alemais
I love a chic shirtdress and this one is ideal for any tropical vacations one might have coming up. The print is obviously an absolute winner, but the combination of such a whimsical pattern on such a tailored silhouette elevates the whole look to feel incredibly posh. It even has pockets on the hips. According to reviews, the fabric has no stretch and this style also runs a little small, so you may want to go up one from your usual size for a more comfortable fit.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: AU 4 to 16
- Materials: 100 percent flax
15. More to Come Haylo Maxi Dress
More to Come
The ultimate wedding guest dress is one that can work for multiple dress codes and every season. The fact that this one comes in under $100 is just icing on the cake! That pink floral print is oh-so romantic and the adjustable lace-up back adds just enough sex appeal to balance out that maxi length. Now all you need are some comfy heels and a sleek clutch and you’ll be ready to celebrate.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
16. Tuckernuck Canary Mod Camelot Dress
Tuckernuck
Anyone else still dreaming about the clothes from Palm Royale? This swingy mini would fit right in with Kristin Wiig’s enviable ‘60s wardrobe on the show, especially with that lattice lace stipe. And I adore any dress that works well with a regular old T-shirt bra. Reviewers say the length is great, for both petite and taller frames, though they did note that the fabric has some heft to it and may be too heavy for peak summer weather.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXXXL
- Materials: 97 polyester, 3 percent spandex
Stine Goya
This Danish brand is a fabulous place to shop for bright prints and bold colors, but oddly enough it was this black mini that grabbed my attention this time around. The watercolor-inspired flowers add vibrancy to an otherwise fairly simple LBD, and the roomy silhouette is great for warm weather. Of you could layer it over a black turtleneck and tights with boots to wear right this very second.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
Hutch
I came for the brilliant floral print, but stayed for the flattering wrap silhouette. Yes, this dress is fully adjustable, and the ruffled cap sleeves are both flirty and fully cover your bra straps. Dress it up with strappy heels and statement earrings, or down with simple flats and a wide-brim straw hat.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X
- Materials: chiffon
19. Tuckernuck Bellflower Blooms Ezra Dress
Tuckernuck
Another fabulous drop-waist frock, this Tuckernuck maxi has a surprise cutout and bow in back I just can’t get enough of. The pale yellow print is also easier to wear than brighter shades. That said, reviewers generally advise going up one from your usual size as it runs a little small.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Materials: 55 percent linen, 45 percent cotton
20. Anthropologie Peregrine Midi Dress
Anthropologie
With a comfy smocked bodice, ruffled sleeves and pockets to boot, it’s no wonder this Anthro classic comes with hundreds of 5-star reviews. Per one buyer who owns this dress in two different colors, “Beautiful! I’ve worn it to wedding and baby showers as well as brunches and nice dinners. Very versatile and I always get compliments.” And it comes in petite sizes, too!
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to 3X, also petite
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
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