These Are the Top 6 Dress Trends to Buy Now for Spring/Summer '23

A tailored shirt dress is an easy way to feel put together without sacrificing comfort. Even if you opt for a loose maxi rather than a classic A-line silhouette, the starched collar and button front elevate your look and give it a posh spin. So feel free to choose whatever shirt dress style you like best—sleeveless maxi, pleated mini, long-sleeve midi with cutouts at the waist. All of them fit right in with this leading trend, giving you plenty of options to work with.

Rather than nip your waist in with a leather belt or coordinating sash, why not opt for an adjustable drawstring instead? These adaptable styles can be worn as tight or as loose as you like, and you can also tie the strings up in preppy bows or leave them hanging for a fringe-inspired effect. Invest in a versatile drawstring dress now, and have fun playing around with all the different ways to tie it all the way through Labor Day.

Shift dresses hang straight down from the shoulders and have a boxier fit than sheath dresses, which hug your curves all over, or swing dresses, which flow out from the body similar to an A-line skirt. Minimalist shifts were spotted on the runway at Christian Dior, Hermès, Versace and more SS23 shows, and ShopStyle has seen a big uptick in shoppers looking for the sleek, easy design in recent weeks. A note on fit: When choosing your size, keep in mind that this silhouette is meant to drape in a straight line, so use your largest measurement (be it your bust or hips) to best determine which size will give the desired look.

Cutouts have been a popular trend for multiple summers now, but this year is seeing a rise in frocks with both cutouts and a halter neckline specifically. The good news is that most feature peek-a-boo cuts along the waist rather than crisscrossed all over the bodice, meaning you can still wear a strapless bra without worrying about it showing in back. If you want to balance out the inherent sexiness of this skin-baring style, opt for a midi or maxi-length dress rather than a micro mini.

You can expect to see denim of all shapes and sizes this summer—cargo jeans, corset tops, trench coats, etc.—including in the form of chic dresses. Our favorites are those with a bit more flow to them, rather than slim-fitting silhouettes, for increased breathability on hot days. That said, button-up minis and flowy midis are both popular options. Basically as long as your frock is made of denim (or even chambray, to be honest), you’ll fit right in.

Vibrant stripes—horizontal, vertical, diagonal and mismatched combinations—are one of the most fun trends you can expect to see this spring/summer. And while you can opt for a more classic neutral, like black-and-white or shades of blue, it’s the rainbow hues we’re most excited about. The benefit of this trend is that it’s not beholden to a singular silhouette. So folks who prefer hip-hugging midis and those who love a good mini tent dress can both get in on the fun. Pro tip: Keep your accessories neutral or solid in hue to prevent your ‘fit from looking too busy.