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In This Article

Spring is here, and with it comes the return ofsundress season.

But we’re also seeing plenty of unexpected twists that add elegance and edge to your warm-weather wardrobe.

Model wearing light pink flouncy mini dress with capelet and rose details

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Meet the Experts

Skirt Sets

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Have you been noticing a bit more midriff lately?

Styling Tip:Don’t be afraid to break up your set.

Because of this, sets are particularly convenient for travel, as they enable various combos without overpacking.

Paloma Elsesser wears a black corseted top and tiered maxi skirt with red boots, knit handbag, and oversized white earrings

@palomija/ Instagram

Never Fully Dressed founder Lucy Aylen credits the versatility of sheer dresses as the reason they’re popular.

Of all the pastels,butter yellowreigns supreme in 2025.

“It’s lovely to harden with browns for fall and soften with cornflower blue in summer.”

Woman wearing sheer blue dress and black heeled flip-flops

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Styling them depends on your desired aesthetic: Opt for daintyjewelryand lighter accessories to keep things soft.

For a moodier end look, juxtapose your pastel dress against a leather jacket and/or boots.

If you want to lean into the refreshing softness of the season, try an oversized cream or pastelblazer.

Madison Bailey wears a pastel blue mini dress, Converse sneakers, layered jewelry, and orange earrings

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“2025 is the year we wear more micro-minis,” she says.

“I am loving the maximalist details this spring,” Lopez says.

This is not your grandma’s floral: This is a modern, maximalist take."

Woman wearing denim button-front maxi dress over striped skirt, blue metallic cowboy boots, and baby blue mini handbag

Claudio Lavenia / Getty Images

Styling Tip:Let your bold floral appliques be the center of attention in your spring OOTD.

“It has a relaxed, easy feel while still looking polished.”

Meanwhile, Parlade says that the beauty of drop-waist dresses is that they stand out while leaning more minimalist.

Woman wearing white slip dress with lace details

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“Classicpolka dots, ginghams, and ditsy rose prints are still everywhere this year,” Parlade says.

“Whether it’s abstract florals or a quirky motif, these dresses have personality,” she says.

“They make getting dressed fun.”

Woman wearing bohemian mini dress with lace and satin details

Edward Berthelot / Getty Images

Daytime Romance

Looking to feel fresh out of a fairytale this spring?

Shimmy into a sweet dress that makes a case for romantic details in the daytime.

“Move over, coquette and ballerina aesthetics: The Victorianromance darlingis here,” Lopez says.

Woman wearing knit maxi dress with 3D floral and leaf appliques

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“Expect to see draping, organza, ruffles, chiffon, drop waists, and voluminous skirts.”

“It makes the dress feel more daytime and less over-the-top.”

New York-based content creatorRachel Martinos Instagram feed is a masterclass in the trend.

Drop Waist Dresses - Byrdie Spring Dress Trends

Edward Berthelot / Getty Images

“It defines the waist and creates a beautiful silhouette without feeling too rigid.”

This trend is great for introducing floaty shapes against softer palettes."

(Check out theChloe runwayfor even more boho dressing inspo.)

Olivia Rodrigo wearing a red and white heart dress and black shoes

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Model wearing light pink romantic mini dress and rose capelet paired with Miu Miu ballet flats

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Sabrina Carpenter wears a pink corseted mini dress, strappy platform shoes, and handbag

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Alex Consani wears a black mini dress with ruching and low boho belt

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