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No matter the occasion or season, there are always plenty of opportunities to wear a dress and, of course, an overwhelming amount of options from which to pick. We’ve put together an edit of the best dresses you can shop this month. Check back every month for a new selection of styles, handpicked by Vogue.
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The best dresses of the month work for now, and later, and with only one month ’till summer, we’re looking forward to warmer weather. It’s time to welcome effortless sundresses that can be transitioned into the new season, and fresh details that can elevate a classic silhouette. We’re talking shorter sleeves and airy fabrics, brighter hues and textural moments that look just as good with retro sneakers as they do with strappy minimalist sandals. There are poppy prints, plus pared-back essentials to consider for work weeks, and beyond.
Vogue’s Favorite Dresses for May:
- The Classic Floral: Dôen Benoit floral print midi dress, $298
- The Neutral Staple: Toteme sleeveless cotton midi dress, $290
- The Sunny Linen: Zara linen dress, $130
- The Mirrored Style: Tory Burch layered hand-done mirrorwork dress, $1,998
- The Cottage-Core Find: J.Crew Palermo dress, $158
- The Cinched White Midi: Salon 1884 Camicia striped cotton batiste maxi dress, $1,790
- The Gathered Poplin Maxi: Abadia Sama gathered cotton-poplin maxi shirt dress, $850
- The Modern Jersey: Hill House Home The Fleur midi dress, $228
There’s a silhouette here to complement any summer wardrobe, and a variety of of-the-moment styles for those hoping to embrace current trends. Shop the best dresses of May below.
The Cinched White Midi
When it comes to choosing a little white dress for the season, it’s hard to go wrong. But if we were to suggest one stunning option, it would be the Camicia dress from Salon 1884.
The Gathered Poplin Maxi
Abadia is adept at crafting silhouettes that make every body shape pop—just take a look at the fitted bodice on this airy cotton-poplin dress.
The Classic Floral Sundress
Summer isn’t summer without an arsenal of prints, and the floral is naturally warm-weather ready. Wear yours with strappy sandals, or a cool-girl clog.
The Neutral Staple
Within every well-rounded rotation, there should be a few classic mididresses that can be worn time and time again. Toteme’s is the perfect representation of this easy, breezy style.
The Mirrored Pick
For summer parties, special events, or your own birthday celebration, look no further than Tory Burch’s layered, hand-crafted midi—now in pink!
The Cut-Out Maxi
Zimmermann’s Picnic dress is aptly named—you’ll want to lounge in this outdoors, surrounded by plush grass. Adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit.
The Two-Tone Option
Can’t you picture By Malene Birger’s Marciella dress worn over a barely-there bikini or chic one-piece? Pack it your raffia tote for lunch, after the beach.
The Metallic Crinkle
There are so many ways to style Zankov’s crinkled maxidress; with flip flops, sporty sneakers, or a mule.
The Sunny Linen
Zara’s linen sundress, complete with allover pleating, speaks to the brightness of the season. Let it do all the talking, and keep accessories minimal.
The Cottage-Core Find
J.Crew’s feminine and frilly Palermo dress is designed with versatility in mind. Wear it for any warm-weather occasion.
The Punchy Purple
Christopher John Rogers’s dress takes cues from the effortlessness of a tank top—noted in the scoop neckline and thick straps.
The Lace-Trimmed Midi
Cut from cotton and embroidered with vivid florals, Rixo’s Alani dress houses a subtly bohemian spirit.
The Abstract Slip
If you’re craving vivid color, make sure to add this abstract floral appliqué pick to your lineup.
The Balloon Maxi
Róhe’s silk maxi dress is characterized by a rounded, sculptural shape that oozes modernity. Style with caged sandals.
The Ruffled Floral
Kika Vargas knows how to lift the spirits; each piece in the spring collection features vibrant colors and playful details. Case in point: the ruffled trims and floral print on the Bel dress.
The Modern Jersey
There’s never a wrong time for an LBD. Hill House Home has given the category new life with The Fleur dress, cut from fluid black jersey and defined by a halter neck silhouette.
The Pleated Knit
Pleats, please! Mango’s knitted (yet lightweight!) dress can be dressed up or down. Wear it beneath a trench coat, or by itself with strappy kitten heels.
The Embellished Gown
Is your calendar filling up with summer weddings? Go the fashion-girl route and celebrate in timeless Dries Van Noten.
Shop the Best Dresses of April
The Romantic V-Neck
Maria McManus’s latest collection was inspired by Emily Dickinson’s last surviving garment: a lace dress. Get the modern version with this romantic V-neck, detailed with an intricate lace bodice.
The Charming Puff-Sleeve
Embrace the aura of the upcoming season with the fabric that epitomizes the best parts of summer—linen.
The Striped Tunic
Toteme’s easy, breezy striped tunic is here to serve you from now until the fall. Wear it with suede boots, strappy sandals, or barely-there flip-flops as we move through the seasons.
The Powder Blue Slip
If you’re not the type to run toward color, a powder version of pale pink or blue will do the trick. Wear this pared-back Another Tomorrow maxi with contrasting colorful sneakers or mesh ballet flats.
The Classic Black
When in doubt, a black dress in a classic silhouette is always a good idea.
The Trending Print
This print is making waves on Vogue.com, and for good reason. We’re all ready for the warmth and welcoming tropical prints of all kinds, like the blooms on this maxidress from Banana Republic.
The Beaded Midi
For an evening out on the town, look no further than Zara’s mididress. The soft pink style is covered with all-over beads and subtle glimmer—it’s time to dance.
The Classic Floral
There’s never a wrong time for a good ole-fashioned floral dress! We’re particularly fond of Dôen’s, which is designed with a playful puffed sleeve and a defined waist.
The Strappy Sundress
Suspended from super slender straps, Zimmerman’s Rhiannon dress is adorned with our three favorite things: ruffles, a deep V-neck, and a flowy skirt.
The Everyday Floral
Looking for a simple, yet striking dress for casual days? Ralph Lauren’s will satisfy. Wear it with white sneakers and a raffia basket bag.
The Graphic & Strapless
The strapless dress highlights what Simkhai does best: handmade, graphic knitting and figure-flattering silhouettes that fit every shape so nicely.
The Balloon-Hem Midi
A bubble-hem dress is an effortless way to inject interest and playfulness into a minimalist wardrobe. Wear contrasting accessories, in green or blue, to complete the look.
The Flared Mini
It’s almost time to bare it all—or at least, just your legs! Alaïa’s mini dress is the dress to show off, and show up, in.
The Lace Kaftan
Besides pajamas, there’s nothing more comfortable in the summertime than an oversized kaftan. Wear By Malene Birger’s with silver accessories, and let the lace trimmings take the spotlight.
The Satin Tank Dress
Sometimes, less is more, especially as the weather warms up! Take this Vince dress with you in your weekend bag for your next trip. All you’ll need are beaded necklaces and raffia totes.
The Organic Cotton Dress
Searching for all-day comfort without setting your style to the side? Look no further than Matteau’s gathered maxi dress. It’s made from organic cotton and silk, with an oversized silhouette meant to mimic the ease of a nightgown.
The Floral-Print Shirtdress
You can always count on La DoubleJ to lift your spirits with its poppy prints and bold colors. The Perry dress is no different. Let the artful florals and burnt orange color do most of the work, and pair with simple flip-flops or minimal sandals.
The Linen Mini
A little white dress is essential for the spring and summer, and Posse’s is high on our list of wants. Wear yours with transitional spring outerwear, and strappy bohemian flats.
The Goddess Drape
You won’t need to fuss over accessories when wearing Kallmeyer’s Victoria dress; the silhouette is meant to drape luxuriously over the female frame.
The Botanical Print
This maxi dress is designed for vacation enthusiasts. How do we know? Just picture this Banana Republic dress worn over a tonal bikini or one-piece swimsuit. Don’t forget your raffia bag!
The Balloon-Hem Midi
A bubble-hem dress is an effortless way to inject interest and playfulness into a minimalist wardrobe. To complete the look, wear contrasting accessories in green or blue.
The Minty Must
A smooth bodice, pleated skirt, and cutout back define Maria McManus’s mint-colored dress. All you need is a woven tote bag and a contrasting beaded necklace.
The Cape Dress
Make the everyday a little more glamorous by adding Khaite into your wardrobe. Leave the cardigan at home and instead, opt for the Thora dress’s built-in cape overlay.
The Everyday Racerback
Sporty meets coastal with Staud’s Yamila dress. It features a cotton poplin A-line skirt attached to a compact knit racerback top, for an easy day-to-night option.
The Plunging Neckline
When the weather gets hot and the humidity increases, the only thing we want to live in are simple yet impactful dresses that can be worn in a variety of refreshing ways. Case in point: St. Agni’s midi with its plunging neckline and flowing skirt.
The Layered Tank Dress
What could be easier than a dress that already has built-in details? Cos’s layered dress features two overlapping dresses with offset necklines that add a modern flair. Wear with sculptural jewels and sandals.
The Strapless & Abstract
You won’t find another strapless dress like this–Proenza Schouler’s Ophelia maxi features an empire waist and an abstract, colorblocked motif. It’s perfect for events, or spring weddings.
The Everyday Chocolate
Like a delicious Hershey bar, you’ll want a taste of this Hill House dress for every casual occasion. Add a beaded red necklace for a pop of color.
The Bold Fringe
Crafty minimalism is here to stay! With the trend comes artistic and bold ways to get dressed thanks to fringe, weaving, openwork details, and crochet. You’ll see those notes expressed in Simkhai’s Sonia tank dress.
Shop the best dresses of March
The Ruched Midi
This two-tone dress is designed to look like separates, giving the classic sundress a unique upgrade.
The Sweet Halter
Staud’s Romy dress is the perfect sweet addition to your warm-weather dress lineup.
The Flowing Floral
All winter long, we at Vogue wait for the temperatures to rise enough to wear billowy, printed dresses, like this one from Zara. It’ll look good with both strappy sandals and simple mules.
The Sleeveless Shirtdress
As far as everyday dresses are concerned, a well-rounded wardrobe isn’t complete without at least one updated shirtdress. Pleated, sleeveless, and with a nipped-in waist, Sportmax’s take will easily become your new favorite.
The Spring Slip
A silky, green slip dress perfectly embodies the essence of the season. Wear yours to garden parties, or intimate spring weddings.
The Tie-Dye Print
Spring isn’t all about florals and polka dots! This year, we’re also embracing nostalgia with a burst of tie-dyed print, courtesy of the latest from Rabanne.
The Lace-Trimmed Midi
Ulla Johnson always puts an emphasis on the little details—like the intricate floral lace embroidery on this creamy mididress.
The Wedding Guest Pick
Whether you’re attending a summer reception, or watching nuptials at a garden estate, Lapointe’s satin shift dress (accented with feathered trim) will surely turn heads.
The Printed Slip
Elevate your slip dress collection with Sir the Label’s Constance dress. The tropical floral detail adds a summer-ready splash of color.
The Runway Floral
Spring blooms are elevated with cascading ruffles, semi-sheer details, and a noughties-inspired handkerchief hemline.
The Modern Paisley Print
Carry Valentino’s ’70s bohemia midi into the weekend by wearing this ruched, paisley-print dress with braided sandals and a raffia bag.
The Hand-Knit Dress
When it comes to mastering city style, nothing says “fashion girl” quite like a Khaite dress.
The Brown Pleats
Although hues are getting lighter, we’re still obsessing over all things chocolate brown. Show off the flowing pleats of this Massimo Dutti dress with effortless flip flops, or a retro sneaker.
The Sunset Hue
For faraway vacations and weddings alike, look to House of Dagmar’s fluid maxi dress; featuring a scarf-neck attachment and burnt orange color.
The Gathered Silk Maxi
First seen on the spring runway, this piece is crafted from silk with captivating florals. The pleats and gathered skirt sweeten the carefree, bohemian vibe.
The Sunshine Yellow
Not all shirtdresses are made equally! In fact, this J.Crew option has a zip at the front for a fresh spin.
The Catwalk Drape
Stella McCartney’s spring 2025 collection is inspired by birds and their natural fluidity, notes you’ll see in this draped, open-back dress.
The Eyelet Shirtdress
For an affordable shirtdress that will carry you from office to outing, look to H&M’s eyelet embroidered option.
The Girly Print
During the spring and summer, we usually opt for floral prints and stripes—but polka dots have definitely caught our attention. Wear this one, designed in a feminine sweetheart neckline, with black pumps or heeled ballerinas.
The Fresh Collab
LA-based brand Mother has teamed up with Milanese fashion and homeware brand, La DoubleJ to bring the vibrant Ciao Mamma! collection to life. One of our favorites? The Lela dress, for its artful pattern on a familiar silhouette.
The Silk Cotton Midi
If you’re on the hunt for a relaxed, easy dress to carry you through the season, look no further than Loulou de Saison. The Minga dress would look chic dressed up, or down.
The Two-Tone Midi
The Simkhai Cersei dress strikes a balance between all our favorite details—an off-the-shoulder silhouette, a draped bodice, and a feminine drop waist.
The Summer Tie-Dye
Staud’s Laura dress is a celebration of warmer weather to come, thanks to its pastel sunset dye, linen fabric, and beaded shoulder straps.
The Feminine Frills
An asymmetric hemline, gathered drapes, and dainty embroidered details define this & Other Stories dress. Add a platform clog to play up the boho vibe.
The Dotted Linen
Can’t you easily picture yourself on an Italian summer in this Posse dress? Let the polka dots do the talking and pair it with simple sandals, and a basket bag.
The Multistripe
You’ll find stripes throughout all of La Ligne’s pieces, and we’re loving the two variations adorning this pleated shirtdress.
The Essential Slip
The Row is adept at crafting everyday pieces women don’t want to take off, and this effortless slipdress is no different. Style yours in a variety of ways, either paired with ballet flats for a relaxed weekend, or dressed up with platforms and layered jewels for a night out.
The Modern Shirtdress
Dries Van Noten is an expert at taking a classic silhouette and turning it into a masterpiece. Just take a look at the snakeskin piping and ties featured on this wrap-waist shirtdress.
The Statement Silhouette
Polka dot-printed dresses are a classic, but this season we’re seeing the print emerge on contemporary silhouettes, like Mango’s maxidress with its flared sleeves and snug fit.
The Crinkled Drop Waist
This J.Crew dress screams, “Warm weather is on the way!” Play up the relaxed essence of spring with an oversized tote and strappy sandals.
The Painted Poplin
A simple tie-waist dress is a given for 9-to-5 schedules; why not add some interest with an allover bird print?
The Runway Find
Boucle and cotton yarns join forces to create textural movement fit for the catwalk. Keep accessories to a minimum by wearing yours with sporty sneakers.
The Semi-Sheer Layer
On the search for an elevated evening dress? Look no further than Esse Studios Issia midi—the strapless silhouette and semi-sheer slip layer create the perfect opportunity to show off dangling earrings, and a killer pair of slingbacks.
The Abstract Silk
Inspired by the brushstrokes on a painter’s palette, this fluid silk dress will be a standout addition to your mididress rotation.
The Modern Floral
If femininity is what you’re after, the Barbara dress is for you! It’s cut from airy linen and defined by a lightly pleated A-line shape, with a square neckline that’s traced with ruffles and pearls.
The Poppy Red
While we adore our essential shirtdresses, they often come in simple colors, like white or black. Zara is here to break the mold with a poplin option designed in bright red.
