When it comes to spring fashion, there's always a case to be made for shorts [1] and rompers [2] on casual days . . . but does anything truly charm like a twirly sundress? In fact, pairing one with your favourite sneakers or heels [3] can entirely change a look from days in the park [4] to evenings strolling about for double the use out of just the one piece.
Because sunny days are upon us, we combed through hundreds of dresses at Nordstrom to see which ones belong in our carts as we prepare for warmer weather [5]. And since we're always looking to save money, we only highlighted picks that are less than $100. When you wear these on repeat for months (like we will), you'll get your money's worth in no time at all. See our favourite any-occasion dresses for spring ahead, with long and short options.
Speechless Gingham Ruffle Tier Minidress
If you simply can't wait until the weather is warm enough to wear this Speechless Gingham Ruffle Tier Minidress [7] ($49), just slip it on with a denim jacket in the meantime.
Marine Layer Corinne Sleeveless Colorblock Tiered Maxi Dress
We love that this 100-percent-cotton Marine Layer Corinne Sleeveless Colorblock Tiered Maxi Dress [8] ($98) looks just as stylish for a morning by the beach as it would for a dinner at night.
Maggy London Pleated Halter Handkerchief Dress
Pair this colourful Maggy London Pleated Halter Handkerchief Dress [9] ($99) with heels at any dressy occasion that comes (safely) up soon.
Astr the Label Pleated Bodice Bubble Sleeve Dress
We especially love how the fitted bodice and puff sleeves stand out on this Astr the Label Pleated Bodice Bubble Sleeve Dress [10] ($95).
Gibsonlook Ruffle Wrap Dress
Delicate swiss dots adorn this Gibsonlook Ruffle Wrap Dress [11] ($65), which would look just perfect with heeled sandals this summer.
Wayf '98 Alicia T-Strap Midi Dress
For a throwback '90s slip dress, we love the look of this Wayf '98 Alicia T-Strap Midi Dress [12] ($69) and the fact that it comes in sizes up to 3X.
BP Print Flutter Sleeve Skater Dress
There are four patterns of a short BP Print Flutter Sleeve Skater Dress [13] ($39) to choose this spring, but the pretty purple caught our eye first.
4th and Reckless Luna Midi Dress
The open back is what sets this 4th and Reckless Luna Midi Dress [14] ($55) apart from other body-con options, and the blue is so eye-catching, too.
CeCe Floral Puff Sleeve Dress
The ruffled chiffon sleeves make this CeCe Floral Puff Sleeve Dress [15] ($99) a cute twist on a classic little black dress.
Free People Sunseeker Maxi Dress
There's so much potential with this drapey Free People Sunseeker Maxi Dress [16] ($98), whether you opt for ivory or black with your favourite sneaks or match the blush-toned one with colourful sandals instead.
Treasure and Bond T-Shirt Dress
When you really just want to be wearing a comfy, oversize tee, this fitted Treasure and Bond T-Shirt Dress [17] ($49) is one stylish upgrade to that look with five colours to pick.
Maaji Magnolia Cover-Up Minidress
Pair this Maaji Magnolia Cover-Up Minidress [18] ($98) with sandals, since it's definitely way too stylish to be relegated to poolside days only.
River Island Jessy Brunch Denim Minidress
Imagine this River Island Jessy Brunch Denim Minidress [19] ($78) with some espadrilles on your feet and a Bloody Mary in your hand.
BB Dakota Saltwater Tie Dye Waist Tie French Terry Dress
Trade in your favourite matching set for this stylish BB Dakota Saltwater Tie Dye Waist Tie French Terry Dress [20] ($74) in a lightweight sweatshirt material.
Soluna Sweet Escape Cover-Up Dress
It may immediately look perfect for the beach, but this Soluna Sweet Escape Cover-Up Dress [21] ($78) can still be styled for a day out with a slip underneath.
Skims Ribbed Long Slipdress
Maybe you want to wear this Skims Ribbed Long Slipdress [22] ($78) solo with stilettos, or perhaps you want to slip it under a sheer dress instead. No matter your look, this slinky number has you dialed right in.
Fourteenth Place Stripe Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Get ready for a cottagecore summer, and pair this Fourteenth Place Stripe Puff Sleeve Midi Dress [23] ($69) with flat sandals when you can't be running barefoot through a field.
Vero Moda Julia Asymmetrical Button Front Denim Sundress
How cool is the front of the Vero Moda Julia Asymmetrical Button Front Denim Sundress [24] ($84) for a little something different this season?
Kendall + Kylie Snake Print Asymmetrical Cutout Slipdress
Stock this slinky Kendall + Kylie Snake Print Asymmetrical Cutout Slipdress [25] ($98) for your next night out.
Madewell V-Neck Button Front Linen Blend Minidress
This Madewell V-Neck Button Front Linen Blend Minidress [26] ($88) lets you breeze through all your errands (with handy pockets, too).
1.State Deep V-Neck Dress
While this 1.State Deep V-Neck Dress [27] ($79) is a date-night stunner in black, we'd love to also really make a statement with the bold red alternative.
Lulus Flourishing Embroidered Lace Fit & Flare Dress
This Lulus Flourishing Embroidered Lace Fit & Flare Dress [28] ($89) would look so pretty on a date matched with your favourite metallic sandals or heels.
Bardot Toni Shoulder Pad Cotton Minidress
Sure, this Bardot Toni Shoulder Pad Cotton Minidress [29] ($89) makes a statement on its own with those oversize shoulders and tie sides, but imagine the jewellery that can also be paired here.
French Connection Birch Poplin Puff Sleeve Minidress
This cheerful cotton French Connection Birch Poplin Puff Sleeve Minidress [30] ($98) also comes in black or white.
Roxy Nowhere to Hide Tie Shoulder Floral Print Midi Dress
No Hawaiian holiday necessary, but wouldn't this Roxy Nowhere to Hide Tie Shoulder Floral Print Midi Dress [31] ($60) look lovely for oceanfront cocktails anywhere?
Minkpink Fable Swing Minidress
When those temperatures rise, this Minkpink Fable Swing Minidress [32] ($89) makes one rosy addition to your day.
Charles Henry Floral Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
Embrace a retro pattern, and choose the Charles Henry Floral Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Maxi Dress [33] ($99) for a cool spring night these days.
English Factory Ruffle Dress
Make a colourful statement with this fire-engine-red English Factory Ruffle Dress [34] ($80), and why not add a similar manicure or lipstick hue, too?
Sanctuary Shoulder Pad T-Shirt Dress
This Sanctuary Shoulder Pad T-Shirt Dress [35] ($59) is so much more than styling an oversize tee as a dress — and those shoulders are here to prove it.
Chaus Print Split Sleeve Midi Dress
You can define a waist with this Chaus Print Split Sleeve Midi Dress [36] ($99) or remove its belt entirely for something more flowy.
Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress
Save 30 percent on this Loveappella V-Neck Jersey Maxi Dress [37] ($48, originally $68) . . . or maybe use the sale to pick up more than one colour, whether you're into cobalt or forest.
Chelsea28 Farrah Smocked Cover-Up Maxi Dress
While the black version of this Chelsea28 Farrah Smocked Cover-Up Maxi Dress [38] ($89) is a solid choice, your day can easily be brightened with a bold red or pink alternative.
Draper James Wrap Dress
This Draper James Wrap Dress [39] ($98) looks equally cute with sandals and sneakers.