Even though we've been living in a '90s trends-inspired world for the last year or so, dresses that were popular during the decade are sticking around. The good news is, they're being reinvented in new ways that we find particularly flattering. Puff sleeves are bringing volume to breezy, A-line dresses, making them seem even fancier than they were before (of course, you can always dress them down with sneakers [1]).
Meanwhile, the wrap-effect dress gets an effortless makeover, only giving off the illusion of a sheath you have to tie securely at the waist. Really, these minis are a lot easier to throw over your head, just like the longer caftans you see here that might as well be beach throw-overs. Brightly coloured knit dresses come in all forms — some in '70s halter silhouettes and others with one shoulder or a cutout to help you show skin and amp up the sex appeal.
Finally, feminine details such as ruffles and smocking just give your outfit a noticeable boost after a year of staying inside. Ahead, scroll through all seven dress trends or jump ahead to the category you wish to shop.
- Puff Sleeves
- Brightly Coloured Knits
- Wrap-Effect Minidress
- Cutouts
- Unstructured Caftans
- Ruffle Trim
- Smocked
Puff Sleeves
While we have seen long bishop-style sleeves on midis in the past, this year the short sleeve puff takes hold, adding even more volume at the shoulders. Shop the mini or maxi dress version and allow this piece to make the ultimate statement with minimal accessories.
Selkie The Puff Dress in Clouds [2] ($295)
Aje Psychedelia Cut Out Mini Dress
Aje Psychedelia Cut Out Mini Dress [3] ($525)
Apiece Apart Sandrine Dress
Apiece Apart Sandrine Dress [4] ($595)
Mango x Chufy Printed Maxi Dress
Mango x Chufy Printed Maxi Dress [5] ($200)
OMNES Puff Sleeve Smock Midi Dress in Pink Grid Print
OMNES Puff Sleeve Smock Midi Dress in Pink Grid Print [6] ($93)
No Pise La Grama Avila Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
No Pise La Grama Avila Puff Sleeve Mini Dress [7] ($530)
Simonett Marina Dress
Simonett Marina Dress [8] ($189)
Self-Portrait Canary Yellow Taffeta Mini Dress
Self-Portrait Canary Yellow Taffeta Mini Dress [9] ($400)
DVF Heather Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress in Cloud Sky Blue
DVF Heather Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress in Cloud Sky Blue [10] ($418)
Khaite The Tracy Dress in White
Khaite The Tracy Dress in White [11] ($1,880)
Cara Cara Bonnie Dress
Cara Cara Bonnie Dress [12] ($495)
Oscar De La Renta Balloon Sleeve Cotton-Blend Minidress
Oscar De La Renta Balloon Sleeve Cotton-Blend Minidress [13] ($1,890)
Brightly Coloured Knits
Take the knits out of the house and onto the street, layering them with bright tees underneath and quirky coloured platforms. These easy pieces can be mixed and matched with any powerful accessory in your wardrobe, like Marc Jacobs's matching gloves, ahead.
Zara Knit Dress [14] ($40)
Heaven by Marc Jacobs Knit Mini with Gloves
Heaven by Marc Jacobs Knit Mini with Gloves [15] ($295)
Solid & Striped Kimberly Striped Rib Knit Tank Dress
Solid & Striped Kimberly Striped Rib Knit Tank Dress [16] ($228)
Source Unknown Ribbed V-Shaped Knit Dress in Lime
Source Unknown Ribbed V-Shaped Knit Dress in Lime [17] ($66)
Simon Miller Oline Dress in Pool
Simon Miller Oline Dress in Pool [18] ($195)
Christopher John Rogers Striped Ribbed Midi Dress
Christopher John Rogers Striped Ribbed Midi Dress [19] ($875)
New Girl Order Curve Polo Mini Body Conscious Dress in Checkerboard
New Girl Order Curve Polo Mini Body Conscious Dress in Checkerboard [20] ($60)
Tibi Blue Ribbed Cotton and Modal Blend Minidress
Tibi Blue Ribbed Cotton and Modal Blend Minidress [21] ($295)
Jonathan Simkhai Megan Racer Back Dress
Jonathan Simkhai Megan Racer Back Dress [22] ($235)
Bottega Veneta Green Open-Knit Cotton-Blend Minidress
Bottega Veneta Green Open-Knit Cotton-Blend Minidress [23] ($1,900)
Wrap-Effect Minidress
The flirty wrap dress is back, mostly stopping above the knee but incredibly easy to wear, seeing as that many of these designs only have the wrap "effect," and don't actually require a super secure cinch at the waist. With all the beautiful colours and prints, you're bound to find one that fits your style. Cater to your taste with sneakers or sandals.
Madewell Plus Ruffle-Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress [24] ($108)
Zara Satin Effect Wrap Dress
Zara Satin Effect Wrap Dress [25] ($50)
OMNES Blue Check Puff Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress
OMNES Blue Check Puff Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress [26] ($79)
Ganni Short Sleeve Jacquard Minidress
Ganni Short Sleeve Jacquard Minidress [27] ($265)
Wednesday's Girl Curve Mini Wrap Dress With Tiered Skirt in Buttercup Floral
Wednesday's Girl Curve Mini Wrap Dress With Tiered Skirt in Buttercup Floral [28] ($34)
Rouje Gabinette Dress
Rouje Gabinette Dress [29] ($205)
Nanushka Beech Belted Minidress
Nanushka Beech Belted Minidress [30] ($445)
& Other Stories Knot Detail Mini Dress
& Other Stories Knot Detail Mini Dress [31] ($69)
Faithfull The Brand Godiva Wrap Dress Javelina Animal Print
Faithfull The Brand Godiva Wrap Dress Javelina Animal Print [32] ($219)
Cutouts
Cutouts were a trend we saw on the fall 2021 runways, so we know they'll be sticking around through summer and leading up to winter. If you're looking to (finally) get event ready and you want to show some skin, this detail is one to consider. Whether you opt for a larger cutout at the side or a smaller slash at the mid-section, there are many options to choose from.
Andrea Iyamah Reni Dress [33] ($225)
Farm Rio One-Shoulder Open-Waist Midi Dress
Farm Rio One-Shoulder Open-Waist Midi Dress [34] ($200)
Zara Satin Effect Cutout Dress
Zara Satin Effect Cutout Dress [35] ($50)
Amalfii Mountain View Dress
Amalfii Mountain View Dress [36] ($75)
H&M Linen-Blend Dress
H&M Linen-Blend Dress [37] ($30)
Matthew Bruch Colorblock Halter Linen Mini Dress
Matthew Bruch Colorblock Halter Linen Mini Dress [38] ($475)
Aliétte Diana Dress
Aliétte Diana Dress [39] ($417, originally $695)
Cult Gaia Thera Dress in Jaipur
Cult Gaia Thera Dress in Jaipur [40] ($598)
Proenza Schouler Matte Jersey Drawstring Dress
Proenza Schouler Matte Jersey Drawstring Dress [41] ($1,590)
Unstructured Caftans
Even if these breezy dresses, which range from linen to cotton and silk, aren't meant to be worn over a swimsuit, they sort of mimic the style of your classic cover-up. An unstructured, breezy fit that blows in the wind helps us make the transition out of our pajamas into the real world in 2021.
H&M Linen-Blend Dress [42] ($50)
Zero + Maria Cornejo Rae Caftan
Zero + Maria Cornejo Rae Caftan [43] ($895)
Zara Ring Strap Dress
Zara Ring Strap Dress [44] ($70)
Cult Gaia Inga Dress in Blue Wave
Cult Gaia Inga Dress in Blue Wave [45] ($458)
The Frankie Shop Pera Linen Maxi Dress in Toffee
The Frankie Shop Pera Linen Maxi Dress in Toffee [46] ($122)
Étoile by Isabel Marant Virginie Dress
Étoile by Isabel Marant Virginie Dress [47] ($460)
Mango Printed Strap Dress
Mango Printed Strap Dress [48] ($80)
Tory Burch Stone Embroidered Tussah Silk Maxi Dress
Tory Burch Stone Embroidered Tussah Silk Maxi Dress [49] ($1,400)
Ruffle Trim
This feminine feature makes mini and midi dresses look more playful and modest and adds extra dimension to cocktail dresses beautiful enough to wear to weddings or other events this year.
Lisa Says Gah Stevie Midi Dress in Multi Gingham [50] ($159)
& Other Stories Embroidered Ruffle Bib Mini Dress
& Other Stories Embroidered Ruffle Bib Mini Dress [51] ($119)
Rebecca Taylor Short Sleeve Adela Voile Dress
Rebecca Taylor Short Sleeve Adela Voile Dress [52] ($325)
ASOS Design Curve Textured Ruffle Swing Mini Sundress
ASOS Design Curve Textured Ruffle Swing Mini Sundress With Tie Straps in Khaki [53] ($32)
LoveShackFancy Marion Ruffled Floral Mini Dress
LoveShackFancy Marion Ruffled Floral Mini Dress [54] ($325)
3.1 Phillip Lim Pastel Yellow Tie-Detailed Ruffled Cotton Poplin Minidress
3.1 Phillip Lim Pastel Yellow Tie-Detailed Ruffled Cotton Poplin Minidress [55] ($550)
Self-Portrait Green Cotton Midi Dress
Self-Portrait Green Cotton Midi Dress [56] ($425)
Sea Waverly Dress
Sea Waverly Dres [57] ($295)
Miu Miu Printed Georgette Dress
Miu Miu Printed Georgette Dress [58] ($3,650)
Smocked
Smocked dresses take us back to the '90s this year, mostly decorating the bodice of a dress, but oftentimes inspiring gathered fabric on the skirt, too. Chances are you've already seen crop top versions of the look making the rounds on TikTok.
Wilfred Tempest Dress [59] ($168)
Tach Clothing Juani Linen Dress in Lilac
Tach Clothing Juani Linen Dress in Lilac [60] ($288)
Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress in Lime
Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress in Lime [61] ($320)
H&M Smocked Dress
H&M Smocked Dress [62] ($35)
Ulla Johnson Palma Dress in Aragon
Ulla Johnson Palma Dress in Aragon [63] ($425)
Gimaguas Antonia Dress in Lime
Gimaguas Antonia Dress in Lime [64] ($150)
Staud Ida Smocked Cotton Midi Dress
Staud Ida Smocked Cotton Midi Dress [65] ($295)
Christy Dawn The Katrina Dress
Christy Dawn The Katrina Dress [66] ($258)
En Saison Smocked Midi Dress
En Saison Smocked Midi Dress [67] ($156)
Never Fully Dressed Orange Gingham Midi Dress
Never Fully Dressed Orange Gingham Midi Dress [68] ($139)