The Biggest Dress Trends to Wear For Spring/Summer 2020
These Are the 7 Biggest Dress Trends For Spring 2020
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If there's one category of clothing that we emphatically shop for at the top of a new season, it's dresses. Minis, midis, floor-sweeping lengths, we want them all! For the Spring/Summer 2020 season, there are a lot of delectable dress trends in store, and for a range of tastes, too. Feminine and sweet, sporty and colourful, minimal and sleek, bold and bright, even bohemian with a twist. Needless to say, we're giddy with excitement and already starting to fill our closets with the latest and greatest.
From New York to London, Milan to Paris, designer runways gave us a smattering of wearable dress trends we're loving for Spring and Summer. Zimmermann, Tibi, and Marc Jacobs kicked things off in New York with what we consider the ultimate casual-cool dress: the rainbow-striped knit. As for those puffy sleeves that have been ubiquitous among fashion girls? Prabal Gurung, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton proved they're not going anywhere for Spring. In fact, they're becoming more showstopping than ever. As for the fashion industry's current obsession with nostalgia? It's also continuing via '80s-inspired shapes as we saw at Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors Collection, and Giambattista Valli; they're our top pick for going-out and occasion dresses! Then we have one of my personal favourites, the leather dress. According to Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Tod's, it's the ultimate minimal-sleek look whether your preference is neutral tones or electric hues.
When it comes to shopping these new trends, for me personally, dresses shape my new-season aesthetic. Whether I'm looking for polished silhouettes I can wear to work, easy-chic shapes I can throw on for weekend brunches and errands, or eye-catching styles I want to squirrel away for upcoming holidays and occasions (i.e. wedding season!), I routinely start with dresses for each occasion and build from there. I begin by deducing my favourite trends — this season, that includes sharp leather (and faux!) silhouettes, seriously ample sleeves, and effortlessly cool striped sweater dresses — assessing the current assortment in my closet, and going in on the trends I know will A) make the most impact, B) see the most wear, and C) satiate my new-season-gotta-buy-some-stuff itch. Have I been known to somewhat hastily buy a few dresses only to wear them once or twice? Oh yeah. But I'm confident that my new-year, new-me shopping strategy will prevent me from overconsuming and procure just enough to achieve that fresh-for-Spring feeling.
But enough about me (though I hope I've shared a few helpful insights for shopping new trends)! Ahead, discover the seven biggest dress trends for Spring and Summer 2020 with my edit of dresses to shop at a range of price points. Even better, I've included styling inspiration via the street style scene to show you how each trend is already being worn so you can replicate these dress outfits for yourself all season long.
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: Striped Knits
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: Leather
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: Showstopping Sleeves
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: Modern Folklore
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: '80s Ladies
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: Polka Dots
- Spring Dress Trends 2020: '60s Prints
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Striped Knits
We saw many an iteration of easy-to-wear striped knit dresses on the runways, from thick colorblocking to ombré stripes. It's the perfect off-duty dress when you want to look cute but stay casual, though it can easily be dressed up with heels and a blazer for the office or a nice dinner.
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Striped Knits
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Striped Knits
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Striped Knits
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Striped Knits
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Leather
Whether you subscribe to a minimalist aesthetic or live for bold shapes and bright colours, the leather dress is the ultimate way to make a sleek statement for Spring. Silhouettes range from tailored shirtdresses to puffy-sleeve minis and figure-flattering wraps. Take your pick, and keep accessories minimal.
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Leather
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Leather
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Leather
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Leather
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Showstopping Sleeves
Seriously voluminous sleeves are the key to volume dressing for Spring 2020, from princess-like puffs to softer, romantic shapes. Whether you go for a big-sleeved dress in a bright colour, neutral tone, or playful print, streamline the rest of the look with minimal accessories or try an unexpectedly sporty accent like sneakers.
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Showstopping Sleeves
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Showstopping Sleeves
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Showstopping Sleeves
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Showstopping Sleeves
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Modern Folklore
Bohemian dresses are a closet staple for many, but for Spring, the vibe skews a bit funkier with so-wrong-it's-right print mixing, swirly colour combos, and even patchwork, though with less of a handicraft feel. Think of this trend as what fashion girls would wear to a 2020 Woodstock.
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Modern Folklore
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Modern Folklore
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Modern Folklore
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Modern Folklore
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: '80s Ladies
Not your mother's prom dress, though not far off, the new-season take on nostalgia is most prominent in '80s cocktail-dress form. Whether you're going all in on this look with rhinestone jewellery and colourful heels for a night out or you prefer to offset the drama with simple accessories, there's no denying the fun that comes with wearing one of these throwback confections.
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: '80s Ladies
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: '80s Ladies
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: '80s Ladies
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: '80s Ladies
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Polka Dots
There are florals for Spring, and then there are polka dots. Not exactly groundbreaking, but totally essential. This season, we're seeing spots come in brighter colours, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and more graphic prints for a totally modern feel. Try this trend at the office or for a springtime party!
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Polka Dots
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Polka Dots
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Polka Dots
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: Polka Dots
The Spring 2020 Dress Trend: '60s Prints
Another retro trend getting the 2020 treatment, '60s-inspired prints are big for Spring. From floral prints akin to your grandmother's wallpaper or couch to kaleidoscope patterns with a graphic pop, this trend is for maximalist tastes and those uninhibited by colour.
