The Best Bold Print Dresses for Spring
From the runways to the streets, one trend we’re seeing everywhere this spring: dresses in bold, eye-catching floral and geometric patterns. These frocks run the gamut from dressy to super-casual, while the hemlines usually graze either your knee or ankle.
Floral dresses that guarantee a red-carpet entrance this spring include Ranna Gill's brilliantly colored tulip-shaped dress ($168), available at Anthropologie. The fluttery sleeves and threaded back are almost universally flattering, and the contemporary watercolor flowers are dynamite and right on target for the spring. And for geometric patterns, look no further than Thai or ikat prints, which include this dress in primary colors from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent ($295).
Dresses are everywhere this spring, so dive right in and choose one that perfectly suits your mood and the social occasion. Are you invited to a wedding and looking for the perfect floral dress? If you’re feeling demure and want to leave all the attention to the bride, consider a laidback dress with a block border print—there are multiple shift dresses this season that are perfectly apropos. Another dress appropriate for elegant or casual occasions alike is the Costa Blanca dress from Urban Outfitters ($69), which looks great with a tiny black cardigan.
Maxi dresses continue to be a trend, but be careful not to choose too splashy a graphic, or you risk being overpowered by the pattern. Tibi's full-length dress ($398) comes in a bold denim-and-brown ikat print that looks particularly hot this season and flatters most shapes. Noted for its one-of-a-kind prints, Tibi’s clientele include Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, and other chic celebrities.
Make sure you have at least one stretchy, dynamic dress suited to swim parties, pick-up volleyball games, and beach barbeques. Favorites include the empire-waist Printed Shorebreak dress from Athleta ($79), made of swim fabric and featuring the “Salt Creek” paisley print in mocha, lime, and aqua.
Budget-conscious fashionistas should look to Old Navy’s sundresses, including a tie-shoulder, tiered cotton dress ($34.50), available in a teal floral print reminiscent of an Impressionist watercolor painting.
Lastly, offerings for the younger set include the Beach Flowers Sundress ($28) from Hanna Andersson. The “Treasure Pink” color features a splashy fuchsia-and-white print contrasted with tangerine-and-white polka dots. Darling!
