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12 Spring-Summer Dresses Perfect for Every Occasion
We had way too much fun putting this list together.
Sézane, Paper Label, Christy Dawn
We love this time of year, when the temperature rises by a few degrees, the sun peeks out at intermittent intervals, and the first purple and yellow heads of spring flowers poke up from the cold earth. It’s the time of year when we all return to one of our favourite wardrobe items: the dress.
Whether you’re gearing up for wedding season, got a European vacation planned, or just strolling through your local farmers market, there’s something for everyone. Here, our favourite spring-summer dresses to shop now.
Meryl Dress, Sézane
Price: $310
This long-sleeved Merino wool and cotton midi dress is perfect for the transitional period between spring and summer when it’s still too chilly to commit to bare arms and legs. While it does come in navy we love the multi-coloured stripe option and think it would looks so cute paired with a denim jacket and pair of Mary Jane slingbacks.
Percy Linen Dress, Reformation
Price: $398
Chic minimalism in neutral tones with surprise pops of red or blue is the name of the game this spring and summer according to Reformation’s new collection. The ode to linen has a few standout dresses but we think this blue and white floral halterneck number is our favourite, though this mini dress almost took the win.
Lady Jane Dress, Wandwoods
Price: $279
Wandwoods is an ethically made Vancouver-based cottagecore brand. Its dresses and skirts are made in small-batches from 100 per cent linen. The Austen collection is inspired by the rambling English countryside and romantic heroines of Jane Austen’s novels, like the Lady Jane Dress which comes in three colours with a white peekaboo underskirt hem detail.
Clem Mini Dress, Ba&sh
Price: $360
The delicate metal chain and beading detailing on the back of this new mini dress from Parisian brand Ba&sh takes a basic LBD to the next level. The sultry slip dress has a subtle v-neck at the front and a plunging back to show off the body jewellery.
The Madison Dress, Christy Dawn
Price: $328
Christy Dawn’s new spring collection plays with silhouettes that are giving Buttercup from The Princess Bride in the Italian Riviera—especially the new Madison midi dress in sunshine daisy print. The collection uses natural dyes on organic or regenerative cotton and features florals, woodland animals and handblock prints with lace trim.
Ultraviolet Dress, Free People
Price: $148
We love a dress with something going on in the back. The Ultraviolet maxi dress comes in four bold prints (though we are partial to the polka dots) which all feature strappy back details and adorable puffy cap sleeves.
Persephone Dress, Wild Rose & Sparrow
Price: $304
Love Selkie dresses but want something a little different? Montreal-based fashion brand Wild Rose & Sparrow is the Canadian small business answer to the poofy viral gowns. We love the embroidered floral Persephone mini dress with a corset back for a goddess-inspired garden party look.
English Factory Organza Midi Dress, Anthropologie
Price: $140
We love the cage overlay and button front detailing on this organza midi dress by LA-based brand English Factory. The silhouette can be dressed up or down and comes in spring hues of yellow, pink or blue. It does tend to fit small so size up.
Italian Riviera Boxy Linen Shirt Dress, Faun Studios
Price: $122 (on sale)
Calgary-based label Faun Studios’ core collection is designed and made in small batches. The brand doesn’t subscribe to trend cycles which means you’re guaranteed something unique and timeless. Having said that, this boxy linen Italian-riviera inspired shirt dress is perfect for the tinned fish enthusiasts and sardine summer girlies. It’s a bit short, so size up.
The Sleeveless Sweater Dress, Frank and Oak
Price: $111 (on sale)
The Y2K trend of wearing dresses and skirts over pants is back and for those who are curious but hesitant to jump on board, this dress from Frank and Oak may be the sophisticated solution. The mid-length sweater dress with button-front can be worn done up all the way and tied at the waist or worn over jeans with the bottom half unbuttoned for a gentle introduction to the dress over pants trend.
Rory Floral Mini Dress, Gentle Fawn
Price: $138
This fun and flirty mini dress from Vancouver-based fashion brand Gentle Fawn is a summer staple. The floral print comes in two colours and is designed in-house. We love the blue option, which features a U-shaped trim detail at the bust.
Cove Dress, Paper Label
Price: $198
The Cove crochet dress from Canadian ethical small fashion brand Paper Label is made with linen and cotton for the ultimate lightweight throw-on piece. The high-neck tank midi dress with side slit comes in four colours (white, black, blue and terracotta) and can be worn as a coverup or as a sheer look layered over underwear or a bodysuit.
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