The Fashion Memo

Stunning Spring Dresses To Spark New-Season Joy

From chic shirt-dresses to floor-sweeping maxis and eye-catching prints in every silhouette – spring’s dress lineup is sure to delight

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion

Few things herald spring quite like the return of the dress. As the days lengthen and the chill eases, our wardrobes emerge from winter’s layers into the thrill of the new season – one filled with color, print and lightness. Worn now with boots or sneakers (and maybe a chunky knit shrugged on top) these are the dress styles that will carry you through to bare-legs-and-sandals weather.

Prints, as ever, are on the agenda for spring. Valentino Garavani delivers a typically romantic take on ’70s bohemia with its tiered midi dress, which is cut from weightless cotton-muslin and patterned with a vibrant paisley motif inspired by the brand’s archive. Elsewhere, minimalists will love Khaite’s stunning ‘Kenith’ gown in crisp cotton poplin. The origami-like folds create the most beautiful shape. Style it with loafers and a sweater tied over your shoulders by day, swapping for heels and a clutch come evening.

  • TOTEME
    Parachute silk-blend maxi shirt dress
    CA$696.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
  • VALENTINO GARAVANI
    Ruched tiered paisley-print cotton-muslin midi dress
    CA$3,238.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42
    44 - out of stock
    46 - out of stock
    48 - out of stock
    50 - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Kenith draped cotton-poplin gown
    CA$958.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
  • AMI PARIS
    Grain de poudre wool mini shirt dress
    CA$436.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42
Seek out versatile designs that work around the clock, from the fail-safe shirt-dress to flattering peplum hemlines

The key with a spring dress is to seek out a versatile style that works extra-hard throughout the week, and the shirt dress is a fail-safe choice. Dries Van Noten’s belted shirt dress is modeled on classic tailoring and looks chic paired with knee boots and a blazer for spring days. Elsewhere, Esse Studios’ ‘Duo’ stretch-knit and organic cotton-poplin maxi dress is an elevated staple that’s perfect for drinks parties and dinners alfresco – complement the strapless bodice with a chain necklace. A black dress can also be a wardrobe workhorse, and Fforme’s ‘Mattie’ maxi in loose-fitting silk-crepe looks dazzling with chunky gold jewelry and strappy heels, but also works well layered over a white T-shirt and worn with sneakers.

  • ESSE STUDIOS
    Duo strapless stretch-knit and organic cotton-poplin maxi dress
    CA$300.00
    Select a Size
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
    16 - out of stock
  • PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL
    Gathered ribbed-knit maxi dress
    CA$393.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10
    12 - out of stock
  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Belted cotton-poplin shirt dress
    CA$555.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock

The joy of this season’s dresses is that there’s something for everyone – see Colombian brand Agua by Agua Bendita for feminine silhouettes and vintage-inspired prints, or Marant Étoile for a refined take on Western style. Alternatively, embrace the season’s romantic mood with Alaïa’s gathered georgette midi – the plunging neckline and sculptural peplum help define the soft, flowing shape.

  • MARANT ÉTOILE
    Daniva lace-trimmed broderie anglaise organic cotton-voile maxi dress
    CA$623.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42
    44 - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    Gathered georgette peplum midi dress
    CA$5,735.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • GANNI
    Belted bow-embellished leopard-print cotton-poplin midi dress
    CA$309.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34
    36
    38 - low stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • LEMAIRE
    Crepe midi dress
    CA$408.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock

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