12 spring dresses more comfortable than sweats
There's really only one drawback to the arrival of warmer weather – no more sweaters. All winter long (and into April and even May, in Canada), those knits and layers kept us looking cool but downright cozy. But come spring and definitely summer, what to do when you're forced to ditch those layers (or risk sweating buckets), but still want to feel comfortable while looking fashionable? Don these dresses! Swing dresses, t-shirt dresses, sack dresses – anything without a belt or defined waist will do. Bonus points for pockets.
What if you could wear your favourite hoodie without pants? The ultimate, right? Well, thanks to H&M, now you can. This hooded sweatshirt dress is the fashionable couch potato's dream come true. Wear it with your favourite sneakers and a messy top knot.
H&M Hooded Sweatshirt dress, $29.99, hm.com
What's better than a loose t-shirt dress? You guessed it: a loose t-shirt dress with pockets! Made with super soft recycled cotton, this dress will become your weekend go-to. And it's the perfect piece to pack for a weekend away because it does double duty as a tunic over skinny jeans on cooler days.
Community Metrocles Dress, $60, aritzia.com
If you're in the market for a sack with sex appeal, this dress is the one. It's totally cute with its slightly ruffled sleeves and deep-v lace-up, but let's not kid ourselves, it's big and loose and would feel like wearing a nightgown – and that's a good thing.
Zara Dress with Lace-Up Neckline, $45.90, zara.com
The A-line cut on this pretty dress means that it'll be floaty, feminine and comfortable. The paisley pattern and cut-out neckline make it dressy enough to wear to all your summer weddings and special events. Ensure you stay comfortable and swap out your usual stilettos for more supportive summer wedges.
Cupcakes and Cashmere Ruxton Shift Dress, $140, smitherstyle.com
There is only one dress in the Zuri collection. One dress in many patterns. The company was started by two Americans living in Kenya and the whole point of the dress is that it's comfortable, easy to pack (doesn't wrinkle) and is totally versatile. We love the bright colours and exuberant patterns and can't begin to choose just one!
Zuri Dress, $145 USD, shopzuri.com
This tiered maxi dress has enough detail in the contrasting floral patterns, bright colour and delicate neckline to distract from its very voluminous skirt. The skirt, of course, is key to its comfort. Oh, and once again... pockets! Sold.
Gap Floral Halter Maxi Dress, $89.95, gapcanada.com
Sometimes a fun, tropical print is the best way to brighten up your wardrobe for spring and summer. This frock's pattern really delivers, and the subtle pintucking up top adds a little shape to your silhouette without being body hugging at all. Wear it to the beach or a barbecue with your favourite flip flops.
Old Navy Printed Pintuck Swing Dress, $39.94, oldnavy.ca
A little white dress is a summer staple but yours doesn't have to be so little. Long-sleeves with open floral details and a knee-length hem ensure you won't have any wardrobe malfunctions, but the open neckline keeps it from looking uptight. Buy it for summer and take it on every vacation from now on.
Mango Openwork Detail Dress, $129.99, mango.com
Part party-girl, part nightgown, this blue, ruffled, silk dress has enough pretty to make it wedding-appropriate, but it also has enough fabric to make it a comfortable choice. Dance the night away, then wear it to bed!
Club Monaco Vidorus Dress, $229, clubmonaco.com
This nautical dress is the mullet of t-shirt dresses. The navy and white stripes make it look yacht club appropriate, but the criss-cross open back makes it a musical festival must-have. Basically, you can wear it anywhere and still fit in.
Billabong Sunset View Dress, $49.95, billabong.com
Love denim but find it too hot to wear your favourite jeans all summer long? This denim shirt dress with distressed hem is the next best thing to your favourite pair. A touch longer in the back – handy when you bend over!
Madewell Denim Shirt Dress, $100 USD, net-a-porter.com
Want the most bang for your buck? This is a dress and kimono jacket in one. It's loose enough that you can wear it with the zipper in front or back as a dress, or throw it over a white tee and jeans as a jacket on cooler spring days. The vegan leather accent adds some sophistication.