Elevate Your Pre-Summer Wardrobe with These 5 Must-Have Dress Styles for May

• May is a good opportunity to start testing summer styles, including dresses.

• This month, styles lie boho chic, drop-waist, ands sheer dresses are on trend.

Now that May has started, allow me to quickly wax poetic about why it’s the best month of the year to break out your dress lineup. It’s finally warm enough for bare legs, but not yet the kind of heat that makes anything clingy feel like a mistake or needs your anti-chafe stick on standby. The month presents the sweet spot for trying out new silhouettes that feel fresh and aren’t overplayed like they might be at the end of summer.

On trend, this May? First off, there’s boho chic but recontextualized through a 2025 lens. The focus this time around is on movement courtesy of tiered skirts, ruffles, and soft volume. And while floral dresses are perennial for spring, this season’s take involves edgier styles that raise the energy

From romantic drop waists to punchy purple hues, we’ve got you covered on all the items that should be on rotation this month. Below, the five best dress styles to wear in May.

Edgy Florals

Edgy florals hit differently in May. They bring on the timeless spring energy without falling flat. Think blooms with cut-outs or carefully color-blocked prints that feel more directional than dainty. Paired with sharp silhouettes or grounded by unexpected accessories, they’re giving a distinct bit to the classic seasonal print.

Boho Chic

Boho style dresses this month should be a no-brainer. It’s the kind of no-fuss (but all the frills) outfit that is easy and breezy to wear for all of your outings. With flowy fabrics and airy silhouettes that feel lightweight, why wouldn’t you want to live in this style all season long?

Drop Waists

For when you want to look elegant and chic, opt for a drop-waist. The silhouette is inherently more polished than others because it elongates the torso, softens the hip, and adds instant interest. Whether done in crisp poplin or linen, the drop waist brings an easy nonchalance that can be hard to find in others. Plus, you’ll always look put-together.

Sheer

Sheer is one of the most versatile fabrics when it comes to dresses. They give you the opportunity to be a little playful without being too in-your-face, especially when done in unexpected prints. A sheer navy number covered in subtle polka dots, for instance, feels more offbeat than overtly striking. It’s sheer with a wink. Layer it over a matching slip or bold undergarments for a sleek result.

Purple With a Punch

Punchy purples are spring’s most confident color play. The hue is having a major resurgence thanks to its vibrancy (that doesn’t veer cartoonish) and its whimsical nature. From deep orchid to electric violet, these shades inject energy into otherwise simple silhouettes. Purple also has range: it can feel regal, irreverent, even subversive, depending on the styling.

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