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Sure, a classic LBD or office-appropriate sheath is useful to have on hand, but if you’re looking to add variety to your closet this spring, a splashier silhouette will make a bigger impact. Enter: the drop-waist dress. The heroic design is poised to take over this season, thanks to its ability to elongate the frame and universally-flattering fit. Not to mention, it comes in a ton of versatile finishes perfect for whatever plans end up on your agenda.
For the world traveler, the season’s assortment of leafy prints and throw-on-and-go styles are ideal for far-flung locales. If you have a spring wedding on the social calendar, there are numerous drop-waist styles crafted in longer lengths and ultra-luxe materials, like satin and crêpe. And for days when you can’t decide what to wear, an effortless cotton dress—whose longer waist gives it an edge—will surely save the day.
Ahead, shop our guide to the season’s most flattering (and affordable) drop-waist dresses from the likes of Proenza Schouler, Staud, Simkhai, and more.
Sleek Strapless
As the temperatures heat up, you’ll want to have at least one strapless dress in your closet. Simpler options, like this tomato-red version, are great for weekend errands paired with flats; but if you prefer something elevated, pick out a piece with interesting detailing, like mixed materials or a ruched bodice.
Combination Strapless Midi Dress
$70.00 at zara.com
Poplin Drop Waist Tube Dress
$228.00 at shopbop.com
Santal Dress
$88.00 at amazon.com
Strapless Drop Waist Dress
$395.00 at bloomingdales.com
Cue the Colorblock
Accentuate an already dramatic style by choosing a color-blocked frock. The beauty of this elongated silhouette is that it doesn’t cut off at the waistline; the dueling shades are just another layer of visual interest.
Stefania Colorblock Maxi Dress
$610.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
By Malene Birger Marciella Dress
$250.00 at shopbop.com
The Halter Soglio Dress
$261.00 at nordstrom.com
Drop Waist Dress
$158.00 at revolve.com
Sunny Citrons
’Tis the season for pretty pastels in all of their forms—but if you really want to stay on-trend, go for butter yellow. The pale shade is ideal for this time of year, especially in the form of a fluttery A-line skirt. Balance out the lightness of these drop-waist dresses with leather fisherman shoes or a chunky woven cord sandal.
Kendall Midi Dress
$595.00 at mytheresa.com
Mariana Dress
$450.00 at shopbop.com
Hazel Smocked Waist Dress
$88.50 at bloomingdales.com
Buttercream Allana Maxi Dress
$675.00 at tnuck.com
Lovely LWD
Spring is here, which means it’s time to pull those little white dresses out of hibernation. Drop-waist styles in crisp cotton poplin and linens are sure to be your go-to picks for the sunny months ahead when you’ll crave something that’ll keep you cool.
Bahia Dress
$395.00 at shopbop.com
Augusta Drop Waist Maxi Dress
$460.00 at shopbop.com
Drop-Waist Mixy Dress
$74.50 at jcrew.com
Brooke Long-Sleeve Drop-Waist Mini Dress
$395.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
Spring Prints
From micro florals to cheerful polka dots, spring’s rotation of refreshing prints is always a welcome addition to our wardrobes. We especially love these drop-waist styles that would look oh-so-charming worn to a weekend picnic.
Dena Dress
$395.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Faith Dress
$180.00 at damsonmadder.com
Livia Linen Midi Dress
$310.00 at freepeople.com
Drop-Waist Midi Dress
$120.00 at abercrombie.com
Soirée Essentials
Whether it’s a wedding or a work event, a full-length dress that’s suitable for dressier moments should always be hanging in your closet. Choose a satin pistachio green maxi or a ballet pink one with a structured bodice to pay homage to the unofficial palette of the season.
Harper Drop-Waist Maxi Dress
$495.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
Cyra Dress
$278.00 at thereformation.com
Satin Dress
$230.00 at shop.mango.com
The Ridge Dress
$319.00 at freepeople.com
Vacation-Ready
For those with travel plans, a lightweight and versatile dress is a packing essential. Luckily, this trend is equally suited for poolside lounging as it is for fancier dinners—with the right edit of accessories, of course. Just swap your strappy sandals for a sleeker mule to instantly dress up any one of these tropical-inspired dresses.
Marabella Halter Dress
$199.00 at bardot.com
Delicate Tapestry Midi Dress
$265.00 at nordstrom.com
Kingsley Embroidered Drop-Waist Tank Dress
$495.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
Taide Cactis Drop Waist Dress
$340.00 at nordstrom.com
Mellow Hues
Pale blue hues reign supreme with this silhouette (and are especially great when done in breezy linen to channel a seaside feel). Pair yours with your favorite chocolate brown accessories for high-contrast perfection.
Thierry Dress
$168.00 at revolve.com
Ettore Drop Waist Maxi Dress
$415.00 at nordstrom.com
Illi Strapless Dress
$880.00 at net-a-porter.com
Linen-Blend Drop-Waist Maxi Dress
$78.00 at gap.com
Robust Red
Fact: There are few more powerful style staples than a bright red dress. And with the color proving to be a dominant trend for the spring and summer seasons ahead, investing in one with a drop waist feels like an easy choice, no? Go with a floor-grazing version at your next formal affair for maximum impact.
Grayson Drop-Waist SleevelessDress
$398.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Sterling Maxi
$98.00 at freepeople.com
Shirred Midi Dress
$390.00 at reiss.com
Camella Dress
$348.00 at thereformation.com
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