Choosing a casual dress for each season involves keeping an ear out for new trends, whilst prioritising personal style and wearability. Whether you're looking for casual dresses to enjoy warm, sunny days in spring and summer, or cosier layers for the cool-to-cold seasons of autumn and winter, there’s a perfect casual dress for every occasion. From breathable linen and vibrant-print dresses in summer, autumnal and animal prints in autumn, boho-chic and knit dresses in winter, and compulsory florals in spring, there are ample casual dresses to choose from across the seasons.
Let’s take a look at what casual dresses are set to be popular in the coming seasons so that you can consider which great pieces you want to invite into your wardrobe!
Summer
When shopping for casual dresses in summer, it’s all about practicality. Nobody wants to feel uncomfortable in the heat, so too much fabric, too dense fabric, or fabric that isn’t breathable are all out of the question. Instead, it’s best to aim for dresses in lightweight, breathable materials, and in designs that allow for easy movement. Short dresses that allow ample airflow to the legs are a sure thing in summer, but knee-length, midi and maxi dresses can all work too, it just depends on what time of day you’re heading out, and what occasion you’re going to.
White dresses
The white dress is trending this summer, which is good news, as white works on a range of skin tones, and always looks crisp and fresh. In particular this year, white dresses with lace or broderie anglais layers will be popular. Both of these offer a delicate and feminine element.
Style items: Woven sandals, straw hats, beaded jewelry, vibrant scarfs.
Linen dresses
Linen is incredibly ‘in’ right now, with more and more stores stocking linen garments. But it’s not a one-off trend, as linen is a versatile and long-lasting fabric which you’ll likely wear season after season. People are loving linen dresses not only for their sophisticated European summer vibes, but because linen is really breathable and moisture wicking (it draws perspiration away from your body, and then dries easily). So overall, you feel comfortable and fresh in the hot weather when you’re wearing linen. It’s also a plant-derived fabric (thank you flax) and is sustainable, so it wins on all fronts!
Style items: Tan leather sandals or espadrilles, lightweight crossbody bag, cropped denim jacket.
Big and bold prints
Fun, bold prints are trending this summer. It doesn’t really matter what the print is—whether it’s abstract, floral, boho—as long as it’s vibrant, it’s on trend! The great thing about big, expressive prints is that they do all the talking. You don’t need to worry so much about accessorising, as the print draws all the attention. Prints also serve as a distraction from whatever silhouette your dress creates, which can be handy if you’re not 100% certain your dress’s design is working for you. If you want to have even more fun wearing a print dress, why not add extra prints in outer layers and accessories for a print extravaganza!
Style items: Hoop earrings, neutral sandals, wide-brimmed sun hat, oversized sunglasses.
Short dresses
It may be stating the obvious, but short dresses will be popular this summer. Why? Because they’re short! You get plenty of airflow on your legs so you stay cool.
There are many fabulous and stylish short dress designs out there, with hems that reach from mid-thigh to knee length. Basically, you can take your pic when it comes to print and fabric. You might opt for a boho print, patchwork, floral or abstract, a bold-coloured short dress, or a short dress in a neutral colour like navy, olive green, chocolate, toffee, black, white or ivory. In either case, you’ll find short dresses with features like high-low hems, embroidery, broderie anglais fabrics, frills, puff sleeves, lace trim and more, which add a little interest to your dress. There are also short dresses with zero embellishment, for those days when you want a toned-down look.
Style items: Daytime, casual sneakers, mini backpack. Night, strappy heeled sandals, layered necklaces.
Autumn
Autumn calls for an acknowledgement of autumnal colours in your outfit. You’ll also be saying goodbye to all the light and bright colours, and opting for richer, deeper colours in the lead up to winter. You also need to begin layering a little more, or look out for casual dresses in warmer fabrics.
Animal print dresses
Animal print dresses are a great casual dress option in Autumn. They carry on a hint of hot, wild summer, and yet their intricate print adds a richness that just suits autumn. Whatever the print happens to be—snake skin, leopard, tiger or zebra—it will be trending this coming autumn season, and potentially every subsequent autumn, with animal print now considered a new ‘neutral’.
Style items: Leather jacket, ankle boots, scarf in neutral color (to balance the boldness of the print).
Dresses in autumnal tones
Any casual dress that includes autumnal colours, like mustard yellow, pumpkin orange, maple leaf red, olive green and purple aubergine, will be in style. Additional neutral colours that work well for autumn casual dresses are cream, khaki and brown.
Your casual dress doesn’t need to include every autumn colour at once! You can even just have a plain cream or ivory-coloured casual dress, and add some autumn colours with your accessories, like a burned orange handbag or brown heels.
Style items: Suede ankle boots, statement belt, structured coat, like a trench.
Casual floral dresses
Florals aren’t only for spring. There are still certain floral prints that work well in autumn, especially if they include autumnal colours in their print (think falling leaves).
When choosing a floral casual dress for Autumn, consider the fabric, and steer away from the really light and floaty styles. You might consider a dress with sleeves, and go for midi length to maxi length dresses.
Given temperatures can get a little cooler in Autumn, factor in your outer layers in addition to your dress. This might be a light denim jacket, suede or leather jacket (vegan or real leather), trench coat or even just a cardigan.
Style items: Long cardigan, knee-high boots, floppy felt hat or lightweight scarf.
Boho casual dresses
Boho dress styles are set to continue to be a thing this coming Autumn. You’ll see a lot of boho dresses with fringes, ruffles and lace around, and the trend is to pair them with chunky boots for contrast and an edgy vibe. This creates an interesting juxtaposition of soft and flowy fabric with strong and heavy boots.
Style items: Chunky combat boots, fringed bag, longline coat or oversized knit cardigan.
Winter
Winter welcomes increased possibilities for layering. You might wear camisoles, thermal layers, or even a turtleneck sweater beneath your dresses when the temperature calls for it. You also might like to opt for more long-sleeve casual dresses. You will also need to consider how your outer layers work with your casual dress, and look for shapes and lengths that complement your dress.
Knit dresses
Like short dresses in summer, knit dresses always trend in winter. They’re warm, comfortable, stretchy, and cosy—exactly the sort of thing you want to be wearing in the cold season. Whether the knit dress hugs around the hips, or you opt for a fit-and-flare style, you can be certain your knit dress will be a pleasure to wear. Look out for knit dresses with lace knits or other intricate textures, as this will keep the compliments flowing in your direction. Additionally, look out for interesting features like pleats, puff and lantern sleeves, or belts on a knit dress, which add an extra something. And then, your standard wool or jersey knit dresses in neutral colours will always be super versatile casual dresses—you can dress them up or down with accessories and outer layers, depending on where you’re headed.
Style items: Opaque tights, ankle boots, statement belt, tailored wool coat, vegan leather tote.
Casual dress over pants
It was a late ‘90s look most people thought would never return, but wearing a dress over pants is set to make a comeback this winter. In particular, dresses and pants in similar hues, making for a streamlined look. Many will feel comfortable wearing leggings under a dress, but wearing a pair of trousers will be a new feeling. Opt for pants that don’t have too much business going on around the waist area, as belt loops and chunky buttons might show through the dress. In saying that, if the dress is loose-fitting, you can wear whatever pants you like beneath it—even jeans! Mini, midi and maxi dresses are all invited to the pants-dress party this winter. Why not give it a go?
Style items: Slim-fit trousers or leggings, pointed-toe ankle boots, structured blazer or trench coat.
Spring
In spring we breathe a sigh of relief and drop those heavy winter layers. It’s time for lighter and brighter fabrics, and fun and flirty styles.
Midi dresses
It’s almost pointless to refer to midi dresses as a trend, as they’re pretty much a staple in women’s wardrobes these days. But midi dresses will be a popular casual dress style next spring due to their practical length, which works in a bunch of settings, and the fact they’re flattering on pretty much everybody. Look out for midi dresses with frill or puff sleeves, lace or broderie anglais elements, or cute shirt collars—all of which add something a little extra to your midi.
Style items: Block-heeled sandals, denim jacket, crossbody bag, delicate jewellery.
Tulle touches
Tulle is not usually an element of ‘casual’ dresses, however tulle dresses are certainly viable at weekend brunches or casual parties. Which is great, because tulle is set to trend this coming spring. It might be tulle sleeves or a tulle skirt, but a bit of tulle is feminine, fun and lightweight, which is great for spring dressing.
Style items: Pastel ballet flats or even sneakers, lightweight cardi or cropped leather jacket.
Frivolous florals
Floral dresses feel just right during spring, so like every other spring season, it’s guaranteed that florals will trend next spring. There’s something about all those flower prints that is uplifting after a cold and arduous winter. Floral dresses are light, hopeful, and flatter most ladies. Remember, there’s a wide variety of floral dresses out there to choose from, including short, midi and floral maxi dresses. You can also pick from a mix of prints, including small, delicate flowers to big and bold flowers. There’s also a wide range of colours to choose from. Pastels are always in during spring, but this year, powder pink is set to trend, so watch out for that.
Styling items: Wedge sandals, straw tote, pastel-coloured trench coat.
Casual dresses at Femme Connection
We’ve got your sorted with casual dresses for all seasons! Whatever your style or fabric preference, we have ample choices in a range of sizes!