The Best Dresses for a Wardrobe Refresh

Need a little closet refresh? A cute dress may be the easiest way to put together a stylish look. Just slip it on, and you’ve got yourself an outfit! Plus, it’s easy to dress up or down, depending on the shoes, earrings, or other accessories you choose.

Whether you’re looking for some breezy pieces that can travel with you this summer, classic wardrobe staples, or a special dress for cocktails or other events, we’ve curated a variety of options to fit your budget and personal style. Plus, many of these dresses have inclusive sizing—some can even be custom-made to your measurements for a perfect fit you’ll never want to take off.

With everything from colorful printed sundresses, sequin party dresses, cute plus-size styles, and even fun maternity and nursing options, these are the best dresses for any occasion.

Best summer dresses

Your vacation starts now! Whether you’re headed to the beach or a barbecue, get ready to enjoy some fun in the sun with these cute travel-ready summer dresses.

1. A flamingo print dress

SHOP: Off-the-shoulder flamingo print dress from CottonCandyStore, from $52

Ready, set, flamingo! Whether you’re headed to the beach or off to brunch with pals, this cute cotton off-the-shoulder dress with a pink flamingo print will have you feeling the tropical vibes. It comes in a range of sizes: 6–26 in UK sizes, which is the equivalent of 2–22 in US sizes. The seller can also make the dress to your custom measurements.

2. A breezy linen apron dress

SHOP: Striped linen apron dress from OffOn, $121

Stay cool (and cute!) wherever summer takes you with this lightweight linen apron dress. This travel-ready dress, with criss-cross straps to show off your back, comes in about 50 different color options and in sizes from XXS–XXL.

3. A colorful sundress

SHOP: African print maxi dress from Kallistyles, $62

Ready to travel? So is this bright, printed sundress. The versatile cotton dress, with cute shoulder ties, can take you from lounging by the pool to drinks on the boardwalk. Plus, it’s available in a range of sizes: from 6–18 in UK sizes, or S–XXL.

4. A gingham linen dress

SHOP: Gingham linen wrap dress from Linenfox, $116

Nothing says breezy summer style quite like a linen wrap dress. Whether you’re traveling to a warm destination or heading to a summer barbecue, this flattering number will keep you cool. It comes in five different colors—and in sizes XXS–3XL.

5. A printed babydoll dress

SHOP: Petite printed babydoll dress from ABASK Studio, $65

Hitting the road this summer? Be sure to pack this petite babydoll dress, which easily transitions from day to evening. The off-the-shoulder dress, made of hand-printed modal fabric, comes in sizes S and M.

6. A color-blocked maxi dress

SHOP: Cotton v-neck smock dress from ford & guy, $117

You’ll be ready for all kinds of fun in the sun with this cotton maxi dress that features a bright color-blocked design. It’s available in UK sizes 6-22 (or about 2–18 in US sizes).

Best plus-size dresses

Whether you’re off to a festival or weekend brunch, you’ll arrive in style in these cute plus-size dresses.

7. A tie-dyed tunic dress

SHOP: Plus-size shibori tunic dress from LeslieRayClothing, $65

Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or a summer music festival, rock your boho style in this flowy tunic dress. The rayon dress, tie-dyed in a shibori style, is available in five colors and comes in size XL and XXL.

8. A light linen wrap dress

SHOP: Linen front tie wrap dress from Pavietra, $121

This breezy linen wrap dress, which comes in sizes XXS–7XL, is a go-to summer staple, suitable for the office, weekend brunch, or sunset strolls. It comes in a choice of eight different colors. The best part? It has pockets!

9. A comfy maxi dress

SHOP: Floor-length gray T-shirt dress from Sarah Sue Design Shop, $180

Take your wardrobe from summer to fall with this versatile maxi dress. Made of comfy jersey, the dress features fun side slits and a flattering cinched waist. Available in sizes XS–3XL, the dress pairs just as well with sneakers as it does with boots.

Best cocktail dresses

Whether you’re headed to a nice dinner or an event, dressing up is a breeze with these beautiful cocktail dresses.

10. A little black dress

SHOP: Black linen dress from Freya Lillie, $189

You can never go wrong with a little black dress, and this one’s got a little added flair. It’s a knee-length, apron-style dress featuring adjustable ruffled straps. The dress, which comes in UK sizes 8–16 (or about 4–12 in US sizes), pairs well with heels or some chunky boots.

11. A printed maxi dress

SHOP: Maxi African print dress from Bamanee, $187

Wherever your travels take you, you’ll be ready to make an entrance at cocktail hour in this African wax-print maxi dress. The cotton dress, available in sizes S–L, features an open back and fun side cutouts for a dramatic look.

12. A classic shift dress

SHOP: Jersey shift dress from The AR Shop, $70

How about a little blue dress? This chic v-neck number with cap sleeves easily takes you from the office to drinks with friends or a nice event. The dress comes in one size—S/M— and is made of stretchy jersey fabric. It’s also available in charcoal gray.

Best prom dresses

It’s your year! Glam it up with these gorgeous prom dresses that will have you feeling like the belle of the ball.

13. A gold sequin dress

SHOP: Gold sequin party dress from Sara Gambarelli, from $142

We hope you like attention, because this dress is ready to help you sparkle at prom—or any party, really! This knee-length sequin dress features an open back with an adorable bow. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, including gold, bronze, silver, black, and red, as well as custom colors. It comes in European sizes 34–48 (which is equivalent to about sizes 4–18 in the US), but the seller can custom make the dress to your measurements.

14. A floral embroidered dress

SHOP: Embroidered floral tulle prom dress from Jordan de Ruiter, from $278

Ethereal girl! This stunning party dress, which comes in either white or black, has a sateen bodice topped with delicately embroidered tulle. The pink and blue flowers, leaves, and stems seem to grow organically around the garment, including the sheer back and shoulders. It comes in sizes 2-16, but the seller can make a custom dress to your measurements.

Best maternity dresses

Show off your baby bump in style in these cute maternity dresses and nursing dresses.

15. A maternity kaftan dress

SHOP: Printed maternity nursing gown from mommyrobeclothing, $39

This printed cotton kaftan, which can be ordered in knee-length, mid-calf, and ankle-length styles, is great for the beach, running errands around town, or just hanging around the house. Because it has a fully buttoned front, it works well for nursing—or even as a hospital gown. It comes in sizes to fit XS–5XL.

16. A printed maternity dress

SHOP: Maternity and nursing dress from GoFuture with Love, $122

Baby on the way? This cute maternity dress is made of stretchy cotton and polyester fabric to accommodate your baby bump and has a hidden flap for easy nursing. Plus, the dress, available in sizes 6-14, comes with a matching snood for privacy while feeding your little one.

17. A lace maternity dress

SHOP: Lace maternity wrap dress from Coralie Beatrix, from $165

Dress up your baby bump in this stunning lace and satin wrap dress. The floor-length gown can be made in a wide variety of colors and is perfect for maternity photo shoots to commemorate your new addition to the family.

Best fall dresses

Fall is just around the corner! Get ready with these fall dresses that are sure to become wardrobe staples.

18. A linen maxi dress

SHOP: Long sleeve linen maxi dress from Linenfox, $96

This lightweight long-sleeve linen dress transitions beautifully from summer to fall. Available in sizes XS–XL, the loose fitting maxi dress comes in a wide variety of colors, including this rich terracotta shade. And—you know we had to say it—it has pockets!

19. An indigo gingham linen dress

SHOP: Indigo linen smock dress from YaYa & Pony, $130

Cute dress for fall? Check! This checked linen dress features a 3/4 sleeve—and pockets!—and comes in sizes S–XXL. As the weather gets cooler, you can layer it with tights and a bright cardigan.

20. An oversize sweater dress

SHOP: Oversize wool sweater dress from LeMuse, $120

When the leaves start to fall, cozy up with this wool blend sweater dress. The dress, which is roomy enough to be maternity wear, comes in sizes XS–XL, and goes great with leggings and a pair of boots.