You may have heard that New Yorkers have been experiencing a particularly cold winter, with freezing temperatures, historic blizzards, and back-to-back snowfall. The only upside to this is that what was considered a colder day last year, actually feels quite warm in retrospect. As soon as the temperature hits fifty degrees, stylish New Yorkers are shedding their layers and throwing on their best spring dresses. It’s a great way to get a sneak peak at what everyone will be wearing when fool’s spring is over and real spring arrives. It’s almost like we’re all getting a trend test run.
Below, four dress trends I’ve already spotted New Yorkers wearing as they embrace the warmth and season that’s to come.
Pleated Dresses
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Pleated skirts are my personal kryptonite, I practically collect them. The style has been particularly popular in recent years with the rise of coquette. But now it seems like the girls are into pleated dresses that resemble a schoolgirl uniform. Because there’s a bit of a scholarly formality to the look it’s particularly fun to style. Wearing them over jeans feels like the cool girl’s go-to. It feels rebellious and quirky; like something you’d throw on as a teen to feel badass. Thankfully, the look still holds up.
Sandy Liang
Pilot Pinafore
ShuShu/Tong
Pleated Minidress
Vivienne Westwood
Black Sunday Midi Dress
Drop Waist Dresses
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Dresses with a drop waist are by far the most popular silhouette right now. I feel like I see them everywhere I turn. But there’s a reason the dress style originated in the 1920s and is still popular now. The look actually represented freedom for women who were able to move around in them with less restrictions. It’s funny to consider the style is coming about now, after a long trend cycle of corset obsession.
Banana Republic
Jersey & Taffeta Halter Maxi Dress
Wilfred
Tina Poplin Dress
Gap
Linen-Blend Drop-Waist Corset Maxi Dress
Tiered Dresses
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It felt like no one could bring back boho chic but then came Chemena Kamali of Chloe. Now, girls everywhere are opting for tiered dresses with lace, loose ruffles, and tons of dreamy fabric. Seeing people wear these dresses makes me realize how much I’ve been missing out by not wearing them every Spring. They’re ethereal and feel like a physical representation of how spring actually feels.
Chloe
Ruched Tiered Silk Maxi Dress
& Other Stories
Flounced Maxi Dress
Collina Strada
Black Angelica Maxi Dress
Fringe Dresses
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When boho starts to trend, fringe is not far behind. Fringe has been resurrected and thank god! It’s the kind of detail that adds so much dimension and movement to a look. Who doesn’t like to wear fringe on their body and toss their arms or legs like one would their hair? It creates drama and it’s exactly what fashion needs right now. Clothing that makes a scene.
Bottega Veneta
Green & Brown Viscose Twist Fringe Dress
Mango
Asymmetrical Dress With Embroidered Fringes
Mango
Asymmetrical Satin Dress With Fringes








