With spring finally here and the arrival of warmer weather, it’s time for (socially distanced) soirées, alfresco dinners, and a bright and cheerful closet refresh. To help you in your shopping endeavors, we have selected eight springtime dresses to breathe new life into your wardrobe. From gingham patterns to embroidered frocks, you’re sure to find something that suits your personal style. The best part? Each option is found at a beloved, locally owned Southern retailer with both a bricks-and-mortar location AND an online shopping option.
8 Springtime Dresses From Southern Retailers
Look #1: Embroidered Sundress at Mi Golondrina
2727 W Mockingbird Lane, Suite #103, Dallas, Texas 75235 • migolondrina.com
This perfectly seasonal shift dress features feminine ruffled sleeves and embroidered flowers. The 100% cotton fabric is adorned with satin ribbon at the hem and features a vibrant pop of pink throughout — dress it up or down with the addition of fun sneakers or strappy sandals. And we’re big fans of the flowy yet flattering silhouette. Find this one for $265 at Mi Golondrina.
Soledad short dress, $265, at Mi Golondrina | Image: Mi Golondrina
Look #2: Smocked Maxi Dress at Hampden
314 King St, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 • hampdenclothing.com
Whether you’re in Charleston or simply wishing you were, a visit to Hampden — in person or online — will garner you a fashion win, for sure! This classic maxi dress features a flattering smocked top and full skirt, which make for a romantic warm-weather look. Wear it as a chic and breezy option while working from home or out for a casual summer date night. Comfortable yet elegant, its sand-colored cotton fabric invites interest with the addition of a cute clutch, fun shoes or statement earrings. Find it for $365 at Hampden.
Tazerwalt dress, $365, at Hampden | Image: Hampden
Look #3: Tie-Dye Kaftan at Minette
In-person shopping is by appointment only in Birmingham, AL. Book an appointment here. • Shop online: shopminette.com
Tie-dye is definitely having a moment — and we are here for it. This lavender silk kaftan, which can double as a chic swimwear cover-up, can take you from poolside to cocktail hour with the addition of the removable waist tie. Because of its oversized and breezy fit, we recommend you size down for a more shape-flattering look. Find it for $86 at Minette.
Silk tie-dye kaftan dress/cover-up, $86, at Minette | Image: Minette
RELATED: 10 Southern Retailers to Have on Your Radar
Look #4: Tropical Print Dress by Cara Cara at Oak Hall
4017 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 303, Nashville, TN 37215
6150 Poplar Avenue, Suite 146, Memphis, TN 38119
oakhall.com
Beautiful floral prints are BIG for 2021 as are pretty sleeves and easy silhouettes. This dress defines pretty and works for a vacation getaway, a daytime wedding, or a night out – hopefully on the patio. It just screams summer and happiness, doesn’t it? Find this dress online or in-person at Oak Hall, with locations in Memphis and Nashville, for $695.
Find this beautiful Cara Cara dress at Oak Hall. $695
Look #5: Yellow Mini Dress at Crosby
280 Elizabeth St. Suite D, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 • crosbybymollieburch.com
This buttercup-yellow dress is both happy and versatile. Playful puffy sleeves give it a “Bridgerton”-esque romantic feel, making it an ideal statement piece for your spring wardrobe. The cheery yellow shade can be accessorized with a pair of espadrilles, some strappy sandals or even a casual white sneaker. It’s also available in black and floral patterns. Find it for $268 at Crosby.
Saylor dress, $268, at Crosby | Image: Crosby
RELATED: What Fashion Bloggers Are Wearing This Spring
Look #6: Blue Gingham Dress at Draper James
With locations in Nashville, TN; Lexington, KY; Southlake, TX; and Atlanta, GA. Visit draperjames.com for the location nearest you.
You can’t go wrong with this classic blue gingham dress that is flattering and always fashionable. A drawcord detail accentuates the waist, and we love the playful ruffled hem. The above-the-knee length makes it a modest yet stylish choice that’s ideal for the office or a lunch out with friends. Find it for $125 at Draper James.
Blue gingham dress, $125, at Draper James | Image: Draper James
Look #7: Tropical Midi Dress at The Avenue
3209 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas 77098 • onlyontheavenue.com
This punchy patterned midi dress is a fun way to celebrate the sunny weather — wearing this bold and bright frock will instantly transport you to vacation mode. The tiered dress is topped with a stand-out bow, but if you’re looking to make an even bigger statement, we recommend pairing it with bold jewelry and shoes, and accessorizing with a colorful purse. This style runs small, so size up! Find it for $215 at The Avenue.
Tropical midi dress, $215, at The Avenue | Image: The Avenue
Look #8: Minnia Maxi Dress at Gus Mayer
2132 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215
225 Summit Blvd #700, Birmingham, AL 35243
gusmayer.com
This stunner had us swooning at first glance. The Minnia maxi dress from Love Shack Fancy is 100% cotton and features a playful flounce at the bottom and roomy 3/4-length sleeves. The blue is the perfect shade for spring and features a feminine watercolor vine pattern. For a dressier look, pair it with heels as shown, or opt for summery flat for a more casual vibe — you can’t go wrong either way, making this a highly versatile option to add to your closet. Find it for $465 at Gus Mayer in Nashville.
Minnia maxi dress, $465, at Gus Mayer in Nashville | Image: Gus Mayer
If you are looking for a curated selection of local Southern businesses, all of which you can shop in-person or online, you can find it RIGHT HERE. Doesn’t it feel good to shop small? We think so, too!
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