It's that time of year again when the weather just can't make up its mind. From beaming sunshine to chilly winds, the months between winter and spring are the most challenging to dress for.
Finding those timeless transitional pieces that work for every season is key for this time of year – and we're starting with dresses. The easiest way to build up a capsule collection is to find the kinds of dresses that are versatile enough to wear with trainers but can be layered with long coats and boots during the cooler days.
- Best for daywear: H&M Denim Dress, £32.30 / $44.99
- Best for evening wear: Reformation Shyla Polka Dot Dress, £248 / $248
- Best floral dress: M&S Floral Print Pleat Detail Midi Tea Dress, £55 / $96.99
- Best spotty dress: River Island polka dot dress, £46 / $86
How to style a transitional dress
The perfect transitional dress will look just as stylish with knee-high boots and leather jackets as your go-to white trainers. Dark neutrals are versatile for between-season dressing, but florals and statement prints can still pair well with your accessories.
How I chose the best transitional dresses for spring
- Variety: From slinky evening dresses to printed daywear styles, I've picked out dresses suitable for every occasion, and all of them will work well with just about everything in your wardrobe this spring.
- Price: Building a capsule wardrobe doesn't need to break the bank, which is why I've selected dresses at a range of price points.
- Trending: While plenty of dresses on the list are on-trend right now, I've been sure to select timeless pieces that will see you through the new season and beyond.
1/8
M&S Floral Print Pleat Detail Midi Tea Dress
© M&S- Sizes: 6-24
- Colours: Black floral
Editor's Note: "M&S's printed midi dress is so flattering with its figure-skimming cut that falls into a relaxed skirt. Complete with short sleeves, it's one you'll want to wear for every occasion during spring. I'd recommend styling it with red ballet flats and chunky gold jewellery for a chic finish."
2/8
Nobody's Child Black Floral Benita Midi Dress
© Nobody's Child- Sizes: 6-18
- Colours: Black
Editor's Note: "A ditsy floral print is a timeless trend suitable for every season, and this black Nobody's Child number is one you'll buy now and wear and all year round. It has a relaxed skirt, with a round neckline. The midi would look just as stylish paired with strappy heels as it would with knee-high boots."
3/8
H&M Denim Dress
© H&M- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Denim
Editor's Note: "Denim dresses go hand in hand with transitional dressing, as they can be worn alone or easily layered with tights and jumpers on cooler days. I'd recommend choosing white socks and a pair of mesh ballet flats for a preppy workwear look, or opt for trainers and a chunky cardigan over the shoulders for a more laid-back finish."
4/8
Mint Velvet Black Floral Print Midi Dress
© Mint Velvet- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Ivory
Editor's Note: "Mint Velvet's gorgeous black floral midi is at the top of my wishlist. It has a high neckline, fluted sleeves, and a tierred skirt that pulls in the waist with its gathered detailing. The dress looks chic for spring - I'll be wearing mine with strappy black sandals for a sprint wedding."
5/8
ASOS x Glamorous Square Neck Puff Sleeve Midaxi Dress
© ASOS- Sizes: 6-22
- Colours: Navy
Editor's Note: "Navy is a great transitional shade, and ASOS's navy square neck midi can be worn in so many ways. Whether you're teaming it with heels and a matching clutch for nights out or opting for socks and sliders along with an oversized jumper, the wearable midi will be a firm staple in any capsule wardrobe."
6/8
New Look Pink Floral Print Satin Midi Dress
© New Look- Sizes: 6-22
- Colours: Pink/red
Editor's Note: "Florals are set to be a top trend for the new season. New Look's slinky pink/red floral dress has an elegant cut-out back and lightly skims the body to a midi length. Opt for pink or red shoes and a clutch for a special occasion."
7/8
Reformation Shyla Polka Dot Dress
© Reformation- Sizes: 4-16
- Colours: Multiple
Editor's Note: "If you're looking for a dress to repeat-wear throughout spring and summer, Reformation's black and white polka dot dress may be worth the investment. It has a v-neckline with an A-line skirt, and it's the ultimate dress for day-to-night. Style it with an oversized blazer and cute Mary Jane shoes like the model."
8/8
River Island Polka Dot Dress
© River Island- Sizes: 6-18
- Colours: Black/White
Editor's Note: "When it comes to transitional occasion dressing, River Island's shirred polka dot dress is the one. It has a round neckline and long sleeves, finished with a cool polka dot print that would look beyond stylish with a pair of neutral heels and delicate jewellery."
