Stiff, Business-Casual Shirtdresses Are Outdated This Spring

Forget spring cleaning — we're all about the spring wardrobe refresh. There's something so energizing about welcoming the turn of the seasons by unpacking all your warm-weather favorites. Of course, this also means evaluating last year's go-to garments to decide which ones are still beloved mainstays and which you can kiss goodbye to. It's not always easy to choose, but in 2024, one decision may get a little bit easier for on-trend fashionistas, as style forecasts indicate that shirtdresses have officially overstayed their welcome.

Ultimately, this slide from grace has been a long time coming. And while preppy fashion is poised to be big in 2024, ubiquitous shirtdresses are one preppy style we're happy to let go. After years of dominance in the spring and summer months, these extra-long button-ups have lost their novelty and are feeling a little tired and flavorless. Instead, we're looking for transitional dresses that capture all the same season-appropriate vibes — lightweight, flirty, brunch-appropriate — but introduce a fresh, edgy twist on spring standards. If setting aside shirtdresses leaves a hole in your spring rotation, consider some modern alternatives brimming with personality.

Want a fun and versatile substitute for shirtdresses? A-line minidresses are the structured frocks we're buying in 2024. These pieces have a lot to offer: a springy sensibility, a flirty silhouette, and many ways to dress them up or down. You can wear an A-line minidress with everything from knee boots to strappy sandals and from cropped denim jackets to chunky grandpa cardigans. If surrendering your shirtdresses means your closet lacks an all-occasions dress, an A-line mini could be the answer you're looking for.

Timelessness is one thing, but no one wants their outfit to be forgettable. So, this spring, set aside bland shirtdresses for certified statement pieces. After appearing on recent runways for fashion houses like Givenchy and Alexander McQueen, fringe is a confirmed trend for the fashion-forward. Whether you choose long and bohemian tassels for a sunny day out, short and punchy fringe for a sassy cocktail look, or knotted tassels for a quirky or avant-garde event, you can style these eye-catching, detailed dresses to suit countless occasions.

Sometimes, dressing for spring can be tricky as the weather swerves from warm to cool with little warning. That's why you need those all-important transitional pieces that can help you strike the balance between cozy and breezy. Enter our current athleisure favorite: the hoodie dress. This refreshingly casual style is in vogue for spring 2024, and it couldn't get any easier to pull off. Throw on a hoodie dress with your favorite sneakers or boots to run errands, meet friends, or indulge in a little retail therapy — all while exuding a cool, sporty attitude.

Metallics are hot right now, serving up shades of cool chrome, warm gold, and even glistening green. In keeping with the trend, we've spotted these shimmery, light-catching dresses on everyone from Emma Stone and America Ferrera to Taylor Swift, and you can bring home the look to your own spring wardrobe. To make a splash, pick a frock that pairs its metallic finish with bold hues or intricate styling. Or, for a more understated approach, use that metallic sheen to add interest to simple silhouettes and classic color palettes.

The return of warm temperatures means you can leave behind heavy layers, and when it comes to a daring, skin-baring take on dressing for spring, sheer garments are a recurring favorite. However, 2024 fashions are reimagining this trend, presenting mesh as the new must-have fabric for sheer looks. Plus, there are mesh variations for every style and aesthetic. Play with texture by replacing smooth, gauzy pieces with geometric, fishnet-style mesh, patterned and intricate crochet-like mesh, or even a grungy, uneven, and pulled-apart mesh look.