Buying Guide for Floral Dresses
Why buy a floral dress?
Floral dresses are incredibly versatile. You can transition a floral dress from day to night by adding a leather or bomber jacket, knee-high boots, and a bold lip. You can also wear floral dresses with heels and a tailored blazer to the office.
What should you look for in a floral dress?
- Material: Floral dresses are often made of flowy, lightweight materials like chiffon or cotton. They’re usually breathable to be easy to wear in the warmer months. The great thing about these materials is that they’re often affordable and machine washable, so you can find a beautiful floral dress that won’t break the bank and that’s easy to toss in the washer at the end of the day.
- Style: From beachy maxi dresses to flirty mini dresses, there’s a style for almost everyone. Maxi lengths make great vacation dresses and provide full coverage while still being flowy and feminine. A floral wrap dress that ties at the waist adds soft definition to the body by cinching in the waist and billowing out at the hips for an hourglass shape. Strapless or backless options also add a subtle hint of sexiness to a classically feminine silhouette.
- Pattern: Wearing a dress with a bold floral pattern can be intimidating to some, but there are plenty of options with more subdued floral prints. If you prefer making a fashion statement, picking a floral dress in a vibrant color can instantly brighten up your look. If you prefer a more subtle pattern, there are plenty of floral dresses in neutral colors that will make you look and feel confident without drawing too much attention.
How do you wash a floral dress?
Most floral dresses are machine washable as long as you wash them on a cool, delicate setting with like colors. Because floral dresses are often made of delicate materials that are light and soft to the touch, they can be prone to shrinking. If your dress is made of fragile materials, hand washing with care is essential to prevent shrinking or stretching. To handwash, simply wash your dress with a gentle detergent and cool water, and hang it dry.
Our Picks for the Best Floral Dresses
Pros: This boho and beachy wrap dress comes in a wide variety of bold colors and prints. Available in sizes from small to XXL, this dress is made of 100% rayon that’s machine washable and has an easy-to-wear tie closure. This dress has a classically feminine wrap style that ties at the waist. It also has a flattering v-neck that shows off your neckline and collarbone, and the length hits a couple of inches above the knee, so it’s perfect for a night out on the beach.
Cons: The fabric is a bit sheer, so you may need to wear a slip underneath it. This dress is prone to shrinking after washing, so paying attention to the washing instructions is essential.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a chic floral dress to wear to the beach or on a picnic, this is the pick for you. The floral pattern is vibrant and bold, and the short sleeves and mini length are perfect for dancing or vacationing in.
Pros: This chic and sexy backless maxi dress is perfect for those who like to show a little skin. It’s available in plus and standard sizes, and it comes in a variety of beautiful prints and colors. It’s made with a breathable and lightweight chiffon material, and it has a plunging neckline with spaghetti straps that can be tied in several ways. It also has a flattering high waist and a leg slit to show off your shoes.
Cons: This dress is hand wash only. The material is also thin and sheer.
Bottom Line: You’re sure to be the center of attention in this glamorous show-stopping dress. The maxi length hits the floor, adding subtle drama to the silhouette. The spaghetti straps and backless design also make it fun, sexy, and flattering.
Pros: This fun and flirty dress comes in a wide variety of colors and prints, and it’s available in sizes small to XXL. It’s strapless, so it beautifully showcases your collarbones, and the length hits right above the ankles. It’s made of machine-washable rayon that’s lightweight and breathable, and it has a flowy tiered skirt that’s soft and feminine. This dress looks great on most body types and provides comfortable all-day wear.
Cons: This dress is unlined, so you may need to wear a slip underneath it.
Bottom Line: The vintage-inspired floral print and strapless bodice give this dress a soft and romantic silhouette. This dress is the perfect pick for beach weddings, vacations, or picnicking.
Pros: This sophisticated sundress is a great pick. It’s available in sizes small to XXL and comes in a wide variety of unique colors and patterns. It’s made of machine-washable 95% cotton and 5% spandex that’s lightweight, stretchy, and soft to the touch. It has a subtle v-neck, and the length hits right at the knee, so it can even be worn to the office. This dress is sure to flatter, and it’s a great pick for someone who prefers dresses that don’t show too much skin.
Cons: The sizing is inconsistent depending on the color you choose, so it’s important to pay attention to the size chart. You may also need to size up if you’re tall.
Bottom Line: If you prefer polished looks, this elegant sundress is the one for you. It’s chic, sophisticated, and can easily be worn to the office. It’s also soft and breathable, so it’s perfect for all-day wear.
Pros: This elegant gown is ideal for formal occasions. It has lovely flowers printed along the bottom and around the torso to add some color and life to the dress. It’s floor-length and has a sleek v-neck. Plus, you get a classy outfit for an event at a super affordable price.
Cons: The skirt is floor-length, so you may need to hem it if you’re petite. It also runs small in the bust area, so you may need to size up if you have a larger chest.
Bottom Line: This sophisticated gown is perfect for weddings and other formal events. The floor-length skirt gives the dress a timeless silhouette.
Final Thoughts
Floral dresses are fun, flirty, and feminine. They can instantly elevate your look and are ideal for warm-weather wear. If you’re looking for a nice floral dress, these selections will make great additions to your wardrobe.
