The Best Dresses To Shop In May 2023

By Madeline Fass

No matter the occasion or season, there are always plenty of opportunities to wear a dress and, of course, an overwhelming amount of options from which to pick. And since there really is no bad time of year to invest in one, we’ve put together an edit of our favourite dresses you can shop this month. Check back every month for a new selection of styles, handpicked by Vogue.

By Emma Spedding

From the Met Gala to the coronation, May is packed with dress-worthy events. And with a new month comes another Vogue Shopping edit of the best styles on the market. Loewe's nonchalant summer dress (crafted in collaboration with Paula's Ibiza) is at the top of our shopping list, as is Saint Laurent's bold polka-dot minidress – we’ve curated a dress for every occasion.

With warmer temperatures on the rise, you can find a handful of silhouettes in linen; from mini to maxi, there's even a gown perfect for a destination wedding in a tropical locale. What's more, it wouldn't be May without a plethora of floral options, take your pick of garden party-worthy options like those by Rosie Assoulin, Bernadette, Erdem, and Dôen. From eyelet and embroidered day dresses to occasion-ready frocks, find something for everyone in our May dress edit, below.

A smocked bodice, a scalloped hem, embroidery, and a tiered skirt – what more could you want in a sundress?

No matter the forecast this spring, you can always expect sunshine with Ulla Johnson's Laetitia dress.

Erdem's poplin maxi is the epitome of spring and summer ease; with thin tied straps, a classic silhouette, and a floaty shape, this maxi will take you through the season in effortless style.

Float into summer with SIR.'s tiered maxi dress, perfect for any occasion from daytime wear to summer weddings.

Cos Atelier's newest collection showed a bold-coloured maxi complete with a small train. In lightweight linen, let this dress be your next summer-occasion look.

Oversized polka dots, long fluted sleeves, and an open back: Saint Laurent leaves us with the perfect summer-night dress.

Leave it to Loewe x Paula's Ibiza capsule to come up with the perfect destination-worthy dress, for the beach, dinner, and beyond.

In a modest, breezy silhouette made from silk taffeta, Max Mara's ruched long-sleeve dress is a lovely option for summer festivities.

Rosie Assoulin's corseted and exaggerated peplum-waist dress is an ethereal option for springtime soirees or events.

With a gauzy, feminine appeal, Holzweiler's blurred florals offer a subdued take on spring's preferred print.

Brides-to-be will love Reformation's ivory long-sleeve satin mini. Wear it over pants for a stylised look.

Take a pause from Dôen's prairie dresses with this one-shoulder printed midi instead.

In pretty white broderie anglaise and black bow-tied straps, Agua by Agua Bendita's empire-waist maxi oozes summer romance with nary a floral print.

Polo Ralph Lauren's brown-hued eyelet midi-dress is a wonderful alternative to white, without losing the essence of the warm-weather season.

In a simple silhouette but a playful floral print, Bernadette's minidress masters summer style in one fell swoop.

Combining a patchwork of a paisley bodice and crochet trim, Zimmermann's Devi maxi dress was made with summer in mind.

Sometimes, there's nothing better (or easier!) than a flowy white cotton maxi dress for summer. Loveshackfancy's is made of airy poplin and lace.

Puff sleeves and a delightful floral print: Alémais's pale green dress is superb for springtime.

With many more warm days ahead, an easy printed day dress from Hannah Artwear is the ideal option to throw on and go. Pair with sneakers or sandals.

A natural-coloured organic cotton is the perfect fabric for Raey's straight neckline maxi with skinny straps. Wide box pleats gives it room and movement for warm days.

Whether you have upcoming travel plans or not, Altuzarra's bohemian tie-dyed, puff-sleeved, and embellished midi will transport you somewhere new.

Let Staud's shirred poplin white midi dress be your canvas to endless spring-to-summer outfits. Its fuss-free silhouette will be a very versatile piece in the warm-weather wardrobe.

A smocked puff-sleeved dress gets a more romantic update with an off-the-shoulder silhouette. Cara Cara's whimsical print dresses are perfect for beach days, spring weddings, and everything in between.

Ruffled straps and a square neckline make Etro's marigold-printed maxi the quintessential dress for the season ahead.

In classic sundress fashion, Sea's tiered maxi has everything you want in a springtime dress, but its silk fabric makes it the perfect candidate for both weddings and events as well as daytime wear.

For those who seek comfort and style, look no further than Proenza Schouler's stretch-knit tank dress. Its fit and flare silhouette is a nice alternative to a floaty oversized sundress.

Dress with ease this spring with Zara's lightweight, long-sleeved midi. The dress provides more coverage without sacrificing staying cool.

Not all spring dresses need to be pastel or bright. Case in point: Apiece Apart's black-based one-shoulder number in a poppy floral print.

Crafted out of a base of silk and linen, Ferragamo's white shirt dress is a surefire way to achieve stylish, elevated day dressing.

For those days you need to throw on and go, Loulou Studio's denim shirtdress wears like you’re favourite shacket. Wear it with loafers now, and sandals later.

Inspired by Gabriela Hearst's pressed flower collection, the Mauri shirtdress showcases a floral garland print on silk.

In fine and soft cable knit, Etro's playful polo maxi can be easily dressed up or down for spring/summer, making it the ideal candidate to take on your next trip.

Master spring city dressing with a shirt dress that moves with you. All-over pleats in a blooming hue feel just right for now.

A familiar slip dress silhouette gets a more functional feel. Instead of using precious silk or satin, Tibi's slip dress opts for practical nylon instead.

A modern silhouette with a minimalist colour palette, Anna Quan's elongated bodice maxi is a lovely option for office dressing.

Zimmermann's signature ruffled wrap dress silhouette now comes this sweet floral print option. In a more breathable (read carefree) linen versus the usual silk, it leaves us with the quintessential spring dress.

Did you love our non-jean jean story? Then Massimo Dutti's denim lookalike dress made from linen is for you.

Complete with sailor stripes, broderie trim, and (best of all!) pockets, Weekend Max Mara's sheath dress is the classic sundress of the season.

A lovely option for spring wedding ceremonies or special occasions, Adam Lippes's modest silhouette offers florals for spring in an elegant fashion.

With dainty, lingerie straps, a square ’90s neckline, and tiny little rosettes, there's a lot to love about Khaite's Sicily slip dress.

Every spring/summer wardrobe needs a white dress and a versatile one at that. Simkhai's maxi is both effortlessly chic and perfectly floaty and can be worn in numerous ways.

Tank top season is upon us! Here's Loewe's sought-after logo tank in midi dress version.

Let's be honest, there's nothing more quintessential than a floral dress for spring, and Dries Van Noten's SS23 collection was a perfect display of beautiful modern blooms.

Achieve the ultimate Canadian tuxedo with two of spring's most wanted denim trends (the shacket and the midi skirt) all in one piece.

You might miss the subtle details of Derek Lam 10 Crosby's black day dress at first glance. But take another look, and you’ll notice its elevated twisted front. A modern touch on a classic silhouette.

A soft sky-blue gingham print acts as the backdrop for Acne Studio's breezy pastel florals in this tie-strap satin maxi.

Leave it to Balenciaga to bring the drama to otherwise retro-style polka-dots with extra long flowing sleeves and sharp all-over pleating.

Make a stylish statement in Sportmax's khaki-coloured minidress, with its keyhole sleeves and pointed collar.

You can't go wrong with a printed midi shirtdress for the office and beyond. Rohe's black and white print is both modern and professional.

In an ultra-fluid and comfortable jersey fabric, Rosetta Getty's twisted long-sleeve maxi is an effortless way to dress this spring and beyond. Take this dress along with you to all of your spring and summer travels.

For those who can't get enough of bohemian prairie dress prints, Ceffin's ruffled maxi is the perfect style for you this month.

One of the newer names on the New York Fashion Week calendar is Puppets and Puppets; their zip-front rose print dress offers a colourful take on the stem for spring.

An oversized collar and belt, and ties along the sleeves, are just a few of the details that separate Sea's denim midi dress from the rest.

Exclusive to MatchesFashion, designer Elizabeth Stott's white crepe midi can be worn with or without its long sleeves, proving to be a versatile investment piece for spring.

For a sophisticated take on the lady dress, look no further than Rosie Assoulin's capped-sleeve woven check midi.

Milan Fashion Week street style stars couldn't get enough of Prada's spring 2023 collections’ paper-based floral print this season; shop this fresh-cut green iteration as seen on Susie Lau.

The utility shirtdress is a familiar favourite from minimalist label Co, and this season the brand has introduced its signature in a bright poppy hue.

In a rich brown silk satin, Reformation's button-front twisted shirt dress can take you from daytime to date night.

Joseph's silk and cotton blend dress is the ideal day dress this season. With a smooth feel, comfortable silhouette, and neutral print, expect to wear this one on repeat.

Dries Van Noten's mix of florals from the spring 2023 collection can be found on this gauze-y layered strapless number. Quite the easy addition to your suitcase for that resort getaway.

When it comes to the springtime wardrobe, a striped shirt dress is the ultimate classic.

Kick-off spring and drift into summer with Merlette's pale blue frock, featuring a sweetly smocked bodice and a breezy gathered midi-length skirt.

Add dimension via Proenza Schouler White Label's black and ivory floral print. The monochrome palette is a perfect balance with its feminine halter silhouette.

Invites rolling in? Consider Victoria Beckham's pink fluttered sleeve midi dress for any spring soiree. Keep things fresh each time by switching up your footwear, clutch, or glam.

Your go-to winter tweed gets a spring-ready refresh with Self Portrait's belted and button-embellished mini.

A new season brings fresh material. Staud's maxi Millie dress is a wonderful natural linen option for the months ahead.

Despite having a slit size cut-out, LouLou Studio's Copan dress makes up for its revealed waistline with a more modest sleeveless and midi silhouette.

Why decide between a skirt, T-shirt, or day dress when you don't have to?

We don't see prints or patterns much from minimalist label, Toteme, but when you do, you can expect them to be understated and ultra-wearable like the floral slouch waist maxi.

With an asymmetric hem, move swiftly and softly into spring in Acne Studios’ satin midi dress in a pale shade of pink.

Another Tomorrow's dress brings a feminine flair to the staple shirt dress silhouette with a nipped waist and voluminous yet cuffed sleeves.

Let Altuzarra's blue tortoise print McKenny dress be your newest go-to for the office and beyond.

One of the more prominent themes of the spring collections was a sense of utility, displayed here via Max Mara's khaki drawstring waist dress.

In addition to a variety of silhouettes, it's good to have several washes in your repertoire when it comes to denim, and this spring, we’re applying that to dresses, too.

Let Dries Van Noten's floral patchworks from the spring 2023 runway collection inspire all of your blooming prints in the new season ahead.

There's always an occasion for a little black dress; we love this unique iteration with a sweetheart neckline by Proenza Schouler.

For a polished look this February and beyond, look no further than Gabriela Hearst's versatile belted shirt dresses. Wear with black leather knee-high boots now and espadrille sandals, later.

If comfort and warmth are still important to you this month, consider Mara Hoffman's piped body-clinging ribbed knit dress for your Valentine's Day outfit.

Start your February off with a logo-fied bang, as Pierpaolo Piccioli did when opening his spring 2023 Valentino ready-to-wear collection. The V-logo print appeared in the first look of the show and has captured our hearts ever since.

Lean into the lingerie-inspired trend with Simone Rochas's feminine spin on the chemise. A fashion nightgown, if you will!

With just the right amount of colour and an understated amount of stripes, this short-sleeved knit midi from Wales Bonner is the everyday dress you won't grow tired of wearing over and over again.

A sleeveless and draped close-fitting bodice makes an ideal winter-friendly night-out dress with a pair of heels and a faux fur coat. Meanwhile, the bouclé texture and turtleneck silhouette can be a great item to layer into your daytime look, too.

Dress for the month of love with a Christopher John Roger pink ribbed knit dress. It's the perfect way to look a bit festive on the 14th day of the month (but also every other day!)

Velvet dresses might be deemed too heavy for a spring transition, but there's something about 3.1 Phillip Lim's lightly coloured crushed velvet option that feels just right for now.

Give as much or as little stylish structure to your regular old shirt dress with Zara's adjustable drawstring corded waist.

Make a bold statement in a solid red cargo dress by Matthew Bruch. Its lighter-weight linen fabric will be handy when spring hits.

Worn from front to back or back to front, Balenciaga's buttoned blush tweed midi brings a modern approach to what can usually be considered a conservative fabric.

The classic blue poplin work shirt receives an elegant update, with a cinched waist, pleated skirt, and oversized collar.

Roses are red, violets are blue; La DoubleJ's flirty puff-sleeved maxi dress is perfect for you.

By Emma Spedding

By Emma Spedding

By Alex Kessler