Kids have a lot of reasons to get excited about spring — from warmer weather to play outside in, to the end of the school year, to not having to be bundled up every day (depending on what part of the country they live in). But moms are excited for spring, too. More time for kids to play outside and not tell them they're bored indoors, warmer weather, sunshine, and most importantly, seasonal fashion — notably, spring dresses.
Given how many occasions mom might have to attend this spring, from baby showers to parties or even going to work, there's always a need for a spring dress. Maybe a few. Luckily, these purchases don't have to break the bank. We found lots of fun spring dresses moms will love — all for under $40 — with cuts, styles, patterns, and colors to suit different occasions. Spring, and a new season of fashion, has sprung.
Psst: If you purchase an item from this post, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Plus Size Crepe Wrap Mini Dress
For a sophisticated but fresh look, try this peach wrap-style v-neck dress. It's comfortable and flattering, but light when things start to get warm. This one can be worn for virtually any occasion during the season.
Plus Size Crepe Wrap Mini Dress ($25, Forever 21)
Short Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses are magic pieces of clothing that can be dressed up or dressed down. Pair this green leaf pattern one with sandals and wear it to a baby shower or other event. Or, put on sneakers and wear it to run errands.
Short-Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress ($36, Walmart)
Floral Print Short Puff-Sleeve Babydoll Dress
Baby doll dresses are a staple because they're romantic and cute but also sexy as they show off the legs. That's the case with this puff-sleeve babydoll dress from Target. This one has a floral print pattern that's just right for spring.
Floral Print Short Puff Sleeve Babydoll Dress ($25, Target)
Sleeveless Square-Neck Corduroy Pinafore
Corduroy is a thicker fabric, but when made as a dress, like in this pinafore dress, it can be the perfect balance of cozy but also breezy, too. This one is a sage green that screams spring. It can be paired with a long or short-sleeved shirt.
Sleeveless Square Neck Corduroy Pinafore ($28, Target)
Off-the-Shoulder Button-Through Sundress
Sweet and simple, this off-the-shoulder button-front sundress is the perfect winter-to-spring transitional outfit. It has a ruffle top and buttons all the way down the center of the dress, which hits above the knees.
Off Shoulder Button Through Sundress ($24, ASOS)
Stradivarius Floral Print Wrap Mini Dress
Wrap dresses are another fun style and work well for spring as they give off light vibes. This one is in a pastel pink color with floral print, another ode to spring. The sleeves and slight v-neck are classic lines for a wrap dress. It's super comfortable.
Stradivarius Floral Print Wrap Mini Dress ($30, ASOS)
Plaid Pinafore Dress
Black and white plaid looks so fresh for spring and this A-line style give it chic picnic vibes. The zip front gives it just a touch of edginess. Pair it with a white or black tee underneath and a pair of sneakers for a cute and casual outfit.
Plaid Pinafore Dress ($28, Forever 21)
Floral Print Mini Dress
Get enough florals yet? We haven't. Flowers are one of the biggest signs of spring, so it makes sense spring dresses would feature them all over the place. This budget-friendly dress couldn't be any cuter.
Floral Print Mini Dress ($23, Forever 21)
Polka Dot Print Dress
Polka dots are on the rise this year, rivaling florals and plaid as the perfect spring pattern for the season. This one has a fit and flare shape with partially smocked back to help the fit around the bust. The cami straps are adjustable, too.
Polka Dot Print Dress ($23, Forever 21)
Donelle Button Back Dress
This dress is simple in the front and a party in the back, and by party we just mean it has surprise chic buttons down the back. The long sleeves mean this one will work for spring's chillier days when the weather hasn't quite warmed up.
Donelle Button Back Dress ($38, Francesca's)
Floral Wrap Front Sleeveless Dress
This pastel green floral wrap dress has the girly elements that feminine spring dress lovers can appreciate.The wrap style has a deep v-neckline as well as ruffles at the bottom of the skirt.
Floral Wrap Front Sleeveless Dress ($36, Nordstrom)
Floral Print Elbow Sleeve V-Neck Mini Dress
The baby blue background on this dress is just as perfect for spring as pink or green. This is a more casual style and has three-quarter sleeves for cooler spring days. The faux wrap and cinched waist give a flattering silhouette.
Floral Print Elbow Sleeve V-Neck Mini Dress ($25, Target)
Waist-Defined Keyhole Dress
Spring is the perfect time of year to wear dresses to work. This one would work so well at the office. It has sleeves but its a lighter springy color, but it's not too buttoned-up: There's a tiny keyhole just below the tie.
Waist-Defined Keyhole Dress ($35, Old Navy)
Plum Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress
This purple dress features three-quarter sleeves and flattering gathers at the front and back. It can be dressed up for events or for work. The color is also fun and isn't too bright but definitely a step up from winter's black and gray color palette.
Plum 3/4 Sleeve Dress ($23, Walmart)
Sleeveless Floral Fit & Flare Dress
Of course, any pastel works well for spring, but if there is a season to go bright with a dress, it's spring. This bright yellow sleeveless fit-and-flare dress is budget-friendly while also embracing the season perfectly. It comes in other bright floral patterns, too.
Sleeveless Floral Fit & Flare Dress ($35, JC Penney)
Fit & Flare Cami Midi Dress
Longer skirts are on trend, including longer skirts on dresses. Old Navy's cami-style fit-and-flare spring dress, featuring white, pink, and yellow flowers is the grown woman's version of a sundress.
Fit & Flare Cami Midi Dress ($40, Old Navy)
Surplice Floral Dress
This pink Venus dress screams fun and flirty with its bright pattern and deep-v neckline — but it's also classy with its short length sleeves. It's another versatile dress style that can be dressed up with heels or down with sandals.
Surplice Floral Dress ($39, Venus)
Midi Wrap Dress
Sage is a popular color for springtime, because it's soft but also cheerful. That's why it makes this midi wrap dress a perfect spring dress contender. The longer midi skirt gives this classic wrap dress a more modern take.
Midi Wrap Dress ($38, GAP)
V-Neck Button-Back Shift Dress
Not all spring dresses have to have flowers or lots of ruffles and frills. This light blue polka dot shift dress is simple but stylish. It has sleeves but isn't too frumpy as the hem sits above the knee (and it has a v-neck.) The buttons down the back and the shirt hem give this a little something to make it stand out.
V-Neck Button-Back Shift Dress ($18, Old Navy)
Ruffle-Front Mini Dress
Polka dot lovers, if we haven't satisfied the love for this pattern yet, we hope to with this black and white polka dot mini dress. The hem has ruffles for a fun touch and cap-style sleeves make it more flattering. Reviewers say it's comfy.
Ruffle-Front Mini Dress ($27, J.Crew)
