So I get an email this weekend from Nordstrom informing me that the new spring dresses are coming in, and I have to admit, my excitement about warmer weather tends to be tempered a bit with, oh man…please tell me it’s not a pencil dress year. And that peplums have died a slow, painful death. Yep, I’ve got hips. And we curvy girls live for those years that A-lines are in style, or as the department stores are calling them now: fit-and-flare dresses.
(Which I still see as kind of like A-line, only sometimes more hourglass. In fact, lots of dresses are placed in both categories, so basically, just learn those two terms if you’re trying to figure out what kinds of dresses to search for.)
So yay for these 8 awesome fit and flare dresses for spring in all different price ranges. I think they’d all get me out of my solid black dress rut, even if I don’t go full on pastel florals.
I think they will make a lot of women — me included — look and feel absolutely amazing, whether you’re at work, out with friends, or on a much-needed date night.
Oh, and yes, you can wear a bra with all of them. You’re welcome, moms.
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Related: Chic women’s rain boots for spring: Staying stylish, not soggy
Vince Camuto A-Line Crepe Dress
This is a nice, basic style that can go from day to night so easily, and comes in a many great colors. I think it would look nice with high boots if you’re still covering up your pasty winter legs, but throw on some strappy heels and big fun earrings for a nighttime look. ($148)
Ottoman Knit Fit and Flare Dress (under $100!)
Wow, that’s a winning price for what could be a seriously workhorse wardrobe staple. There are four seasonal colors available including a fun tangerine and a basic black. But if I had to push myself out of black, just a bit, I might go for this pretty blue that would look gorgeous with all skin tones. It also comes in petite sizes for those of you who are…not me. ($99)
DVF Citra Sleeveless Fit and Flare Dress ($398)
DVF is pricey, but she really knows how to cut for a curvy woman, making her dresses the ones that you wear absolutely forever. I still am wearing DVF dresses I bought in the late ’90s! Insane right? This style would be no exception — a classic, timeless shape that still feels contemporary, especially in that gorgeous navy.
Lilly Pulitzer Cove Knit Fit and Flare Dress
I couldn’t believe it was Lilly Pulitzer either! It’s like the perfect, flattering shape for so many figures, in a contemporary fabric that picks up both of the pastel-y 2016 Pantone colors. Dresses like this are made for cardigan-type layering, but I could totally see edging it up with a cropped moto jacket. ($158)
Kate Spade NY Horizontal Stripe Fit and Flare Dress
Ready for patterns? Kate Spade nails it with this mod dress, and yes fellow curvy girls, you too can wear horizontal stripes. Fear not the stripes! That boat neck makes it more interesting than other fit and flare dresses, the 3/4 sleeve keeps it springy, and I love the slightly shorter length. I could totally see this over tights right now, then transitioning to bare legs when the thermometer creeps up. ($260)
Kate Spade NY Stripe Knit Fit and Flare Dress
If you really want something knockout to update your spring wardrobe, I am totally in love with this second option from Kate Spade. The contrasting stripes are fun and a little edgy! I do wish the neckline was more v-shaped for me, personally, but the higher neckline — as with all of these dresses — probably gives you more options if you work out of the house or have lots of fancy invitations to dinners and thing, unlike the rest of us who are home binge-watching House of Cards. ($378)
Eliza J Fit and Flare Floral Dress
If you’re up for taking a big hard leap into spring florals, this is a great look! The colors just make me happy, while the larger floral print is so on trend. It feels reminiscent of the photo-real prints that have been in for a while now only without the kitsch factor of puppies or donuts. ($158)
Vince Camuto Floral Fit and Flare Dress
I’m having a total “hide the winter tricep flab” thing right now and if you know just what I’m talking about, check out this great Vince Camuto fit and flare dress. The cut is really forgiving, and that bold floral print is perfect for those of us who want a slightly more urban look. Just one caveat: I think you need great legs to pull this off, since there’s pretty much no skin anywhere else. Still, I could see this being the kind of dress you get for one occasion in particular, and then end up wearing all the time. Which is the best kind of purchase, isn’t it? ($148)
You can find all these dresses at our affiliate Nordstrom with free shipping. But Nordstrom, just a note: Where are all the models of color? #NordstromSoWhite. Just saying.
