Nine Best Spring Dresses Under £60: Fashion Writer's Top Picks
As brighter mornings and longer evenings approach, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with cheerful spring dresses. From throw-on-and-go midis to holiday-ready minis, the high street is brimming with affordable fashion buys that look far more expensive than their price tags suggest.
As a fashion writer, my job involves hunting down the very best new-in styles from top UK retailers like Marks and Spencer, Next, New Look, and others. The best part? Shoppers don't have to spend a fortune to tap into this season's biggest trends. All my picks come in under £60, with some starting below the £30 mark.
Whether for garden parties, Easter Bank Holiday gatherings, or everyday wear, we've found something for every occasion and style. Expect puff sleeves, gingham checks, ditsy florals, and flattering shirred waists, with both colourful and muted palettes catered to.
M&S Gingham Puff Sleeve Midi Waisted Dress - £40
Gingham remains a perennial spring favourite, and this puff-sleeve midi from Marks and Spencer is poised to be a hit for 2026. Each year, the retailer releases a piece that goes viral on social media, and this could be it. Designed in a regular fit with a flattering smocked bodice, it gently defines the waist before falling into an elegant midi-length skirt. The voluminous short sleeves add a fashion-forward feel, while a keyhole button fastening at the back ensures a neat finish.
Available in sizes six to 24, its stretchy smocked bodice keeps it comfortable for all-day wear. However, while many M&S pieces typically come in three lengths, this is currently only available in regular, so petite or taller individuals might want to check measurements carefully.
River Island Red Linen Blend Shirred Midi Dress - £46
Nothing says warm weather quite like linen, and this red midi delivers with a breathable 55% linen and 45% viscose blend. This dress will likely see wear from spring into summer, as the fabric composition keeps things light and airy, though it may crease more easily—a good steamer can handle that.
The square neckline and short sleeves give it a modern silhouette, while the shirred back panel offers flexibility and comfort. Available in XS to XL, it's an easy statement piece thanks to its bold colour, with red as a colour trend showing no signs of fading.
Nobody’s Child Green Floral Elsie Midi Dress - £59
At the top end of our £60 budget, the Elsie midi from Nobody’s Child is romantic and relaxed. Featuring hand-drawn white florals, a square neckline, and flutter sleeves, it's feminine without feeling overly fussy. The elasticated waist and shirred back provide subtle shaping, while the tie-back detail allows wearers to tweak the fit.
The relaxed skirt ensures comfort, with the brand recommending customers stick to their usual size. If shoppers prefer a more structured silhouette, however, the softer skirt may feel a little floaty. At £59, it's pricier than some on this list, but the frock is more sustainable, with the ability to track its supply chain and impact through their Digital Product Passport, which eco-conscious shoppers will appreciate.
New Look Blue Square Neck Frilly Trim Midi Dress - £33.99
For under £35, this square-neck midi is one of the most affordable on our list—and it evokes major Wuthering Heights vibes. The waisted fit flatters the silhouette, while the frilly trim adds a playful finish. It's also available in black and khaki for those who prefer a more understated palette.
The simple design makes it an easy everyday option, though the lower price point may mean the fabric feels lighter than premium alternatives. Paired with some chocolate accessories, though, this dress can easily be elevated for day or night styling.
Next Pink Puff Sleeve Midi Dress - £49
Crafted from 100% cotton and fully lined, this puff-sleeve midi is reminiscent of a Tu Clothing dress that went viral in 2022—but more premium and updated. It has earned glowing reviews for its quality, with one commenter noting: “Lovely dress. I particularly like that it is made of cotton and not polyester. It is also fully lined and the style with puff sleeves and scoop neckline is very flattering. Excellent value and quality.”
Available in regular and tall fits, it caters well to different heights, but one reviewer noted it didn’t suit their figure, adding: “I love colour and material. Good quality but didn’t suit my figure, so I returned it.”
FatFace Grace Multi Confetti Floral Jersey Dress - £49.50
Light and floaty, this jersey mini is perfect for those who favour shorter hemlines. It boasts a flattering V-neckline, flutter sleeves, and a tiered skirt that lends a boho feel, complete with a vibrant ditsy print. It's available in both regular and petite lengths, making it a strong contender for shorter shoppers, too.
In a five-star review, one customer wrote: “Lovely summer dress fits well and flattering on. Love this year colours.” For reference, the dress comes in a light pink and darker red hue. While FatFace suggests styling with sandals, cowboy boots would work equally well for a trendy look.
Roman Ivory Spot Print Boat Neck Dress - £60
Right at the £60 mark, this spot-print flare dress offers a more polished feel, perhaps even reminiscent of styles worn by Princess of Wales Kate Middleton. The boat neckline lends a classic touch, while the flared silhouette creates a flattering shape.
Available in sizes 10–20, it's a chic option for work events or smarter occasions, though it's unusual for there to be an absence of sizes six or eight. The structured shape may feel dressier than everyday buyers need, and at the top of the budget, it's an investment compared to other picks.
ASOS DESIGN Crinkle Maxi Sundress - £36
I've been trying to reduce the number of clothes I buy this year, but I couldn’t resist this olive green crinkle dress from ASOS. The square neckline and sleeveless cut make it ideal for warmer days, while the shirred stretch panel makes it bloat-friendly.
At £36, it's one of the best-value options on this list, with the crinkle material being exceptionally travel-friendly. For cooler days, I've even styled it under a blouse to give the illusion of a skirt. The dropped waist creates a relaxed silhouette, though it may not define the waist as much as other styles on this list, with some favouring higher-waisted styles to better suit their shape.
Mango Printed Midi Dress – £29.99
If you're after a bargain, this polka dot midi at under £30 is hard to beat. Designed with a straight silhouette, V-neckline, and short sleeves, it offers a simple, fuss-free take on spring dressing. A side zip ensures a cleaner fit, and it's available in sizes four to 26, including plus sizes.
The minimalist cut makes it easy to dress up or down, though the straighter shape may not offer as much waist definition as smocked or shirred alternatives. Still, for sheer affordability and size inclusivity, it's one of the standout steals of the season—and polka dots never go out of style, either.
