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20 chic dresses for spring and how to wear them, according to a style expert

All you'll need is a pair of sandals to match.
/ Source: TODAY

With the warmer weather, we couldn't think of a better excuse to start updating our wardrobe for the new season. While sunnier days mean it's time to break out sandals and swimsuits, we can't think of anything better (or easier) than throwing on our favorite spring dresses.

Style expert Melissa Garcia stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to talk about four trends in dresses for any spring occasion. She shares her favorite ways to wear them and shows us what accessories work best to complete the look.

Keep reading to see all of the chic spring styles we found that are perfect for the season, from bold colors to edgy cutouts.

Best spring dresses as seen on TODAY

Bold and bright

Zara Satin Dress

Making a comeback this spring is the '90s-inspired slip dress. This satin dress from Zara is both simple and elegant. Bold and vibrant color options make what is an understated dress a statement.

Electric Picks Amour Necklace

Garcia says to dress it down with your favorite turtleneck, or dress it up with heels and dainty jewelry. This Electric Picks 14-karat gold Amour necklace is one option with a thin chain and heart accent charm.

Cut-out

Abercrombie & Fitch High-Neck Open Back Midi

With the warm weather, cut-out dresses are trending this spring and summer. The placement and minimal size cut-outs on this Abercrombie & Fitch midi is perfect for those looking to not show too much skin. The rest of the dress is chic and modest, making it easy to wear for many occasions.

Electric Picks Harden Anklet

According to Garcia, less is more with this trend and you'll want to stick to understated jewelry, like an anklet. This Electric Picks chain anklet is both bold and simple and features a 14-karat gold plating.

Electric Picks Leo Anklet

If you're looking for a simpler option, the Leo has a thinner chain. Pair it with your favorite sandal or heel to complete the look.

Halter neckline

New York & Company Coralie Maxi Dress

Garcia says halters are a must-have for spring. Not only is a halter flattering for most body types, it also draws the eye up to showcase your face. Hit two trends in one with this floral maxi dress that features a halter neckline and a bold and bright print.

Kendra Scott Diane Silver Statement Earrings

To complete the dress, Garcia says to keep it simple and picked out these mother-of-pearl Kendra Scott earrings. With the neutral hue, they compliment the print and really shine with a halter neckline.

Asymmetrical

Asos Design One-Shoulder Dress

While Garcia's pick is sold out, you can still look fashion-forward with this edgy one-shoulder dress. We love how the bold yellow shade and flowers give it the perfect touch of spring.

Kendra Scott Maggie Hoop Earrings

Garcia chose another simple, statement hoop earring for this vibrant look. These Kendra Scott oversized hoops come in three different metallic colors and feature a detailed pattern for an extra touch.

Top-rated spring dresses

Universal Thread Sleeveless Dress

Loungewear isn't going anywhere, but every once in a while, we feel like changing out of our leggings and slipping into something a bit more fun. Universal Thread's sleeveless dress is getting us pretty excited about ushering in a new season, especially since it comes in a range of colors and prints.

Yundai Polka Dot Swing Dress

Pretty in polka dots! This flirty dress is available in both long and short sleeves, making it perfect for a transitional season like spring. The stretchy fabric and pull-on design make this a cozy option that's perfect to wear while you're working from home or out running errands, and we simply adore the flowing silhouette.

Nine West Knot-Waist T-Shirt Dress

Talk about an upgrade from your basic T-shirt. This midi tee dress from Nine West adds a feminine flair to an otherwise casual look and can easily be transitioned from spring to summer — and then repurposed once again in the fall. A knotted waist adds a playful vibe while the cap sleeves offer some coverage.

Gap Tie-Belt Print Dress

The animal print is enough to make this dress a statement piece in any wardrobe. However, we're loving the front slant pockets for functionality and the tie belt for a flattering silhouette.

PrettyGarden Backless Halter Maxi Dress

Animal print is one of those designs that seems to transcend seasons and works during just about any time of year. Still, PrettyGarden has us looking forward to warmer times with this flowy, summer vacation-inspired leopard print maxi dress (that also comes in over a dozen other colors).

Banana Republic Smocked Crinkled Dress

Look lovely in a bold print this season! This trendy mini dress from Banana Republic can be dressed up or down with a simple pair of heels or flats.

Maisie Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress

Floral prints can come off as loud sometimes, but Maisie struck the perfect balance between sunny and sophisticated with this midi dress. It's easy to dress up or down, and we're already picturing completing the look with a denim jacket and sandals.

BP. Paisley Flutter Sleeve V-Neck Dress

As the temperature starts to warm up, we recommend easing into spring with longer dresses that offer a bit more coverage. This flutter sleeve piece hits just above the knee and has a sassy keyhole back that gives a little edge to the sweet style. As if that wasn't enough, it's also made from 100 percent Lenzing EcoVero viscose, which is a fiber pulp made from renewable wood sources that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Madewell Ruffled Pleat-Sleeve Mini Dress

This stylish mini dress is giving us all of the vintage vibes. It's only available online, so we suggest grabbing it while you can.

O'Neill Reid Multi Stripe Button-Up Midi Dress

This breezy midi dress can be worn all the way through summer with a chic pair of espadrilles. Throw on some statement shades and consider yourself ready for brunch, a beach day and every warm-weather activity in between.

Gap Denim Shirt Dress with Washwell

Three cheers for denim in the spring! This versatile knee-length shirt dress is made of an ultra-soft cotton material and has stylish details — like a curved hemline — that adds a bit of polish. Still, our favorite aspect is the fact that it's machine-washable!

Lulus Flourishing Feelings Midi Dress

We haven't had many opportunities to celebrate special occasions in person over the past year, but brighter days are on their way, and we're certainly ready to show off a new statement dress or two — like this midi dress from Lulus! The stunning frock comes in a pretty pink floral print and features elegant puffy sleeves that add a sweet touch of feminine detail.

Everlane The Smock Maxi Dress

Smocked bodices are in right now, and this maxi dress from Everlane makes for a figure-flattering way to pull off the trend. Since the dress is made from triacetate, it has a subtle amount of sheen to it, which also makes it breathable for those warmer days.

Coolibar UPF 50+ Cannes Tunic Dress

Straight from one of the leading brands in sun protective clothing, this tasteful tunic dress offers both fashion and function. The UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98% of UV rays, so you can safely enjoy the outdoors next season.

Lululemon All Yours Tank Maxi Dress

Don't want to kiss athleisure goodbye? This dress from Lululemon has you covered, made from a four-way stretch material similar to the feel of your favorite leggings. Wear it alone or throw a plain white T-shirt underneath for an extra layer.

Anthropologie Elyse Bias Slip Dress

Springtime weather can range from sunny and warm to rainy and cold, so we always gravitate towards dresses we can easily layer this time of year. This pretty slip dress looks fabulous when worn with a tough leather jacket and booties or can look playful with a white T-shirt and sneakers. The slinky silhouette features a cowl neckline and side slit and comes in six colors.

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