Your summer wardrobe isn't complete without a flirty fruit-print dress. (Gap Factory/Abercrombie & Fitch/LOFT/J.Crew Factory)(Gap Factory/Abercrombie & Fitch/LOFT/J.Crew Factory)
Florals may dominate the spring, but this summer it will be all about the fruit prints. From high-end department stores like Bloomingdale's to budget-friendly retailers like Marshall’s, lemons, cherries and peaches are everywhere. During a recent trip to Boston, I stopped in T.J.Maxx and I couldn’t believe how many fruit-print dresses I saw on the racks — and said as much to the salesperson. She shared they were getting lots of similar styles in and people were scooping them up like crazy, even noting that they were selling out in March when it was still too cold to wear a lightweight dress.
Now that the warm weather has arrived, it's time to add a fruit-print dress — or two? — to your closet. They're fun, whimsical and easy for anyone to wear. Whether for a day at the office or a nice event like a wedding or baby shower, there are plenty of different options to suit every occasion.
Want a bite of this sweet trend? Check out the editor-approved picks below starting at just $20.
Abercrombie shoppers cannot stop raving about this bestselling midi dress. It's got hundreds of five-star reviews and people who've purchased it say the fit is spot-on and they feel great in it. And if you're one of those people who won't buy a dress without pockets, good news: It has 'em.
"This is my second time buying this dress, in a different color. Its fit is extremely flattering and the material is comfortable," one fan wrote. Another buyer echoed the fit kudos, noting that they "especially love the thicker straps! I plan on dressing this up with wedges or heels and down with sneakers. The cherry print is so cute."
The halter neckline of this lemon-print dress beautifully frames the collarbone, while the pretty yellow and green print will look great against sun-kissed skin.
Throw this stunner on with sandals and a white denim jacket and you've got a flawless outfit for a weekend lunch with friends or exploring a new city on vacation — just like this Italy-bound reviewer, who shared: "This summer dress fits perfectly and is super comfortable. I'm going to wear it in Positano, where lemons are a big deal."
Available in both regular and petite lengths, this eye-catching dress has adjustable straps and pockets. The linen-blend fabric is ideal for hot summer temps and it's machine-washable. Keep this frock looking laid-back with flat sandals or white sneakers, or take it up a notch with heels and statement earrings.
Made from 100% cotton, this breathable lemon-print pick won't trap heat on sweltering summer days. The bodice is smocked at the back, which gives it stretch to accommodate larger busts, and the adjustable straps let you customize the fit to your liking. Choose from regular, petite and tall lengths in sizes XS-XXL.
Does it get any more "rich mom" than this elegant long-sleeve maxi dress? Luckily, you don't need to be rolling in the dough to add this standout style to your wardrobe. It's $50 at Nordstrom Rack and still available in all sizes.
If you're worried about your undies showing through the white fabric, rest assured. I tried this dress on in-store with nude undergarments and they were totally undetectable.
If the idea of keeping a white or light-colored dress clean at summer BBQs is just too stressful, go for this navy blue cherry-print design. It's made from machine-washable cotton, and the elastic waist adds definition for a flattering fit. The V-neckline isn't too low or revealing, and yes, it has pockets.
If you're looking for a deal that's just too good to pass up, this sweet mini dress is more than $50 off at J.Crew when you use code SHOPSALE at checkout. There are still five sizes available and shoppers say it fits true to size, although some wish the straps were adjustable. And though the fabric feels soft and luxe like silk, it's machine-washable.
Not afraid to show off your great gams? Then grab this lined, linen-blend mini dress while it's down to just $35 (from $90!). If black is more your (cherry) jam, that option is also a good deal at $44.
"Very cute dress. Love the neckline and cap sleeves. The fabric is quality and the fit super," one fashionista wrote. Another touted how wonderfully the dress "wraps around my curves!"
This is one of the fruit-print dresses I tried on in Boston and I loved it. The material is lightweight and flowing, and the silhouette is slimming and not at all tent-like. I had no room in my suitcase for more clothes during that trip, but this baby is currently sitting in my T.J.Maxx shopping cart waiting to be purchased. I plan on packing it for my family's annual summer beach vacation to Martha's Vineyard.
Need a dress for a formal event this summer? This head-turning tiered dress is sure to garner lots of compliments. Shoppers who've snagged it say "the quality is phenomenal," and it's "comfortable, breezy [and] cute." Some warn it can run small, so consider sizing up.
If you're ready to embrace color after a long, dreary winter, then this is the dress for you. Covered in vibrant yellow lemons and rich purple grapes, this is like an instant hit of dopamine.
The shirt-dress silhouette is incredibly flattering on many body types. There's definition at the waist, while the full skirt hangs beautifully over your lower half. Pair this dress with heels if you're feeling fancy or with flats for a more easygoing vibe.
A steal at just $20, you don't even have to think twice about adding this maxi to your wardrobe. The lightweight material and loose, flowy cut are ideal on humid, sticky days, and the side pockets are always a bonus. Another special detail? The hi-lo hem, which means your cute summer shoes — and fresh pedi — get some shine too.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
