This Once-Hated Dress Trend is Suddenly All I Care About

If 2023 has taught me anything thus far, it’s to never say never. At the start of the year, I all of a sudden coming around to the idea of wearing voluminous full skirts, something I would have never been caught dead in before. And now that summer dressing is on my mind, there’s another surprising style bubbling up and it’s making me question everything I thought I knew. All of a sudden, I’m seeing fit-and-flare dresses start to trend and for once, I’m not opposed to the idea of wearing one. In fact, I’ve seen so many chic options that I’ve officially remove them from the list of things that are banned from my closet.

I’ll admit it, I was once a hater of fit-and-flare dresses. The fitted waist and full skirt shape just felt too sweet for my personal style, and yet here I am, writing my apology letter to the style. If you’re wondering But why now? the answer has to do with the new wave of fit-and-flare dresses I’m noticing. Instead of having volume on both the top and bottom, balanced only by a nipped-in waist, the styles on deck for 2023 offer a refined update with a completely fitted bodice and full skirt. Some of the standout dresses even qualify as drop-waist styles, another current favorite of mine. In other words, the styles you’re about to see are streamlined, minimal, and very chic.

Ahead, scroll through to shop the best fit-and-flare dresses of summer 2023 and glean some outfit inspiration along the way.