I Kind of Hate Dresses, But These 30 From Free People, J.Crew, and H&M Moved Me

I'm not sure if it's due to the hype of classic trousers or my recent style evolution, but dresses are hardly the thing I reach for when I want to feel my best. At least not anymore. There was once a time when I felt confident and most like myself in a pretty frock, but that sentiment is now reserved for loose, low-slung jeans and a tank top. That is until I came across the 30 dresses below.
To correct my current distaste toward the garment, I decided to search high and low at a few of my favorite retailers for the dresses that would hopefully make me fall back in love. I am happy to report that is exactly what happened. Thanks to the beautiful selection at Free People (by the way, don't forget to check out our Free People promo codes), H&M, and J.Crew, I found dresses that are not only pretty but also feel like me.
Free People
I love how this dress is styled here, but I would also dress it up with a simple kitten heel and statement necklace.
H&M
This dress can be styled in many ways, making it perfect to pack in a carry-on.
J.Crew
Resisting gingham in the summer should be a crime.
Just when I wasn't sure if the perfect white summer dress existed.
This light blue is the color that's been missing from my wardrobe.
Catch me wearing this to the next wedding I'm invited to.
Belted or not, this shirtdress makes for the perfect summer outfit.
This dress is tight on top and loose on the bottom, which is exactly how I like it.
Next: I Noticed French Women Don't Wear Denim Shorts Anymore—They Prefer These 6 Alts

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
This Stylish New Yorker Has Has Impeccable Taste—35 Chic Spring Picks That Have Her Attention
The dresses alone are gems.
-
PTO Is Calling—35 Revolve, J.Crew, and Nordstrom Items I'd Wear on Vacation
Shop top picks for building your dream vacation wardrobe.
-
The Curvy Girl's Guide to Finding Pants That Fit Flawlessly
Waist gap, begone.
-
I'm a Dress-Obsessed Fashion Editor—26 of the Chicest Picks I'm Eyeing From J.Crew's Major One-Day Sale
Up to 40% off.
-
My Fashion Editor Friend Swears By J.Crew Swimsuits—and They're Massively on Sale Right Now
Its swimwear is so good.
-
Chic Shopping Lists Are My Thing—31 Great Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, Banana Republic, Shopbop, and Ref
Jackets, dresses, flats, and more!
-
I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves Effortless Vacation Essentials—25 Gap Finds That Caught My Eye
Many are even on major sale.
-
37 Incredibly Chic Finds From J.Crew and Madewell That Are on Sale and in My Cart
From white dresses to linen pants.