There's something about getting a new birthday dress that just makes me happy. Truth be told, I don't look forward to my birthday as much as I used to, but having something cute to wear for it certainly increases my excitement. (For the record, it's my birthday month, and I purchased a new dress this morning.) Obviously, you don't have to wear a dress on your birthday, but if that's the plan, you've come to the right place.
Unlike dresses for other occasions, a birthday dress can be whatever you want it to be—no dress code consideration required. It should be special and eye-catching enough to ensure that you're the main character because you literally are. I spent much of my day today turning the internet upside down in search of the most birthday-worthy dresses I could find. Even if your birthday is 11 months away, enjoy shopping a great roundup of dresses for any fun occasion in your future.
Mango
A-Line Dress
Bubble hems are perfect for birthdays for some reason.
Clio Peppiatt
Lucina Embellished Stretch-Mesh Mini Dress
This is the magical dress she's wearing in the photo above.
Amanda Uprichard
Strapless Puzzle Mini Dress
This makes me think of waves, so it'd be perfect for a summer birthday.
Zara
Contrast Bow Mini Dress
Simple and sweet.
Reformation
Clea Dress
I'm picturing this with red shoes.
Mango
Asymmetrical Floral Dress
This print is ridiculously pretty.
Lilly Pulitzer
Carlynn Strapless Satin Bow Dress
If ever there were a time to put a bow on yourself, this would be it.
Retrofête For FWRD
Cydney Dress
If this doesn't show that it's your birthday, I don't know what does.
Ciao Lucia
Tadeo Dress
It's perfect—no notes.
Reformation
Taiga Dress
This one's flirty and fun.
ZW Collection
Satin Effect Slip Dress
It's my birthday, and I'll get as dressed up as I want to.
Nocturne
Seashell Accessorized Mini Dress
Superdown
Claudia Sequin Denim Dress
For all of the sequin girlies out there.
Ganni
Twill Suiting Minidress
To truly appreciate this dress, you must see the back.
Bardot
Lilah Corset Midi Dress
The corset bodice adds a little sultriness to the sweet.
Helsa
Faille Halter Mini Dress
Elsa Hosk really knows how to design a good party dress.
Anna October X J.crew
Layered Mini Dress in Textured Satin and Tulle
Everyone will want to know where you got your dress.
Norma Kamali
Drop Shoulder Mini Dress
On birthdays, we wear red.
Staud
Jessica Knit Dress
How to do the sheer trend without really going sheer.
Ciina
One-Shoulder Gingham Midi Dress
Birthday brunch, here you come.
& Other Stories
Floaty Strappy Midi Dress
If your birthday includes a picnic or another cute daytime activity, consider this one.
Norma Kamali
Diana Strapless Ruched Lamé Mini Dress
When in doubt, order a fun little Norma Kamali dress.
Faithfull The Brand
Maceio Mini Dress
I'd pair this casual option with flat sandals.
With Jéan
Sabrin Dress in Toile Papillon
This influencer favorite is birthday approved.
16Arlington
Luna Feather-Trimmed Stretch-Jersey Turtleneck Mini Dress
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.