Ten Great Spring Dresses

Given that I spent most of yesterday melting, I'm not sure whether it’s spring or summer dresses I should be to you. It's a tough line to tread - most of the time a spring dress is simply your summer one, plus a lighter coat or jacket. So let's just say these are ten pretty and easy to wear dresses that look a lot nicer in the sunshine, than they would in the snow (although I guess you can always add tights...).

Let's start with this Bike Smock dress, because nothing says spring more than bicycle rides and a cutesy pattern. It's such a great pull-it on, forget about it shape too, meaning more time skipping through meadows, less time worrying about chafing. It's £55 from Kiki's Boutique.

Moving on to this Joules number, because nothing says spring more than bicycle rides and a cutesy pattern ... well, you know the score, but this vintage-inspired Creme Cafe print really is adorable. And, brilliantly, it’s a shift-shaped dress that has pockets too. Like the ladies on the pattern, it’s enough to have you jumping for joy. Pick one up for £74.95.

Another of my favourite spring/summer things is everyone dressing as if they are about to set sail on the high seas, even though the furthest afloat they'll probably get is a pedalo in the park. Still, at least you'll look on message in this shipshape sailor collar dress. It's £76.50 from Bettylicious.

No patterns: just a flattering shape and a great colour. This &Other Stories viscose dresses is perfect for occasions when picnics in the park just might tip over into a night on the tiles. It's a very reasonable for something so useful £45.

If the brightest shade of pink isn't your thing (and, god, how I want it to be everyone's 'thing'), Topshop's Poppy pleated dress is a good go anywhere colour and shape too. It's £38 (but disappointingly no poppies in sight).

Fear not, because of course no self-respecting British woman could get dressed for warmer weather without a few florals up, or on her sleeve. French Connection's Sahara Rose ticks both the floral box and the sleeves box therefore meaning you should probably spend £55 on it almost immediately.

While I reckon you could get away with that French Connection dress in the office, this Annie Greenabelle panelled shirt dress is definitely a dress for days of leisurely fun. It's £42 from Topshop. Finish off the look with daisy chains and fruit lolly stains.

At first glance, Alice's Pig's Reality Trip looks like it’s simply a (really pretty) version of the traditional floral tea dress. Look a bit closer and you’ll realise it’s actually two separates designed to be worn together. I won’t tell if you won’t. The set costs £70.

This People Tree dress is proof that lovely spring dresses can still come in actual dress form and in patterns that aren’t florals. I'd swap the bow for a regular belt for every day wear. And then accessorise with a shit load of actual balloons. Obviously. This is £65 (actual balloons sadly not included).

And finally, on a brightest of spring days, what would be more appealing than the crisp cotton of this Candy Stripe dress? This 20th Century Foxy number has a brilliant retro shape that will last you from spring into summer, and for many more years to come. In fact, all that's missing is a pair of matching sunglasses.