Whether Ivy Odom, Southern Living’s Senior Editorial Producer, is hosting an event, appearing on the TODAY Show, traveling throughout the South, or cooking in her kitchen, she has a knack for putting together outfits that I want to wear too. After following her on Instagram for years (she’s joy personified), I love that I can trust her to whip up delicious recipes and find fashion items that are colorful and timeless with the perfect amount of whimsy. She’s naturally become one of my favorite sources for an introduction to a new brand or for a reminder to return to a retailer I haven’t shopped at in a while. So, rather than simply admiring Odom’s style online, I went straight to my favorite ruffle-loving trendsetter to ask where she’s shopping for spring dresses. I’m happy to report that she has incredible finds to share, and they’re all under $200.
A New Day Flutter Short Sleeve Poplin Tiered Midi Dress, $24.50 with Target Circle (orig. $35), target.com
Universal Thread Long Sleeve Cinch Waist Maxi Shirtdress, $24.50 with Target Circle (orig. $35), target.com
Eliza J Puff Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress, $44.97 (orig. $128), nordstromrack.com
Zesica Plaid Square Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, starting at $36.99 with coupon (orig. $57.99), amazon.com
Crown & Ivy Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress, $49.75 (orig. $99.50), belk.com
Antonio Melani Ainsley Scuba Crepe Ruffle Bodice V-Neck Cap Sleeve Midi Dress, $99, dillards.com
Pomander Place Navy Stripe Bardot Dress, $128, tnuck.com
Jordan Long-Sleeve Wrap Dress in Lurex Stripe, $138, draperjames.com
Adelyn Rae Eyelet Embroidered Puff Short Sleeve V-Neck Midi Dress, $148, dillards.com
Antonio Melani Raffaella Floral Print Satin Split V-Neck Long Balloon Sleeve Tie Waist Dress, $169, dillards.com
J. Marie Merritt Button Front Short Ruffled Sleeve Midi Dress, $172, dillards.com
Tuckernuck Water's Edge Hydrangea Sleeveless Charlie Dress, $188, tnuck.com
Antonio Melani Brynn Printed Voile Mock Neck Long Sleeve Shirt Dress, $199, dillards.com
Midi dresses and shirtdresses are two of Odom’s go-to silhouettes for spring, because the styles are both perfect to wear to everything from farmers’ markets to bridal and baby showers. Take a look at this Target shirtdress with a midi length, a cinched waist, and a $25 sale price with Target Circle. And the ruffles on this darling tiered $50 Belk dress make an excellent statement. For a stunning, colorful dress, add this beautiful Draper James wrap dress to your rotation too. There are plenty more dresses to shop below from retailers like Tuckernuck, Draper James, Belk, Dillard’s, Target, and more. So keep reading for all of Odom’s spring favorites.
Buy on Target “If it has a flutter sleeve and a belt, I immediately add-to-cart,” Odom said about Target’s flutter sleeve midi dress, adding, “This fit is timeless and so feminine.” It’s made from breezy 100 percent cotton, which is key for warm temperatures, and has an elastic waistband that cinches in. It’s available in classic black or a pretty blue floral (pictured above) in sizes XS to XXL.
Buy on Target Odom knows how to find cute Target finds, and she nails it with this maxi shirtdress that you can shop in five colors and striped patterns in sizes XS to XXL. “I love all the color options this dress comes in! It’s great to wear to work, church, or a day on-the- town,” Odom shared. “The ties at the waist to cinch in, but can be adjusted for a comfortable fit for anyone!”
Buy on Dillards.com If you have a spring wedding on your calendar, this scuba dress is an excellent option to wear as a guest. It features a fitted bodice and pencil skirt silhouette for an overall elegant look. “This dress comes in lots of bright colors and a soft, thick scuba fabric. The ruffles are such a fun touch,” Odom points out. Choose your favorite from six colors like classic black, Bloom (a pretty bright pink), or Fern (a spring-y green) in sizes XS to XL. If you’re a bride, this style also comes in white.
Buy on Nordstromrack.com “I have lots of dresses in this type of silhouette and always get so many compliments,” shares Odom about this Eliza J shirtdress. The mini length and puff sleeves make it an easy-to-wear style to pair with sandals and sneakers. Plus, “the bright pink raspberry color is so fun for spring.” Like Odom, I find myself purchasing this silhouette the most, so, unsurprisingly, the 100 percent cotton dress is one of my favorites from this list! I love the button closure and the mini length.
Buy on Amazon Amazon has tons of dresses to choose from, and I think Odom found a gem with this gingham puff sleeve midi dress that has a square neckline, smocking, and a tiered midi length. And it’s made from 100 percent rayon for a lightweight feel. You’ll also find a drawstring in the back that can be tied into a cute bow for both function and a little flair—it’s my personal favorite detail. “This puff sleeve smocked gingham dress is the perfect throw-on! I want every color,” Odom admits.
Buy on Belk.com Stand out in the best way in this ruffle sleeve midi dress that’s on sale for just $50 at Belk. It’s available in solid bright pink and classic navy, as well as a white floral and a turquoise paisley pattern. “I love how the buttons are covered in the same fabric as the dress—it’s a classic detail that really elevates the look. Plus, the ruffle sleeves make a huge statement,” says Odom.
Buy on Tnuck.com I always appreciate Odom’s Tuckernuck finds, and this cool sleeveless dress does not disappoint. “I love the classic, chic, retro style of this knit dress,” Odom shared. “It feels effortless and put together for a day shopping around your own hometown or a fun weekend trip!” The textured, striped knit dress features a crew neckline, four decorative pockets on the front, and is lined down the front with black and gold-accented buttons. It’s easy to wear because it has a mini length, and it simply slips on. But you will want to keep in mind that Tuckernuck suggests hand-washing this dress.
Buy on Draperjames.com You can never go wrong with a Draper James dress, and this wrap style is so beautiful. It’s a true wrap dress, so you can find your go-to fit each time you wear it. Made from a blend of cotton and viscose, the dress is also made with a metallized fiber for a fun amount of sparkle. It also has a 100 percent cotton lining, so you get full coverage. “I love a wrap dress. They’re so flattering, but feel like you’re wearing a robe,” shares Odom. “The colors in this one are bright and happy, which I love.” Buy it in sizes 0 to 14.
Buy on Dillards.com “I love the eyelet detailing on this classic puff sleeve flutter hem dress,” says Odom, and I agree. The Dillard’s dress has feminine puff sleeves, a flowy tiered skirt, and a flattering V-neckline. Plus, it’s fully lined for added comfort. Just keep in mind that the brand does recommend hand washing it. But it’s so pretty for everything from going to church to meeting friends for lunch that I think the extra care is worth it. Before it’s totally out of stock, scoop it up in XS, S, and XL.
Buy on Dillards.com Odom frequently wears dresses with incredible prints, and this one caught my eye immediately. It’s from Dillard’s, and it looks much more expensive than its $169 price tag. The red-and-pink floral print is a standout detail, but the long balloon sleeves, tie waist, and tie neckline are worth noting, too. “This is such a fun, brightly colored dress—perfect for a beach trip or date night,” Odom highlights. The mini dress that you can shop in sizes XS to XL.
Buy on Dillards.com “How pretty is this?” asks Odom—and I wholeheartedly agree. Everything about this dress, from the beautiful floral print to the ruffles on the sleeves and collar, is so timeless and eye-catching. The top portion of the fully-lined dress is lined with discreet buttons and features ruffled details on the mockneck collar and short sleeves. Use the removable waist tie to create more shape against the full, tiered skirt. But the best news is that it has pockets! I think this floral midi dress will sell out quickly, so add it to your closet while you can in sizes XS to XL.
Buy on Tnuck.com “I LOVE the bright blue hydrangea print and high neck on this dress! The fit is forgiving, but flattering—everything I look for in a dress,” says Odom about this $188 Tuckernuck find. The blue watercolor-like floral print looks like a piece of art, and it’s a dress you’ll wear well into the summer, thanks to its sleeveless style and mini length. The functioning pockets, button front, and A-line silhouette are just a few other noteworthy features. The dry clean only dress is available in sizes XXS to XXXL.
Buy on Dillards.com “I have this dress in another color and get SO many compliments on it every time I wear it,” Odom revealed. “I am very tempted to buy it in this green pattern, too.” Her ability to find incredible prints is unparalleled, and this final under-$200 dress proves my point yet again. The 100 percent cotton shirtdress has a mock neckline, a full lining, and long sleeves, and it simply pulls on over your head. The tie at the waist offers the perfect way to add a bow to the full look.
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