16 longline dresses made for languid spring days

28 October 2026
By Hemma Vara

Meet the pieces you’ll reach for on repeat this season: effortless, elegant, and endlessly versatile.

Woman wearing white maxi dress on the streets of New York
New York SS27 street style. Credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight.
There’s a particular kind of spring day that calls for a dress that’s equal parts effortless and elegant. It’s perhaps spent outdoors, or for a special occasion, and requires a fluid, longline silhouette that moves with you.
 
Think wrap-around detailing that cinches in all the right places without feeling constrained, or a floaty, sheer hem that looks put together without weighing you down.
 
Colour is key, too. If you’re feeling introspective, embrace earthy greens and browns for a grounded, quietly sophisticated mood. Blues and whites inspire a serene, resort-like feel, while unapologetic reds and oranges invite a little joy.
 
And for the days you want to throw something on without overthinking it, but don’t want to feel plain, let the draping do all the work.
 

Below, browse our edit of endlessly versatile dresses you’ll wear on repeat this spring.

Styling tip: Navigate fickle spring weather with layers. A fine knit tied around the waist or a lightweight trench slung over your shoulders will carry you through the season.

16 longline dresses for spring

Resort ready

Réalisation Par ‘Cora’ dress, $580
Bondi Born ‘Capri’ dress, $696
Kowtow ‘Perception’ dress, $389
Camilla and Marc ‘Romy’ maxi dress, $450

Dreamy draping

Ganni long dress, $710
Harris Tapper ‘Lucille’ dress, $999
Harris Tapper ‘Chaimberlain’ dress, $499
St. Agni ‘Pinstripe’ relaxed dress, $735

Fluidity in motion

SIR. ‘Isla’ cowl back gown, $1,060
Réalisation Par ‘Ellery’ dress, $476
Dôen ‘Emerence’ midi dress, $969
Dominique Healy ‘Nevermind’ dress, $370

Cool and collected

Matteau shirred maxi dress from Net-A-Porter, $1002
St. Agni ‘Cami’ dress, $729
Glassons scoop neck maxi dress, $70.
SIR. ‘Ayla’ maxi dress, $581

This article originally appeared in the Spring ’26 issue of Fashion Quarterly

Curated by: Natalia Didovich.
Street style imagery: Launchmetrics/Spotlight.

Share:

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover
Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Don’t miss a thing. Sign up to FQ’s weekly newsletter.

*Ts&Cs apply.
Find out more at fq.co.nz/fq-newsletter.