15 Ways to Wear a Prairie Dress—and Look Good in It
So, you think you can’t wear a prairie dress because you’re going to look like a character from Oregon Trail? Or perhaps you’re intimidated by those voluminous, poufy sleeves? Maybe it’s that you’re scared of drowning your frame in a generous heaping of floral print?
Well, we’re here to tell you that you’re wrong, because this breezy summer frock actually comes in endless iterations. Simply look for standout pieces with multiple tiers, ruched details, minimally poufy sleeves and a bottom ruffle—pick one design detail or mix and match a few. Either way, they all technically fall under the priaire dress category.
Here are 15 of our favorite breezy frocks that won’t make you feel like you stepped out of the pages of Little House on the Prairie.
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LoveShackFancy
Easy, breezy and the exact thing you want to wear when the forecast predicts 90 degrees.
ASOS Tall
Psst, an empire waist will elongate your legs while keeping a billowy dress from swallowing your curves.
Dôen
The unique neckline on this flowy number can be buttoned up or down—so you can wear it to a picnic or a fancy dinner out.
Reformation
Prabal Gurung
This Prabal Gurung stunner serves up boho realness and a vibrant tie-dye pattern. (Plus, it goes up to size 20!)
French Connection
Presenting your new beach cover-up. And your throw-on-and-go piece come September (just add leather ankle boots).
sea
A fitted bodice will keep you from getting swallowed by this floral fabric.
LoveShackFancy
Dark, brooding and still rather romantic.
Anna Mason
The beauty of this cornflower blue frock lies in the texture—seriously, zoom in on that swiss-dot and check out that broderie Anglaise lace.
Hemant & Nandita
The panels of a prairie dress are ideal for mixing multiple patterns, especially in a pastel color palette like this.
English Factory
A swingy, babydoll silhouette is just as comfy as wearing a nightgown. But go from bedtime to a big night out by pairing this frock with some sexy stilettos.
LOFT
We can’t tell what we love more on this floral number: the midi length or the easy, cinched waist.
Sleeper
This elegant, ruffled piece looks super delicate but can totally be thrown in the washing machine. Take that, red wine spills.
Free People
Barely-there straps add sex appeal to voluminous sleeves and a relaxed silhouette.
H&M
Stripe lovers, rejoice: You can cash in on this trend, too (for only $40!).
RELATED: 32 Summer Dresses With Sleeves (That Won’t Cause You to Overheat)