The style transition from winter to spring is a serious undertaking; you’re not just trading shackets for coats or long-sleeve tops for sweaters. Instead, you’re ditching an entire wardrobe, stashing cashmere sweaters, puffers, and snuggly boots under your bed. I love it, considering spring fashion plays with frilly ruffles, vibrant florals, and midi lengths, but this season, I’m adding one more trend to my fashion lineup: smocked everything.
Smocking dates back to 15th century England, where this intricate technique turned stiff clothing into wearable, functional garments. Though, the simple, utilitarian designs quickly morphed into decorative pieces during the Elizabethan era, adorning collars and cuffs. Flash forward to 2025, and the stretchy design still deserves the spotlight—it offers function and wearability, but it’s also pretty darn cute, so it’s truly the best of both worlds.
Reformation Kiria Dress
Reformation
Maeve Tiered Smocked Bubble Tee
Anthropologie
Aritzia Wilfred Becky Poplin Dress
Aritzia
Modern day It girls agree, with Olivia Rodrigo, 22, donning the effortless look last year and Meghan Markle, 43, elevating the style in With Love, Meghan. Taylor Swift, 35, even added a sprinkle of the cottagecore detailing into her Eras Tour costume collection, while sisters Kylie, 27, and Kendall Jenner, 29, signed off on the look.
Not only is it a multi-generational staple once warm weather hits, but it’s extremely flattering given its elastic nature. The springy fabric hugs and shapes the body, offering a fitted silhouette that accentuates the curves without feeling stiff or constricting.
Old Navy the Occasion Smocked Cami Mini Dress
Old Navy
Sarah Holme, Old Navy’s Head of Design and Product Development, understands the style and ease smocking offers, intentionally including the special weave in the side paneling of the Cami Mini Dress from the brand’s new collection titled, “The Occasion.” “When she’s got [the dress on] she can eat, she can dance, she can do everything,” she said. And therein lies a key reason why smocking, whether subtle or all-over, is blowing up for spring and summer 2025: it’s comfortable.
Madewell Smocked-Waist Poplin Midi Skirt
Madewell
Old Navy isn’t the only brand working the practical spring trend into its collections. Madewell added a genius smocked waistband to its poplin midi skirt, taking ease and simplicity to the next level. Wear it with a cropped tee to really show off the unique detailing and lean into your inner island-girl with a pair of sandals.
Hill House Home Cosima Nap Dress
Hill House
But you can’t compete with the mastermind of smocking: Hill House Home. The brand includes the eye-catching spring detail in its tops, skirts, and dresses, though the Cosima Nap Dress caught my attention. Dress it up with strappy open-toed heels or wear it to the park with your favorite white sneakers.
Smocking has been around for a while, but it’s still going strong. Add the uncomplicated trend to your spring wardrobe by shopping more editor-approved picks, below.
J.Crew Hyacinth Cotton Poplin Top
J.Crew
LoveShackFancy Bisolet Lace-Trim Tiered Sundress
Nordstrom
Free People Riley Set
Free People
Zara Gingham Midi Dress
Zara
Aritzia Wilfred Smocked Bubble Mini Dress
Aritzia