This Tech Entrepreneur Was So Stressed She Created a Meditation App

There are so many reasons (both totally obvious and completely unexpected) as to why you’re feeling anxious on the regular (politics, anyone?), even if you’re already eating all the right foods to manage your stress and you’ve learned how to leave work stress at the office. Which is why we are major proponents of meditation. It can help you achieve your fitness goals and sleep better — even strengthen your relationship. And that’s to say nothing of the calming effects meditation can have on your mind.

To get the scoop on all the good meditation stuff, we chatted with tech entrepreneur and Simple Habit meditation app founder Yunha Kim about her personal meditation journey and easy ways even the most meditation-adverse among us can use mindfulness to create zen wherever we go. (And don’t forget to check out the app for free on iOS and Android!)

Simple Habit founder Yunha Kim stands smiling with her arms crossed

Brit + Co: We recently read a study from the University of Waterloo that just 10 minutes of meditation can significantly increase focus for anxious people, in part because it promotes mindfulness. You’ve mentioned before how being present is key to maintaining calm. What does that mean, exactly?

Yunha Kim: Stress has the ability to consume our minds with negative thoughts and affect our mood, physical health, and relationships. Simply being aware of your own stress can help prevent you from “reacting” to things instead of “responding.” (Photo via Yunha Kim)

B+C: What made you decide to create a meditation app? Was it a response to something going on in your life, or have you always been a zen chaser?

YK: I was so stressed at my previous startup and went through a period of burnout that inspired me to try meditating. At the time, I was working 24/7 and often found it hard to relax, step away from work, or sometimes fall asleep at night. Short, daily meditation worked for me, and I actually became a power user of some of the meditation apps out there. I found myself meditating periodically throughout my day, like during my commutes and before meetings, and it allowed me to be more productive and stress less.

B+C: Can you explain how the Simple Habit app works and what makes it stand apart from the meditation app crowd?

YK: Simple Habit is a freemium on-demand meditation platform that specializes in five-minute meditations for busy people. Our meditations are designed around your situations and moods. It has over a thousand topics — from meditation specifically designed for engineers, meditations before work, or even going on a date. The meditations are guided by the world’s leading mindfulness teachers.

A feature that we have on the app is the On-the-Go wheel, which allows new meditators to select what they’re feeling or doing (walking, eating, feeling frustrated) and listen to a meditation corresponding to that — like Spotify for meditation.

B+C: Ironically, meditation can be intimidating for newbies — often, we feel like we’ve “failed” if we can’t completely rid our minds of all thoughts on the first go. Can you give us three beginner tips to make meditation easier?

YK: Start with five minutes. It’s a common misconception that to meditate, you need to sit for long periods of time in the morning, but that’s not true. You can meditate anytime and anywhere, even while commuting, while eating, or before giving a presentation.

Try meditating in different situations or stressful moments throughout your day (e.g., before a presentation or before an exam). You can try some of our On-the-Go meditations.

Try doing it at the same time every day. I like to meditate first thing in the morning and right before bed. Putting five minutes of mindfulness every day into your calendar or setting a daily reminder for yourself really works — and you can do both through the Simple Habit app, and it will remind you on daily basis.

B+C: So basically you’re telling us we have no excuse not to meditate! To play devil’s advocate here — let’s say, somehow, you’re still strapped for time and can’t use the app or one of the techniques listed above but want to get in some mindfulness. Do you have any on-the-go mantras you like to use in stressful situations?

YK: Focusing on breathing is one of the simplest ways to bring a sense of attention to yourself and slow down your thoughts. (This is a great breath meditation to start with.) Taking a few deep breaths with long exhales can immediately create a sense of calm in your physical body and emotional state and bring clarity in your mental thoughts. A simple exercise I do when I’m in a middle of something (for instance, on stage, right before giving a talk) is repeating inside my head, “Breathing in… breathing out…” I usually do it 3-5 times.

How do you get yourself into the mindfulness zone? Tweet us your meditation secrets @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty; featured photo via Yunha Kim)

The world today is more fast-paced than ever, so it can be easy to push ourselves to the limit and neglect our well-being in favor of completing responsibilities and remaining productive. Nonetheless, there comes a point when our minds and bodies start to send us clear signals that we need a break. But contrary to what some may believe, taking a mental health day is not a sign of weakness.

It's understandable why people might feel guilty about taking personal time off from work to focus on self-care or simply relax and relieve stress. Even so, this growing practice is vital for preserving balance and preventing burnout in both our personal and professional lives. So, in case you need a reminder, it's okay to put yourself first and take a mental health day — these are 10 signs that you may need to ask for one.

Scroll to find the 10 clear signs you need to take a mental health day!

1. You're Anxious About Going To The Office

Tima Miroshnichenko

If you find yourself waking up in the morning with a pit in your stomach and wishing you could avoid the day ahead, it's a sign that your mind is overwhelmed. Feeling anxious or dreading going to work can be normal from time to time, but if it's a consistent pattern, these emotions may be a result of burnout or mounting stress. It's essential to listen to your body, as pushing through and going to work anyway could lead to further exhaustion and even more anxiety.

2. You Feel Burnt Out

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Burnout has the ability to creep up on us gradually. When stress is unmanaged, or breaks are neglected, these feelings can build up over time and cause us to feel deeply exhausted. People suffering from burnout can experience a multitude of symptoms, from lower energy levels and mental fogginess to physical and emotional depletion.

3. You're Having Trouble Focusing

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When we're stressed, our minds can become clouded, and concentrating at work becomes an impossible task. Even the simplest responsibilities may take more mental effort than ever before, and in the wake of this overwhelming feeling, the likelihood that we'll make mistakes increases.

Not to mention, the effects of stress extend beyond just focus and can also interfere with memory and the ability to retain new information. You may suddenly realize you're struggling to learn new skills or recall important details.

4. You're Constantly Getting Sick

Liza Summer

Chronic stress can seriously affect your physical health as well, and if you're frequently getting sick, you may need to take a day off. Research has shown that stress triggers an increase in suppressor T cells and catecholamine levels, both of which suppress the immune system. So, you're left more vulnerable to illnesses.

A mental health break from work can help you lower stress and, in turn, boost your immune system's ability to fight off things like colds or viruses.

5. You're Getting Agitated Easily

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After exhaustion and stress take over, it can be tough to keep our emotions in check. So, even tiny annoyances might trigger agitation or anger.

If you've begun snapping at coworkers or losing your temper over things that wouldn't normally bother you, it's a sign that your mental health is suffering. Taking a personal day will be good for both your well-being and the maintenance of your professional relationships.

6. It's Difficult To Sleep

Andrea Piacquadio

Whether you're frustrated, anxious, or stressed, all of these emotions can make it tough to sleep at night. And if you're tossing and turning, not getting enough rest to sustain you throughout the workday, stress levels will continue to rise.

This pattern can spiral into a vicious cycle: the more sleep you lose, the harder it becomes to think clearly, leading to more stress and even more lost shut-eye. Sometimes, taking a mental health day to catch up on some much-needed sleep can break the cycle.

7. Your Eating Habits Have Changed

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Much like sleep, stress can also have a significant impact on our eating habits as well. Some people may lose their appetite and skip meals due to anxiety, while others turn to food for comfort.

Both of these coping mechanisms are unhealthy and signal that your mental health is struggling. If you realize that you've been binging or avoiding food in response to work-related pressure, it's time to take a break.

8. Your Work Performance Has Dipped

Mikhail Nilov

Next, a decline in your work quality, from missed deadlines to challenges staying organized, may suggest your stress levels have reached a point where they're affecting your job performance.

If we're overwhelmed and our mental capacity becomes overloaded, it's tougher to prioritize tasks effectively and operate with a clear head.

9. You Feel Disconnected From Those Around You

Ketut Subiyanto

Another telltale indicator is feeling disconnected from coworkers, friends, and family. You might feel misunderstood or as if you're on a different page than everyone else. Plus, as stress continues mounting, you may feel isolated and alone, even when surrounded by people. Taking a break from your routine and reconnecting with loved ones in your personal life can help you reset and ground your mental health.

10. You're Bringing Your Work Home

Kaboompics.com

Last but not least, does it seem like work is constantly following you home? Perhaps you're always thinking about tasks, worrying about emails, or mentally replaying conversations from the office in your head.

Being unable to disconnect from work after hours is dangerous, as it impedes your work-life balance and doesn't give you a chance to properly rest and recharge. Additionally, blurring the line between work and home life can strain your personal relationships since you're less present with loved ones. A mental health day will allow you to step away, clear your mind, and restore a necessary boundary.

Looking for more mental health advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

As much as we'd love to hear that BridgertonSeason 4 is releasing earlier than next year, we'll have to settle for as many teasers and first looks as we can get for now! Fans already know Yerin Ha will be stepping into Sophie Baek's shoes alongside Luke Thompson as Benedict, but Netflix finally released something that'll keep us satiated for a while. We can't promise much else — except these two are clearly going to make our hearts race when they're finally on-screen.

Here's the official Bridgerton Season 4 first look with Sophie & Benedict!

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Benedict's always been one of the lighthearted Bridgerton siblings, but Season 3 showed up just how, uh, free he can be. While he and Eloise did discuss their mutual feelings of wanting to explore life, it seems our loving bachelor is set on finding love in unexpected places.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Benedict may not have fallen in love with Tilley, but it appears he's head over heels for Sophie and we think it's adorable. But, there's one glaring problem: Sophie's a maid who has plenty of secrets.

Never before have any of the Bridgerton children gotten romantically involved with someone who's in another social class, so this already sounds scandalous.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Ah, but what will the watchful Queen Charlotte think? Remember, she was certain she was going to expose and punish Lady Whistledown before Penelope's moving speech got her to change her mind. We can only guess how she'll feel about the Bridgertons once she learns of Benedict and Sophie's forbidden romance.

In the meantime, we're already dreaming up as much as we can about this exciting season with these pictures! Oh, and did we mention there's a video too?!

Watch The 'Bridgerton' Season 4 Sneak Peak Here!

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- YouTube

Seriously...season 4 can't come fast enough!!!

We can't wait to see how Benedict and Sophie's love shakes up the Ton in Season 4. We're sure Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury will have much to discuss!

Lauren Graham's new TV show on Tubi, The Z-Suite, follows an advertising CEO named Monica, and her faithful friend Doug (Nico Santos), who get cancelled, fired, and replaced by a whole new Gen Z social media team after an ad campaign gone wrong. So naturally, when I sit down with the two stars in New York City, I have to ask what their most-used app is.

"I think mine is probably a New York Times games and cooking," Lauren Graham tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I'm new to Instagram and I'm still working it out."

And when it comes to Gen Z slang, "I 'sus' every now and then," Nico says. "I still don't get cheugy."

"Somebody my age the other night said they liked my 'fit,' and I was like, 'Hold on,'" Lauren jokes. "I'm one of those boring people who still will write out entire words in a text because it's just is offensive to me to shorten everything until I'm not even sure what I'm doing."

Yes, Lauren Graham is truly as funny as you'd hope in real life, and The Z-Suite is the perfect way to show off that humor.

Keep reading to see why Lauren Graham's The Z-Suite is the ultimate winter comfort watch — and how Lorelai Gilmore would fit into the picture.

Lauren Graham & Nico Santos say 'The Z-Suite' is the perfect winter TV show.

"It's a fun world. It's easy viewing in a fun, comforting way," Lauren says of the new series, which premiered on Tubi February 6. "It's speaking to a moment in our culture, but without kind of taking a side or being too militant about it. We haven't kind of seen these generations interact, and I don't know, it's fun."

"It's a comedy for everybody certainly, but if you look at our cast, it's I think one of the most diverse casts you'll see out there, which I think is really important," Nico says. "We're telling the story through this lens and just sort of giving the other people a chance to tell their story as well."

And working behind the scenes created a "creative and fun" environment for the cast.

Tubi

Gilmore Girls fans have been wanting more from Lauren Graham ever since the GG finale, her 6-season hit Parenthood, and the Gilmore Girls: Year in the Life Netflix revival came in quick succession. Despite the fact she's found TV gold multiple times, Lauren admits choosing the perfect project is "probably less of a science than people think."

"There's so much that goes into what kind of job you're looking for versus what kind of job comes to you," she says. "I try to think in terms of, is this something I feel I can add to, like can I bring something that maybe is not on the page? And then is this far enough away, because in TV especially, you tend to get offered what you've already done, and so for this to even have a little bit of stretch, which I think it does, was really just a fun opportunity."

"For me it's all about the comedy in the scripts," Nico Santos adds. "That's my background and if I don't laugh reading a script, then I'm like, I'm not gonna do it."

"That is a huge part of it too," Lauren agrees. "Who the creator is and, in speaking to Katie [O’Brien], Nico knew her already, but I just thought this is someone I want to spend my days with, and that's really probably the most important decision, or a piece of the decision is, does this seem like it's going to be creative and fun?"

And one of Lauren's favorite parts of bringing the character of Monica to life was fleshing her out beyond the stereotypical "mean" boss archetype. "You know, the sort of like a tough older boss — I hate saying older, but I relative to the rest of everybody, yes!" she laughs. "I just wanted there to be kind of a reason behind her drive and a heart there, even though it is a pretty broad comedy. We talked about that and tried to find those moments where she's softer."

"There are moments that aren't really grounded and very sort of ridiculous, but it's also very important to infuse that sort of craziness with being grounded," Nico says. "So I think it's creating that balance and that's what makes the character so likable, I think."

Lauren Graham also loved the community aspect of filming 'The Z-Suite.'

Tubi

With the Gen Z, virtual workplace of it all, there will be some The Z-Suite viewers who have never worked in an office, including myself (and Lauren apparently). But seeing all the characters together creates a community that I totally didn't expect when I sat down to watch.

"Any opportunity to be with the community and be working and be back to anything resembling normal is a real gift," Lauren says. "It was fun too, it's like playing in a new kind of place, and I found after a little initial awkwardness that I really could walk into my office and take charge and that was like a new kind of a channel to walk into."

"I just like being a part of an ensemble," Nico says. "On my previous job with Superstore, it's like ensemble comedy and we did that for so long. So that's an environment where I really thrive, so I love it."

And in the spirit of past projects, I can't help but ask how they think Crazy Rich Asians' Oliver and Gilmore Girls' Lorelai would fit into the picture?

"Lorelai would not do well," Lauren Graham says. "She would be bored by the world of the office and I think would relate way more to the Gen Z people cause in her mind, she's always kind of one of the kids. But the office culture, she'd bring them coffee and then leave."

"Oliver would be a client," Nico Santos says. "He'll come to the ad agency with some asks."

You can stream the first two episodes of The Z-Suite on Tubi now! Check out Lauren Graham's First Instagram Post Is The Perfect Lorelai Gilmore Throwback for more Lauren love!

Lately, we don't have to look far for doomsday news or potential policies that make us feel like a dystopian future will soon be our reality. Although we like to joke about it, we've seen pop culture seemingly predict our current societal and political landscape via everything from episodes of the The Simpsons to the books we've read over the years, wondering how these fictitious communities could experience horrible environments at the hands of others' decisions.

Since art is often bred from very real feelings about history's patterns, we think it's time to open a few relatable books. In our eyes, unprecedented times call for reading thought-provoking work that may seem bleak, but offers hope set in motion by one person's courage in the face of oppression and fear. These are the best dystopian books you should read in 2025.

Here are 15 dystopian books to read if you're tired of doom scrolling on social media.

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Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag's job as a fireman isn't like what you or I are used to. Instead of saving the lives of those affected by fires, he and his co-workers set them because it's a crime to have books in one's home. He does his job well and comes home to the passionless marriage he has with his wife Mildred, running on a mindless loop. It isn't until he meets a teenager named Clarisse that he begins seeing the world through her eyes and it makes him uncomfortable.

Underneath that discomfort is the knowledge that he's been keeping a secret all along and will have to decide which side of history he wants to be on.

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The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Even if you've never read the book or watched the hit TV series, chances are you've heard about The Handmaid's Tale. It's ruffled feathers to the point it's made it to the banned books list, but author Margaret Atwood's message is loud and clear: women's reproductive rights could become weaponized.
She begins her tale in the aftermath of a second Civil War that's dismantled "normal" America. As such, the Republic of Gilead has been set in place that's meant to remind men and women how things used to be. With men holding positions of power and fertile women being enslaved to help regrow the population comes a sordid tale of oppression and abuse.
However, one maid's memories and desire to break free from her horrible role encourages her to stage one of the biggest coups.

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The Power by Naomi Alderman

The Power places decisions in the hands of young girls who aren't typically afforded it. Readers will meet several characters like a wealthy Nigerian boy and a tough-as-nails girl, but what's shocking is what happens when something ignites teenaged girls with something powerful. If they choose, these girls can cause great harm to others or even end their lives.
It's a far cry from the idea that young girls are weak and powerless in a world that seeks to tame them.

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Chain-Gain All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" are a part of Criminal Actional Penal Entertainment, aka CAPE, as prisoners. They've worked their way up the hierarchy of the Chain-Gain All-Stars and are the reigning champs as they fight until the death to earn freedom.

However, there's a catch: one of them will be heavily discouraged from leaving with every hardship they face. It seems greed has no bounds and will make sure to keep viewers invested.

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American War by Omar El Akkad

Sarat Chestnut was a little girl when the another Civil War occurred in the year 2074, but she was aware enough to understand the criminalization of oil. Also, she's watched half of Louisiana succumb to being under sea level. Once her father loses his life and her family's driven to Camp Patience, she surrenders to a new normal. However, there's a false underbelly of the Camp and it works its magic on Sarat.
Before long, she's become a weapon for a war that'll change the lives of everyone.

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Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

What happens when to a world without animal meat? In Tender Is the Flesh, readers will face the horror of this staunch reality.
For main character Marcos, life has dealt him a set of terrible cards. He's separated from his wife and watching his father's health deplete quicker than he can blink his eyes. There's also the sickening fact that he's a part of the "Transition" that helps process specialized human meat.
Then one day it happens: he meets a woman who's supposed to be packaged for consumption and it shatters his usual resolve. The more he interacts with her, the more he wants to find a way to turn away from this horrific government project.

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Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

15-year-old Tally has been waiting to turn 16 for a long time because she's finally going to become gorgeous. Thanks to life-altering surgery, she gets to stop being looked over and will join a society where she doesn't have to work hard. But her friend Shay isn't so sure about this idyllic world and decides to escape it.
However, those in charge aren't a fan of this runaway situation and put Tally in a complicated position that'll alter her future.

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The Last Murder at the End of the Worldby Stuart Turton

The former world? Utterly destroyed.The island? A perfect paradise that's home to 125 people who have learned to peacefully coexist. They don't question their right to live off the land nor the curfew that's been set in place. The crack in their perfect situation doesn't come until they find out a popular scientist's been murdered.
This death triggers a breakdown in the security that was keeping them safe from the atmosphere that killed others once before and they don't have long to fix it. However, their memories have been erased and they're not sure who caused these scary chain of events.

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The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

The Ferryman describes what happens when another "perfect" paradise seems like it's everything but that.
On Prospera, only the privileged are allowed to enjoy glorious living. Though they enjoy the finer things in life, the staff who makes sure they're comfortable aren't granted the same opportunities. Truthfully, they're waiting for the right time to rebel against their conditions because they know the spoiled citizens of Prospera will be granted multiple chances at life.
For Proctor Bennett, his job as a ferryman is to make sure people are able to "retire" when it's time. It's a job he does without fail until a lone message makes him question the validity of the islands.

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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Beatrice Prior lives in a society that's divided into the Candon (honest), Abnegation (selfless), Dauntless (brave), Amity (peaceful), and Erudite (intelligent) factions. This helps keep society running according to the government's plans, but Beatrice is torn between remaining with the Abnegation or joining a new faction.
When she makes her choice, it sends ripples among those who know her and then there's Tris. He's harboring something that's sure to make him a target so she'll try to protect his secret while keeping her own interests at heart.

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

North America's now known as Panem, and it's comprised of twelve districts that once rebelled again the Capitol. However, their defeat was costly and caused them to allow two kids per district to participate in "The Hunger Games." It's a known fact that they may die as a result, but nothing's happened to change this unimaginable law.

When Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute so her young sister doesn't have to compete, this sets forth a chain of events that prove her an unlikely winner and hero.

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Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter

Cassie's secured a job in her ideal role in Silicon Valley, but it turns into something nightmarish. She doesn't have a work-life balance and is tasked with doing borderline illegal things. She also can see the stark difference in economic classes because her job has a front row view of many displaced members of society.
Accompanying Cassie is something dark that responds to the state of her mental health. As she grapples with pregnancy and the things her job demands of her, she'll have to ask herself if the cost of success is worth it.

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The Garden by Nick Newman (February 18, 2025)

Evelyn and Lily are two sisters who've been living in a beautiful garden that no one can see behind. They don't remember what life was like prior to being near it as they've become preoccupied with making sure it flourishes. All of this changes with an unknown boy shows up in their curated world. They're not sure who he is, but his presence makes them question how they've chosen to live their lives.

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Fable for the End of the World (March 4, 2025)

Caerus is fueling the nation's debt problem among those who aren't wealthy, and it affects Inesa as well as her family. She and her brother are in charge of a taxidermy shop, but their mother's selfishness puts their lives in danger when her debt reaches an astronomical level. The only solution for this is for Inesa or her brother to be entered into the Lamb's Gauntlet where they'll be killed. The merciless killer? Melinoë.
She has no remorse as she's been trained to be heartless towards her victims. But Inesa proves to be the first "Lamb" that makes her question what she's doing. Together, they'll go on a journey that changes how they see their lives and love.

Amazon

Outlawed by Anna North

Ada and her husband were happy, but she failed to conceive a child in a town that views infertile women as evil. Though she wishes things could be different, she runs away before she can be hanged and joins the Hole in the Wall Gang. It's leader is known as the Kid who wants the world to stop harming women. But the Gang's got a plan that's not safe because creating a viable future is scary.

Still looking for the next book that'll wow you? Here's what to read next!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Spring will be here before you know it – that means it’s time to refresh your wardrobe with the cutest dresses! Luckily, Target has you covered with every kind of dress style under the sun. Of course, their selection is nothing but affordable, so you can get your spring wardrobe lineup going without breaking the bank!

Get ready for warmer weather with these 10 Target spring dresses!

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Future Collective Denim Mini Shirtdress

Denim is always gonna be in style. This mini also lets your look breathe when it's warm out!

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Universal Thread Eyelet Maxi Sundress

Easy and breezy, you can never go wrong with a long, white sundress for springtime.

Target

A New Day Ruffle Slip Dress

Date night is calling with this adorable ruffled moment! Wear your favorite flats or heels, and you're good to go.

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A New Day Short Sleeve Midi Dress

The puff sleeves on this coral piece are so dreamy.

Target

A New Day Chiffon Ruffle Maxi Dress

Chiffon is just the right weight – light and flowy – to keep your spring get-up lookin' right. This dress is also fashioned with some mini ruffles for added cuteness.

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Wild Fable Strapless Bubble Dress

Bubble hems are going to be everywhere this season, so jump on the trend with this plaid moment that you can pair with tall boots and sandals alike!

Target

A New Day Tube Knit Maxi Dress

This drop waist moment looks just like something I'd find at Free People, but it's only $32 (was $40)!

Target

A New Day Balloon Sleeve Mini A-Line Dress

This dress boasts a micro cheetah print that gives you an instant confidence boost. I adore the styling with some tall black boots!

Target

Wild Fable Bubble Sleeve Mini Dress

Fit for the office or happy hour, this sleek black mini can be styled in endless ways.

Target

Wild Fable Cap Sleeve Satin Maxi Bodycon Dress

Florals were meant for springtime after all!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more trendy spring fashion!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.