18 Pastel Dresses for Every Spring Affair

After months of puffers and pea coats, we’re more than ready to pack away our winter layers for some new spring duds. Sure, the weather may be unpredictable, but it also allows for light layers, printed jackets and a peek of skin. In between all your picnics and bike riding, spring is also full of dress-worthy occasions, like showers, brunches and of course, weddings. Pastel dresses are the perfect match for this green season, so we’re betting you’re gonna want to try one of these for your next event.

1. Free People Floral Dress ($128): This lemony-hued mini is perfect for spring brunch or a shower. Pair it with neutral flats and stackable bangles for a fresh look on a sunny afternoon.

2. Whitney Eve Organza Overlay Dress($148): ’90s flair meets elegance with this spaghetti strap dress. An organza overlay and seafoam green color make this dress a great spring date piece.

3. ASOS Marble Print Bodycon Dress ($82): Edgy cutouts balance the light marble pattern, making this dress your spring go-to for Friday nights and that upcoming bachelorette party.

4. Lace Inset Cami Dress ($150): Those perfect sunny spring days call for an airy dress. Slip on this light lavender piece and slide-on sandals for an effortless ensemble.

5. Animal Print Fit ‘n Flare ($88): Sweeten up your wild side with this pastel pink dress. Wear it to brunch with an anorak on crisp weekends, or dress it up with strappy heels.

6. Lace Overlay Dress ($25): What’s prettier for a spring wedding than pink? Twirl all night in this crochet and lace piece, paired with a statement necklace and your best dancing shoes.

7. Faux Leather Dress ($80): Wear this short-sleeve frock to work with a blazer and oxfords for a #girlboss look. Add a statement necklace for a pop.

8. Peach Maxi ($54): This easy, flowing piece will stun at a spring soiree. Its layered look and back closure add pretty details while keeping this dress fresh. Just add a metallic sandal and printed clutch to complete your look.

9. Needle and Thread Embellished Dress ($331): From picnic to party, this dress can be casual with a denim jacket and booties or dressy with bright wedges.

10. Lavender Shirtdress ($1490): Okay, we know this one is a major splurge, but how chic is this lavender number? A shirtdress is a classic; wear it with flats and a satchel bag for a show-stopping work look.

11. Asymmetric Printed Wrap Dress ($28): Sport this flowy frock to any spring affair. The hem will have you twirling down the blooming sidewalks.

12. Cowl Back Maxi ($162): Brighten up the party with this modern backless dress. Show off sky-high heels with this dress’s sexy side slit.

13. Baby Blue Shift ($30): Throw this crisp frock on for weekend errands, or wear to the office with a cardigan. Its embellished shoulders give it a unique touch.

14. BB Dakota Alva Lace Midi ($130): Wear this to a wedding or make it casual by adding sneakers and a denim jacket. Either way, this dress will be a great addition to your spring and summer wardrobe.

15. Blue Trapeze Dress ($69): The neckline of this dress is as fun as its flowy skirt. You’ll want this dress for all those sunny days at the park.

16. Lace Print Collar Dress ($98): This sophisticated frock has adorable details and can take you from the board meeting to happy hour with your besties. Wear with white lace socks and bright oxfords for a preppy look.

17. Ombre Maxi Dress ($295): Dance the night away in this flowy, strapless maxi. With a statement bracelet on your wrist and contrast colored clutch in hand, you’ll be prepped for everything wedding season is sending your way.

18. Cozy Spring Sweater Dress ($224): Those spring showers may be raining on your parade, but that doesn’t mean your fashion should suffer too. This soft dress is perfect for kicking back and relaxing with your fave book.

What pastel piece is your spring go-to? Let us know in the comments!

Bauhaus, German for "building house," has become synonymous with geometric and abstract art, architecture, and design, inspired by the early 20th-century movement that launched Staatliches Bauhaus, a utopian art school in Germany. Founded in 1919 by German architect Walter Gropius (and where Paul Klee, Vasily Kandinsky, and Josef Albers were teachers), the Bauhaus school influenced what we know as modern design today, and has inspired architects, designers and artists for more than 100 years. Often saturated in retro mid-century color or totally minimal black and white, Bauhaus prints can feel modern and retro all at once and can add a punch to most home decor styles. Are you feeling a little ho-hum by your home decor? Add a pop of color with these eye-catching prints inspired by or reproduced from Bauhaus exhibition posters and designs.

Bauhaus 1919-1923 Poster ($44)

Bauhaus has a timeless quality that suits modern homes even today. Give yours a retro modern vibe with this original art print.

Bauhaus Exhibition Poster ($2, was $6)

Barbie meets Bauhaus? We love this gradient of happy-inducing pink.

Bauhaus Art Print ($16+)

One Bauhaus print full of color is all you need to cover your wall art needs.

Bauhaus Exhibition Poster ($12+)

Do you see the hot air balloon or is it just us? Printed on museum-grade paper, this print would be fun in a kid's room too.

Bauhaus Exhibition Poster ($16+)

Love how fresh the colors are here while still pointing to Bauhaus minimalism.

Bauhaus Wall Art ($34/set of 3)

Create a gallery of three in your go-to color, whether that's blue, red, green, or orange.

Bauhaus Poster ($15+)

Swirls and sharp angles play together with a pop of orange.

Society6 BAUHAUS 03: Exhibition 1923 ($8, was $11)

This combo of colors is mesmerizing.

"Entropy" Mid-Century Modern Art Print ($55)

Inspired by Bauhaus forms, this print comes with its own word of the day.

Indie Bauhaus Bands Canvas Poster ($21+ each)

Take your pick of these Bauhaus band posters or create a gallery wall of Bauhaus prints.

BAUHAUS AUSSTELLUNG POSTER ($38)

Pairing colorful shades with neutrals is quintessential Bauhaus.

Bauhaus Arch Poster ($22)

These refreshing blue arches are so right now.

Etsy Colorful Geometric Bauhaus Poster Set ($19+)

A set of minimalist Bauhaus art prints frame a room perfectly.

Mid-Century Modern Bauhaus Wall Art ($16)

Those psychedelic waves were designed in 1923 but echo the groovy 60s.

Bauhaus Exhibition Poster ($22+)

Bauhaus prints elevate a room at a totally affordable price.

Bauhaus Mid Century Wall Art ($16)

Eyes emoji, anyone?

Bauhaus Art Poster ($44)

The Venn diagram of Bauhaus!

Etsy Bauhaus Printable Exhibition Posters ($12)

We love the fluidity of this pair for any neutral decor.

Elevated Shapes Mid-Century Modern Art Print ($77)

Printed on paper sourced from Japan, this museum-quality poster is the perfect accent piece for plain white walls and it's inspired by the graphic simplicity of Bauhaus.

BAUHAUS 1919 CANVAS ($80)

Bullseye! You have the perfect decor piece for any room in your home.

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

Header image via Etsy

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Those with a creative eye know firsthand that inspiration is all around us. Whether you're energized by the earth tones of nature, a color-filled walk through a local farmer's market, or even by a quick scroll through Instagram, you never know what might spark a new creative project.

In the spirit of inspiring your next masterpiece, we're excited to partner with Bounty to fuel the next generation of artists and designers forward by launching a national design competition. We're calling on graphic designers to apply for a chance to see their work featured on a new Brit + Co and Bounty paper towel collection, set to launch in 2022.

Aside from the incredible exposure of having your illustrations on paper towels that'll be in stores across America next year, you'll also receive $5,000 for your art; a scholarship for Selfmade, our 10-week entrepreneurship accelerator to take your design career to the next level (valued at $2,000); and a stand alone feature on Brit + Co spotlighting your artistry as a creator.

The Creatively You Design Competition launches Friday, May 21, 2021 and will be accepting submissions through Monday, June 7, 2021.

APPLY NOW

Who Should Apply: Women-identifying graphic designers and illustrators. (Due to medium limitations, we're not currently accepting design submissions from photographers or painters.)

What We're Looking For: Digital print and pattern designs that reflect your design aesthetic. Think optimistic, hopeful, bright — something you'd want to see inside your home.

How To Enter:Apply here, where you'll be asked to submit 2x original design files you own the rights to for consideration. Acceptable file formats include: .PNG, .JPG, .GIF, .SVG, .PSD, and .TIFF. Max file size 5GB. We'll also ask about your design inspiration and your personal info so we can keep in touch.

Artist Selection Process: Panelists from Brit + Co and P&G Bounty's creative teams will judge the submissions and select 50 finalists on June 11, 2021 who will receive a Selfmade scholarship for our summer 2021 session. Then, up to 8 artists will be selected from the finalists and notified on June 18, 2021. The chosen designers will be announced publicly in 2022 ahead of the product launch.

For any outstanding contest Qs, please see our main competition page. Good luck & happy creating!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited. Contest begins 5/21/21 and ends 6/7/21. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, click here. Sponsor: The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, One P&G Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.