Spring has got to be one of my favorite times of the year solely for the fashion. I live for bright colors, floral prints and all things fresh and new.

I’ve noticed that as I get older, I’m drawn more to buying quality pieces from designers I know i’ll have in my closet for a long time, rather than items that are trendy from ‘fast-fashion’ stores. I used to buy things from places like Forever 21 and H&M in bulk and realize I end up tossing more than half those clothes once a new season comes around. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with shopping at those places…but in an effort to be more environmentally friendly to the planet and economically friendly to my wallet, I’ve invested in some higher end, yet affordable brands that I know I’ll have hanging in my closet for a longer time.

What I ask myself when choosing these pieces is a) is the print and/or color timeless? A good floral print will never go out of style, while the neon trend of lime green dresses certainly (and hopefully) will! Sorry — just not a fan. The next question I have to ask myself is b) is this cut/style flattering? I love a good midi length dress that elongates your legs at the calf or wrap dress that cinches at the waist. The smock waist trend is so cute but let’s be real, that look isn’t flattering on a day you’ve had a bowl of pasta (or anything but iced coffee for that matter). The final question I ask is c) can I style this to wear for more than one type of outing? I try to make sure mostly all the pieces I buy are versatile enough to be worn from day to night, casual to dressier if need be. Bonus points if its appropriate enough to be worn at the office.

Below are some of my favorite new brands i’ve discovered that I feel totally mold to my main three criteria when picking out pieces and different ways you can style them.

And Other Stories: Polka Dot Midi Dress

I’ve been working with And Other Stories for almost 7 months on my Instagram and I absolutely love every piece i’ve selected from them, but this polka dot mini has to be an all time fave. It’s an appropriate enough length and covers my shoulders enough so I can wear it to work, but also has a flirty little slit and cinches at the waist making it super flattering. The fabric is also breathable, making it an easy Spring dress to throw on for warm days.

HOW TO STYLE CASUAL: Sandals/Slides, cross body bag and loose hair. Iced coffee optional ;) Ideal for weekend errands and farmers market runs!

HOW TO STYLE DRESSIER: Give a nod to the Western trend with cowboy boots and add a pop of color with a statement bag. Pin hair back on one side and add some fun earrings for an ideal drinks to dinner look.

Keepsake The Label: Floral Mini Dress

I randomly discovered this Australian brand through a PR company and fell in love with every piece this brand makes as they are completely on point with my aesthetic. Think all things romantic and floral down to the very last detail— complete with ruffles, lace and puff sleeves. I’m also very impressed with the quality of the pieces! Could this floral dress be anymore ‘me’!?

HOW TO STYLE CASUAL: This dress is on the dressier side as it is with the lace trim and ruffles, so make it more relaxed with cowboy boots and a wide brimmed hat.

HOW TO STYLE DRESSIER: Play into how girly and fun this dress is with pearl hair clips and a pink lip. Perfect for a warm date night!

Keepsake the Label: Ruffle Maxi Dress

HOW TO STYLE: This dress is begging to be worn to a wedding or a vacation! Style with some sandaled heels, a cute straw bag and some pearl hair pins to complete the look

Keepsake the Label: Balloon Sleeve Sweater

HOW TO STYLE: I’ve been wearing this sweater non-stop since I’ve gotten it! it’s a lightweight sweater perfect for the chillier Spring days we have in San Francisco. The material is great quality, feels so soft on and has the cutest scalloped striped details throughout. My favorite part is definitely the dramatic balloon sleeves though. Since this is a more basic top I can just throw on with jeans I’ve had a lot of fun styling it with extra accessories like this pearl bag and statement earrings.

Keepsake the Label: Flare Sleeve Mini Dress

HOW TO STYLE: Safe to say that Keepsake is going to be a new staple brand in my wardrobe. The fit and quality of the pieces is seriously the best I’ve come across in a while. This dress has a gorgeous floral print with ruffles cascading across the dress and huge flared sleeves. I would probably wear this to a bridal shower ( I have one coming up in June!) or somewhere out at night that serves a tasty and overpriced cocktail (which isn’t hard to come across in SF) with some sandaled heels and fun hair clips.

Faithfull the Brand: Red Floral Midi Dress

Another Australian label that I’m loving lately is Faithfull. Their prints are unique but still timeless with classic floral prints. This red dress makes me feel like I’m living out my dreams in Paris in the 60s. Also i’ve noticed all of their silhouettes are extremely flattering, flowing and hitting at all the right spots.

HOW TO STYLE CASUAL: This dress is perfect for weekend coffee or brunch with a wide brimmed hat and your favorite top handle purse

HOW TO STYLE DRESSIER: Throw on some platform heels and curls in your hair for a cute girls night out look

Faithfull the Brand: Green Midi Dress

HOW TO STYLE: I die over this color! It’s such a gorgeous green color with a simple yet beautiful floral design that makes matching accessories with it a breeze. I added my current Spring favorites — heeled sandals, straw bag and pearl hair barrettes to complete the look

Just Female: Floral Maxi Dress

I recently discovered Just Female, a Scandinavian brand based out of Copenhagen. Similar to the Australian brands, Just Female has the most amazing quality and fit to their pieces I seriously can’t get enough. I discovered them at a local boutique here in SF and have been on the hunt for more of their pieces ever since. This floral maxi dress is becoming a staple in my closet this Spring as its appropriate enough to wear to work and on the weekends.

Just Female: Leopard Maxi Dress

HOW TO STYLE: This leopard print midi dress has a full skirt and a belt to cinch at the waist so it gives me retro vibes, which is why I love it with a higher heel and a hair accessory like a headband. Perfect for work and happy hour in my book!

Just Female: Orange Print Dress

HOW TO STYLE: This orange print dress has me literally dreaming of a vacation somewhere along the Amalfi coast. Not only is the print super cute and unique, the ruffles make the dress so fun and the flowy fit is nothing short of flattering. This one can definitely be dressed up or down — I just got it last week and have already worn it to the office with heels and a shopping event with sandals as pictured.

What brands are you guys loving for Spring? I want to know! Let me know in the comments and what you think of my picks and if you have also tried them.