From editors' beauty picks and spring handbag trends to expert-approved fragrances and (actually in-stock!) collaboration styles ranging between $12 and $395, there were a few notable themes across reader-favorite products last month.
Ahead, we're sharing all the April bestsellers you couldn't resist adding to cart for yourself (or to gift for Mother's Day). Whether you're in the market for something exciting (or just curious about what everyone else is buying!), consider this your curated guide to April's standout finds.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
It's no surprise that Lululemon's most viral bag was a top-performing item, especially for those shopping for crowd-pleasing Mother's Day gifts. The versatile belt bag is available in 1L and 2L sizes, and tons of spring-ready colors that mom will love.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $, available at Lululemon
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Going three-months strong as a top performer, Medicube's pore pads are still a favorite among readers. After Medicube was highlighted as a top K-beauty brand on Amazon, and Senior Beauty Writer Karina Hoshikawa added it to her Amazon Summer Beauty Event wishlist, nearly 200 products were purchased through Refinery29 in April alone.
Kut From The Kloth Petite Sienna Cuffed Hem Wide Leg Jeans
When Nordstrom was holding its End of Season Sale in April, readers rushed to cart up these petite jeans when they were discounted... and good news! They're currently 50% off.
Kut From The Kloth Petite Sienna Cuffed Hem Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom
Fragrance expert Aamna Lone highlighted this Hermès scent as a unique perfume you should try. Describing it as "herbal, woody, and impeccably balanced," Lone added: "This is a mini powerhouse: one spray goes a long way, and I’ve been told the scent lingers well after I’ve left the room."
This playful matching set reigned supreme from reader-favorite retailer Free People last month. We're loving the set for its bold coordinated look, and endless mix-and-match possibilities
FP Movement Double Bubble Set, $, available at Free People
Yves Saint Laurent Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner
In addition to being recommended to achieve the trendy lip blushing look, the beauty team highlighted this YSL lip liner as a must-buy during Sephora's Spring Savings Event. "It’s more like a lip liner stain, but you can still control and blend it easily for a blurred, plumping effect" that looks better as the day goes on, says Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita.
Yves Saint Laurent Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner, $, available at Sephora
Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Halter Peplum Top
One of last month's hottest collaborations was brought to us by Old Navy and Christopher John Rogers... and yes, some styles like this reader-favorite peplum top are still available to shop!
Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Halter Peplum Top, $, available at Old Navy
Pedestrian Project Shoe Pillows
Chief Content Officer Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli called out these shoe inserts as a must-have back in February, and readers took note. "The foam bounce technology gives just enough cushion at the ball of the foot to take the pressure off without changing the fit of the shoe. It’s one of those small upgrades that completely changes how wearable your favorite heels are," she raved.
Pedestrian Project Shoe Pillows, $, available at Amazon
Made In India Beaded Shells Sea & Sand Clutch Bag
We predicted that artisanal seashells would be a major spring handbag trend, and readers ran with it, immediately carting up this under-$50 TJ Maxx find. This style will no doubt be a go-to all summer long.
Made In India Beaded Shells Sea & Sand Clutch Bag, $, available at Tj Maxx
We're officially in sunscreen season (which we beg is all year long) so Production & Editorial Coordinator Dawnie Jefferson decided to restock this face SPF during Sephora's sale. "I love having a spray sunscreen to reapply when I am driving around a lot in this LA sun," she says, praising it for working on top of makeup.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist, $, available at Sephora
Bay Isle Home 2-Person Patio Conversation Set with Cushions
Whether this set was discounted during a weekend sale or Way Day, it was a fan-favorite. We can picture it living on even the tiniest apartment balconies to elevate your space into a luxe escape.
Bay Isle Home 2-Person Patio Conversation Set with Cushions, $, available at Wayfair
Kundal Honey & Macadamia Protein Hair Treatment
Kundal was praised for being a favorite K-beauty brand available on Amazon from the team. Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita explains: "“Not only does this treatment make my hair smell amazing — like I've misted it with a musky hair perfume — but it’s incredibly moisturizing, turning frazzled ends silky." She also occasionally uses it to replace her conditioner for extra moisture.
Kundal Honey & Macadamia Protein Hair Treatment, $, available at Amazon
Zara Buttoned Rib Halter Top
We're always keeping a close eye on Zara's newest drops, so when we saw this adorable button-embellished top, we had to highlight it, and it quickly became a reader-favorite style too.
Zara Buttoned Rib Halter Top, $, available at Zara
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Perfector
Yet another Sephora Spring Savings score! Social Editor Taylor Loren shares: "This is the easiest way to give yourself a tanned glow. You can pick a warmer shade for bronzer or a cooler shade for contour [...] I’ve already repurchased this three times."
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Perfector, $, available at Sephora
Lola Blankets Desert Dune Large Blanket
Lola Blankets are viral for a reason. They're incredibly luxe and cozy, so Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa tested them out, and came to this verdict: "It’s the softest, cuddliest blanket I've ever tried — and I’ve tried countless, being a homebody who loves nothing more than a good nap." (They especially make for very thoughtful gifts.)
Lola Blankets Desert Dune Large Blanket, $, available at Lola Blankets
Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Iris
Fragrance expert Aamna Lone recommends this Escentric Molecules pick as her go-to scent. "This is a fragrance enhancer, a stabilizing substance that can prolong and emphasize other notes," she says, but notes that "on its own, it has a unique musky scent" with powdery and floral notes.
We love this Nordstrom find because it can be worn as a chic bandana alternative, a makeshift summer top, belt, or a bag handle accessory. Bonus: It's currently on sale for 30% off.
LilySilk Geometric Print Silk Scarf, $, available at Nordstrom
Senior Beauty Writer Karina Hoshikawa praises this serum for helping diminish her keratosis pilaris, and saying it's "easily among the best products I’ve tried for addressing stubborn bumps." Need more convincing? She adds that it "doesn’t tingle or burn, even though it’s packed with a trifecta of exfoliating acids — AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs." (I'm taking R29 readers' lead and carting this up ASAP.)
Soft shoulder bags are so in this season, and readers are loving this on-sale J.Crew style in a summer-ready lime green (which also happens to be trending).
J.Crew Berkeley Small Shoulder Bag in Suede, $, available at J.Crew
Skin1004 Zombie Pack
As readers crept through older editors' picks during Amazon's Summer Beauty Event, many of them carted up Skin1004's mask. After mixing the formula yourself, it results in a rough or cracked effect that reveals which parts of your face are lacking elasticity or hydration.
This cardigan ranked as the highest Nordstrom find purchased during its End of Season Sale. And though we're starting to pack away our sweaters, this is a great transitional style and classic piece that you'll always go back to year after year.
ASTR The Label Scalloped Placket Crop Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom
The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion
For the third month in a row, this $13 milky moisturizer is still going strong. It's especially beneficial for readers with dry skin, as Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikta explains that it can both “quench dry patches and deliver hydration without a greasy feel.”
The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion, $, available at The Ordinary
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Finding a wedding guest dress that you feel confident and comfortable in is no small feat. Add the complexities of dressing for summer — hello, wrinkly fabrics and visible sweat marks — and you’ve got yourself a full-blown shopping project for wedding season. The good news? Whether you’re looking for a breezy dress for a beach ceremony, to incorporate on-trend polka dots into your look, or for casual linen that works for a variety of parties, we’ve got you covered for every dress code.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 24 best summer dresses for every type of wedding — from casual to cocktail — in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points from Refinery29 reader-favorite retailers like Dôen and Free People to Zara and Old Navy. All that’s left to do? Put on your dancing shoes and raise a glass to the happy couple.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
You'll want to dress to impress at a summer black-tie wedding. The formal dress code typically calls for floor-length gowns and the warm weather calls for bright colors (yes, you can skip the black!). Classic column and slip silhouettes are always on point — or go for something unexpected, like a patterned maxi, sequined florals, or a cascading cape.
Never Fully Dressed Blurred Floral Sofia Dress, $, available at Never Fully Dressed
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Arrange Plus Size Floral Embroidered Satin Overlay Maxi Dress
Arrange Plus Size Floral Embroidered Satin Overlay Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Reformation Frankie Dress, $, available at Reformation
Show Me Your Mumu Edina Maxi Dress
Show Me Your Mumu Edina Maxi Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail weddings strike the balance between formal and fun, and your dress should do the same. Opt for a midi dress with eye-catching details like keyhole cutouts, lace trims, belts, or mesh scarves that stand out from the wedding crowd. (Minis and maxis can work too, as long as the fabric and finish look refined.)
Miss Circle Tiana Sweetheart Belted Midi Dress, $, available at Miss Circle
Petal & Pup Santiago Metallic Side Tie One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Petal & Pup Santiago Metallic Side Tie One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Hardware Maxi Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Hardware Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
The styling opportunities are endless for casual summer weddings, no matter if they're at a backyard garden or a restaurant rooftop. Consider a mini, midi, or maxi in casual fabrics. And don't shy away from playful details like all-over prints, cutouts, and convertible necklines. These versatile dresses also work for summer brunches, showers, and every RSVP in between.
free-est All You Need Is Lace Midi Dress, $, available at Free People
Old Navy Pleated Halter Swing Mini Dress
Old Navy Pleated Halter Swing Mini Dress, $, available at Old Navy
Rixo Novara Crepe Midi Dress
RIXO Novara Crepe Midi Dress, $, available at Rixo
J.Crew Reverie Dress in Colorblock Cotton Poplin
J.Crew Reverie Dress in Colorblock Cotton Poplin, $, available at J.Crew
Mango Side Ruched Asymmetric Dress
Mango Side Ruched Asymmetric Dress, $, available at Mango
Skims Convertible Long Dress
Skims Convertible Long Dress, $, available at Skims
Beach & Destination Wedding Guest Dresses
Channel The People We Meet On Vacation style for destination and beach weddings with travel-friendly dresses. This is your moment to lean into the breezy, slightly more casual dress code — think linen maxis, floral prints, and fringe you’ll want to wear all season long. For something brighter, slip into sunset-hued dresses, finishing with sandals, espadrilles, or on-trend wedges.
Eloquii Plus Size Tie-Detail Halter Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Zara Asymmetric Buckle Dress
Zara Asymmetric Buckle Dress, $, available at Zara
Celandine Asymmetrical Fringed T-Shirt Dress
Celandine Asymmetrical Fringed T-Shirt Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Imaan Hammam attends the Saint Laurent Met Gala after party at People’s Bar on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Saint Laurent)
I know everyone is talking about the art-inspired gowns worn up the glorious steps at the Metropolitan Museum’s annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute, but I think we should be zeroing in on the fun after-party looks as well. They are just as noteworthy, fabulous, and easy to recreate during your next night out.
These are the looks that might not be in the highlight reels, but absolutely should. The ones that are actually wearable, actually shoppable, and honestly? Way more fun to copy. From bold color to goth girl black, here are the after-party outfits we’re still thinking about.
Margot Robbie
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Margot Robbie attends the Saint Laurent Met Gala after party at People’s Bar on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Saint Laurent)
Leave it to Robbie to show up to the most glamorous fête in fashion wearing jeans and still somehow be the best-dressed person in the room. It’s proof that the tried-and-true “jeans and a cute top” combo will never let you down. Here she paired a sequin jacket over a classic tank top and jeans and used metallic sandals to solidify her winning look.
Laura Harrier
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: (L-R) Vittoria Ceretti and Laura Harrier attend the Saint Laurent Met Gala after party at People’s Bar on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Saint Laurent)
You can never go wrong with a little black dress. Harrier went full dark romance in a sheer lace number. The deep V-neckline, thigh slit, and strappy kitten heels kept things undeniably sultry, while the dark motif grounded it enough to feel intentional rather than costume-y. It’s the kind of dress that looks complicated to pull off but really only requires confidence. Pair it with a sleek bag, and you’re good to go.
Annabelle Wallis
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Annabelle Wallis attends the Saint Laurent Met Gala after party at People’s Bar on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Saint Laurent)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 4: Simone Ashley is seen arriving at the hotel during the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art”on May 4, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adrian Edwards/GC Images)
Simone Ashley took black-on-black and made it anything but basic with a halterneck top and asymmetric skirt, all anchored with knee-high boots that immediately elevate the entire situation. It’s an outfit that walks the line between edgy and polished. If you’ve been waiting for permission to wear boots throughout the spring and summer, consider this your green light.
Imaan Hammam
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Imaan Hammam attends the Saint Laurent Met Gala after party at People’s Bar on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Saint Laurent)
The trendiest moment of them all? Lace-trimmed silk shorts paired with a windbreaker. Hammam showed us how it’s done in Saint Laurent, but you can recreate the look at a fraction of the price, thanks to brands like Intimissimi and Zella.
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