The smock dress sounds frumpy—the cover-up your hairdresser throws over your shoulders before a cut comes to mind—but simply means a dress with gathered, stretchable fabric. Smocking is often found on sleeves or bodices, and it's extremely popular this summer.

We've seen the technique on everything from bathing suits to tops (and from designers like Caroline Constas to cult-favorite brand Ganni), but we're particularly taken with smocked dresses. You can keep things playful in a babydoll silhouette or go for major drama in a maxi-length dress. Either way, you'll be on trend this season. Below, 15 of our favorites.

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Smocked Mini Dress

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$370 (originally $740)

The Figure-Flattering Summer Dress You Almost Forgot About

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Smocked Mini Dress

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White Cotton Poplin High Neck Smock Dress

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balloon-sleeve smocked dress

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Dayna Bold Stripe Ruffle Hem Smock Dress

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Culture Print Smock Dress

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The Gimlet checked cotton and linen-blend midi dress

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Smocked cotton-poplin midi dress

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Smocked embroidered linen dress

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Midi Smock Dress

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Ruffled smocked chiffon mini dress

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Wildflower Smocked Dress

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Dress with Smocking

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Embroidered Striped Dress

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Chiffon Tie-Neck Ruffled Dress

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Isla Floral Embroidered Smocked Dress

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