The Ultimate Dress Guide
When it comes to effortless styling, nothing makes life easier than a do-it-all dress. From the hard-working heroes you’ll wear day-to-day, to the show stopping gowns that are guaranteed to turn heads, this is your guide to the hero styles, whatever the occasion.
Everyday
Meet your new wardrobe heroes, the ultra-versatile dresses that will take you everywhere with minimum fuss required. Conjured in a broadly neutral colour palette – all the better to accommodate an ever-changing list of styling requirements - they’re comfortable, cool and relaxed which is all you could want from a really great dress. Look for simple shapes elevated with interesting details: Lisa Yang's 'Ally' lends a lighter feel to a knit dress with its spaghetti straps and sweetheart neckline, whilst TOVE’s effortless twisted maxi is perfect with a minimalist slide for summer or an over-the-knee boot when the temperature falls. KHAITE’s ‘Alta’ dress is the epitome of timeless elegance – it will look equally impressive under a casual trench coat as a precision-cut blazer. Meanwhile, Proenza Schouler's 'Lara' maxi is a modern classic that can be worn multiple ways - the back waistline can be unclasped and the long sleeves tied at the front.
Evening
16Arlington has struck the perfect balance between maximalist proportions and fuss-free wearability. Sound too good to be true? See the brand's 'Vezile' dress for evidence. Nipped at the waist, exaggerated at the hip with a cool (yet dramatic) asymmetric hemline - ready to be dressed up with a high heel or an embellished flat. Its polar opposite, meanwhile, is the barely-there slip with its endless layering possibilities, which requires you to decide just how daring you’re feeling and if you're going to invest in some new lingerie to wear underneath it, too. And if you want to find the sweet spot between the two, look to fluid, ruffled dresses in tactile fabrics and wear with slicked-back hair and minimal accessories.
Event
These are the dresses you’ll want in your wardrobe if your diary is packed out with an endless stream of weddings and parties - not only do they look incredible, they’ll carry you through multiple occasions with a quick switch-up of accessories. If you’re looking for high-octane glamour then make the season’s super-sexy gowns complete with cut-outs and sequins your go-to - Christopher Esber and Mônot are guaranteed to turn heads. Softer silhouettes with sheer panels and fluid lines - cue Jacquemus’ 'Brezza' and 'Banista' styles - can be dressed down with sandals or up with heels depending on where you’re headed. Make Taller Marmo and Solace London your go-to for fit-and-flare silhouettes, feathered sleeves, jewel tones and lashings of lace.
Vacation
When you only have a suitcase of clothes to play with you need dresses that will work hard to earn their place, easy pieces that work in multiple settings: crochet knits, say, like Paris Georgia’s semi-sheer numbers, or light and airy silhouettes from Matteau and Asceno that can be thrown over a bikini by day or paired with heels and statement earrings after dark. Irresistible, simple dresses like SIR’s cut-out minis and midis are timeless classics that you’ll want to break out for countless vacations to come. And a vacation always calls for bold pops of colour with signature styles from Jacquemus that will bring the sunshine all by themselves.
LBD
The new season’s crop of little black dresses demand attention thanks to daring slits, bare shoulders and bold, sheer panels. Leading the charge is Mugler: think lots of ruching, lots of peekaboo cut-outs and even more femme-fatale attitude. Note that these can be dialled down with some clever styling should the occasion require – just add flats and a relaxed blazer to offset their overt sex appeal with a more masculine edge. If you prefer your silhouettes with a little more coverage look for streamlined, flawlessly sophisticated dresses - courtesy of TOVE – a smattering of feathers for maximum impact with minimal skin on show.
9-5
Trying to nail the tricky business of dressing appropriately for both work and the weather? An elevated take on the classic shirt dress is a fail-safe bet, with wardrobe longevity baked in – look for relaxed rather than prim silhouettes with some directional details that give them a work-appropriate, quietly fashion spin. Jil Sander’s pristine white take is a masterclass in minimalism while LEMAIRE’s slate grey silk wrap dress hits the sweet spot between effortless and elegant and Proenza Schouler’s belted iteration is a stealth piece with wardrobe longevity. LVIR’s puff sleeves add interest to a classic A-line silhouette and KHAITE’s ‘Teri’ and ‘Bruna’ styles can be paired with a tailored jacket by day to keep them office appropriate, then switch out as you head out after dark.
Words Sarah Bonser and Emma Sells
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