Amelia Yeomans
The best dresses are a must buy for any closet. Ensuring you'll look and feel instantly put together, a great frock can put a halt to any sartorial meltdown and boost your confidence in one fell swoop.
The best dresses will guarantee you a spot on everyone's best dressed list. Whatever the occasion, a great dress will carry you through in style, whether you're heading to a wedding, the office or simply out with friends, this throw on and go look can be quite the attention grabber. Demanding minimum styling, with maximum impact, whatever length you choose, the right dress will always make you feel ready to take on the world
The best dresses will take you through each season with ease, with many holding the ability to be worn all year, making them smart investment pieces. Easy to dress up, layered with jackets, or on top of t-shirts and fine knits, a great dress can be transformed time and time again with a simple switch up of layering pieces or accessories. Get it right and you'll feel like you have a never ending wardrobe. To help you avoid those nothing to wear moments, we've rounded up the best dresses to shop now.
Best dresses: New in styles to shop right now
There is a dress for every activity. From what to wear to a wedding, to brunch outfit ideas - the best frocks will ensure you put your most stylish foot forward at all times. These are the silhouettes you need to ensure your ready for anything.
1. Best maxi dresses
Whether you're looking to add to your summer capsule wardrobe, solve what to wear in the heat or are on the hunt for holiday outfit ideas, the humble maxi dress is a wardrobe staple - particularly in warmer months. Evoking instant holiday vibes, a maxi dress offers great coverage and has the ability to feel instantly glamorous. Easy to dress up or down with a change of accessories, opt for classic paisley, tile and floral prints for a statement look or a block color design that will be a style staple forever.
Featuring a mixed floral print in 100% cotton, this dreamy dress is ideal when deciding what to pack for a beach vacation. The A-line shape will ensure this dress is easy breezy for both day-to-day wear and for evening alfresco dinners, channelling a boho capsule wardrobe, while the bowed neckline makes this wearable for special occasions, such as weddings too. Just grab your best sandals and you're good to go.
When it comes to the best summer dresses, no one does it quite like Spanish clothing brand, Zara. Creating some of the best dresses, the brand knows how to make great frocks with throw on and go appeal. One of the best green dresses, this A-line shaped, paisley print shirt dress is ideal for wearing on hot days, as it will help keep you cool. Dress up for a wedding with heels, a fascinator and a clutch bag, or wear casually with your best denim jacket.
A take on the classic slip dress, this body-hugging design is available up to a size 4X, making for an inclusive style. In a hue popular during New York Fashion Week 2023, we're certain that red is going to be a big fashion colour trend in the coming months, making this style a good investment.
With multiple ways to wear, when it comes to how to style a slip dress, this fitted design makes a great base layer. Style up by adding a blazer or a cropped sweater over the top, or highlight your figure by wearing alone, adding heels and a clutch for a more dressy occasion.
2. Best midi dresses
The best midi dresses work for all occasions and will become a wardrobe essential in no time. Offering one stop dressing, the most stylish of midi dresses will cover you for all occasions - whether you're wondering what to wear on a first date, or need a Sunday lunch outfit idea, we can say with almost 100% certainty that there will be a midi dress to match.
With a tea dress silhouette, this iteration features an empire line shape, making it one of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy. The deep V-neckline will elongate your silhouette, while the twisted high waist creates a narrowed waist. In a pretty floral print, this midi frock can be styled up for a special occasion, or worn for the weekend with your best white trainers. A look you'll reach for on repeat.
Ideal for the summer, this 100% organic cotton dress has the benefit of being lightweight and breathable, for a comfortable wear in warm weather. One of the best pink dresses on the market, the punchy hue is great for the spring and summer months.
With a high-waisted cut, to elongate your lower torso, the dress helps to create an hourglass silhouette. Ruched across the bustline, this dress gives a nod to regencycore, a popular spring/summer fashion trend 2023.
Ideal for warmer climes, the sunnier days are on their way and this lovely relaxed fit dress in a purple hue instantly evokes beach vibes. With a tiered silhouette that easily skims curves, and embroidered design for added luxe factor, this bag just needs a pair of sandals and your favorite raffia beach bag for serious summer points.
3. best mini dresses
As much as the runway embraced floor sweeping hemlines, the same is true for thigh skimming mini styles too. The mini dress is ideal for warmer months, worn bare-legged to embrace the hot weather. The shorter hem length lends itself well to creating some of the best petite dresses.
A new launch from one of the best dress brands, Needle & Thread is well known for its frothy and romantic frocks, but the pretty dress brand has recently launched a selection of knitted dresses that have a more 'everyday' feel. While the brand's main range is our go to for the best wedding guest dresses, the new knit pieces will slot into your capsule wardrobe. Easily dressed up or down, the brand's classic A-line silhouette shines through here, offering a flattering finish.
This mini dress is ideal for a beach or poolside vacation as it will slip on easily over your best swimsuit as one of the best beach cover-ups, or work effortlessly teamed with jeweled sandals for an evening out. The vibrant color palette is ideal for summer and the sheer sleeves feel delightfully breezy.
Cut with a bustier style, this '80s leaning dress is a great new season piece. Available in three denim hues, white, blue and black for a versatile wear, this dress can be worn year through if you're smart with your layering. For summer months, go bare-armed and bare-legged, pairing with chunky sandals for a directional feel. Come fall and winter, add tights, boots and a ribbed roll neck to make this dress seasonally appropriate.
4. Best petite dresses
The best petite dresses are much more than shorter hemlines. Well designed petite clothing takes into account the difference in torso length and build, not just height. With many brands now offering petite categories, finding one of the best dresses for a smaller stature is more accessible than ever and with the correctly designed proportions, there is no style that petites can't wear.
Looking for the best dresses for summer occasions? This floral dress has a pretty full skirt and chic cape-style top for a more modern twist on a classic spring/summer print. The cropped overlay helps to lengthen your lower torso, while the fuller skirt creates a narrowed waistline.
American clothing brand Ann Taylor crafts excellent tailoring and this black dress is ideal for a summer outfit for work. Cut for petites, the midi length hem will fall just at the right point for a flattering finish. The faux wrap detail enhances curves, while the belt detail helps to create and hourglass silhouette. While this dress can be worn bare armed, for added warmth slip a silky blouse or fitted long-sleeve top underneath.
Giving us all the boho vibes, this gorgeous white dress with low back and oversized bow gives nods to the latest wedding dress trends, thanks to its ethereal feel. The tiered A-line skirt offers a flattering, waist-narrowing finish, and if you're looking for a straight to market wedding dress for a more relaxed big day, this is a great option. Alternatively, this is a great option for what to wear for a bridal shower (as the bride), or as a rehearsal dinner dress.
5. best plus size dresses
The best plus size dresses naturally have size in mind, but to get the most flattering silhouette, the cut of the garment is of upmost importance. The dresses that made our best dresses list in this section have an extended range of sizes that make them accessible for fuller figures, but they also have designs that enhance curves, contour your shape and streamline your figure for garments that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Eloquii is one of our favorite plus size clothing brands and they certianly don't disappoint in the dress department. This blue t-shirt dress is ideal for work or play and features a relaxed shape, but a defined middle. With a twisted, knotted and draped center, this dress delivers optical illusion dressing in droves. Lengthening your silhouette, the ruched design is flattering across a middle, skimming a midriff.
A sensational dress in a showstopping print, if you have an occasion this summer, then American clothing brand, Anthropologie, as an eclectic selection of dresses that will help you discover, what is boho style. This bohemian printed and ruffled, tiered design is ideal for taller, plus size silhouettes. Also available in main range and petite, this pretty summer dress is a truly inclusive style and the bust flattering square neckline is timeless yet directional.
With a dedicated plus size line, River Island have a great range of extended sizes including this chic pink leopard print designs. With a statement clasp and a draped front, this dress is ideal for those with hourglass silhouettes, or looking to create a curvaceous silhouette. The gentle ruching is flattering for a midriff too. Pair with neutral heels and clutch for a party-ready look.
6. best black dresses
A woman should be two things, 'classy and fabulous' - and the best Coco Chanel quotes pay homage to the designer's style ethos, in the same way that are continued obsession with finding the perfect little black dress, pays tribute to Coco's creative genius.
Chanel created the notion of the LBD and since then it has become a capsule wardrobe hero. A black dress is incredibly versatile, making a great choice for so much more than simply: what to wear to a job interview or what to wear to a funeral. The black dress is synonymous with elegance and class and can be reinvented over and over again with new accessories. One of the most important investment styles you'll ever buy.
The best shirt dresses offer unparalleled versatility, easy to dress up for work, or down for smart casual outfit ideas. This black iteration is ideal as we head through spring and into summer, thanks to the short sleeve design. The longer, A-line skirt offers a feminine finish, to what can sometimes be an androgynous style. The belt helps to create a curvy shape and with this dress available up to a size 4X, it's inclusive too.
Another dress tapping into the regency-core look, this black dress features a bust flattering square neckline and retro full sleeve. The open back, with lace-up detailing adds a directional feel to this pretty, summer piece. The full skirt shoots out from underneath the bust, creating a midriff-skimming shape.
Easy to dress up or down, the lightweight fabric is breathable for the season ahead. For a directional feel, pair with on-trend ballet pumps in a bright hue.
If you're looking for a dress to create enviable curves, then this ruffled, tiered mini black dress is ideal for the summer. Made from cotton, it's lightweight and breathable, while the pretty, full skirt is great for nipping you in at the waist before skimming over fuller hips. Team with heels, wedges or ballet flats for a chic summer outfit.
7. best white dresses
White dresses are just as versatile as black dresses, so unless you're heading to someone's wedding, a little white dress should be on your shopping list. Great in the warm weather, as white reflects the heat - keeping you cooler on the hottest of days - white dresses instantly conjure up the notion of tanned skin, summer holidays and beach waves. From evening dinner looks to bridal shower ensembles (if you're the bride), white is one of summer's favorite color choices.
This gathered mini dress is one of the best dresses for nailing heatwave style. The cool cotton fabric is breathable - meaning you'll sweat less and cool down quicker, while the trapeze silhouette will also help with airflow to your skin. The collarless, shirt-style silhouette adds elegance to this casual design that can be dressed up with gold jewelry and a statement, directional rattan bag.
If you're a fan of the best tuxedos for women, then this dress is a feminine twist on the trend. In a tuxedo jacket-style silhouette, this mini dress features a caped back, for a real red carpet feel.
The deep V-neckline, paired with the thigh-skimming hemline helps to create an elongated silhouette, just add stilettos for a never ending leg-look. For a party-ready feel, add statement earrings and a cocktail ring.
When it comes to how to style a shirt dress, a white shirt dress is a warm weather hero and gives your look instant elegance. White shirt dresses team tailoring and femininity together and suggests to the world that you're the kind of person who can go a whole day without spilling a latte on yourself. A transformative piece, this white shirt dress design features a self-fabric belt to allow you to highlight your waist, you can however forgo the belt for a more relaxed feel or swap it for slim fit leather design.
8. Best floral dresses
'Florals, for spring? Groundbreaking' - one of the best fashion quotes, when it comes to bloom prints, they might not be revolutionary, but they are guaranteed to always be in style, particularly in the spring and summer seasons. Giving any look a softer and more romantic feel, whether you opt for oversized or micro florals, you can guarantee that the best dresses in gorgeous floral prints will be with you for a lifetime.
The tiered, trapeze silhouette has been one of the best dress shapes of the season. Smart enough to dress up for an event - just learn how to wear headbands to style it up. But still chic paired with comfortable flats, relaxed fits are becoming an ever increasing part of the fashion landscape. In a post-lockdown era, designers understand that many consumers are trying to hold on to the comfort and the laidback lifestyle many undertook when the hustle and bustle was taken away and this has certainly started to shape silhouettes and styles.
Ghost make some of the best dresses and the brand is already a firm favorite with the likes of Kate Middleton. This sweet, wrap dress is quite a statement for Ghost, who usually opt for pastel, silky dresses and gowns - ideal for special occasion wear. This bold floral number stays true to the brand's iconic silhouette, but injects it with a modern pop of color and print.
One of the best sustainable clothing brands, Ganni has become a firm favorite with the fashion pack for its fashion-forward but easy-to-wear silhouettes. This ruffled, tiered summer dress plays with a micro floral print to give this classic trend a new spin. Paired with loafers - a big shoe trend 2023, Ganni are masters of mixing feminine pieces with unusual, more androgynous accessories.
