Amelia Yeomans
No wardrobe is complete without the best midi dresses. No matter your personal style, the perfect midi dress will see you through all seasons and occasions effortlessly.
One of the best dresses you can invest in, there is nothing the midi dress can't do. With day-to-night wearability, long-lasting comfort, and a cohesive and sophisticated look, it is a true fashion favorite. Not too long, but not too short, midi dresses are universally flattering sitting neatly between your knees and ankles - a stylish length that always feels appropriate. We can't ever see midi dresses going out of style, so whether you invest in a trend-led design or stick to something more classic, you are guaranteed to get your money's worth with this purchase.
Many of this season's best summer dresses fall at a midi length, and there are few better pieces for sunny weather. Light enough to keep you cool but without showing too much skin, there isn't anyone we wouldn't recommend a midi dress too. When fall rolls back around, they can even be layered with a chunky knit and boots. Look no further for the best midi dresses on the market right now, with options to suit every budget.
Best midi dresses chosen by fashion experts
With a plethora of midi dresses on the market, we’ve rounded up our favorite and most flattering styles that you can buy now and love forever.
RRP: $230 / £129 | If you're after a dress for a Quiet Luxury holiday look, Ghost is the place to go. This silky style is the ideal balance between smart and casual, meaning it can easily be dressed up with some slingback mules for formal occasions. Channel all of the fashion color trends 2023 in a subtle way with this sophisticated rainbow dot pattern.
RRP: $548 / £319 | This isn't a cheap purchase, but if you have a big occasion on the horizon it's one of the most beautiful midi dresses out there. Made from 100% cotton that will keep you cool, it is made for summer weather. With delicate embroidery that could rival high-end brands, this is a beautiful piece that you're guaranteed to wear year after year.
RRP: $275 / £215 | One of the best pink dresses, this 100% cotton poplin dress is ideal for the summer. The ruched waist, cuffed puffed sleeves and flattering V-neckline help to add structure and definition to this floaty frock and accentuate an hourglass body shape. The full skirt and gathered waistline also make this one of the most stylish dresses to hide a tummy.
RRP: $148 / £140 | If you're still wondering, what is boho style? Look no further than Free People to channel this look. With a bust-flattering square neckline and romantic puff sleeves, this sweet floral dress offers a pretty and floaty silhouette, ideal for warmer weather. The scattered print adds a pop of brightness and ensures this summer frock will always be in style.
RRP: $250 / £140 | Sustainably sourced, the delicate fabric and pastel color renders this dress wedding-ready. The ruffled bodice and pleated skirt make it one of the best midi dresses for a wedding, or one of the best bridesmaid dresses for the big day. The fabric belt helps to accentuate a waist, while the ruffled shoulder detail offers light upper arm coverage.
RRP: $39.99 / £29.99 | If you love the denim trends 2023 but find jean dresses too thick or rigid, opt for a true blue wrap dress instead. Made from a light satin, this is the perfect piece to throw on during sticky summer weather. You could even wear it undone as a light summer shacket, or layered with patterned tights in fall. A great affordable pick, this wrap dress will always be a chic yet trendy option.
RRP: $99.99 / £59.99 | In a beautiful bottle green, this fine knit dress is a key item for transitional weather. Made from a light polyester blend, it can also work for chillier summer evenings. Style with some strappy gold sandals and statement earrings this summer, and layer under your best camel coat for an easy and luxe winter office ensemble.
RRP: $130 / £90 | The best midi dresses work for all occasions and this gorgeous jersey print dress is one that can be easily styled up or kept casual when on vacation or selecting picnic outfit ideas. We love the leg slit detail and tasteful back cutout that elevate the look in a comfortable way.
RRP: $119 / £79.99 | Spanish clothing brand Zara never disappoints when it comes to the best midi dresses. This broderie style material is giving a nod to boho style in a subtle way, allowing plenty of room for accessorizing to make this look your own. Style with flipflops and a basket bag for casual summer days.
RRP: $950 / £825 | Australian clothing brand Zimmermann makes some of the best midi dresses and this romantic floral shirt dress with full sleeves is ideal if you're looking for one of the best wedding guest dresses. Perfectly pretty in pastel hues, pair this dress with a flesh tone court shoe or a simple sandal.
RRP: $139 / £110 | With throw-on-and-go appeal, this rib knit iteration is ideal for every day. One of the best pink dresses, it has a fairly relaxed fit, although due to the fabric it will hug your curves. With a directional full sleeve, for a trendy twist, the dress also has a slit, making it ideal for pairing with boots.
RRP: $285 / £247 | Flattering on an hourglass figure, this boldly printed dress with gathered waist is a great new season statement piece. The clever placement of the print draws your eye in and down the silhouette for a figure flattering finish, while the bold color palette is sure to add cheer to any day.
RRP: $589 / £375 | Get ready for a summer of parties with Needle & Thread's Araminta dress. Featuring embroidery across the bodice and sheer floaty sleeves, this tulle dress oozes romance and elegance. A great choice for a bridesmaid dress, or one of the best rehearsal dinner dresses for brides to be.
RRP: $375 / £310 | With a vintage-inspired look, this poplin dress has puff sleeves, an adorned waistband and a sweetheart neckline, it is a truly unique piece that is also surprisingly versatile. Black isn't just for fall and winter - it makes for an eye-catching look in the summer months and one of the best black wedding guest dresses.
RRP: $279 / £139 | One of the best jumper dresses, this striped crew neck sweater dress is a great piece to slot into a minimalist capsule wardrobe. Pairable with everything from your best knee high boots to leggings and trainers, this is a versatile piece that will keep you warm on cooler evenings or cloudy days.
RRP: $87 / £47 | A striped dress but not as you know it, the asymmetric pattern gives this midi dress hourglass creating properties, thanks to cleverly placed angles. The bold monochromatic print will pair well with a black blazer and dressy flats for striking office attire, or with sleek black boots for date night.
RRP: $215 / £125 | Looking for an alternative to flattering jumpsuits? This tiered smocked dress is an ideal pick. The various tiers will accentuate your shape whilst the busy pattern will liven up any wardrobe. A great look for any over 50s capsule wardrobe, it delivers elegance with a trendy feel.
RRP: $385 / £228 | Tapping into Pantone's Color of the Year 2023, this gorgeous dress feels directional yet timeless. The long sleeve is ideal for changeable weather conditions, taking you right through summer and into fall, while the faux wrap detail cinches your waist, creating a gentle hourglass silhouette without any discomfort.
What are midi dresses and why are they so popular
The midi dresses popularity is in part down to its extreme versatility that is unrivalled by other wardrobe items.
“Our fashion habits have certainly changed over the couple of past years with eco-conscious shoppers looking to invest in wardrobe staples that can work for the office and the weekend and this is where the midi dress really excels,” says Paula Moore, Fashion Director at woman&home.
Not as short as a mini or as long as a maxi, a midi dress hits that sweet spot in-between - falling just below the knee and above the ankle.
“The midi length is universally flattering, making it a hugely popular choice. Where a midi dress might overwhelm a petite frame or a mini dress feel too short on a taller frame, the midi dress is the perfect compromise for both figures,” says Moore.
What are the most popular midi dress styles
Midi dresses come in many iterations making it easy to find a style to suit you. Some of the most popular styles include:
Wrap: The wrap dress is classic thanks to its universally flattering silhouette. With a v-neckline and a tie-waist to cinch you in, it’s feminine and flirty and a stylish choice for date night.
Shirt: Give boyish tailoring a feminine flair with the best shirt dresses. All the polish of a shirt but with the ease of a dress, a shirt dress is a perfect choice for your 9-5. The best part? Add trainers and you’ve got a sleek weekend look too.
Trapeze: As well as being one of the best dresses to hide a tummy, a trapeze dress has that laid-back aesthetic that makes it easy to wear every day, whether you’re working from home or running errands. “With comfort being key this past year, the trapeze silhouette has certainly risen up the fashion ranks. It has an oversized, relaxed fit that simply hangs from the bust down so there’s no restricting waistband,” says Moore.
Smock: Smocked dresses are a popular choice for the fuss-free summer style. With a square neckline and a flowy skirt, they ooze romance especially when paired with picnic prints and pastel hues.
Knitted: Want to stay cozy but smart too? Enter the knitted dress. From oversized fits to bodycon, the knitted midi dress is your winter best friend. Team with heeled boots to take it from the boardroom to the bar.
Slip: The '90s slip dress came back with a bang a few seasons ago and it’s still going strong. As well as being a summer staple, once you learn how to style a slip dress, you'll realize this strappy dress can be layered over a fine roll neck during the colder months, as well as over t-shirts in the summer, making it super versatile.
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