Dress shopping can be a bit of a nightmare with so many styles, prints and fabrics to choose from. Do you take a casual dress and add some bling? Or wear a flowing maxi but tone it down with flats? So many choices!
In order to cut down on stress (and excess spending) we’ve narrowed down the five key dress styles that you need to have in your wardrobe. This handful of dress styles will cover you for daytime wear, office outfits, formal events and nights out. As for how many of each dress type you buy… we can’t control that unfortunately!
Here’s our definitive list of wardrobe staples:
1. A go-to LBD
Every closet needs a basic black dress. Whether it’s your fallback for a night out, something you throw on for a last minute dinner, or your favourite dress that you save for special occasions, you can’t go wrong with the classic LBD.
This sleeveless one from Warehouse (€56) has a sexy cutout at the front – but you could dress it down with a chunky cardi for a more grungey look during the day:
We’re big fans of this structured skater-style dress from Forever 21. It’s a steal at €19.95 and the shoulder panels add a touch of formality:
2. A daytime dress
Be it a skater dress, a swing dress or a floaty sundress, every wardrobe needs a light and bright day dress that can be thrown on over tights or bare legs.
We love the jewel tones on this New Look dress (€24.99) and the boho fringing at the ends would make this a great choice for a gig or festival. Gorgeous!
This H&M polka dot number (€19.99) has a more structured look, if you want to look put-together without a whole lot of effort.
3. An office-worthy dress
Your office might not require you to wear business-style clothes but you never know when you’ll have a big meeting or last-minute interview.
Stand out in this geometrical print shift from New Look for just €22.99:
Or try a feminine Peter Pan collar, like the one on this forest green long-sleeved number from Penneys (€16):
4. A look-at-me dress
A statement dress is the perfect option for when you want to stand out from the crowd without going overboard. In this case it’s not so much the style but the colour or print that is important.
All eyes will be on you in this sunshine yellow floral print shift from River Island (€45):
Or go for a colour pop with this stunning magenta v-neck look from Oasis (€62):
5. A full-on formal dress
Sometimes there are occasions where we can’t get away with being too casual. Whether it’s a wedding or a college ball, you’ll need a formal dress for at least one event over the next couple of years.
This sexy black, cream and gold dress from H&M (€39.99) gives a really defined waist and the floor-sweeping length adds a touch of Hollywood glamour…
Or go a little simpler with this bright red boatneck option from Zara (€49.99)
And there you have it! Our five dress styles to cover you for all occasions.
Go forth and shop!
