Stop Press! I’m doing a dress post without going hell for leather on the shapeless buffet dress! In fact, I haven’t featured any in the main outfit pictures. What’s got into me? Well, I have become fully aware that not everyone can do a loose sack dress, it just doesn’t sit right on some figures and frankly, not everyone likes them, so I’m breaking out a range of dresses that I hope will appeal to many of you for different reasons. And I hope these really are ‘A Dress For All Seasons’ as I’ve tried to pick ones that can be worn all year round. Don’t worry, you will find a few classic buffet dresses in the sections below though. I had to add some for my own benefit.
I don’t really need to tell you the benefits of a good dress, but I will recap anyway for those at the back that weren’t paying attention. A good dress will make you feel good, it should make you feel confident and pulled together. It also requires very little thought as it’s just one piece of clothing, so all you really need to think about it what shoes to wear with it. Easy. Boots or trainers would be my answer, with maybe the outside chance of heel if you’re that way inclined on a evening out.
I’ve picked 5 options for you, as always. Short Dresses, Maxi Dresses, Floral Dresses and Shirt Dresses. Something for everyone.
FLORAL DRESSES
Florals aren’t just for Spring. They are for all times of year. In Autumn/Winter, look for prints on a darker background. That will work better once you have to break out the 80 deniers. This one from Monsoon is one of my top picks as it has features that could work for most people. A button front, so good done up if you like the high neck look and undo if you have busoms that need no restrictions. It also has an adjustable tie waist that works for those who like to define their figure, but also works on days when you want to hang loose.
1. Monsoon Mazi Floral Print Tiered Dress
2. Jennifer Gibson Vintage Chanel Brooch
3. Warehouse Long Black Double Breasted Coat
4. Aedye Freya Black Leather Ankle Boots
SHORT DRESSES
Short Dresses are a little out of my comfort zone, but I know a lot of you like them, and if you’re under about 5’4 then Maxi dresses can be an issue, so I’ve hunted around to find my favourites. This one from Arket is top of my list (also comes in black), I spotted it in store the other week and the loose shape caught my eye. I think it would be great with either short or knee high boots and tights. M&S always do excellent coats to go over dresses. This Herringbone number is a classic.
1. Arket Ruffled Denim Short Dress
2. Loewe Leather Puzzle Shoulder Bag
3. Arket Knee High Leather Boots
4. M&S Tailored Wool Blend Herringbone Coat
SHIRT DRESSES
My friend Nadine pretty much only wear shirt dresses, so this section goes out to her. Shirt dresses are a very easy way to look immediately smart at work, they bridge a gap between full-on suit and easy breezy too-casual dresses if you’re in a more corporate environment. You could pair with a heel or a smart boot for the office, but you can also dress them down with casual jacket a big boots for weekends. I had a couple of messages from teachers the other week who said they are now not allowed to wear either trainers or jeans to work anymore, so this one also goes out to them.
1. Hush Charlie Twist Shirt Dress
2. Clea Silk Tourmaline Point Earrings
3. Vivienne Westwood Windsor Leather Shoulder Bag
4. & Other Stories Oversized Workwear Shirt
5. Hush Buxton Leather Biker Boots
MAXI DRESSES
I was going to do a full section on animal print, but I have held myself back (again, what is wrong with me?). Instead a broader selection of Maxi Dresses, Something for the taller ladies amongst you. I never really used to like Maxi’s, but recently I’ve got totally into them. Great in the summer if you’ve not been bothered to shave your legs and even better in the winter if you’ve got crappy old tights you can’t bring yourself to get rid of. No-one will ever know! They’ll only see your feet. I love this Ganni Dress, I have a very similar version from earlier this year and I’m not ashamed to go ‘double leopard’ with a print bag too!
1. Ganni Long Sleeve Shirred Chiffon Leopard Maxi Dress
2. Whistles Bibi Leopard Cross Body Bag
3. Jigsaw Clean Leather Biker Jacket
4. John Lewis & Partners Emina Chunky Flatform Trainers
MIDI DRESSES
Here’s more of an evening look for you, just to mix things up a bit. I have the blue floral version of this Stine Goya dress and it’s such a flattering shape. I didn’t wear it nearly enough this summer, which is a travesty. This Black Star print version might have been a better buy as it would work for all seasons.
Add a vintage necklace as a special extra. This one is from Jennifer Gibson who specialises in beautiful vintage designer pieces. If you are London based, you could also try Grays Antiques Market just near Bond St Tube or Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Racecourse on the first and last Tuesdays of the month. I keep meaning to go, making it a mission to go before Christmas this year.
1. Jennifer Gibson Vintage Dior Crystal V Necklace
2. Stine Goya William Star Print Dress
3. Stella McCartney Small Star Shoulder Bag
4. Jigsaw Satin Back One Button Jacket
5. AND/OR Amili Gold Leather Sling Backs
Don’t forget, you can always throw a cardi over your Autumn dress when it really gets cold. Next week, I’m torn between Coats or Boots? or even smart trousers? Let me know over on Instagram what you fancy. Sorry the comments section here needs looking at by my IT Manager/Husband.
K x
