Is it just me, or did loungewear lose its appeal in a big way in the last year? I have found myself uncharacteristically reaching for leggings far more than anything lately, but now that spring doesn’t feel a million miles away, I have the overwhelming urge to wear beautiful dresses once again, which, in itself is timely, as there are so many excellent options to choose from right now.
A good chunk of my wardrobe is made up of dresses: party minis, romantic midis, and elegant maxis, and no matter how expansive my collection may be, I can always make room for another (it’s the easiest instant outfit after all). But choosing which dresses (yes, plural) to invest in this year is proving difficult, as there is currently 10 exquisite dress brands on my radar, each of which has countless styles that I can visualise sitting happily in my wardrobe.
Unearthing lesser-known dress brands is something I happen relish in the challenge of. Of course, it doesn’t mean turning our backs on the labels we already know and love, but when it comes to dress shopping, it often pays to think outside the box, broaden your horizons, and find something that you’re less likely to see everyone else wearing. After all, that fabulous dress feels even better when it’s not a high street find that you’ll spot sitting next to you on the train and on the next table over at dinner.
With that in mind I’ve put together 10 impressive brands that create beautiful dresses that are entirely unique. From the fabulous frocks you’ll want to wear to all of your summer weddings, to the everyday pieces that you’ll wear all year long, I’ve found a lesser-known dress brand for every mood, style (and budget, no less). So keeping scrolling to the under-the-radar dresses I’m adding to my wishlist now, I promise you, you’ll forget all about your failsafe jeans.
Independent Hackney-based brand Meadows is the brain child of Central Saint Martins graduate Louise Markey, and is the sister brand of her mainline L.F Markey. Meadows romantic, prairie inspired dresses are the ethereal answer to L.F Markey’s structured denim and utility-wear, and combine the Seventies free-sprited sensibility with Tudor and Victorian references. Sustainable shoppers will also appreciate the brand’s approach to slow fashion, sustainable fabrics and plastic free packaging.
When I first stumbled upon Omnes, I assumed the prices of its dresses would easily surpass three figures. I’m pleased, however, to say I was wrong (not that you’d know it by the brand’s high level of quality or design). Expect slinky slip dresses, statement prints and joyous pops of colour from the ethical, London based brand who aim to change the way we shop for the better.
The Meaning Well are a luxury brand with a focus on tackling waste by sourcing forgotten fabrics and working with local artisans to produce lovingly handcrafted, up-cycled pieces. The brands goal is “producing less but meaning more”, and you’ll love and cherish their full skirts, midi dresses and soft tailoring for many years to come.
Okay so, for those in the know Farm Rio might not exactly be an “under the radar” brand, but I don’t think gets enough props for its feel good dresses. There are plenty of the tropical, vibrant prints that celebrate the brand’s Brazilian heritage, as well as the bright splashes of colour that come into their own in spring and summer (heck, I would even wear them through autumn/winter too, we need a little more colour to brighten up grey days). Wear with your favourite jewellery, a red lip, and step out prepared to have the best day possible–this is dopamine dressing at its very best.
I first spotted Naya Rea while scrolling through Instagram and I’ve been hooked ever since. Rea’s dreamlike pieces are inspired by her native Siberia, and explore female sensuality and traditional folklore. Her latest drop is full of silky separates and cosy knits, but the heroes are without a doubt the puff sleeved dresses. Featuring her trademark bows and charming prints on refined silhouettes, slip on one of these dresses whenever you need to feel your prettiest.
In need of unforgettable evening-wear that always invites compliments? Look no further than Filiarmi. Founded by LCF graduate Gozde Arig in 2020, each collection puts a contemporary spin on traditional eveningwear, coming up with something new and altogether different. Expect sculptural shapes, voluminous and daring forms, and a refined and understated colour palette that strikes the balance between timeless and trendsetting.
The eagle-eyed among will instantly recognise Clio Peppiatt designs. Not only did the brand have a major role in season 2 of HBO’s The White Lotus, they also have some very famous fans in Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner and Lila Moss. Designed for fun-loving women who like to dress up, Clio Peppiatt’s signature style is a sparkling mix of colours, texture, and intricate hand embellishment. Think wearable art and partywear for those who turn up fashionably late (but always leave the party last).
After refining their skills at Simone Rocha and Gareth Pugh, London College of Fashion graduates Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang launched SHUSHU/TONG in. 2015 in answer to the ultra-feminine gap in the market. Inspired by anime, school uniforms and Gen Z, SHUSHU/TONG is a fun mix of ruffles, bows, and Peter Pan collars that evoke feelings of playful optimism and youthful joie de vire. Just add opaque tights or socks and a Mary Jane shoe, and you’ve got yourself spring-ready dress look for the ages.
Calling all modern minimalists: House of Dagmar might still be relatively lesser-known, but I doubt this will remain the case for much longer. With an understated colour palette, luxurious fabrics, and some incredible silhouettes and flattering fits, these are dresses to wear when you need a confidence boost. Why? Swedish sisters Karin Söderlind, Kristina Tjäder and Sofia Wallenstam have redefined power dressing for the 2020s, and now the sharp tailoring, fluid lines and amped up proportions are the only thing we want to wear in and out of the office.
Chances are you’ll have already seen made-to-order brand Realms crop up in your Instagram feed. Their exaggerated shapes, pop colours and eye-catching campaigns stopped me scrolling in my tracks, but it was the maxi length Divination and Preacher dresses that make me head immediately to the site. If you’re yet to invest in a dress from the label, you might want to consider doing so as soon as possible, something tells me that now the secret is out of the back, we’ll be seeing a lot more of Realms fashion forward designs and punchy personality in the year to come.
Up Next, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
Promo image: @chiarasatelier wearing Meadows
