We all experience days when we just don’t have the time or the mental capacity to think about our outfits. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. This is where the throw-on dress comes in. Now, what sets a dress apart from a throw-on dress? It’s quite simple. Where some dresses might feel tight and restricting, throw-on dresses are the opposite. Often loose or stretchy, they’re comfortable to wear and don’t require too much effort, particularly when selecting which underwear to wear underneath them. (I like to look for a dress that I don’t have to wear with a strapless bra.)
Throw-on dresses should be easy, but that doesn’t negate the need for some styling. As lovely as it would be to put on a dress and require nothing else, there are still, at the very least, shoes to consider. So what does one wear with a throw-on dress? I’ve listed six simple staples below to style with yours. They’re still pretty effortless but will help enhance and even elevate the overall look of your throw-on dress ensemble. Is your interest piqued? Scroll on.
Style Notes: Throw-on dresses and trainers always look cool when paired together. For extra style points, choose a trainer with a colour accent that matches your dress.
Such a beautiful shade of green.
New Balance trainers continue to be incredibly sought after.
What’s the perfect finishing touch? Hoop earrings, of course.
Style Notes: Is there anything a basket bag doesn’t go with? I’m yet to be proven otherwise. However, I particularly love styling them with relaxed dresses so I can tap into that holiday/beachy vibe even when I’m just out doing a food shop.
The linen fabrication of this dress makes it extra breezy.
The perfect basket bag does exist.
Black sandals are always a wise investment come summer.
Style Notes: If you want to give your throw-on dress some fashion appeal, the easiest way to do so is with a pair of fisherman sandals. Thanks to The Row, fisherman sandals have been the fashion person’s sandal of choice for two years running and are showing no signs of waning. Just ask Free People, which has created a best-selling, more affordable pair.
Sea New York consistently delivers with its throw-on dresses.
Pearl jewellery will forever be classic.
These sandals come in a handful of very classic colourways.
Style Notes: When you opt for a pared-back frock or a neutral colour, a subtle metallic flash can completely overhaul the look and feel of your outfit. Just ask Monikh, who uses chunky hoop earrings and stacked bangles to lift her beige dress.
Style Notes: While you can play around with your own jackets to find the one that best suits your throw-on dress, if you’re looking for a lighter extra layer, try adding a linen shirt over the top. Knot it like Claudia has, or leave it loose to further enhance an oversized dress silhouette.
My go-to when I need something more elevated than a basic tee.
This would be an incredible wedding-guest dress.
Raffia sandal? So fun!
Style Notes: This year, I refuse to wear tight dresses to weddings—I want to eat and dance freely, and bodycon dresses get in the way of that for me. This is why I’m so pleased that throw-on dresses are now a thing. I’ll be pairing my straight-cut frocks with high-heel sandals to make them feel dressier.
Imagine twirling on the dance floor in this beauty.
