“What a surprise—she’s wearing another dress,” say people who are probably fed up with following me on Instagram. If, however, you haven’t muted me and my ridiculously expansive collection of dresses, maybe it’s because you share the same shopping passion (and therefore you should check out my monthly column of the best new-in dresses). Which means you might enjoy this story, as it’s dedicated to the places where I buy my favourite ones from.
I’m talking, of course, about the brands I have confidence in going back to time and again for both the special-occasion dresses but also the day-to-day ones I like to wear to the office. If there’s one item I know I can feel myself in, it’s a relatively modest, long-sleeved, probably bright or printed midi, and there are now labels that really specialise in that kind of easy, do-it-all dress.
On Hannah: Rixo dress. I’m willing to share the knowledge. From the secret high-street sources stocking really expensive-looking styles that I’d instruct anyone to add to their office wardrobe ASAP to the lesser-known names I’d head straight to for a standout wedding guest ensemble, here’s my little black book of dresses.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: Rejina is the don when it comes to dramatic dress you can get away with wearing in the day. The booming balloon-sleeve trend can be traced back to her (and I do admit I own two of them, as well as this red number), but she’s just as adept at flourishing dresses with ruffles or rendering them in offbeat, eye-catching colours. What I’d recommend buying: They’re all fab—I can’t choose. Top tip: Worth noting though that as a petite girl I can be a bit swamped in the volume of fabric, so it might be worth sizing down if you’re short.
This has a stunning cutout back.
It’s the subtly of this pretty pink dress that does it for me.
A classic Rejina style that many others have tried to emulate.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: As far as high-street dresses go, I have quite a few winning work-appropriate ones from Mango. It’s the directional shapes, sturdy fabrics and relatively plain finishes that tick all the boxes for me. What I’d recommend buying: For me, plainer is better, so I’d suggest block colours and styles that have minimal detailing. Top tip: FYI, I originally bought this as a maxi, as the brand offers a lot of longer-length dresses, but I took it up myself to make it more useful and wearable.
I’ll always get plenty of wear out of a knit midi.
I’m not one for mini hemlines but this is just too great to ignore.
A great day-to-night option.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: Rixo’s dresses provide that vintage look but with all the benefits of being made new: their silk styles are a fantastic price considering the fabric and the fit is more standardised (and super-flattering on many) than thrifted pieces. The girls are always bringing out new and exciting prints, silhouettes and accessories so there’s always something else to discover. What I’d recommend buying: Any midi! Although, I did also buy a mini last year and love that just as much. Top tip: I prefer the higher-neck styles, as the deeper Vs or wrap styles are too low and revealing for me.
Of course, the Rixo team do animal prints with a quirk.
A fun and flirty option for party season.
It’s the kind of seasonless style that works every year, all year round.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: Since Kitri launched a few years ago I’ve purchased a few standout dresses—usually in bright colours and unfussy shapes—that always feel fun to wear. What I’d recommend buying: The brand has has quite a few cult dresses over the seasons, and I have a feeling that similar style to the above tiered dresses in pink (Alana) is going to be very popular. Top tip: I can often size down in Kitri, so it’s worth buying your usual size and one smaller to try at home.
I’ve seen this on a few people now and just love it.
This can be bought with a matching cardigan for autumn/winter wear and impact!
This is all kinds of sass.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: Ganni’s dresses are always a little bit weird, and that’s what sets them apart from the rest. The Danish brand is always great with of-the-moment prints (often setting the trend rather than following it), and the roomier silhouettes allow for days were you can wear their dresses loose and breezy or belt them in for a different look entirely. What I’d recommend buying: I’ve had heaps of wear out of this Little House on the Prairie–style checked dress (bought back in 2017), and it’s continuing the vibe in many ways for this year. Top tip: I had to size down for this dress to fit my waist better (and to not drown in fabric), but slimmer silhouettes can be tighter on the arms and thighs/hips if you’re curvy like me.
This is such an adorable-yet-comfy piece.
A very trusty LBD.
This is actually a really smart fit despite its T-shirt kind of appeal.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: So flattering, so comfy, so many exciting colours and prints to choose from… The heavier weight and bias cut of Ghost’s new wave of dresses has everyone on the team here hooked. What I’d recommend buying: Every damn thing. Top tip: Look out for the collab by M&S with Ghost—it launches every so often and sells out fast.
Fab with bare legs and sandals but equally strong with winter boots.
A classic tea-dress silhouette that looks good on everyone.
If I had a formal event to attend, this would be the dress to come with me.
Why I love the brand’s dresses: Whenever I’m in the mood for something bohemian, I head online to Free People’s UK site. It’s full of the kind of hippy, comfy frocks you’d maybe pick up on holiday somewhere far, far away. What I’d recommend buying: Anything linen or cotton is a top bet for summer, but FP are generous with their fabrics so you’ll always get plenty of volume in the skirts, smocking or voluminous sleeves which I appreciate. Top tip: Their clothes are made for tall people—not me! So remember that midis will be long like maxis, like the style pictured here. This is the Oasis midi, which is now back in different colourways.
A now staple fixture for FP.
Easy to throw on and always look like you’ve made an effort.
