These days, the idea of buying a new dress and wearing it for just one occasion feels a little outdated and even irresponsible, doesn’t it? My university-age self, who bought a new Topshop dress every week, would be mortified if I had had as much education then around the damaging effects of fast fashion and the disposable culture that surrounds it. But that doesn’t stop us from craving a wardrobe refresh every now and then, and that’s totally normal. After all, there’s nothing quite as confidence-boosting as wearing a new, fabulous dress to an event you want to feel really good at—such as your ex’s wedding, for example.
Luckily, there are a few options these days that involve more mindful consumption. First, you can choose to rent your wedding guest or big-birthday dress from destinations such as Hurr, Rotaro or By Rotation. Another option is turning to vintage or second-hand resellers such as Vestiaire Collective to give an existing dress a new lease on life. But if you’re thinking you’d still like to invest in a new dress to wear for lots of occasions, the key is versatility. Find something that you can dress up and down, and you’ll get double the amount of wear out of it in the years that follow. Beautiful dresses shouldn’t just be kept for fancy dos, after all.
The ability to wear something for a range of events and across different seasons is something I always try to consider before investing in any wardrobe piece these days—but especially dresses. And so below, I’ve included five styles that have particularly impressed me this season for their versatility and added suggestions to show exactly how I’d wear them dressed up for a wedding and also for everyday outings like office days and park dates.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the styles you’ll never regret buying.
This timeless cut is universally flattering, and navy-and-white polka dots will never go out of style.
This also comes in a natural rattan colourway.
Wear these to all the nuptials in your calendar.
An elegant finishing touch.
There’s no better time than a wedding to pull out a pair of gold shoes.
The simple print and neutral colour mean this dress is so easy to style for different occasions.
A slouchy knit is the quickest (and comfiest) way to make your outfit feel casual.
Roomy enough for all your on-the-go essentials—plus some weekend-away extras.
If you’re on a budget, turn to Mango for on-trend sunnies.
These eco-friendly kicks are an influencer favourite.
Perfect for spring ceremonies, this voluminous Stine Goya number will undoubtedly earn you compliments.
Another gem I can’t believe I found on the high street!
The perfect playful addition.
Just wow.
Pick out any of the pretty colours to match your accessories to.
So sleek.
These classic shades will go with everything.
Stompers are a year-round staple if you live in the UK.
Dôen has so many beautiful dresses to choose from, but the embroidery and puffed sleeves on this one really stood out.
Statement earrings will make your dress feel fancier in no time.
Rattan is a key fabric for summer weddings.
This heel is low enough for all-day wear.
This seafoam shade can also be carried into autumn.
Our editors are huge fans of this Arket bag.
Minimal gold hoops will work with every outfit. Period.
You’ll wear these every time the sun comes out.
This is one of & Other Stories’ bestselling designs, and for good reason. It also comes in four other colours (blue, green, black and pink), if siren-red isn’t to your taste.
A romantic bag for a romantic occasion.
Simple but effective.
The white stone will pick up on the white in the dress.
Well done, M&S.
This dress doesn’t just look good—it’s also incredibly comfy, thanks to the stretchy smocked bodice and fluid skirt.
A lightweight alternative to your heavy winter blazers.
I’ve been eyeing up this tote for seasons now.
Who says you need to wear heels to look professional?
Ganni’s seersucker dresses sell out every year, so don’t expect this check-print style to stick around for long.
These are so fun and summery.
This compact bag is perfect for carrying your phone and lipstick from church to reception.
Proof you can find expensive-looking heels on the high street.
The fabrication and colour scheme lend themselves to casual styling.
Chuck in a good book, suncream and a towel if you plan on going for a dip.
I don’t like bringing expensive sunglasses to the beach for fear I’ll lose them, so these are ideal.
These look just like some of the luxury versions out there.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
