Time to dress up
Fashions inevitably fade, but some classic pieces really are eternally stylish – which is exactly where the allure of a great dress lies. The perfect choice for literally any occasion, there’s a reason this enduring piece has become a mainstay of the modern woman’s closet. Here are SS20’s standout designs – dresses you’ll wear, and cherish, forever
Prettiness and practicality don’t often go hand in hand, but it’s exactly this elusive balance that a beautifully designed dress can offer. Delivering on daytime polish, after-dark elegance and everything in between, this is one failsafe piece that every woman should have in her arsenal. For SS20, designers across the board have upped their game, putting a contemporary twist on classic styles and producing designs as timely as they are timeless.
Enter the midi black dress. Consider it the traditional LBD’s sophisticated older sister. Whether you gravitate towards romantic knee-length styles by cult brand Brock Collection (the gently ruffled bodice on this trophy piece makes for playful spin on date night dressing) or more demure designs, such as Lela Rose’s dark take on broderie anglaise – which would work for everything from weekend lunch with friends to casual Fridays – this new shape is as effortless as it is elevated. Meaning that, when you’re stuck for something to wear, you can always count on this understated piece. Florals boast similar wearability but also promise to bring a sense of lightness and celebration to proceedings. Often maligned for being the ‘safe’ option when it comes to spring weddings and garden parties, simply opting for a contemporary cut and a flowery print feels like a truly fresh proposition. Designer Adam Lippes is known for his deft ability to blend American minimalism with femininity, and his interpretation of the classic floral dress does just that. Thanks to clever details like the draping and delicately cinched waist, this stunning piece is universally flattering. Plus, with the help of a simple accessory switch-up, it will work for all manner of occasions. Think vertiginous heels and a clutch for a candlelit soiree, or mules and this season’s must-have tote bag for a directional take on corporate dressing.
If it’s all-out evening glamour you’re after, the trick is to look for dresses with directional cuts cast in sumptuous fabrics. Take Victoria Beckham’s unwaveringly chic designs, for instance. Her Cady dress comes complete with fluted sleeves and creates a gentle hourglass silhouette – proving that sometimes less really is more. Finish with square-toed mules and contemporary jewels for a distinctly modern take on after-dark dressing. Alternatively, tap into one of this season’s emerging micro-trends by opting for a scene-stealing dress with a scooped neckline. Altuzurra’s burgundy dress comes alive when it’s styled with molten gold jewelry. However, if you do forgo a necklace, be sure to finish your look with a generous helping of body shimmer to emphasize an elegantly bare décolletage. For those searching for an investment piece with serious ROI, Roksanda’s floor-skimming silk gown is a masterclass in understated yet impactful evening style. From the golden hue to the elegant drapery, this exquisite piece is sure to turn heads. Pair it with Cinderella sandals and statement earrings for a show-stopping look that comes with the award for best-dressed guest guaranteed…