The Ultimate Dress Guide: 5 Styles To Wear This Season And Beyond
From sleek, office-ready button-downs to red-carpet-worthy gowns, these are the new-season dresses to add to your wish list (and the styling tips on how best to wear them), says COLLEEN ROSS
A dress is the quintessential investment piece – a closet icon that designers are constantly reinventing to create fresh and timeless iterations for every new season. Whether it’s a figure-skimming, lingerie-inflected mini dress for a romantic dinner date, or a bohemian-inspired maxi dress for your summer vacation, there’s always a dress to suit the occasion. So, as we dive into SS25’s latest collections, here’s our roundup of the key styles to wear for summer and beyond.
9 to 5
When it comes to your workday closet, dresses are an effortless addition, and the sleekest styles demand very little in the way of accessorizing – think loafers or kitten-heel pumps and a tote. Shirt dresses are the perfect silhouette to wear on repeat, no matter the season. Khaite and Emilia Wickstead’s versions combine utilitarian elements with a polished, timeless elegance and will segue neatly into eveningwear with a few accessory swaps. The latter’s crisp sky-blue cotton-poplin style is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER this season. Elsewhere, Proenza Schouler makes a convincing case for dropped-waist dresses as the perfect business solution with its pleated cotton-blend ‘Ciara’ dresses – just add heeled thong sandals and a baguette bag to complete a chic city look.
Evening elegance
Come evening, this season is all about slinky silhouettes, romantic details and shimmering finishes – all are perfect for sundowner soirées and will pack a punch at after-dark events. Meeting the criteria, Victoria Beckham’s off-the-shoulder maxi is cut from lustrous satin that beautifully skims your figure, while Bernadette’s sweet floral-appliquéd ‘Lena’ mini (another NET-A-PORTER exclusive) would work beautifully for a destination wedding or reception. Whichever style you choose, pair with sculptural silver earrings and low-heeled mules to keep things effortless. For something with a little sparkle, Rabanne’s slinky chainmail mini is iconic for a reason and will catch the light as you dance.
Vacation pieces
Dresses need to offer versatility to earn their space in your suitcase – think easy cotton styles or floating maxis that drift effortlessly from beach to bar, and designs that double as cover-ups. Labels that specialize in resortwear should be your first port of call: Zimmermann’s floral-print ‘Lucky’ style from our NET SUSTAIN edit has a flattering fit-and-flare shape, while Missoni’s cutout striped mesh maxi will look stunning in beach-front photographs at sunset. Finally, no vacation lineup is complete without a bohemian mini dress. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, Isabel Marant’s paisley-print ‘Melinda’ maxi dress comes in a breezy batwing shape with a belt to cinch the waist. Wear it with a floppy hat and sandals for lunch by the sea or trips to the farmers’ market.
Off-duty
In warmer weather, a dress delivers instant downtime style, and this season’s favorite off-duty picks have low-key appeal; think simple tank dresses and versatile midi silhouettes. New to NET-A-PORTER this season and the latest to join our NET SUSTAIN cohort, Delhi-based Eka creates small-batch collections and champions local time-honored techniques, including block printing and embroidery. The brand’s exquisite ‘Viola’ dress is cut from layers of cotton and silk-blend voile, intricately detailed with hand-cut lace and fine pintucks. Echo the romantic feel by styling with Mary Jane flats and a Jane Birkin-style basket bag. Alternatively, for something with resort-ready appeal, try Matteau’s gathered organic cotton-poplin midi dress, also from our NET SUSTAIN edit and exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.
The big event
For weddings, garden parties and formal affairs, high-octane is the order of the day, with designers embracing the head-turning possibilities the dress has to offer. If it’s instant impact you’re after, seek out a single shade, such as Proenza Schouler’s striking lemon-yellow ‘Tala’ maxi, or Versace’s draped fuchsia gown. Alternatively, if you’re a bride-to-be, consider Clio Peppiatt’s beautiful, beaded gown for your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it’s cut to skim your figure and covered in scores of shimmering crystals and faux pearls. Elsewhere, S.S. Daley – also new to NET-A-PORTER this season – offers a darkly romantic choice for wedding guests with this stunning silk-satin ‘Willow’ gown, first seen on the SS25 runway. The pixelated floral pattern is inspired by mid-century florist Constance Spry’s flamboyant flower arrangements – match your accessories to the red or blue blooms.
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown