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 Proenza Schouler’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, Victoria Beckham makes a convincing case for red being the perfect business solution with its asymmetric crepe dress – 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, choose Clio Peppiatt’s beaded tulle ‘West Coast’ mini, which 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: Agua by Agua Bendita’s floral-print ‘Granadilla’ style has a flattering fit-and-flare shape, while Missoni’s striped crochet-knit maxi will look stunning in beach-front photographs at sunset. Finally, no vacation lineup is complete without a bohemian mini dress. Zimmermann’s ‘Cascadian’ style comes in a breezy drop-waist shape with voluminous balloon sleeves and pretty lace trims. 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. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, Dôen’s ’50s-inspired ‘Belline’ midi is cut from recycled seersucker patterned with red gingham check and has a row of sweet bows decorating the bodice. 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, The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel’s ‘Roisin’ gown in pastel-blue, or Giambattista Valli’s draped rose-pink gown. Alternatively, if you’re a bride-to-be, channel singer Charli XCX by choosing Vivienne Westwood’s exquisite ‘Aurora’ mini dress for your city-hall ceremony, adding a short veil and pointy heels. Handcrafted in England from lustrous silk-satin, it has a corseted off-the-shoulder bodice that accentuates your figure and a beautifully draped skirt. Elsewhere, Christopher Esber offers a darkly romantic choice for wedding guests with this stunning halterneck maxi dress. Complement the shimmering metallic flecks with silver accessories.
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