The Fashion Memo

The Ultimate Dress Guide: 5 Styles To Wear This Season And Beyond

Whatever your style, a classic forever dress is the ultimate investment piece for any wardrobe

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

Fashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

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 or kitten-heel pumps and a tote. Shirt dresses are the perfect silhouette to wear on repeat, no matter the season. and 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, 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.

The long and short of it: SS25 eveningwear is all about slinky silhouettes and shimmering finishes

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 sweet floral-appliquéd ‘Lena’ mini (another NET-A-PORTER exclusive) would work beautifully for a 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 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: floral-print ‘Granadilla’ style has a flattering fit-and-flare shape, while striped crochet-knit maxi will look stunning in beach-front photographs at sunset. Finally, no vacation lineup is complete without a mini dress. ‘Cascadian’ style comes in a breezy drop-waist shape with voluminous balloon sleeves and pretty lace trims. Wear it with a floppy hat and for lunch by the sea or trips to the farmers’ market.

For relaxed, comfortable off-duty style, slip-on-and-go shapes in lightweight fabrics are a no-brainer

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 edit, ’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 and a Jane Birkin-style Alternatively, for something with resort-ready appeal, try 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 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, ‘Roisin’ gown in pastel-blue, or draped rose-pink gown. Alternatively, if you’re a channel singer Charli XCX by choosing 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, 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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