Art of Style

The Midi Dresses With Maximum Style Mileage

For special events, everyday and everything in between, the midi dress balances classic with contemporary and is your closet’s secret weapon. Here are this season’s standout styles…

Words Georgie LucasFashion assistant Nell Turner
Fashion

Eminently elegant, endlessly versatile, the midi dress is the ultimate closet staple – your one-stop style hero to look effortlessly put together. The flattering length and sleek silhouette mean midis can be dressed up (add heels), dressed down (add sneakers), made work-appropriate (with a blazer) and will even see you through the colder months paired with a chunky knit and knee-high boots.

This season, designers from Valentino to Loewe have amped up the silhouette’s demure, feminine origins with full-skirted styles, enticing colors and whimsical details. Asymmetric hems were an SS23-runway favorite, and one that translates seamlessly into real life. Victoria Beckham’s dark-green ruched-jersey creation has the brand’s signature dressed-up polish when worn with heeled pumps and a clutch bag, while Stella McCartney’s acid-green, fluid silk style is beautifully adaptable, pairing just as seamlessly with heels for evening events as it does with white sneakers and an oversized tote for day to day. And for year-round style? Jil Sander defines minimal chic – wear the German brand’s cream, asymmetric wool midi with stompy boots now, swapping for chunky slides in warmer weather.

L-R: Loewe; Victoria Beckham; Dries Van Noten

When it comes to event dressing, take your cue from the Dries Van Noten runway and go statement. The Antwerp-based designer makes a convincing case for bold color, dreamy florals and cascading ruffles. Or if New York sleek is more your style, Khaite’s slinky snakeskin-patterned take on the midi delivers equal impact. As ever, neutrals hold sway, whatever the occasion – opt for styles that slot seamlessly into your closet to be worn on repeat. Proenza Schouler’s take on the LBD comes with a flared midi hemline and collarbone cutouts that perfectly balance avant garde with timeless. Look to Chloé for bohemian romance – the French house’s cotton-poplin midi spells sunshine paired with an oversized basket and leather sandals, while the brand’s creative director, Gabriela Hearst, defines modern elegance at her eponymous label with a pleated off-the-shoulder leather midi.

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The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown