Question: Is there one thing you can’t have enough of in your wardrobe? For some, the answer may be a great pair of jeans, or maybe it’s shoes. But I’ve always been a devoted fan of dresses. No matter what season it is, I’m about that life. And while I always make room for a new frock, I have to admit that there can be a limit to how many dresses one should own (even if it’s only imposed by real estate). When you can’t have every type of dress imaginable, you have to be able to edit it down to a thoughtful capsule.
So in that vein, I’ve scrolled through Instagram for hours to identify 15 types of dresses that are worthwhile investments. Each style’s worthiness was determined by its popularity among the fashion set, versatility, longevity, and ability to fit seamlessly into any wardrobe. Whether you consider yourself a modest dresser or live for a special occasion, you’ll be able to find at least one type of dress that’s worth the closet space for you.
So you’ve just been invited to your first gala-style event. Naturally, the first question that comes to mind is likely “What do I wear”? Navigating any dress code—from semi-formal to black-tie—can be tricky, and matters can get more complicated if your gala invitation doesn’t explicitly state the dress code. Luckily, we are here to help you plan an elegant ensemble that will turn heads for all the right reasons.
Ahead, we’ve put together the dos and don’ts of proper gala attire. Whether it’s what shoes you should wear or what color dress you should opt for, we’ve got you covered. We know some “don’ts” may seem obvious, but nonetheless, they are still important to consider. The most important thing to remember, though, is to pick an outfit that stays true to your personal style without bending the dress code too much. Lavish galas may seem intimidating at first, but if you wear an outfit you feel confident in, you’ll have an evening to remember forever. So without further ado, scroll on to learn the ins and outs of being a best dressed guest at any gala you may be attending.
If I had a dollar for every time a European friend lamented the fact that there are no Nordstrom locations abroad, I’d be able to buy everything in my Nordy virtual cart. I don’t blame them in the least—the popular retailer carries just about everything, has a streamlined shopping process, and caters to a variety of personal styles. The good news is Nordstrom launched international shipping last month. Hooray.
Being that I practically shop for a living, I can’t help but be curious as to what people from around the world would buy from my favorite stores. Thanks to my aforementioned friends and Instagram feed full of fashion people straight from Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, and more, I am able to get a great picture of what that might be. I’m talking about smart blazers, cozy sweaters, fashion-forward shoes, and other stylish closet staples.
Ahead, shop 32 stylish picks that the European fashion set would scoop up during a Nordstrom shopping spree. I may or may not want every last piece.
In Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” the Once-ler says a thneed — which is a knitted garment that can be used as anything from a shirt to a sock to a pillow to a hat — is “a-fine-something-that-all-people-need.” As convenient and practical as the Truffula Tree-made piece would be in the real world, I have unfortunately yet to find something with the same variety of use.
However, when I saw this convertible dress from Saint Art, it felt like the next best thing.
Saint Art Emory Convertible Pinstripe Dress, $210 (from $310), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Photo: Courtesy of Saint Art
The dress‘s corset-style bodice allows its wearer to unhook and open into a top. It can also be worn with its straps or without, offering even more styling opportunities.
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With dresses over pants making a comeback, this piece is perfect for testing those nostalgic 2010-reminiscent waters. It can transition from an office outfit with a button-down layered underneath to a cocktail party evening ensemble.
Saint Art Emory Convertible Pinstripe Dress, $210 (from $310), available here (sizes XS-XL)
Photo: Courtesy of Saint Art
With such endless outfit possibilities and its effortlessly chic appearance, there’s no reason not to invest in the latest iteration of the beloved thneed.
Saint Art Emory Convertible Pinstripe Dress, $210 (from $310), available here (sizes XS-XL).
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The holiday season is officially upon us. The neighborhood decorations have gone up and lights are twinkling along rooflines and windows. The party invitations are in the mail. After a few holiday seasons at home, more than a few of us are ready for a festive season. Whether you’re planning a low-key soiree or attending a big New Year’s Ever bash, Target has you covered.
Unexpected picks like electric pink velvet jumpsuits to future favorites like a vintage-inspired feather trim mini dress can shake up your tried and true holiday looks with a festive, bold take. Of course holiday classics like a curve-hugging velvet sheath to a sequin slip dress are in the mix as well. Not only will these spangly pieces shine during the holiday season, but they’re also new styling elements that be incorporated into your wardrobe in the new year.
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As much as I love a simple slip or classic LBD, every now and again, I find it refreshing to switch things up and opt for dresses that err more on the side of trendy than evergreen. Luckily, with many of fashion’s most influential designers choosing 2023 to experiment with retro silhouettes and interesting fabrics, the year ahead is rich with dress trends, all of which are good enough to make sidelining even the most timeless styles worth it.
After consulting the spring 2023 runways, as well as just about every cool feed on Instagram, I managed to edit down my once overwhelming list of pretty dress trends for next year to a far more digestible one that only features the very best of the sartorial genre. From Valentino-inspired shift dresses to ’90s tube dresses à la The Row, scroll down to uncover the six dress trends that will make the biggest impression on our wardrobes come 2023.
The little black dress is perhaps one of the most beloved wardrobe staples of all time. Whether you prefer a sleek, clingy mini à la Saint Laurent or a more festive look, the LBD is never the wrong answer.
During this time of year, it may feel like glitter and vibrant hues are a qualifier for the celebratory season. But what makes the little black dress favorable over overwhelming metallics and noisy sequins is its year-round appeal and multitude of styling possibilities.
Below, check out six chic LBD-based outfits for almost every kind of occasion and aesthetic.
The I-Just-Finished-Watching-“Wednesday” Look
Photos: Courtesy of brands
If you haven’t already binge-watched the new “Wednesday” series with Jenna Ortega in the titular role, you’re missing out — not just on the show, but on the Addams’ spook-inducing style inspo.
16Arlington Adara Cutout Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress, $312 (from $780), available here (sizes UK 4-16)
Jennifer Behr Layla Silk-Satin Headband, $165, available here
Spero London Sterling Silver Safety Pin Earring, $100, available here
Larroude Olivia Platform Pump in Black Patent Leather, $315, available here
Torrid At The Knee Velvet Mesh Ruched Bodycon Dress, $52 (from $80), available here (sizes 10-30)
The Tea Time Look
Photos: Courtesy of brands
Not every little black dress has to be tight and fitted. Try a babydoll silhouette for a feminine tea-time-esque look.
Kika Vargas Black Mathilde Minidress, $374 (from $645), available here (sizes XXS-XL)
Jennifer Behr Mirabelle Silvertone & Crystal Bow Drop Earrings, $250, available here
Miscreants Cupid Gloves in Hot Pink, $132, available here
Simone Rocha Lace-Effect 100mm Platform Pumps, $1,046, available here
Wolford X Sergio Rossi Satin-Effect Tights, $141, available here
Charles & Keith x Shushu/Tong Chloris Satin & Leather Rose-Embellished Shoulder Bag, $173, available here
Selkie The Black Swan Recycled Parliament Dress, $289, available here (sizes XXS-5X)
The Casually Cool Look
Photos: Courtesy of brands
Say goodbye to a cinched look and hello to drop-waist silhouettes. If you’re looking for a casual LBD to emulate the cool-girl style of today, try this Tove Studio mini paired with your favorite loafer.
Tove Studio Iris Silk Mini Dress in Black, $216 (from $533), available here (sizes FR 34-42)
JW Anderson Large Bumper Moon Leather Shoulder Bag, $468 (from $890), available here
Numbering Gold #8552 Necklace, $64 (from $140), available here
Tanner Fletcher Gold Vintage Oval Locket Necklace, $131 (from $195), available here
Sam Edelman Quincy Loafer, $103 (from $170), available here
Mara Hoffman Mereba Dress, $795, available here (sizes XXS-3X)
The Classy Cocktail Look
Photos: Courtesy of brands
Sometimes, less is more. For a more elevated take on the classic, pair a high-neck design with color-complimentary accessories and a simple drop earring.
ShuShu/Tong Floral-Embroidered Halterneck Mini Dress, $456 (from $760), available here (sizes XS-L)
With a slew of winter weddings on my calendar this season, I now find myself in need of a handful of formal dresses to wear as I watch many of my friends finally tie the knot after so many postponements due to the pandemic. Once the off-season for trips down the aisle, winter now appears to be *the* time to get married.
So today, I thought it only right to share my growing list of dresses in contention for the busy season ahead. From velvet gowns to silky slips, scroll on for 29 dresses to wear to all your forthcoming winter weddings. Who knows—maybe we’ll end up wearing the same ones.
I love party dressing. It’s the perfect time to wear a fun look, something sparkly, add some feathers, or maybe go for a leather piece if that’s how you’re feeling. It’s the opportunity to dress a little more fun, a little sexier. That’s the thing about heading out for an event or a party is that you never know how the night is going to go. Who you’re going to meet or where the night is going to take you is somewhat of a mystery—that’s the fun part. But no matter what you are planning on getting into for a night out, first things first is a great outfit.
As mentioned before, this is the time to let your personal style shine—whether you’re all about a classic, clean, minimalist look or you’re down to stand out and embrace colors, sparkles, and feathers. With holiday celebrations coming up, birthday weekends just around the corner, and office parties coming back in full swing now is the perfect time to start adding to your partying/night-out wardrobe. I’ve rounded up 30 fun looks that I can’t wait to try for myself.
Keep scrolling to see which party dresses made the cut.
As a shoe lover, I happen to think that shoes are what really make a dress. Anyone can just throw on a cute dress but how you style it is what really makes or breaks it. We’re in a bit of an anything-goes place in fashion, but that doesn’t mean that certain shoes don’t just look cooler than others with dresses, and the fashion crowd is very much aware of this.
I combed through Instagram for some great examples of the shoes I’ve been seeing the fashion crowd wear over and over with all types of dresses this season, and there are some fun ones. You might already own most of these trends but just in case, I found some excellent options for you to shop and pair with your own dresses. (And if you want to shop for trendy dresses as well, my fellow editor Judith found some great ones.)
Scroll on for all of the shoe-and-dress-pairing scoop you’ve been seeking.
These days, it seems like I spend half of my time in a dress. With a calendar full of various holiday events—from large-scale fashion parties to small gatherings with friends—this month has been a never-ending roller coaster of social soirées. It takes a lot of shopping and outfit coordination to come out each time with a thrilling look, but I also get a little help from my collection of dresses.
It’s been said before, but a dress is the definition of a sartorial shortcut. Sure, you need to find the right boots and accessories to complement it, but that certainly beats dreaming up an entire outfit from scratch. For my holiday wardrobe, I’ve been rotating through a selection of cheerful and elevated power dresses that steal the show every time. Read ahead to see my Rolodex of compliment-inducing dresses, from magnificent minis to pretty printed pieces, and how the fashion set is styling them.
Jenna Ortega is taking her press tour for Netflix’s new Addams Family series Wednesday very seriously, especially when it comes to her outfits. A month after wearing a completely sheer, black lace dress to Valentino’s S/S 23 show, the Gen Z darling wore a similar, albeit even more daring sheer, lace look for an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. This time, though, her dress featured a sky-high slit unlike any we’ve seen before.
For the show, Ortega and her stylist Enrique Melendez chose a long-sleeve, half French lace and half opaque dress from the fashion favorite label Dion Lee and a pair of Christian Louboutin platforms. In addition to the see-through material, it also featured cutouts around the ribs and up to the actress’s hip on one side. Bold? Yes. Shockingly pretty? Also yes.
See her look for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and shop more dresses and skirts with outrageously high (and chic) slits below.
Just when I thought I was starting to have a handle on the vast shopping landscape that is Amazon, I’ve come to find that there’s a section with even more amazing deals: Amazon Outlet. After perusing the discounted offerings, I was pleased to find that there is a great selection of cute fashion finds, many of which I have now added to cart.
While sifting through the different departments, I noticed that it’s almost seasonless. I came across a plethora pieces that are spot on for fall and winter and other stylish picks fit for the warmer months or even an upcoming tropical vacation. What I kept my eye out for the most was stylish coats, trendy boots, and cool sweaters. Below, check out 35 of my top outlet picks, spanning from classic options to trendy pieces that will satisfy a variety of personal styles. Beware: things tend to sell out quickly.
There were a lot of thrills on the S/S 23 runways, but in my book, the moment that bested them all belonged to Saint Laurent. In a dazzling presentation set against the Eiffel Tower, Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello sent down one of his strongest silhouettes to date: padded-shoulder maxi coats layered over skintight jumpsuits and body-hugging maxi dresses. While Vaccarello also heavily showcased sheer dresses and seductive midriff cutouts, it was this maxi coat-and-dress pairing that ruled the show (14 out of its 49 looks to be exact). And apparently, I wasn’t the only fan. (Beyoncé wore one of the looks to her Renaissance album release party only a few days later.) Reportedly inspired by performer Martha Graham and ’80s French glamour, the overall styling felt unabashedly glossy, elegant, and enigmatic.
Although runway trends usually take some time before they’re able to be directly interpreted, this trend descended in the middle of maxi-hemline mania—meaning there’s no shortage of maxi dresses and coats to make this look work. As any fashion obsessive would, I did my homework and compiled a few options of the styling combo for you. Below, see how to pull off Saint Laurent’s vision of French glamour right now before the runway collection drops.
With just two months left in the year and a new season upon us, there’s one thing that’s certain: Winter dressing has arrived. While that may make you think of boots and coats and all of the layers, don’t leave out winter dresses. Paired with some strategic outerwear or some great sheer tights, dresses are the perfect piece to wear during the cold winter months, whether you’re headed to a holiday gathering, an NYE party, or dinner with friends.
To help bring the best winter dresses straight to you, I went on a Nordstrom deep dive to uncover the coolest pieces that hit on all of the biggest trends this season. I’m talking about new finds with everything from elevated knitting and floss straps to cutouts and thigh-high slits. Ahead, take a look at the 28 best winter dresses from Nordstrom—I promise it’s a fun scroll.
The sheer trend is really nothing new. If you’ve been paying any attention at all to celebrity style, you’d know that variations of the “naked” trend have popped up plenty of times over the years, from going pants-less to “floss” fashion. And 2022 is merely leaving its own mark on the look. Just this month, Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Wilde, and Hannah Bronfman all stepped out in what we’re deeming to be the latest iteration of wearing next to nothing. They all opted for shimmery and sheer mesh dresses that sparkle in the light.
But this isn’t just another daring celebrity trend designed to get us talking. No, the spring 2023 runways overwhelmingly back the look, which tells us that this is only just the beginning of the trend. At Miu Miu, Fe Noel, and 16Arlington, mesh pieces glimmered with crystal and rhinestone embellishments clearly meant for your after-hours wardrobe.
Ahead, see how celebs are wearing this new 2022 naked trend and the runway references, and then shop our favorite sheer shimmery pieces.
As soon as the calendar flips over to November, I get excited about the holiday season. I’ve already ordered some new Christmas lights for my yard and I’m reveling in L.A.’s nippy evenings. One thing I haven’t done, however, is start thinking about holiday party outfits. Typically my holidays are low-key family affairs, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have fun dressing up.
Browsing Reformation’s new arrivals, I was struck by all of the beautiful party-ready dresses. There are dresses in green sequins, red silk, metallic knit, black velvet, and more. The exceptional frocks are all but guaranteed to sell out before party season even arrives. Scroll down to shop my favorite new Reformation dresses.
This is dedicated to all of you out there working to create a stylish wardrobe while on a budget (myself included). With the continual rising cost of living, I’ve found serious comfort in discovering fashionable yet affordable pieces. With fall under way and the winter months on the horizon, there’s no better time to revamp your closet with some cool options. Thankfully, I came across a selection of picks that are incredibly stylish without breaking the bank.
My goal with my latest sartorial pursuit was to find pieces that only look expensive. I set out to keep everything under $100, of which I was successful. My virtual cart is now overflowing with a great selection of coats and jackets (lots of shearling here), timeless sweaters, statement boots (the patent over-the-knee boots are insane), and much more. Ahead, shop 30 of my top affordable picks this season—your friends will never guess their true price tag.
Dresses are a mainstay in our year-round wardrobes, as they can take you to work to weekends and beyond. The right dress can be reliable, chic, and versatile—easy to dress up or down, a great dress can make us feel invincible and special—and its influence should never be underestimated.
This fall there are plenty of chic and alluring dress trends to get excited about. After analyzing the fall/winter runways in great depth, seeing what’s trending on the fashion It crowd right now, as well as getting plenty of input from our Who What Wear editors, we rounded up the must-have styles to invest in this season as well and keeping you updated on the silhouettes that are starting to phase out (or we’re at least setting aside for a little while this season).
From long silky slip dresses to seriously sexy sheer frocks, keep scrolling to see the dresses worthy of your wardrobe this fall 2022.
Of all the colors in our closet, navy is probably one of the toughest to style. The dark-blue shade doesn’t easily lend itself to being paired with many other colors in terms of the shoes, bags, and accessories we may have lying around. For one, wearing black and navy has long been deemed a style faux pas because of how close the two colors are to one another. While we don’t agree that they should never be worn together, we’ll be the first to admit that it’s a tricky color combo. An even more common style situation to run into is wearing a navy dress and styling it accordingly.
We wanted to take the guessing out of it, so today, we’re showing you exactly which color shoes to wear with each navy dress, from a casual frock to a floor-length formal gown. There’s no denying that Net-a-Porter and Shopbop are two of our favorite online shopping destinations. We scroll through the sites to get general outfit inspiration even when we’re not necessarily shopping. We happen to be fans of how they always style their items in a way that makes us want the entire look.
With that in mind, we took to the sites as well as some of our other favorite retailers and brands to find inspiration for how we’ll be styling our navy dresses from now on. Ahead, see the dress-and-shoe combinations that just always work.
