If there’s one thing I know, it’s dresses. My wardrobe is full of them, and I wear them 99.9% of the time. I’ve always struggled with casual dressing (long-time Who What Wear readers will have repeatedly read about my ongoing struggle with denim—sorry to be a bore!), so easy, good-looking frocks are my most-trusted fashion staple.
I have affordable dresses that I wear each and every week. I have special, more expensive versions that come out for important occasions or big meetings. I have those in-between, mid-priced options that bridge the gap between casual and fancy days. I own styles that are ultra summery and best for heatwaves and holiday packing, but I’ve also got a fair number of clever, trans-seasonal styles that can work layered up and with tights in winter or with bare legs and sandals during warmer months. I even have dresses that I’ve made at home because I can’t always find the exact colour, shape or fit I’ve been dreaming of. I have some It dresses, I suppose—although, I’m always very careful to buy dresses that really speak to my personal style and that I know I’ll wear even when their cult status has worn off. I may own a lot of frocks, but entry into my wardrobe isn’t easy. I’m a pretty discerning customer who values quality and longevity above all else.
On Hannah: Dôen Meribel Dress. So who could be better positioned to bring you a very trustworthy edit of the best new-in dresses than a self-confessed frock obsessive with a very picky taste? No one! Here are the loveliest styles I’ve seen this month.
The comfiest (and chicest) dress to spend the colder months living in.
I always enjoy a really plain dress with something unexpected that makes it really “wow”. This bubble hem is so unusual for the high street.
I’m never not searching for the perfect denim midi dress, and I think I may finally be able to end my quest!
A great throw-on-and-go style for in-between the seasons, this pretty dress comes in a few different colourways.
Is it too soon to think about the best Christmas party dress? Bookmark this!
Enjoying how this classy dress looks like a slim turtleneck jumper and silky skirt—a 2-in-1 midaxi that does all of styling graft for you!
Ever since I saw Who What Wear cover star Charli Howard wearing this for a night out, I’ve been thinking about it non-stop!
Hai’s co-lab with Whistles is bringing all of the nostalgia of the ’90s, and this dress could work so well in multiple outfit formulas for day and night. I’d add a big cardigan or jacket with knee-high boots.
This Rixo favourite is back again, and I’m still just as in love with it! I have this style in a different pattern and colourway, and wear it all the time as it’s so flattering and unique.
The entire office is obsessed with this pretty backless dress.
An adorable dress that is easy to wear in the summer with sandal but will transition nicely to autumn with knee-high boots.
This is getting me all excited for autumn—such a cool workwear option for the season ahead.
Imagine this with a chunky cardigan or oversized jacket thrown on top and you’ll have a perfect grunge aesthetic for AW23.
Oh—she’s very chic!
100% obsessed with this new colourway.
Like an original ’60s style but with the fit and comfort of more modern fabrics.
Simple but very effective, and it will never be out of fashion.
It’s giving The Little Mermaid, and I’m here for that.
Almost every key high-street retailers has its own version of the ruched jersey dress idea, and here is M&S’s very polished take on it.
I’m a big Doên fan. Its flattering and easy dresses are a little bohemian but utterly timeless. These styles also tend to be good for all-year-round wear—this could work with suede knee boots for winter and simple slides for the summer. I recently bought this one and finally had a chance to wear it on a quick trip to Menorca!
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Opening Images: @hannahalmassi
