These days, the idea of buying a newdress and wearing it for just one occasion feels a little outdated and even irresponsible, doesn’t it? My university-age self, who bought a new Topshop dress every week, would be mortified if I had had as much education then around the damaging effects of fast fashion and the disposable culture that surrounds it. But that doesn’t stop us from craving a wardrobe refresh every now and then, and that’s totally normal. After all, there’s nothing quite as confidence-boosting as wearing a new,fabulous dress to an event you want to feel really good at—such as your ex’s wedding, for example.
Luckily, there are a few options these days that involve more mindfulconsumption. First, you can choose to rent your wedding guest or big-birthday dress from destinationssuch asHurr,Rotaro or By Rotation. Another option is turning to vintage or second-hand resellerssuch asVestiaire Collective to givean existing dress a new lease on life. But if you’re thinking you’d still like to invest in a newdress to wear for lots of occasions, the key is versatility. Find something that you can dress up and down, and you’ll get double the amount of wear out of it in the years that follow.Beautiful dresses shouldn’t just be kept for fancy dos, after all.
The ability towear something for a range of events and across different seasons is something I always tryto consider beforeinvesting in any wardrobe piece these days—but especially dresses. And so below, I’veincluded five styles that have particularly impressed me this season for their versatilityand added suggestions to show exactly how I’d wear them dressed up for awedding and also for everyday outings like office days and park dates.
Keep scrolling tosee and shop the stylesyou’ll never regret buying.
1. Rixo'sSandrine Dress
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Rixo
Sandrine - Mini Dot Navy
This timeless cut is universally flattering, and navy-and-white polka dots will never go out of style.
Manolo Blahnik
Callasli 90 Leather Slingback Sandals
There's no better time than a wedding to pull outa pair of gold shoes.
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Rixo
Sandrine - Mini Dot Navy
The simple print and neutral colourmean this dress is so easy to style for different occasions.
H&M
Oversized Cable-Knit Cardigan
A slouchy knit is the quickest (and comfiest) way to make your outfit feel casual.
& Other Stories
Large Woven Straw Tote
Roomy enough for all your on-the-go essentials—plus some weekend-away extras.
2. Stine Goya'sJasmine Dress
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Stine Goya
Jasmine Floral-Print Recycled Polyester-Blend Mini Dress
Perfect for spring ceremonies, this voluminous Stine Goya number will undoubtedly earn you compliments.
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Stine Goya
Jasmine Floral-Print Recycled Polyester-Blend Mini Dress
Pick out any of the pretty colours to match your accessories to.
3.Dôen'sSofia Dress
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Dôen
Catrinette Cotton Maxi Dress
Dôen has so many beautiful dresses to choose from, but the embroidery and puffed sleeves on this one really stood out.
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Arket
Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings 12 Mm
Minimal gold hoops will work with every outfit. Period.
4. & Other Stories'Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
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& Other Stories
Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
This is one of & Other Stories' bestselling designs, and for good reason. It also comes in four other colours (blue, green, black and pink), if siren-red isn't to your taste.
Missoma
Molten Gemstone Doughnut Charm Mini Hoop Earrings
The white stone will pick up on the white in the dress.
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& Other Stories
Flowy Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
This dress doesn't just look good—it's also incredibly comfy, thanks to the stretchysmocked bodice and fluid skirt.
Chloé
+ Net Sustain Woody Medium Leather-Trimmed Linen-Canvas Tote
I've been eyeing up this tote for seasons now.
5.Ganni's Seersucker Dress
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Ganni
Seersucker Check Gathered U-Neck Midi Dress
Ganni's seersucker dresses sell out every year, so don't expect this check-print style to stick around for long.
Arket
Leather Drawstring Tote Bag
This compact bag is perfect for carrying your phone and lipstick from church to reception.
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Ganni
Seersucker Check Gathered U-Neck Midi Dress
The fabrication and colour scheme lend themselves to casual styling.
Mango
Squared Frame Sunglasses
I don't like bringing expensive sunglasses to the beach for fear I'll lose them, so these are ideal.
M&S Collection
Leather Flatform Flip Flops
These look just like some of the luxury versions out there.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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