New Season Dress Rules

Details make all the difference

If you’re unsure which styles will flatter your body shape, Samatha Cameron has provided plenty f key shapes and details in her latest Cefinn collection. She feels it’s important to look for high-end details and small design elements like stretchy shirred waists, belted waists and perfectly-placed placards to ensure you can unbutton, tighten and tie at will. In her own words, it's what helps her customer feel more confident in what they are wearing.

Versatile styles have longevity

Designer Justine Tabak – whose namesake label has garnered a cult following for its relaxed and pared-back aesthetic – says it’s better to opt for one or two good styles, rather than fleeting trends. “The great thing about a dress is that despite being a one-piece outfit, there are lots of ways of dressing it up and down, as well as matching it with different accessories. It's better to change up your favourite style than struggle with lots of different ones.”

What suits you best matters most

“This season, there seems to be a change in the air,” says Justine. “A move away from frills and flounces and the rediscovery of a good ‘classic’ dress like a shirt-dress, fit and flared shapes, and looser, free flowing styles.” Founder of the @dailydressedit Isabel Spearman agrees. While curating brands and styles for her new pop up (The Daily Dress Edit launches on 29th September in Belgravia), she felt the need to move away from loser silhouettes and overtly feminine styles. “We need something different to all the tired skirts and ruffles we’ve seen so much of lately. Post-lockdown, women are leaning towards a simpler detail, a cleaner palette and cleaner designs.”

Comfort equates to confidence

Despite monitoring fashion trends, Justine Tabak says she prefers designs which have longevity in mind. "Comfort is also incredibly important so you can really move in a dress and it looks great after a busy day, not just in the mirror. We focus on creating shapes that while ‘fitted’, have a little ease added in, including gentle flowing cuts and pockets… all good dresses should have pockets!"
  

From tie waists to flattering v-necks, the form-fitting to the forgiving, here's our edit of the best dresses out there…