DRESSES

Choosing a dress for your shape comes down to where it defines and where it skims. A wrap or fitted-waist style works well if you want to highlight your waistline, while an A-line or shift dress skims over the hips and works for most shapes without needing much adjustment. If you're between sizes or unsure, a dress with some stretch in the fabric, such as jersey, is more forgiving than a rigid woven fabric.

A midi dress, falling between the knee and the ankle, is the most practical length for everyday wear. It works with flats, trainers or boots, transitions between seasons more easily than a maxi, and doesn't require the same consideration around hem length and footwear. Maxi dresses suit more relaxed, warm-weather occasions, while mini and knee-length styles work better for smart or occasion dressing.

Linen and lightweight cotton are the best fabric choices for hot weather. Both are natural, breathable fibres that allow air to move around the body, which helps you stay cool. Jersey is a comfortable alternative if you want more stretch and less structure, though it won't feel quite as airy as linen in high heat. Avoid heavier woven fabrics or anything with a thick lining if the dress is for genuinely warm conditions.

The right dress for a wedding or occasion depends on the formality and time of day, but a midi or maxi length in a considered print or block colour is a reliable choice for most guest dressing. Avoid white or anything too close to bridal colours. For evening events, a dress with more structure or embellishment works better than a casual jersey style. Our occasion dresses collection is designed specifically for this kind of dressing.

Layering is the key to wearing a dress through autumn and winter. Opaque tights and ankle or knee-high boots ground a dress once the weather turns, and a jumper or cardigan can be worn over the top of a sleeveless style without looking out of place. A longer coat over a midi or maxi dress works well for outerwear, while a cropped jacket suits shorter lengths better by keeping the waistline visible.

Most printed dresses can be machine washed on a gentle, cool cycle to help protect the colour and pattern from fading. Turning the dress inside out before washing reduces friction on the printed surface, and washing with similar colours avoids any risk of dye transfer. Always check the care label on the specific dress, as fabric blends and printing methods can affect the recommended wash temperature.

Yes, petite-specific sizing is the most reliable way to get the right proportions if standard lengths regularly need shortening. A petite dress is cut with a shorter torso, sleeve length and hemline throughout, rather than simply being a smaller overall size, so the fit sits correctly at the waist and shoulders as well as the hem. Our petite dresses range is designed specifically around this.

Trainers and flat sandals are the most versatile everyday pairing for a dress, working well with midi and shorter lengths in particular. Ankle boots suit a dress once the weather cools or when you want a slightly more grounded look. For a smarter finish without much extra effort, a low block heel or a simple mule works with most lengths and doesn't compete with the dress itself.